Henning Naude

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.

Running cattle in thornveld under severe heartwater pressure and summer temperatures that can climb into the 40s requires animals that can look after themselves. Henning Naudé spoke to Priscilla Dent about her breeding philosophy, herd management, and the rebuilding of Double Bar Brahmans.

This year’s SSK Winter Grain Day took place at Uitkyk Farm outside Riversdale, Western Cape, on 20 August, bringing together producers and industry experts to discuss developments in winter grain production. Attendees viewed trial plots of wheat, barley, and canola, as well as cover crops and biological inputs. Keynote speaker Dr Miekie Human, science and policy manager at South African National Seed Organization (Sansor), discussed new seed technologies, regulation and plant breeders' rights, and their implications for producers.

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.

a farm with little more than a single rondavel on it. Today, that property has become Kilima Horned Heritage, a diversified enterprise built around wildlife, tourism and livestock. Henning Naudé spoke to her about building Kilima, learning about an unfamiliar industry, and finding her place as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

Vencor Holdings, an integrated meat producer based in Polokwane, Limpopo, recently completed the latest phase of an extensive solar and battery installation aimed at reducing its exposure to rising electricity costs while improving supply security. Ruan Erasmus, CEO at Vencor Holdings, and Connor Northing, chief technical officer at SunRanch Solar, spoke to Henning Naudé about the hybrid energy strategy behind the project.

Cattle Group has secured the Ankole bull Omega from Full Blood Genetics for R5,5 million, setting a new South African record for the breed. The three-year-old now joins the group's herd outside Modimolle, Limpopo.

Of the various Sanga-descended breeds we now have in South Africa, the Tuli is an established, reliable breed known for its proven beef genetics, and is now found in stud and commercial cattle operations nationwide. Christo Rothmann spoke to Henning Naudé about the four key factors for running an award-winning Tuli stud under challenging conditions.

The Beefmaster has built a reputation in South Africa's beef industry as a fertile, hardy and adaptable breed that weans a heavy calf under commercial conditions. Theo Coetzee of Majesto Beefmasters has become known for investing in elite Beefmaster genetics at the top end of the market. He outlines the selection philosophy and breeding decisions behind the stud.

Commercial vehicle manufacturer Tata Motors showcased 11 new vehicles, including buses, pickups, and electric trucks, at its Africa O.N.E event in Cape Town on 21 and 22 May.

The Boran has built a reputation in South Africa as a low-input breed with strong parasite resistance, strong maternal traits, and adaptability across diverse production systems. Annalea van Niekerk, stud manager at Green Valley Boran, spoke to Henning Naudé about the breeding and management philosophy shaping the stud in its formative years.

South Africa’s Ankole stud industry has grown from fewer than 25 registered breeders a decade ago to more than 80 today, with the national fullblood herd totalling just over 2 000 animals. Dr Sareta Schutte of the Kilima Horned Heritage Programme spoke to Henning Naudé about building a genetics-driven stud from scratch and acquiring second-wave Ugandan bloodlines for the future of her herd.

Dr Hanré Bredenkamp Ferreira, veterinarian and technical manager at Virbac, spoke to Henning Naudé about how commercial sheep farmers can identify, treat, and prevent foot rot, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Foton South Africa unveiled its new Miler Lite range and Auman 560 6x4 Prime Mover at Nampo Harvest Day 2026 in Bothaville, Free State. The launch added light- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles for transport and agricultural use, reflecting the growing presence of Chinese truck brands in South Africa.

Toyota showcased its upcoming new-generation Hilux range at Nampo 2026, with the first South African models expected from June. While the bakkie gains revised styling, improved refinement and mild-hybrid technology on selected models, Toyota has retained the proven diesel drivetrain and workhorse underpinnings that continue to make the Hilux a popular choice in the agriculture sector.

Land Rover showcased the Defender OCTA and Trophy Edition at Nampo 2026, linking modern off-road performance with the brand’s expedition heritage. The OCTA follows the Defender Dakar D7X-R’s Dakar Rally victory, while the Trophy Edition references earlier Camel Trophy-inspired expedition vehicles.

Proper lubrication is essential for keeping farm machinery in proper condition, reducing wear and preventing costly downtime. With planting and harvesting windows tight, experts advise that farmers looking to invest in machinery or tractors at Nampo should do thorough maintenance and product research to prevent breakdowns when the stakes are high.

Avoid traffic congestion and parking hassles at Nampo Harvest Day with the Mielie Hop Shuttle service from 12 to 15 May 2026.

The South African Pork Producers' Organisation (SAPPO) hosted its annual Baconer’s Brunch on 22 April in Cape Town, where agricultural financiers and media representatives were given an outlook on the pork industry’s production status, profitability, disease challenges, and welfare trends.

With the expansion of soya bean cultivation in South Africa, growers must prioritise biocontrol for pest risk mitigation. Gustav Venter, technical lead of Insecticides at Syngenta, says the often-underestimated threat of sucking pests in soya bean crops can be managed with early scouting, identification, and thorough chemical control with integrated pest management.