Good udder health paramount at Reynshire

Free State dairyman Riaan Reynders ascribes his success to a directed programme of cost-effective animal health, udder health monitoring and a consistent hygienic milking routine. This approach has significantly improved milk production and is keeping it at a sustainably high level. Annelie Coleman visited his farm Vaalhoek near Bethlehem.

Why biosecurity systems are a must-have

New livestock can bring disease as well as new genetics into your herd. That's why a good biosecurity system is vital, Pfizer's Dr Chris van Dijk explains to Annelie Coleman.

From farm worker to award-winning farmer

Koos Mthimkulu, Grain SA's 2011 Developing Farmer of the Year, started off as a farm worker and is today a successful grain producer. He ascribes his achievement to hard work, solid mentoring and the support of Grain SA. Not content with resting on his laurels, Koos plans to expand his business and become an independent commercial farmer, as Annelie Coleman found out when she visited him.

No place for pampered stud animals in beef cattle production

Don't pussyfoot around with stud cattle - to be effective in the commercial market, they must be managed as commercial animals, with the ultimate test being performance. So says stud breeder John Burgers of the Victory Brangus Stud. Annelie Coleman visited him on his Wakkerstroom farm to find out more about his approach.

Farming to make money

From restaurant manager to Grain SA's 2010 Developing Grain Producer of the Year - how did William Matasane from Senekal do it? The secret to his success is chasing profits, he told Annelie Coleman, when she visited his farm Verblyden in the Free State.

Sussex a top feedlot contender

Sussex cattle perform so well in a feedlot that the Huntersvlei and Skietlaagte Feedlots in the Free State pay a premium for Sussex or Sussex-cross weaners.The feedlots belong to the Rhys Evans Group in Viljoenskroon. General manager Arno Cronje told Annelie Coleman about the growing interest in Sussex bulls for crossbreeding because of the breed's exceptional weaning weights.

Adding value with frozen vegetables

Angelo De Andrade has earned Agri Gauteng's Young Farmer of the Year award by processing his own produce on the farm while still supplying fresh produce markets. His family partnership with his brother John Paul and mother Fernanda has maintained a share in the highly competitive local fresh produce market. Annelie Coleman visited Angelo on Lucky Farm near Westonaria.

Cowpeas replace maize on a Free State farm

The declining profitability of maize on a Viljoenskroon farm in the Free State forced Cobus van Coller to diversify into livestock.

Increase profits with scientific pasture management

Frans van den Berg is the 2010 recipient of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa’s (GSSA) Peter Edwards Award for Best Conservation Farmer in South Africa. A Controlled Fodder Flow Pasture Management strategy implemented in 2002 has enabled him to increase the carrying capacity on his land by 45%. Annelie Coleman spoke to him and Riaan Dames, the rangeland scientist who developed the strategy,during a GSSA tour to Frans’s farm Op die aarde near Reivilo in the North West.

The Dexter: Dynamite in a small package

Don't be fooled by the Dexter's size - this dual-purpose breed carries a higher proportion of its body weight as saleable meat than most beef breeds, and offers sterling weight gain and feed conversion. Annelie Coleman spoke to Piet van der Merwe, SA Dexter Breeders' Society president, and discovered demand for this breed far exceeds supply.

Soil organisms for sustainable farming

Ben Krog, MD of fertiliser company Profert, understands there’s more to soil health than piling on chemicals. He told Annelie Coleman about the vital role played by soil microorganisms, especially when it comes to sequestering carbon and countering the effects of climate change.

Steroids & smallstock

The smallstock stud industry in South Africa is plagued by the illegal use of steroids to artificially boost animal growth. But these drugs damage the growth and fertility of the animals and their offspring, and buyers wind up paying for genetic merit that isn't really there. Annelie Coleman discussed the issue with head of the department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences at the University of the Free State, Prof Johan Greyling.
Issue date ; 10 July 2009

Hippo, and now buffalo set Karoo tourism on fire

When Merino farmer PC Ferreira from Hanover reintroduced hippo into the Karoo after an absence of 250 years, he could never have guessed the economic impact it would have on the local tourism industry. He now plans to reintroduce buffalo and eventually rhino along a 150km stretch of the Seekoei River. Annelie Coleman reports.
Issue date : 10 July 2009

Hippo, & now buffalo, set Karoo toursim on fire

When Merino farmer PC Ferreira from Hanover reintroduced hippo into the Karoo after an absence of 250 years, he could never have guessed the economic impact it would have on the local tourism industry. He now plans to reintroduce buffalo and eventually rhino along a 150km stretch of the Seekoei River. Annelie Coleman reports
Issue date : 10 July 2009

Phosphorus beats cartilage problems

Arthrosis is on the rise among cattle, but farmers can fight it with correct phosphorus supplementation. Annelie Coleman reports.
Issue date: 26 June 2009.

“Farming outlook is positive” – Absa man

Louis von Zeuner, Absa group executive director, speaks to Annelie Coleman about the bank's involvement in agriculture, and why the outlook for farmers is positive.
Issue date : 03 July 2009

Invasive alien trees make for good business

The eucalyptus plantations dotting the Free State landscape might soon be a thing of the past, after many were declared invasive aliens. But this legislation has opened up a business opportunity for Graeme Morrison and his partner Martin Jooste in Bothaville. Annelie Coleman recently visited their sawmill and furniture manufacturing business in town.
Issue date : 12 June 2009

Konsortium-Merino: A farmer-owned brand

In 1998, four Merino breeders decided to pool expertise to fast-track breeding genetically superior and functionally efficient Merinos. Today, the farmer-owned business Konsortium-Merino not only sells the most rams at official Merino sales, it also aims to increase ewe numbers and its brand to 1,5 million in the next 10 years. Annelie Coleman spoke with directors Gawie van Heerden and John Luscombe, and managing director Braam Coetzee.
Issue date : 05 June 2009

Sound predator control

Attracting predators for removal has never been easier with the new Foxpro Fury sound-generating equipment, writes Annelie Coleman.
Issue date : 08 May 2009

How to breed cattle that thrive on veld

Breeding cattle to thrive on veld means a total turnaround from breeding for the feedlot, and farmers can finish cattle for slaughter directly from the veld, contends Zimbabwean cattleman and animal scientist Johan Zietsman. It all depends on genetically programmed body condition, well-balanced hormone levels and the right type of bull. Annelie Coleman reports.
Issue date : 08 May 2009

Annelie Coleman