Author: Charles Tjatindi (Charles Tjatindi )

If you are a novice farmer who seems overwhelmed by the various decisions on farming you are called to make on the go, do not fret – there are hundreds of others in the same boat. 

The recent livestock movement restrictions and subsequent ban on exports of cattle to South Africa should serve as a wake-up call to farmers. The situation has surely amplified the need for a more diversified approach to farming, as opposed to sorely focusing on one product.

While many of our livestock farmers produce good quality genetics that could easily stand shoulder-to-shoulder with well-established farming brands out there, such farmers do not do much to expose such products to the world or at least the rest of Namibia.

Although the methods of hydroponic fodder production date back to the 1930s, there is renewed interest in hydroponic fodder as a feedstuff for sheep, goats, and other livestock.   

The death of prominent farmer Louis van der Merwe has drawn tributes from far and wide, especially from his native Omaheke region, where he was held in high regard. He died on Sunday following an illness.

Poultry farming might have been a favourite pastime for many farmers back in the day, but that has all changed. 

Kakunamuua Kahiha never knew that one day he would be a stud breeder of his own herd of sheep. Growing up, sheep rearing was a favourite pastime, and one in which he excelled. At the time, the family farmed with a mixed breed of Damara, Dorper and Van Rooy sheep - mainly for meat.

One common misconception in farming is that one always has to go bigger to reap the best results. My experience has taught me otherwise; it is not as clear cut as that. In any business undertaking, growing it and bringing such business into the mainstream economy is often viewed as success. I have however found that this is not necessarily the case in farming.

The white Brahman has been a wonder of farming for years, with many farmers excitedly breeding it in their herds for several reasons. 

Livestock farmers need to constantly test their bulls for fertility in order to make sure they get the best results from their herd. This is the view of renowned veterinarian Baby Kaurivi Katunahange.