Breaking New Ground With Sustainable Agriculture PhD

In 2014 Stellenbosch University (SU) initiated a new postgraduate programme in sustainable agriculture. Tawanda Marandure was among the programme’s first intake of MSc students and became its first graduate. He is again leading the way as the first SU student to receive a PhD as part of the programme.

Dairy Cows: Overcoming Fodder Flow Shortages In Winter

Kikuyu grazing into which ryegrass is sown in autumn is the most common grazing system in the milk-producing areas of the Southern Cape. Kikuyu is dormant during the winter months (June to September) and ryegrass is therefore sown to bridge the fodder flow gap created by this resting period – Italian and perennial ryegrass cultivars are commonly used.

Adopting A More Natural Approach To Farming

Stockfarm visited Avondale Farm in the Queenstown district where Simon Sutton, one of four brothers, farms by mimicking the way wild animals used to roam unrestricted before fences were erected.

Anti-Trophy Sentiments Can Hamper Conservation

The looming ban on hunting trophy imports and exports is a hot topic in Britain and America and can pose serious consequences for one of the South African wildlife industry’s strongest pillars. Although trophy hunters from England make up only a small percentage of the hunting industry’s clientele, such a ban could set a precedent that could potentially see other governments folding under the pressure of animal welfare groups.

Feed sorghum as an alternative silage crop

The summer silage season is almost at an end and all that remains are a few hectares of feed sorghum that still need to be ensiled.

Year-round planning for the winter months

Although the winter months pose several challenges to livestock farmers, they can be overcome quite easily with proper planning throughout the year.

Stigmas and poor management fuel the sheep scab fire

Since not all farmers report sheep scab among their sheep, the disease continues to pose a tremendous threat to the industry. Sheep scab can only be effectively controlled if all farmers make an effort to obey the law and report incidences timeously.

The role of genetics in profitable animal breeding

The principles of selection, genetics and genomics have been fascinating humanity for many decades. Over the centuries, innovators have been trying to imitate and enhance the course of nature using artificial selection as opposed to natural selection.

Responsible Mohair Standard launched in South Africa

Mohair South Africa recently launched the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS), which is aimed at driving a sustainable and ethical mohair industry. The RMS was developed by the global non-profit, Textile Exchange.

Co-ops: The key to a healthy Polish dairy industry

Dairy farmers’ dissatisfaction with the milk price is nothing new and is certainly not limited to South Africa. Waldemar Broś of the National Association of Dairy Cooperatives in Poland believes that, while the economic situation of Polish dairy farmers may have been stable the past few years, he has not yet encountered a milk producer anywhere in the world who is satisfied with the producer price of milk.

New Grading System Assures Quality For Consumers

With money becoming scarcer by the day in South Africa, consumers are becoming more and more concerned about price. This is one side of the coin. On the other side, while consumers may have less to spend, they are willing to pay more for quality.

Mohair Farmers Going From Strength To Strength

In March this year the Wienand family of Olivewoods Farm near Cookhouse in the Eastern Cape, donated 20 young Angora rams to partners of the Mohair Empowerment Trust.

A Product Must Have A Market

Johan van der Schyff was named Toyota Agri SA’s National Young Farmer of the Year at the end of 2019.

Recovery And Regeneration Of A Livestock Farm After The Drought

Drought, especially when prolonged, causes a drastic decline in available veld, livestock numbers and the finances of a livestock farm. Once the drought has been broken, livestock farmers are left with the question as to which practices will be best to repair drought damage and restore the farm to its former glory.

Mineral And Vitamin Supplementation In The Dry Season

Although vitamins and minerals play a critical role in maintaining the health of production animals through their diet, this role encompasses much more.

How To Control Parthenium On Game And Livestock Farms

It has been said that parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus), a serious weed indigenous to Central and South America, is a scourge that brings famine and desolation to the land. While there may be substance to this illusion, the fact is that parthenium is just a plant that has a few traits enabling it to dominate under certain conditions, particularly if land is not suitably managed.

How To Combat Iron Bacteria In Boreholes

Strange-looking borehole water has led to many a perplexing moment for landowners; in many cases this phenomenon can be attributed to iron bacteria.

Livestock theft: The short end of the stick

Three elements are necessary for a crime to be committed: a willing criminal, a suitable target (property) and the absence of a competent guardian (owner). The current depopulation of rural areas in South Africa is also increasing the opportunity for crime.

The role of particle length in feed rations

Livestock producers who are serious about meeting specific production goals, know that particle length in the feed ration is directly linked to animal health.

A formidable team and an intuitive approach: A recipe for success

“I think Esté has a God-given instinct when it comes to cattle. Combine this with her passion, and you have one formidable cattle farmer.” This is how Bismarck Fick described his wife, Esté, when asked to unpack their individual strengths and how they, as a team, combine these to make their farming enterprise a success.

A Hardy Savanna Stud That Meets Challenges Head-On

Tattie Scholtz breeds Savanna goats in the Griekwastad area and is chairperson of the Savanna Club of South Africa.

Forum And Farmers Must Drive Biosecurity

The ban on livestock auctions across the country due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Limpopo has been lifted.

The Role Of Input Costs In Determining Feed Prices

South Africa has an established animal feed industry that is around 90 years old. The industry came into being after the drought and depression in the 1930s. These days most of the animal feed in South Africa is produced by members of the Animal Feed Manufacturers’ Association (AFMA) – they produced approximately 75% of all animal feed in the 2016/17 production year.

Nutrition For The Overwintering Of Small Stock: A Three-Phase Approach

The principles of overwintering large and small stock are the same.

Choosing The Right Feed Mixer For Your Farm

Providing a healthy and balanced ration for your livestock is certainly one of the key goals of every livestock producer. In order to facilitate this task, the right equipment must be on hand. And this is where a good feed mixer plays an indispensable role.

Part 11: Buffalo Disease Risk Management

African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) are iconic animals and part of the so-called Big Five.

The Value Of Good Equipment Maintenance

The saying that prevention is better than cure, rings true for all circumstances. It is especially apt where the maintenance of farm equipment is concerned.

The advantages of silage over hay

A variety of crops can be made into hay or silage for later use.

Maize silage: Small adjustments can make a big difference

Maize silage is a key source of roughage in many dairy and beef cattle enterprises. Livestock producers are aware of the basic principles of ensiling and that they must plant the cultivar most suited to their environment.

From super ox to mega ox

Each industry has symbols that denote its origin, serve as motivation and embody the industry’s unique values and way of doing. For the livestock industry this symbol is an ox.