Sheep & Goats

What began as an effort to control bush encroachment has developed into a registered Savanna goat stud near Thabazimbi in Limpopo. Owner of the Anton Barnard and Son stud Anton Barnard, tells us about the history of the stud and how the Savanna fares in an area known for high tick loads and demanding bushveld conditions.

The Savanna is a white South African meat goat breed developed for hardiness, fertility and strong maternal traits, and selected to produce under extensive veld conditions. Le Roux Buckle runs his Safi Savanna stud according to those same principles. He spoke to Henning Naudé about the breeding decisions, production figures and market thinking behind a stud run largely off natural veld.

When Mark Trollip started farming sheep in Swellendam, Western Cape, he knew moving his flocks would be easy. A veteran sheepdog trainer, he’s competed in sheepdog trials for the better part of 30 years with 12 different dogs. He talks about his passion for sheepdogs and the role they play on his farm.

Starting with only 20 breeding females and one male in April 2024, Leon Lourens and his partners have grown their indigenous veld goat enterprise LGL Farming Co outside Pretoria to about 148 animals. Their experience shows that understanding customers and building relationships can be just as important as increasing production.

In the Overberg, Potberg Dohnes proves why the versatile Dohne Merino excels. Renowned for mothering ability, high lambing rates, and fine wool, this tough breed delivers maximum profitability during difficult seasons.

Johnny Forbes, owner of the Vredesig Dormer stud in the Renosterveld of the Darling district in the Western Cape, breeds superior quality, strong, fertile, structurally correct, highly productive sheep that perform optimally under all possible farming systems in South Africa.

A dirty tail, pale eyelid or swollen jaw may be the first warning that parasites are already eating into a flock’s health and profitability. By the time sheep lose condition or start dying, the problem may have become far more difficult and expensive to control.

The Dormer sheep breed has a proud South African heritage, but more importantly, it remains deeply relevant in today’s modern agricultural landscape.

The Dormer is widely used as a crossbreeding sire over Merino ewes, valued for the growth and vigour it adds to the lamb crop. On Thomas van Kerken's farm near Makhanda, however, fertility comes first. His Dormers run on extensive veld, where animals are expected to maintain condition and reproduce with limited inputs. He spoke to Henning Naudé about his approach.

Eastern Cape livestock farmer Stefan Erasmus spoke with Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the advantages, challenges, and economics of intensive and extensive lambing systems and their role in improving flock productivity.

Stock theft, harsh veld conditions, and the demands of running a diversified farming business are constant tests for South African livestock producers. Paul and Daleen Roos of Moneymaker Meatmasters stud spoke to Henning Naudé about why they made the switch and how disciplined culling and a clear commercial breeding philosophy have helped build a young stud in just five years.

Nu Vino Meatmasters breeds sheep that perform where it matters most. By selecting for resilience, fertility, and functionality, the Fourie family is steadily building a flock designed to thrive under some of South Africa's harshest conditions.

The late Charles Freeme built a thriving Meatmaster enterprise through disciplined breeding, commercial thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning. This profile was written shortly before the passing of respected Meatmaster breeder Charles Freeme on 17 July 2026. It is published as a tribute to his contribution to South African sheep breeding.

The breeding objectives for the Meatmaster sheep breed were simple and straightforward from the onset, according to one of the pioneers of Meatmaster breeding in South Africa, Clynton Collett from Venterstad. He told Annelie Coleman that the Meatmaster selection criteria were based totally on profitable traits.

Dorper breeder Johannes Human is using the tough, arid conditions presented by his Northern Cape farm to create sheep that can thrive in similar terrain but also adapt to any other type of environment. Sabrina Dean found out more about his practices.

Cold, wet and windy conditions can quickly become life-threatening for goats, particularly newly-shorn Angoras. Proper planning, good nutrition and access to shelter are essential to minimise losses during adverse weather.

Grant Naudé, president of Merino South Africa, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the Merino breed’s adaptability, dual-purpose strengths and vital role in sustaining South Africa’s wool and meat industries.

In just over a decade, Dorper breeder, inspector and judge Ashley Phillips has visited more than a dozen countries around the globe to conduct work involved with the breed. He spoke to Sabrina Dean about how the sheep breed’s adaptability, fertility, and proven carcass quality have positioned it as a global player.

Twinning in Dorper sheep can greatly boost productivity, but it requires precise nutrition, fertility management, and seasonal planning to safeguard ewe health and lamb survival.

As the agriculture sector starts to adapt to the fast-paced development of technology, producers and processors need to decide what to implement and what to avoid. Henning Naudé spoke to Izak Klopper, manager of shearer training at the National Wool Growers’ Association, about how shearing has changed, and what the industry can expect from new research and development from international markets.