Learn How to Livestock Farm | Farmer's Weekly

Why it makes sense to farm meat goats

Shane Brody — Sat, 13 May 2023 08:00:12 +0000

Goats in South Africa are strongly linked to cultural and religious practices, and this creates a good, sustainable market. Goat herds grow quickly, and these hardy creatures are well suited to smaller farms, says Shane Brody.

When to wean beef calves

Staff Reporter — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:20:37 +0000

Calves should be weaned at the correct time so that they achieve optimal weight, and their dams can conceive again as soon as is practical.

How to provide enough water for your herd

Shane Brody — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 08:00:40 +0000

Clean drinking water is an absolute essential for livestock, says Shane Brody. If animals don’t get enough to drink or the quality of the water is poor, their health will suffer, and the farmer’s profits will decrease as well.

Want higher prices for your calves? Dehorn them!

Shane Brody — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:16:38 +0000

In crushes and while being transported on trucks, cattle with sharp horns can inflict severe injuries to one another, reducing the price of such animals. Dehorning is the only effective solution, says Shane Brody.

Flies are not just irritating; they can be dangerous

Shane Brody — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 08:00:27 +0000

If you’re a livestock farmer, you’ll know that ticks can introduce many dangerous diseases to domestic animals. But did you now that stable flies and houseflies can also be a serious threat? Shane Brody explains.

Buying in livestock: do your research to prevent problems

Shane Brody — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 08:00:25 +0000

When purchasing livestock to start a new farming enterprise or increase the size of your existing herd, you need to make sure the arrivals will thrive. So do your homework well, says Shane Brody.

How to spot the African and Asian blue ticks

Staff Reporter — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 13:31:16 +0000

Prof Maxime Madder, Prof Ivan Horak and Dr Hein Stoltsz look at the African and Asian blue ticks, as well as the Karoo paralysis tick, and explain how farmers can spot the differences between these dangerous parasites.

Make your own electrolyte solutions

Staff Reporter — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 13:23:22 +0000

Sheep and goats that suffer from worm infestation or consume toxic plants can get severe diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration and death very quickly. An electrolyte solution can save your animals’ lives.

Choosing a good-quality breeding bull

Shane Brody — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 08:00:46 +0000

A poorly bred beef animal will not produce high-priced meat cuts. Instead, the beef will be used for cheaper products such as sausages and mince. In turn, you will earn far less money, says Shane Brody.

How to keep livestock calm and stress-free

Annelie Coleman — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 07:30:30 +0000

Over and above their physical needs, animals have emotional needs, and these are often overlooked. Stress in livestock should be avoided at all costs, Leon Kruger, a lecturer at the University of the Free State’s Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, told Annelie Coleman.