How to Maintain Body Condition Scores Year-Round
Maintaining optimal body condition scores (BCS) in livestock is essential for farm productivity, reproductive performance, and overall herd health. A body condition score reflects the amount of fat and muscle…
Brad O’Neill: Crafting a Legacy from Sugarcane to Premium Rum
Brad O’Neill, a third-generation sugarcane farmer from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, has built a remarkable journey blending family heritage, sustainable farming, and craft distilling. Born into the O’Neill family, Brad grew…
Eastern Cape Strengthens Global Mohair Leadership with R21 Million Carding Machine
The Eastern Cape’s position as the global epicentre of mohair production took centre stage as SAMIL Natural Fibres unveiled a R21 million state-of-the-art carding machine at the SAMIL Border Combing…
Limpopo Agriculture Leaders Engage Stakeholders to Shape the Future of Farming
The MEC of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms. Nakedi Grace Kekana, together with Head of Department Ms. Mpho Abigail Mashamba, are leading a critical Stakeholder Engagement session…
Calf Mortality in South Africa: Causes and Prevention
Calf mortality remains a significant challenge for cattle farmers in South Africa, affecting profitability, herd growth, and overall farm sustainability. Understanding the main causes of calf losses and implementing effective…
National Workshop Focuses on Protecting and Sustaining South Africa’s Agricultural Land
The National Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, recently convened a two-day workshop at the East London International Convention Centre. The workshop brought together…
Eastern Cape Hosts Intensive Small-Scale Dairy Workshop to Strengthen Local Farming
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council, recently conducted a five-day Small-scale Dairy workshop in the Chris Hani District Municipality. The event targeted emerging…
FMD Declared a National Disaster in South Africa: Legal Framework and Next Steps
The Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984) remains the guiding legislation for managing animal diseases in South Africa, despite farming practices evolving significantly since its enactment. The Animal Health…
Mixed Farming on 1 Hectare: How to Integrate Crops and Animals
Mixed farming on a small plot, such as one hectare, can provide farmers with multiple income streams, improve soil fertility, and increase resilience against pests and market fluctuations. Integrating crops…
Women-Led Farming Businesses Boost Climate Resilience in iSimangaliso Communities, KZN
In northern KwaZulu-Natal, women living in and around the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site are emerging as champions of climate-smart agriculture. By launching their own businesses, they are helping…
Simmental Cattle in South Africa: Growth, Feed Efficiency and Profitability
Simmental cattle are one of South Africa’s most versatile and productive beef breeds, valued for their rapid growth, efficient feed conversion, and strong profitability for commercial and small-scale farmers. Originating…
Bird Flu and FMD Vaccinations in South Africa: Industry Calls for Faster Action
Last year, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen promised large-scale vaccinations for both the cattle and poultry industries, targeting foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle and bird flu in chickens. While some…
