Annelie Coleman
Annelie Coleman represents Farmer’s Weekly in the Free State, North West and Northern Cape.
Agriculture is in her blood. She grew up on a maize farm in the Wesselsbron district where her brother is still continuing with the family business.
Annelie is passionate about the area she works in and calls it ‘God’s own country’. She’s particularly interested in beef cattle farming, especially with the indigenous African breeds.
No leads on Free State veld fire
Johann Breytenbach, general manager for the Free State Umbrella Fire Protection Association, (FSUFPA) said that as yet, no one had been apprehended for starting a veld fire that destroyed nearly 70 000ha of grazing south of Boshof in the western Free State on 6 January.
Cape Town to host international agricultural conference
The 30th Commonwealth Agricultural Conference to be held in South Africa in 2022, will create an ideal platform to showcase the high standards of local agricultural, specifically the Western Cape, to the rest of the world, according to Johan Ehlers, CEO of Agri-Expo, organiser of the event.
A better Charolais herd with in vitro fertilisation
Clara Bruwer, a Charolais stud breeder from Vryburg, is convinced that technology is the optimal way to provide the best possible gene base for her clients. She spoke to Annelie Coleman about her success with in vitro fertilisation, and why she chose to breed Charolais over other cattle breeds.
Agri sector reacts to Ramaphosa’s election as ANC president
The agricultural sector will have to wait and see what the newly elected ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, will prioritise in terms of the sector, as he is obliged to implement ANC policy, especially land policy.
Follow-up rain urgently needed in western summer grain areas
Grain producers in the western parts of SA’s summer grain production region were in urgent need of rain to start planting for the 2017/2018 production season, according to a Grain SA (GSA) statement.
Senwes’ interim gross profit increases 60%
Senwes announced a profit after tax of R144,9 million in its interim financial statements for the period May to October 2017. This was an increase of 60,7% compared with the previous year.
Better heifers, bigger profits
Heifers form the future of any beef cattle breeding concern, and should therefore be selected with care, says animal scientist, Danie Bosman. He spoke to Annelie Coleman about how to go about this.
How to select a top-performing beef cow
Breeding cows form the mainstay of the beef industry, according to animal scientist, Danie Bosman. Speaking at a Drakensberger information day in Potchefstroom, he said that the ideal breeding cow successfully raises a calf every year. In the first article of this two-part series, he addresses the selection criteria for a successful beef breeding cow.
Farmers urged to be on the lookout during snakebite season
The 2017/18 snakebite season was not yet in full swing yet a number of serious snakebites had already occurred.
Drought-stricken Northern Cape farmers reducing herds
Livestock farmers in the Northern Cape had thus far reduced their livestock numbers by more than 30% as a result of the persisting drought, according to Henk van Wyk, the president of Agri Northern Cape.
Swartruggens snotsiekte case postponed to February
The criminal case between Piet Wolmarans, a Simmentaler stud breeder from Swartruggens in North West, and three of his neighbours over an outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever (snotsiekte) has been postponed in the regional magistrate’s court to 28 February.
Senwes wins Institute of Risk Management award
The Institute of Risk Management South Africa recently named agribusiness Senwes as the best in its ‘Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing’ category at a gala dinner at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg.
#BlackMonday protests raise awareness for farm murders
Thousands of people took part in a peaceful protest against attacks on farmers and farmworkers on Monday. Jaco Minnaar, chairperson for Grain SA, said that the organisation received reports on various protest marches throughout the country.
Boran crosses produce fine weaners for the feedlot industry
Quentin and Marisa de Bruyn from Ladybrand in the Free State have ‘fallen head-over-heels in love’ with Boran cattle, and see the breed as a top contender in South Africa’s red meat production industry, especially when used in a crossbreeding system.
Trophy hunting more lucrative than previously thought
Research has shown that trophy hunting is more lucrative to the South African economy than previously expected, according to a recent study headed by Prof Peet van der Merwe and conducted by North-West University’s research unit, Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society, in collaboration with the Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa.
Agri sector relatively robust, despite challenges, Purchase
At present, the South African agricultural sector is relatively robust and healthy, including the red meat industry.
SA improves ranking on Dupont Food Security Index
South Africa has managed to improve its position on the Dupont Food Security Index (GFSI) by three places, despite weathering the worst drought in two decades.
Namibia’s top Santa Gertrudis stud
Ingo Rix’s Black Nossob Santa Gertrudis stud near Witvlei in Namibia, is the only stud in Southern Africa with a Breedplan 5-Star Completeness of Performance accreditation. He told Annelie Coleman how this hardy, adaptable breed has proven itself to be the ultimate breed for extensive farming conditions.
Grain producers urged to report red-billed quelea outbreaks
South African grain producers were called upon to report all red-billed quelea (Quelea quelea) breeding and roosting places as a matter of urgency to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Drought in the Northern Cape spreads
The drought in the Northern Cape was spreading, said Henk van Wyk, Agri Northern Cape President.
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