Clinton du Preez (49), a former chairman of the East London Poultry Society, has had one constant in his life: poultry. From early childhood to mid-life and through all life’s milestones, including completing school, securing his first job, establishing his own businesses, and getting married and having children, there has always been the clucking and crowing of chickens in the backyard.
His love for poultry was ignited when his grandfather, Stanley Sonnenberger, gave him three chickens at the tender age of seven. These three birds proved to be the vanguard for many more that would populate the backyard of Du Preez’s parents’ suburban home in Cambridge, East London.
However, the development of his refined interest in the more focused breeding and showing of poultry was fuelled by the friendship he developed with renowned East London poultry showman William Hunter. The two met in 1995, after Du Preez responded to his newspaper advertisement concerning the sale of three Australorps. “We met and became friends,” recalls Du Preez. “He helped me with everything [relating to the breeding and showing of poultry].”
By 1997, the 22-year-old Du Preez showed his first chickens at the East London Agricultural Show to the great satisfaction of Hunter. The elderly Hunter, however, passed away two years later, but had by then left a lasting impression on Du Preez, who has ever since been breeding and showing poultry with great success.
BREEDING
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة 23 February 2024 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة 23 February 2024 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Western Cape pet owners urged to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is urging people to vaccinate their animals against rabies after a confirmed case in Cape Town.
Concerns arise over potential Irish potato shortage
Consumers may soon experience a shortage of Irish potatoes, leading to potentially higher prices.
Industry players debate call to extend tariff rebates for imported chicken
The debate over extending tariff rebates on chicken imported into South Africa continues as industry players argue over market dynamics and food affordability.
Wildlife income dives as minister stays mum on hunting quotas
The South African wildlife industry faces an uncertain future in light of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's delay in publishing this year's annual hunting quota.
Four apps to improve productivity and more
There are a range of apps available on the South African market to help farmers improve efficiency and production. We explore four of them here.
Fun, games and ancient rites on board the greatest ocean liner still in service
With King Neptune’s permission, pollywog Brian Berkman crossed the equator on board the Queen Mary 2 and is now a proud shellback. He gives the lowdown on the variety of pursuits avaliable on this luxurious ship.
Choosing the right nitrogen type
Various nitrogenous fertilisers are available. Your choice will depend on environmental considerations, cost, availability, and so on, writes Bill Kerr.
Hydrogen: a vehicle emissions reduction alternative?
The current narrative around vehicle electrification typically covers battery cost, raw materials, weight, driving range, or charging infrastructure – all battery electric vehicle issues. There is rarely any discussion around the use of hydrogen as an alternative means of achieving vehicle emission targets. Why this apparent lack of interest?
Cotton industry comes together to forge a new future
A strategic cotton summit held recently in Limpopo was an important step towards creating unity in the industry and a common goal throughout the entire cotton value chain.
Understanding the basics of chicken abattoirs and related legislation
South Africa has strict laws that regulate the slaughtering of animals in commercial abattoirs. In this article, Farmer's Weekly looks at how a chicken abattoir works, what facilities are needed and what the laws are that govern the establishment and operation of such abattoirs.