The Nu Poll Merino Group is the first of its kind in South Africa. Breeding polled animals holds many advantages, not least the fact that some feedlots are prepared to pay a substantial premium for polled weaners.
The recently formed Nu Poll Merino Group, based in Middelburg in the Eastern Cape, is the first of its kind in South Africa's Merino stud breeding industry. According to member Tinus du Plessis, the decision to focus on these animals was based on hard-nosed economics: polled weaners realise a premium of R1,50 to R1,80 more per kilogram from certain feedlots.
There are a host of reasons for this. Polled sheep are easier to handle and manage, and there is no need to regularly dehorn weaners, which reduces the on-farm workload. Injuries caused by fights between rams are also largely eliminated. In addition, polled Merinos are easier to shear, and there are no horns to become entangled in fences or in the horns of other sheep.
"Currently, the majority of Merino rams in the country are still horned, with only about 10% to 15% being polled. However, we expect demand for polled animals to increase substantially in the future because of the benefits they hold for both stud and commercial flocks. We've therefore decided to put only polled animals on offer at our group's next production sale, which is planned for 20 January 2023. We also plan to put a limited number of polled ewes on offer," says Du Plessis.
Denne historien er fra April 01, 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra April 01, 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
