Why colostrum is important
A calf must drink from its mother as soon as possible during the
first 12 hours of its life.
Goats: good management = good money
If you understand the needs of your goats and enjoy working with them, you’ll earn more from an average quality flock than a bad manager will from a top-class flock, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.
How to start your own poultry business
New opportunities to generate a sustainable income are opening up in SA’s poultry industry.
Classing mohair 2
Roelof Bezuidenhout focuses on the importance of the micron in Angora hair and how to shear and grade.
Managing heifers and first-calvers
It’s expensive to grow out heifers until they calve for the first time. It pays to invest in the heifer group, says the ARC’s Leslie Bergh.
Veld and flock management
A goat farmer must plan veld and flock management in advance, advises Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Constant inspection of your flock is crucial for success
If you want to be a successful livestock farmer, your animals must be the last thing you think about at night, and the first thing you think about in the morning.
Inbreeding
Can cattle breeders benefit from mating related animals? Leslie Bergh provides some answers.
Don’t mix your staples
The KwaZulu-Natal Wool Growers’ Association recently expressed its concern about the number of the farmers mixing different wool lengths into bales for sale.
Cross-bred or pure-bred: designing a herd
Weigh up the advantages for your situation and decide accordingly, says Leslie Bergh. Good management is the key to successful cattle farming.
What to look for when buying breeding goats
Just like with sheep, fertile, good-quality goats are important for better production, healthy kids and good quality meat.
Choosing a breed that’s right for you
One of the first things beginner cattlemen want to know is: what’s the best beef breed to farm with? Leslie Bergh of the ARC provides a few broad guidelines.
12 financial management rules for dairy farmers
Consultant Allan Penderis of Tammac Consultants says that while he can’t provide specific advice because he has not personally visited Nofisa Farm, Tammac’s 12 general rules are of value to all dairy farmers.
A balancing act with goats – 3
Goats are an easy-care option able to thrive under harsh conditions,
but they need some attention, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Making a go of goats – 2
Goats can be a money-spinner, but good stockmanship is essential for success, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.
The true value of goats – 1
Modern goat breeds offer many opportunities for value adding and are a reliable way of making a good profit, explains Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Contagious ecthyma or the orf virus
Orf is a contagious virus of sheep and goats that can be transmitted to humans, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle.
