Henning Naude
Farmers’ practical solutions highlighted at Nampo Cape 2026
The 2026 Grain SA/Omnia Farmer Patent competition at Nampo Cape attracted 27 entries, up from 25 in 2025.
Voluntary FMD vaccination poses major threat to red meat sector
At Nampo Cape, red meat industry leaders warned that voluntary foot-and-mouth disease vaccination and uneven biosecurity remain major operational risks, urging stronger industry co-operation, funding strategies, and mandatory controls.
CLAAS showcases new CEREX baler and AXION 9 tractor at Nampo Cape
CLAAS is showcasing its recently released CEREX 760 RF round baler and the AXION 9.450 CMATIC at Nampo Cape 2026. The CEREX introduces a new heavy-duty variable-chamber design, while the 448hp AXION is making its first Western Cape appearance.
Hortgro’s 2025 fruit statistics show record exports amid rising costs
Hortgro's 2025 Key Deciduous Fruit Statistics show record apple and pear export volumes, while a largely stable planted area masks significant shifts in crop mix and orchard replacement. Rising input costs and logistics remain key constraints for producers.
Building a profitable Santa Gertrudis herd starts with fertile, efficient cows
The Santa Gertrudis story at Tregenna began in 1974, when Justin Fyvie’s grandfather imported cattle from Texas in the US. Five Star Santa Gertrudis now continues that breeding legacy with an emphasis on fertility, functionality and moderate cow size.
Food security hinges on a profitable value chain, Swartland seminar hears
Speakers at the Swartland Show's agricultural seminar in Moorreesburg on 4 September 2026 stressed that South Africa's food security rests on a competitive, profitable value chain. Tiger Brands' Tjaart Kruger, economist Johan Willemse and Heidrick & Struggles' Mark Watt focused on profitability, planning through cycles and adapting to uncertainty.
From fashion degree to farm management at Sterkfontein
More young women are entering South Africa’s stud and livestock sector, which remains largely male. Charlize Meintjes, who manages the Ankole, Boran, and game enterprises at Sterkfontein Farms in Gauteng and North West, spoke to Henning Naudé about finding her way into farming through an unexpected route and earning credibility in a competitive stud environment.
Higher fertility on extensive veld with Van Kerken Dormers
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.
Double Bar Brahmans: bred tough in the KZN thornveld
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.
SSK Winter Grain Day puts grain innovation and profitability under the spotlight
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.
Breeding tough Meatmasters for the commercial farmer
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.
Twenty years at Kilima
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.
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Solar efficiency: adopting a phased approach to energy management
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 pays R5,5m for Ankole bull, setting new SA record
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.
Award-winning Tuli breeder lays out four factors for success
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.
Majesto Beefmasters formula for a productive Beefmaster herd
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.
Tata Motors unveils its biggest line-up for sub-Saharan Africa
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.
Adaptability from the ground up: Green Valley Boran #changingperceptions
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.
Kilima Horned Heritage Programme: genetics, patience, and the long game
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.
Foot rot in sheep: managing the disease in wet conditions
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.
