Business
Stockfarm
Red Brahmans show their mettle in this crossbreeding system
The deeper the red, the more beautiful the animal - provided the cattle possess both the genetic ability and ideal conformation to thrive and produce under challenging conditions. This philosophy, embraced by Chris Badenhorst and his son, also Chris, is delivering great results on their farm, Witpan, near Lichtenburg in North West.
5 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Crossbreeding as a tool in the Brahman toolkit
One of the most powerful tools available to cattle producers to improve productivity and efficiency in a herd is the use of crossbreeding.
5 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
WGM Brahmans: Harnessing hybrid vigour
If Willie Marais' good friend hadn't needed money for an engagement ring, the WGM Brahman stud might never have existed.
4 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Investigating wastewater solutions in the dairy sector
During one of its regular webinars, the Dairy Standard Agency (DSA) recently took a closer look at measures for a cost-effective approach to contaminant reduction in dairy wastewater.
3 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Poultry diseases that can cause chaos
Whether farming on a small or large scale, the key to successful poultry farming remains the same: Provide enough feed, water and space, while keeping coops or cages clean, neat, and dry to prevent diseases. A disease outbreak can be costly, but the correct vaccinations, good hygiene, and a sustainable biosecurity plan can help mitigate its impact.
2 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Biosecurity on a chicken farm
Biosecurity encompasses a set of preventive measures designed to minimise the risk of infectious disease transmission to flocks, farms, or surrounding areas, thereby safeguarding farms from diseases.
2 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Develop a 12-month herd health and reproductive management plan
During winter, when calves are being weaned and pregnancy tests conducted, cattle producers usually have all the necessary information available to plan for the next 12 months.
2 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Brahman genetics: Promoting the 'ideal' animal
Genetics and the expression of traits in an organism is an extremely complex process.
3 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Going once, going twice, sold!
This year Plaas Media presents the twelfth instalment in its well-known Toyota SA National Young Auctioneer Competition.
1 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Feed formulation: Models and methods
Ruminant nutritionists in the private sector serve both the animal feed manufacturing industry and companies that supply products and services to feed manufacturers and livestock producers.
4 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
When malignant catarrhal fever rears its head in cattle herds
Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), commonly known as snotsiekte, is a fatal systemic disease affecting cattle of all ages worldwide.
3 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Hidden harvests: Why South Africa must take underutilised crops seriously
In the rows of maize and wheat that dominate South Africa's agricultural heartland, a quiet revolution is waiting to take root. From drought-hardy amaranth to protein-packed Bambara groundnut and iron-rich African leafy vegetables, underutilised indigenous crops (UICs) are a treasure trove of nutrition, resilience, and economic opportunity.
4 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Stockmanship comes from knowledge and heart
\"Please don't call me a farmer, as I am still working towards becoming one. And it takes a lot to be one,\" says Olebile Benjamin Ratshikana.
5 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Duckie Ngcobo: Always have a new plan ready
When Gugulomuzi Ngcobo of Summerhill farm in Donnybrook, KwaZulu-Natal was named the Agricultural Research Council's (ARC) Small-scale Dairy Producer of the Year in 2024, it marked the pinnacle of a remarkable success story.
4 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Opportunities beckon for red meat producers despite a challenging year
The past year has been challenging for South African producers, but the recent annual congress of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation in the North West (RPO North West) held in Lichtenburg, highlighted several promising prospects and opportunities.
5 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Minerals: Dynamite comes in small packages
Minerals may be a small part of a ruminant’s diet, but they pack a powerful punch. Getting the right minerals into your animals can mean the difference between average performance and a herd that thrives.
2 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
The indispensable role of minerals in ruminant nutrition
Although trace elements or minerals constitute but a small part of animal nutrition, they nevertheless play a vital role in the health, performance, and profitability of cattle and sheep.
2 min |
July 2025
Stockfarm
Shongololo Boer Goat Stud: Only The Best Will Do
South African Boer goats have proven popular worldwide for their ability to improve indigenous goat breeds. In addition, Covid-19 restrictions necessitated the establishment of electronic auctions, making it easier for foreigners to acquire outstanding genetic material exported by agents via established channels.
5 min |
August 2021
Stockfarm
Feed Additives: A Veterinary Perspective
In an already volatile environment, dairy profit margins vary as milk prices and feed costs shift annually. Feed costs represent the largest input cost (an estimated 35 to 70% of the variable cost) in the production of milk. As a group of feed ingredients, feed additives can cause a desired physiological response in a non-nutrient way, such as pH shift, growth or metabolic modifier, and will usually be cost-beneficial.
4 min |
August 2021
Stockfarm
Guard Against Lumpy Skin Disease
Most parts of the country received good rains during the rain season and producers are generally very optimistic. Wet seasons unfortunately come with their own set of challenges and veterinarians have cautioned livestock producers to keep an eye out for elevated biting insect loads, which may lead to conditions such as lumpy skin disease (LSD).
3 min |
August 2021
Stockfarm
Climate-Related Hazards: How Smallholders Can Mitigate Its Consequences
Rainfed crop production remains the main source of food security and livelihoods for rural communities in South Africa but presents the challenge of climate variability due to its high dependence on weather variables such as rainfall and temperature.
2 min |
August 2021
Stockfarm
Tips for a successful AI programme
The success of an artificial insemination (AI) programme depends on several factors that are largely within the control of the producer. It is interesting that those producers who take a hands-on approach to their cattle and inspect them regularly are also the ones who achieve the greatest success. Before his passing, Stockfarm spoke to Koot Louw, a well-known reproduction technologist from Brandfort in the Free State, about his insights into and advice regarding the AI process.
2 min |
August 2021
Stockfarm
Pay Attention To Orf In Your Flocks
Some of our readers may have treated or heard of sheep or goats that have been infected with orf (vuilbek).
3 min |
July 2021
Stockfarm
Sanele Mbele: Where Passion And Skill Meet
Passion for farming runs strong in the Mbele family’s veins. Sanele Mbele, from the farm Rietspruit in the De Jagersdrift area near Dundee, has inherited this passion in huge dollops.
5 min |
July 2021
Stockfarm
Land Reform: Case Studies In Kwazulu-Natal
Land reform in South Africa is complex. Land reform solutions are equally complex and within partnership and development models, this is no different – but there is hope. KwaZulu-Natal has several types of partnership models and the wide variation in farming systems, as well as their different needs, set each model up for different strengths and weaknesses.
7 min |
July 2021
Stockfarm
Brahman Breeders In Limpopo Have A Winning Plan
Several breeders from the Bosveld Brahman Club in Limpopo are applying genetic excellence and genotypic correctness to stimulate the demand for their bulls. At several of the last auctions, the minimum standard of bulls was raised to achieve this goal.
5 min |
July 2021
Stockfarm
A Brahman Dream Comes True
For as long as he can remember, JP Mlangeni wanted to be a farmer. It might have taken a few years, from being a teacher and later a businessman, but his dream finally took shape and today he runs a fully-fledged breeding and commercial Brahman farming enterprise in Mpumalanga.
5 min |
July 2021
Stockfarm
Feedlot Versus Veld Finishing: Horses For Courses
There are different ways to get steers market-ready.
6 min |
July 2021
Stockfarm
Best Shearing Practices An Facilitie
Small adjustments for greater productivity
5 min |
July 2021
Stockfarm
Feed Efficiency: What To Know
Previously, genetic improvement has been aimed mainly at output traits such as fertility and live weight.
6 min |