Sheep and Goat Farming | Farmer's Weekly

Capitalising on unused land with Boer Goats

Lindi Botha — Mon, 29 May 2023 13:30:36 +0000

The subtropical Lowveld is hardly prime goat country, but with good management, a farmer can add a valuable component to the crops cultivated in the area. Divan Maritz spoke to Lindi Botha about how he manages his goat stud of 300 animals for optimal farm profitability in this climate.

Meat, milk or wool: choose a sheep breed fit for purpose

Janine Ryan — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:01:23 +0000

There are about 20 breeds of sheep in South Africa, each of which is classified according to the role it plays on a farm. Janine Ryan looks at some of the country’s most popular meat, wool and dual-purpose sheep breeds.

Dormer: using line breeding to set record-high auction prices

Staff Reporter — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 20:07:59 +0000

Johanri Dormers stud near Lindley in the Free State is known for outstanding animals that achieve record prices. Owner Johan Barnard credits the success of his operation to the careful implementation of specific line-breeding principles, among other factors.

From mining to breeding award-winning White Dorper sheep

Susan Marais — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 07:00:34 +0000

Faced with the grim reality of retrenchment, Larry Snyders refused to give in to despair. Instead, he poured all his energy into his sideline business, a small White Dorper stud. A few years later, he reached the pinnacle of his new career, becoming a champion breeder. He shared his story with Susan Marais.

Letelle sheep: profitable and resilient

Annelie Coleman — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 11:17:39 +0000

The Letelle is a proudly South African dual-purpose sheep, but despite its exceptional qualities, it remains one of the most underestimated sheep breeds in the country. Theo Oosthuizen, who breeds Letelle on his Free State farm, spoke to Annelie Coleman about these remarkable animals.

Beware of these five parasites in sheep

Janine Ryan — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 10:40:18 +0000

Intestinal worms in sheep are a serious problem for farmers, particularly communal farmers, and the timeous detection and treatment thereof are crucial for reducing possible financial losses and/or mortalities. Janine Ryan looks at the most economically important internal parasites that infect sheep in South Africa.

Indigenous veld goats: the ideal option for extreme conditions

Annelie Coleman — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 10:26:17 +0000

Changing weather conditions and Africa’s severe poverty demand tough, easy-to-care-for livestock. The answer, says breeder Deon Vlok, is indigenous veld goats.

SA’s oldest Angora stud: building on a foundation of excellence

Annelie Coleman — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:00:25 +0000

The Martyrsford Angora Stud in the Eastern Cape was founded in 1871. Current owner Sean Hobson explained the standards and commitment that have long inspired the farm’s owners to Annelie Coleman.

Breeding top Angora goats in the Southern Cape

Glenneis Kriel — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 08:04:41 +0000

While most Angora producers in the Southern Cape have given up farming these animals, brothers Jasper and Leon van der Westhuizen have achieved exceptional results. They spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the local environmental conditions and their management techniques.

The benefits of polled Merinos for SA’s sheep industry

Annelie Coleman — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 11:04:08 +0000

Earlier this year, a number of Merino stud breeders from Middelburg in the Eastern Cape formed the Nu Poll Merino Group, whose aim it is to breed polled sheep exclusively. Group member Tinus du Plessis explained to Annelie Coleman why breeding and farming these animals made business sense.