Roelof Bezuidenhout
Agrijournalist and researcher of long standing, focusing on research and thought-provoking rural insights, backed by a career as fourth generation livestock farmer in the unique Steytlerville succulent Karoo - southeastern Cape Province, RSA.
Wool retains price levels
Wool performed solidly at the 30th sale of the season, with the all-Merino indicator increasing by 0,4% to close on R264,63 p/kg. Individual clips did well despite a stronger rand to the dollar, according to Cape Wools.
Study to examine impact of stock theft on farmers
Farmers who have experienced livestock theft are invited to participate in a wide-ranging study exploring the impact and implications of stock theft and farm animal mutilation, as well as their experiences with the criminal justice system.
Extension officers are pillars in the community
The role of district agricultural extension and technical officers in not only the growth of farming, but also in the socio-economic sphere of rural development, might possibly have lost its lustre since the late 1900s when these men (there were also a few women in the service then) were real pillars in the community.
The importance of keeping mohair clips clean
Baling twine and other foreign materials such as synthetic fibres and feedbag remnants significantly reduce the value of mohair clips for farmers, as buyers factor in contamination when valuing mohair before auction.
Fifth mohair sale: young goats take a knock
The fifth mohair sale of the summer season started well, but ended 2% down after the promising demand from all buyers faded away, forcing the two big processers to buy the bulk of the 161 907kg on offer - again.
Curious about curios
While arts and crafts markets in big centres and along major roads can be successful, empty promises about the scope for the curios and tourism trade in more remote, less travelled areas can cause heartache, even resentment. Often, the crafters cannot even earn the extra few hundred rands that would make life more bearable for them.
Wildlife management and science: Focusing on the basics-part 2
In part two of this feature on the future of wildlife, Dr Mike Peel, specialist researcher at the Agricultural Research Council, and Dr Pete Zacharias, a consultant in vegetation and animal systems tell us how wildlife managers should revisit the basic building blocks of ecosystems.
Re-aligning ranching, wildlife management, and science-part 1
The future of the wildlife industry lies in bridging the gap between science and management. Ecological balance and sustained productivity depend on effective management of biodiversity and understanding the interactions between species and the environment, as well as how ecosystems function and respond to change.
Positive territory as wool market surges
After a week’s recess the 29th sale of the wool season offered 10 737 bales, evenly split between long and medium length wools, according to Capo Wools, with 72% of the wool testing 20 micron and finer.
Important grazing questions to ask yourself
Grazing systems that mimic game behaviour are appealing in theory, but natural processes are complex. Before switching strategies, farmers should consider local conditions, costs, and evidence, since rainfall ultimately drives veld condition more than any management system.
Good wool in demand
Wool prices slipped slightly at the 28th sale of the season due to a stronger rand, but some clips still managed to beat the market by up to 4%.
Are you more than just a farmer?
How you rate as a farmer depends on how much you rely on your farming income, your personality, how you see things, how you react to events and conditions – and how you and your family cope with rural life.
Bush encroachment needs action
In this strange, high CO2 world, it will become increasingly difficult to maintain open savannahs.
Wool market shows positive sentiment at latest sale
The wool market is showing encouraging signs of recovery, with demand beginning to outstrip supply, according to Leon du Plessis, auctioneer at BKB.
Top-quality kid’s mohair fetches R1 110/kg
Strong demand for fine fibres continued at the fourth mohair sale of the season, with top-quality kid mohair fetching up to R1 110/kg. While the overall market remained largely unchanged, prices are still outperforming last year’s levels, supported by solid competition among buyers and a high clearance rate.
Mohair market gets moving
The third mohair sale of the 2026 summer selling season was highly satisfactory, with the average indicator improving by 3,8% compared to the previous sale, according to Pierre van der Vyver of the House of Fibres, in Port Elizabeth.
Getting to grips with carbon credit schemes
Considering carbon credit schemes to enhance sustainability and create additional revenue? Dr Justin du Toit, production scientist at the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute in Middelburg, Eastern Cape, spoke to Roelof Bezuidenhout about the realities of these mechanisms.
Seeder kick-starts vegetation in challenging environments
Dr George Craven of Noorspoort, Steytlerville, in the south-eastern Karoo, is successfully using a home-built ‘bedstead seeder’ to re-establish veld plants in an arid area, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Understand the veld: three stages to optimal grazing management
The types of grasses or shrubs that grow on any particular piece of veld will give you an idea of what phase of plant succession that veld is in. This will guide you on how to manage it.
New book explores the Karoo’s environmental history
Prof William Beinart shares insight into his fascinating book, 'The Rise of Conservation in South Africa, Settlers, Livestock, and the Environment 1770-1950', and the current state of the Karoo.
