Posts by Staff Writer
Farming ducks
By Ross Gordon Cooper, email: rgcooperuk@yahoo.com Searches for articles in the literature pertinent to the care of ducks revealed 49 papers and two manuals specialising in duck husbandry. Relevant details thereof are alliterated below. The management of duck concerns depends on their size. The small home flock kept in a yard would include a simple,…
Read MoreThe benefits of crossbreeding in beef cattle
By Prof. Esté van Marle-Köster (PhD Pr. Anim. Sci) This week we share another of the excellent topics presented at Zimbabwe Herd Book’s annual Beef School. Crossbreeding is a smart breeding strategy that has changed beef cattle farming around the world. To understand why farmers choose crossbreeding, we need to look at the basic genetics…
Read MoreThe evolution of Zimbabwe’s stockfeeds industry
By Rowan Hayter Zimbabwe’s stockfeeds industry has undergone remarkable transformation over the past decade, with total feed production surging by 62% since 2016. However, beneath this impressive growth figure lies a complex story of shifting market dynamics, changing consumer preferences, and evolving agricultural practices that have fundamentally reshaped the landscape for beef producers. The numbers…
Read MoreZimbabwe, China deepen tobacco ties at historic inaugural Expo
The inaugural Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo concluded last week, marking a historic milestone for Africa’s tobacco sector. Officially launched by Hon. Dr. Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, this two-day event brought together China and Africa’s “T5” major tobacco producing countries (Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique) under the theme: “From Leaf to…
Read MoreConserving Zimbabwe’s indigenous goat heritage: The untapped potential of Matabele and Mashona breeds
By Joseph Sikosana Zimbabwe’s indigenous goat breeds, the Matabele and Mashona, represent centuries of natural selection and adaptation to our unique environment. Yet despite their remarkable resilience, disease resistance, and proven ability to thrive under harsh conditions, these hardy breeds remain largely undervalued in our small-stock industry. As commercial farmers increasingly turn to exotic breeds,…
Read MoreKoala Park’s beef production and dual backgrounding system
At the Zimbabwe Herd Book’s 13th Beef School recently held in Bulawayo, cattle producers and industry stakeholders gathered to explore innovative approaches to cattle production that are transforming the local beef sector. Among the standout presentations was an insightful analysis from Koala Park’s Willy Swan, who shared how his company has revolutionised its operations through…
Read MoreZimbabwe National Sheepdog Trials showcase heritage and skill
The Zimbabwe National Sheepdog Trials, held at Bramber Farm in Ruwa over the last weekend of September, delivered an entertaining and educational showcase of the remarkable partnership between handlers and their highly trained herding dogs. International expertise comes to Zimbabwe The event was judged by Andrew Dickman, a distinguished sheepdog trials judge from Scotland whose expertise…
Read MoreZimbabwe faces challenging 2025-26 rainfall season
Delayed start, regional variations expected The Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department has released its national climate outlook for the upcoming 2025-26 rainfall season, painting a picture of significant challenges and regional variations that will require careful planning and adaptive strategies across the country. A season of two halves The forecast reveals a season characterised by stark…
Read MorePlanting indoors
By Ross G. Cooper (Email: rgcooperuk@yahoo.com) Indoor plant hobbies are extremely varying, satisfying and rewarding. I collect seeds from fruits, vegetables and wild trees and sow them in indoor pots. The seeds should be carefully extracted and dried on a windowsill usually for a day. Planting them requires a well-drained soil and I suggest using…
Read MoreZimbabwe Herd Book announces exciting small stock addition to upcoming Beef School
From September 16-18, the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) will host its annual Beef School in Bulawayo. The choice of Bulawayo as the venue reflects the city’s central role in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. This year marks the 13th iteration of Beef School and this year’s programme is under the theme “iSmart” – representing Impactful, Insightful, Scientific, Modern,…
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