Business
Stockfarm
Calves, cows and choices: When to wean
Choosing the right weaning age is a pivotal management decision in cow-calf production systems. It affects not only the immediate performance of calves but also the long-term sustainability of the cattle enterprise - impacting feed efficiency, cow recovery, reproductive performance, and the effective use of available resources. These factors are becoming more critical in the face of climate change and shifting market demands.
5 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
A decade of disease surveillance in Angora goats
For more than a decade, Mohair South Africa has been operating a disease surveillance system that has revealed valuable trends and uncovered notable health conditions in Angora goats. This surveillance plays a critical role in supporting the Angora industry by strengthening biosecurity through the monitoring of disease trends and causes of mortality at both farm and industry levels; enabling timely communication of disease outbreaks to producers; and promoting improved animal health, welfare, and productivity across the sector.
4 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Red meat enhances brain-supporting nutrients
A large-scale study of more than 3 600 people shows that red meat, when eaten as part of a balanced diet, can enhance brain-supporting nutrients such as B12 and zinc without disrupting gut microbes or raising mental health risks.
1 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
RAS purchases Tweedie Hall
The Royal Agricultural Society of Natal (RAS) has purchased the historic Tweedie Hall in Howick as its new base of operations.
1 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Risk assessment in South Africa's red meat value chain
The South African red meat sector operates in a high-risk environment where operational, climate, financial, and systemic hazards converge, threatening the stability and long-term resilience of the value chain.
5 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Trade unions and employers: The start of the relationship
For many employers, their first contact with a trade union comes unexpectedly - often by way of a formal letter or email. In terms of Section 21 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act 66 of 1995) (LRA), such communication typically states that:
2 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Dairy capitalises on the free market
South Africa's dairy industry is making the most of the free market at a time in which economic challenges are the order of the day.
1 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
The value of cover crops in crop rotation systems
The primary goal of a crop rotation system is to reduce soilborne diseases, improve soil structure and fertility, and support the beneficial organisms that decompose organic matter into nutrients.
5 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Importance of standardised testing in accurate genetic evaluation
In recent years, the beef breeding industry has witnessed a surge in private performance testing service providers catering to cattle breeders. This makes it more important than ever to emphasise the value of standardised performance testing procedures at testing centres. Such standards ensure that tests are scientifically sound, that the collected data is reliable, and that the results add value to breeders' selection decisions while benefiting the national beef industry.
2 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
RPO Western Cape places traceability in the spotlight
The annual meeting of the Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO) Western Cape was one of the highlights on the opening day of NAMPO Cape in Bredasdorp, with traceability taking centre stage as its theme.
3 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
The value of cover crops in crop rotation systems
The primary goal of a crop rotation system is to reduce soilborne diseases, improve soil structure and fertility, and support the beneficial organisms that decompose organic matter into nutrients.
5 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
US share of China's beef market goes to Australia
Australian beef has replaced the United States' (US) supply in China since president Donald Trump returned to the White House, funnelling hundreds of millions of dollars that have in previous years gone to the US cattle industry into Australian pockets.
1 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Dancing on the edge of grip
November is normally a happy time in the farm office, with the ewes close to lambing and the fields bursting with growth. This year, however, the last month of spring found us in a sombre mood, speaking in soft voices and tiptoeing around Mbali, our strict office administrator and real Zulu princess.
2 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
When milk isn't really milk
Supermarket shelves are nowadays filled with products marketed as alternatives to traditional dairy.
3 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Tackling the problem of overheating
Silage production is a science on its own. The process is lengthy, intricate, and demands careful management. While many producers pay close attention to the ensiling process, a common oversight is the correct handling of the silage bunker. One of the most damaging challenges in bunker management is high temperatures which can severely affect both the quality and volume of the silage.
2 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
High prices could steal Christmas cheer
Beef lovers are facing a less merry Christmas as it is unlikely that beef prices will drop before the start of the festive season.
1 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Chinese demand more certified non-mulesed wool
Australia needs to produce more certified non-mulesed wool was the message delivered to Australian exporters, brokers and growers at the Nanjing Wool Market Conference in China recently.
1 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Innovative strategies for tick management
Ticks can cause major economic losses, both directly and indirectly. According to Dr Luther van der Mescht, a parasitologist at the University of the Free State, direct losses result from reduced cattle productivity due to tick infestations, while indirect losses stem from tickborne diseases.
2 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Tackling the problem of overheating
Silage production is a science on its own. The process is lengthy, intricate, and demands careful management. While many producers pay close attention to the ensiling process, a common oversight is the correct handling of the silage bunker. One of the most damaging challenges in bunker management is high temperatures which can severely affect both the quality and volume of the silage.
2 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
How the red meat industry shapes South Africa's economic landscape
Each step forward by a livestock producer advances South Africa's communities, food industry, business sector, and government.
4 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Understanding the difference between inbreeding and linebreeding
The distinction between inbreeding and linebreeding is often confusing. A common misconception is that successful outcomes are attributed to linebreeding, whereas failures are blamed on inbreeding. Another inaccurate belief is that inbreeding refers to sibling matings (for example brother and sister), whereas linebreeding involves parent-offspring pairings. In reality, both scenarios are incorrect and should never be pursued intentionally due to its potentially serious genetic consequences.
2 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Performers honoured at Samic ceremony
The South African Meat Industry Company (Samic) recently hosted its 28th National Carcass Competition award ceremony at Gabbata Lodge outside Pretoria, celebrating the individuals and organisations that uphold the high standards of South Africa's red meat industry.
1 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Strategic prevention of TDS and LSD
Cattle in South Africa face a serious threat from three-day stiffsickness (TDS) and lumpy skin disease (LSD), particularly during summer and early autumn. These viral diseases, spread mainly by insect bites, carry significant economic consequences. While mortality rates are generally low, they lead to major production losses that directly affect producers’ profitability.
3 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Continuation of statutory levies approved
On 25 August this year, the minister of agriculture approved the request by Sappo to continue statutory measures relating to levies, records and returns, and registrations in the pork industry.
1 min |
November 2025
Stockfarm
Ecovite Drifos P12 and P6: Weather resistant phosphate supplements
Over 90% of South African soils are deficient in the mineral phosphorus. The country's warm, dry climate contributes to low levels of organic matter, which in turn limits phosphorus availability to animals.
4 min |
October 2025
Stockfarm
Tick resistance raises concerns
Ticks are the cause of significant annual economic losses, primarily because of the diseases they transmit. In South Africa, the blue tick species is the main culprit.
3 min |
October 2025
Stockfarm
The next generation herd health plan
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2 min |
October 2025
Stockfarm
When FMD hits: Protocols and practices
South Africa's cattle sector faces tremendous challenges regarding biosecurity and traceability. This year, the dairy industry was among the hardest hit by foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease outbreaks in most provinces in the country, especially the Eastern Cape.
10 min |
October 2025
Stockfarm
Back to basics: Success is built on simplicity and order
We live in an age of constant noise in which we are flooded daily with information and endless decisions.
7 min |
October 2025
Stockfarm
Grassland Society presents 60th congress
The 60th Congress of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) was recently held in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, drawing around 160 delegates from across Southern Africa.
3 min |