Henning Naude
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.
Foton broadens truck offering with Miler Lite and Auman
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 brings updated Hilux range to farmers at Nampo 2026
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 showcases a piece of Dakar legacy at NAMPO 2026
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.
How optimal lubrication and maintenance reduce machine downtime
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.
Travel with the Mielie Hop Shuttle to Nampo
Avoid traffic congestion and parking hassles at Nampo Harvest Day with the Mielie Hop Shuttle service from 12 to 15 May 2026.
SAPPO urges more efficient disease, welfare management in pork industry
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.
Sucking pests: the silent threat to soya bean crops
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.
AWC congress highlights fuel, fertiliser pressure and FMD control
Agri Western Cape (AWC) held its penultimate annual regional congress on 15 April at the Swartland Winery in Malmesbury, where it addressed issues it had identified, along with other topics and queries raised by representatives of agricultural organisations.
The future of SA wool: refined infrastructure and wool traceability
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.
Duck farm takes flight with free-range Pekins
Within the poultry market in South Africa, the individual consumer demand for duck meat and eggs has yet to compete with its feathered competition. However, up-and-coming producers are now finding their feet to satisfy niche markets nationwide wanting free-range ducks. Amoré Mannsberger spoke to Henning Naudé about how innovative practices helped her build her duck farm from the ground up, and how she manages to overcome a lack of commercial hormone-free feed.
Raising better Bonsmaras: practical insights for breeders and farmers
Few beef breeds match the proven track record of the Bonsmara in South Africa. David Cock of Tempevale Bonsmaras and Gawie Nel of Gawie Nel Bonsmaras give practical guidance for producing fertile, adaptable Bonsmaras for commercial and stud markets.
Western Cape Nguni breeders, experts gather to share knowledge
The Western Cape Nguni Club hosted an information day on 17 February in Darling, where industry experts and breeders discussed breed characteristics, the economic impacts of bull selection, and optimal feed programmes, and a panel took questions from local farmers.
Ankole bull sold for R700 000 at Lasarus Game Farm auction
The 12th annual Lasarus Game Farm production auction was held on 7 February at the Dorsland Restaurant & Craft Bar in Modimolle, Limpopo. On offer was a wide selection of game, poultry, Meatmaster sheep, Cape Lob Ear goats, and Ankole cattle.
Commercial beekeeping: managing swarms and logistics
Managing thousands of bee colonies as a pollination service provider is a complex, logistical feat. Added to the challenge is keeping the swarms fed amid dwindling natural resources and crops that offer little nutrition. Jaco Wolfaardt, commercial beekeeper and founder of Ubusi Beekeeping, spoke to Henning Naudé about keeping the bees and business abuzz.
Weaner to grower: piggery turns waste into profit
Disease outbreaks, high maintenance costs and a fluctuating market remain constant risks for piggeries. As a result, farmers may experience losses and production delays. Jan Streicher, manager of the Riversdale Piggery, spoke to Henning Naudé about maintaining profitability through strict biosecurity measures and an efficient feed programme that capitalises on a waste product.
Editors Pick
Beauty, genetics, growth: Building an Ankole cattle enterprise in SA
Ankole genetics were introduced into South Africa by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2004 after he visited Uganda. In 2016, farmers had the chance to buy offspring from the imported embryos to test their viability. Early investor Nico Lerm speaks about how he has since expanded his herd.
FMD an ‘out-of-control crisis’ due to lack of effective state action
Following Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen’s foot-and-mouth disease briefing on 14 January, agricultural organisation leaders are questioning government’s ability to follow through on the urgent vaccine rollout, arguing that greater private-sector involvement is needed to distribute and oversee supply.
