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Due to poor management, many agricultural co-ops across the country are struggling. Zivuseni Agricultural Co-operative outside Nigel in the East Rand is an exception. Thanks to good discipline, the business is thriving - and mixed farming makes the co-op's prospects even brighter. Peter Mashala reports.

Against all odds, Barries Snijman has tamed the tough Karoo to develop a flock of veld-adapted Angoras that produce quality mohair. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.

The break between SA Stud Book and the Agricultural Research Council is final.

Koos Mthimkulu, Grain SA's 2011 Developing Farmer of the Year, started off as a farm worker and is today a successful grain producer. He ascribes his achievement to hard work, solid mentoring and the support of Grain SA. Not content with resting on his laurels, Koos plans to expand his business and become an independent commercial farmer, as Annelie Coleman found out when she visited him.

Dolf du Bruyn, a Grain SA 2010 Grain Producer of the Year finalist, only started farming on his own about 13 years ago. He has since become one of the largest landowners on the Sand/Vet irrigation scheme near Bultfontein. Starting off growing vegetables on a leased plot, he now plants maize, wheat and groundnuts on 800ha irrigated and 3 300ha rainfed land.

Maize farmers mustn't plant themselves out of business, but rather diversify to other crops and livestock for long-term survival, says Tom van Rooyen, a 2010 Grain SA Grain Producer of the Year finalist.<

Kevin Watermeyer, president of the Nguni Cattle Breeders' Society of South Africa, shares his views about the way forward for animal improvement and the future of the Nguni. Heather Dugmore reports.

Frans van den Berg is the 2010 recipient of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa’s (GSSA) Peter Edwards Award for Best Conservation Farmer in South Africa. A Controlled Fodder Flow Pasture Management strategy implemented in 2002 has enabled him to increase the carrying capacity on his land by 45%. Annelie Coleman spoke to him and Riaan Dames, the rangeland scientist who developed the strategy,during a GSSA tour to Frans’s farm Op die aarde near Reivilo in the North West.

Free State research into the relationship between hide thickness and tick resistance in cattle found Drakensbergers and Afrikaners are well-protected by their thicker hides and sleeker coats. Annelie Coleman spoke to researcher Liesel Foster.
Issue date : 01 May 2009

While Brazilian and Argentinian farmers can teach us about running cattle on lucerne and shortening the supply chain, they could do themselves a favour and come and see how we diversify and manage moisture. That's the opinion of Johan Mouton, Senwes senior animal and grassland scientist, who visited South Africa's great agricultural competition last year.
Issue date : 20 February 2009

Grain SA Developing Grain Producer finalists for 2008 Isaac Khutso built his farming operation with funding from his back-up business and strong mentorship. He farms on 165ha of owned land and 68ha rented land planted to maize. He plants serradella between maize rows, ensuring feed for his 40 cows and 135 sheep and has also enhanced his herd's genetics with Bonsmara bulls.
Issue date : 06 February 2009

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The Eastern Free State, where Maphale is determined to become a successful commercial farmer despite constant theft from Lesotho.