Pig Farming & Production | Farmer's Weekly

Many opportunities await SA’s pork industry

Janine Ryan — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:55:55 +0000

Johann Kotzé, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, speaks to Janine Ryan about the importance of the informal pig sector in South Africa, as well as the high calibre of the country’s formal producers.

Great pork, good profits – thanks to top genetics

Lindi Botha — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 12:07:09 +0000

Growing demand for lean pork and a more muscled carcass, plus the need to run an efficient, productive operation, have put ever-greater pressure on pig farmers. Superior genetics remain the surest route to success. Lindi Botha reports on how the Benson piggery in KwaZulu-Natal has progressed in this respect.

Focus shifts from zinc to gut health for robust pigs

Lindi Botha — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 13:08:26 +0000

Increasing pressure against the use of zinc oxide in pig herds has left farmers concerned about whether an alternative will be as effective at controlling disease and maintaining animal health. New research suggests that an alternative is not only already available, but offers more benefits.

Marketing and animal welfare: key to success

Magda du Toit — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 08:00:50 +0000

Innovative marketing and customer relationships are essential to a modern piggery, says Shaun Mockford of Mockford Farms in Limpopo. He spoke to Magda du Toit about running a superior pig production operation.

Managing your pigs’ health

Prof Cheryl McCrindle — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 08:15:59 +0000

Losing just one productive pig can cost you a great deal of money. In this, the third instalment in our series on livestock first aid, Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria discusses the medications and equipment you should have on your pig farm at all times.

Animal welfare: Raising stress-free pigs

Glenneis Kriel — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 12:52:58 +0000

Raising stress-free pigs makes business sense, as it results in better growth of animals and fewer problems caused by disease. Dr Peter Evans of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation spoke to Glenneis Kriel.

Biosecurity on a budget for small-scale pig producers

Jeandré van der Walt — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 13:36:45 +0000

In this article Dr Peter Evans, veterinary liaison officer of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, shares affordable and practical tips that small-scale pig farmers can implement to improve biosecurity on their farms and protect their livelihoods.

Selecting the right pig breed for your farm

Glenneis Kriel — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 08:08:47 +0000

Dr Danie Visser, an agricultural adviser and strategic analyst, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the factors that a farmer should consider when choosing which pig breed to farm.

Free-range pigs: lessons learnt on the way to commercial success

Jeandré van der Walt — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 06:26:01 +0000

Start small and grow with the results. This is the principle followed by young pig farmer Jason Buys of Ocean View Piggery in the Western Cape. Jeandré van der Walt visited him to learn more about his free-range pig operation and how he plans to grow his farming business.

Young pig farmer shares lessons learnt during her first five years

Siyanda Sishuba — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 12:53:55 +0000

Award-winning piggery owner Khulile Mahlalela says that to maximise profits, a farmer must get the pigs market-ready as rapidly as possible, and produce a low-fat carcass with tender meat.