Posts by Staff Writer
Precision feeding in beef production – enhancing reproductive success with strategic supplementation
By international ruminant nutrition consultant Dr. Hinner Köster In the world of beef production, precision feeding is a crucial element that can significantly improve the profitability and efficiency of operations. With feed costs accounting for 50-70% of total input expenses, optimising nutritional strategies is essential for cattle farmers aiming to enhance reproductive rates and overall…
Read MoreCelebrating 40 years of the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA)
Today, 26 November 2024, marks the 40th anniversary of the International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA). The ITGA is an organisation that has served as a dedicated advocate and global platform for tobacco farmers since its inception in 1984. The ITGA was established by the six leading tobacco-exporting countries at the time (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Malawi,…
Read MoreFarmer focus: Agri influencer Tatendaishe Ukama
At just 26 years old, Tatendaishe Constantino Ukama is making waves in the agricultural sector with his integrated small-scale rural dairy farm. He also raises rabbits and calls himself an ‘entremanure’, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit. His farming journey is driven by a passion for sustainable agriculture and community development, rooted in his upbringing in a…
Read MoreUnlocking your goat herd potential
Artificial insemination (AI) offers the rapid genetic improvement of your entire goat herd that you may never get with a live animal. Artificial Insemination (AI) is the process of collecting sperm cells from a male animal and manually depositing them into the reproductive track of a female to cause a pregnancy. AI technology offers the…
Read MoreEmpowering Change: TIMB Launches Innovative Sustainability Programs for Tobacco Farmers
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) is carrying out several sustainability programmes to ensure Zimbabwe’s tobacco is produced ethically while minimising environmental impact. This is in line with The Sustainable Tobacco Program (STP), an international initiative for tobacco merchants and industry players, which provides a framework for driving industry-wide sustainability standards. Sustainability speaks to…
Read MoreWinter herd maintenance with cover crops
Since 1984, the Agricultural Research Trust has remained a significant force in the field of agriculture, committed to delivering the state-of-the-art research and training. Through this, it has equipped Zimbabwean farmers with essential knowledge, practical guidance, and unwavering support. ART Farm sustains its research activities through the cultivation of commercial crops and the rearing of…
Read MoreEnhancing profitability through strategic breeding objectives
This is the fourth in a series of articles from this year’s Zimbabwe Herd Book’s annual Beef School. Presented by Johan Styger, the current Chairman of the Livestock Registering Federation (LRF) and member of the Simmentaler Breed Improvement Committee, it features valuable insights on the importance of strategic breeding objectives to enhance herd performance and…
Read MoreThe viability of cattle production
This article is the third in a series that shares highlights from this year’s Zimbabwe Herd Book’s annual Beef School. Presented by Jaco Erasmus, the technical adviser to the Zimbabwe Beef Producers Society, it focuses on the viability of cattle production. Spread over three days, the Beef School allows attendees to network with fellow beef…
Read MoreLa Niña predicted to weaken. What does it mean for us?
Zimbabwe’s Department of Meteorological Services (MSD) shares an annual national rainy season forecast in September following the Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF). Both of these assess and forecast climate patterns for the upcoming 2024/2025 rainfall season. The Zimbabwean MSD’s forecast was shared here, on this platform, back in September, and below, a reminder…
Read MoreCash flows for cattle
This is the second in a series of articles which will share highlights from this year’s Zimbabwe Herd Book’s annual Beef School. Presented by Jaco Erasmus, technical adviser to the Zimbabwe Beef Producers Society (ZBPS), it features a look at a cash flow model for cattle production. * A more detailed spreadsheet of this model…
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