Stockfarm Magazine - September 2020

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In this issue

Planning for the planting season
The Molotsi family: For the love of farming
Makgatlo • Pastures • Old man saltbush • Organic matter in soil • Flushing
Auctions • Livestock branding • Foot rot • Reproduction diseases

Analyse And Plan Before Investing In Cultivated Grazing

For many, the idea of cultivated grazing invokes an idyllic image of grasslands gently blowing in the breeze. There is also a growing number of producers who are considering expanding their livestock components and reducing the area under grain production due to the country’s erratic rainfall.

6 mins

Makgatlo: Lesotho's solution to livestock theft

Tyron Boucher with two members of the Hamasile Mokgatlo. On his left is Hlopo Mosia and on his right is Thabane Polo.

2 mins

For The Love Of Farming

Farming and rearing livestock because you love it is one thing, but without a proper marketing strategy all your efforts will be in vain. This is, however, not the case for the Molotsi family, as their proximity to the Free State town of Steynsrus means they have a market right on their doorstep.

5 mins

Crunch Those Numbers Before Planting Pastures

It is often difficult to ascertain whether planting spring grazing crops is worthwhile for a livestock farmer. Some of the most important considerations include the purpose of the grazing, how it will be utilised, and the existing resources available on the farm.

5 mins

The Role Of Organic Matter In Soil

Of all the components of soil, organic matter is probably the most important and most misunderstood. Organic matter serves as a reservoir of nutrients and water in the soil, aids in reducing compaction and surface crusting, and increases water infiltration into the soil. Yet it is often ignored and neglected.

4 mins

Nutritional Flushing Of Sheep

The economic pressure that sheep producers have experienced in recent times has been detrimental. To relieve this pressure, flush feeding could be used as a management tool to maximise the economic viability of producers’ sheep farming enterprises during a crucial part of production – the breeding season.

3 mins

Disease Transmission Through Artificial Insemination In Cattle

Many cattle producers are looking to improve their profitability by investing in superior bulls that will drive genetic improvement and increase overall meat and milk production in their herd. Artificial insemination (AI) allows a producer to hand-pick a specific bull to be mated with a specific cow, provided the bull has been proven fertile.

6 mins

Marking Your Animals Is Worth Your While

There are still cattle farmers who believe the marking of their livestock is a waste of time. The truth is that this small chore has numerous advantages that will ultimately save producers a great deal of money and effort. Without reliable identification in the form of a mark, the animal cannot be traced back to the owner, which will throw his or her ownership into question.