Bonsmara - search results

Infusing Bonsmara genetics into the Afrikaner through a goal-directed breeding initiative boosts its fertility and meat quality, making this traditional breed competitive once more. Dr Richter Jordaan spoke to Susan Botes about this controversial concept.
Issue date 31 August 2007

Excellent conception rates, high calving percentages, early weaning and outstanding feed conversion are some of the reasons why Beefmasters are Manuel da Costa and his son Tony's chosen breed. Wayne Southwood reports on how Manuel and his partners in the Beefmaster Alliance produce bulls with top genetics at affordable prices.
Issue date 24 August 2007

Robyn Joubert visited Hanbury Chickens, a family-run broiler business in KwaZulu- Natal. Modest and efficient, the Hanburys use modern methods to get the most out of their birds - guaranteeing their customers affordable, high-quality chickens.

In 1994 Sizwe Manjezi acquired some 900ha near Peddie in the Eastern Cape to expand his family tradition of cattle farming. Even though he's at the helm of a respected Bonsmara stud today, he's still struggling to obtain a title deed from the Eastern Cape Department of Land Affairs. Mike Burgess tells how this farmer went from communal to commercial against all odds.

Over 50% of all stock in the Eastern Cape belong to communal farmers, which is why efforts are being made to absorb these animals into mainstream marketing channels and to enable cultural producers to compete successfully in this intricate market.

South African cattle breeder Nico Olivier has negotiated semen and embryo exchange with top studs in Paraguay and Brazil. Animals from Nico's Angus Africa stud are winning championships and strengthening gene pools in the huge South American cattle industry. Glenneis Erasmus found out more.

Wim Scholtz, a 34-year-old farmer from the Vryburg district, has been nominated as the North West finalist for the 2007 Toyota Young Farmer of the Year competition. Wilma den Hartigh visited him on his farm to find out what has contributed to his success.

“The future is bright; delivery is certain.” This hopeful statement was made by MEC for agriculture, conservation and environment in North West, ­Mandlenkosi Mayisela, during his 2007/08 budget vote presentation at the NW legislature. Issue Date 8 June 2007

The hard work of the Stormberg Cattle Breeding Improvement Group has paid off over the years. On Robbie Stretton's farm, Buffelsfontein, Derick Christopher saw how strict selection and minimum pampering has resulted in a hardy, fertile, cattle type, capable of withstanding the harsh climate of the Stormberg region.
Issue date 18 May 2007

Agritourism has grown substantially from 2% of the tourism industry in the Western Cape in 1996 to 10% of the foreign tourist market currently. For most farms, tourism contributes between 2% and 30% to farm income.
Issue date:23 March 2007

By mid-February, SA will have five indigenous goat breeds. The Indigenous Veld Goat will soon be officially registered as a breed and a breeders' society established. Issue Date:9 February 2007

Despite farming in marginal areas suited for cattle breeds that can ­withstand harsh conditions, some North West farmers still believe bigger is better. They farm with large-framed animals that force them to dig deeper into their pockets to maintain them. Jones Moraka of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture looks at the merits of the Western Sanga indigenous cattle as a viable alternative.