Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
In the October 2026 issue of Stockfarm, we look at how livestock producers can prepare to meet their animals’ water requirements during a super El Niño. This issue also features LRF Stockman School 2026 speaker articles covering topics such as body condition, reproduction, beef cow nutrition, and bull-buying behaviour. We visit Pieter Meyer of Zimeyer Boerdery to learn more about his farming enterprise, take a closer look at the importance of milling and mixing ingredients in cattle rations, and learn about a new-generation vaccine that could soon offer producers a safer, more reliable method to control orf.
Livestock’s water requirements
Given the likelihood of a super El Niño during the 2026/27 season, livestock producers need to prepare for the challenges of meeting their animals’ water requirements. Forecasts point to a dry season, with below-average rainfall and high temperatures expected. Dr Ockert Einkamerer, senior lecturer in Animal Science at the University of the Free State’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, explains to Christal-Lize Muller of Stockfarm why ensuring an adequate supply of water for cattle and sheep in extensive production systems should be a key component of any effective drought and contingency plan.
Focus on the LRF Stockman School 2026
The annual LRF Stockman School is a key event on the agricultural calendar, and the October issue of Stockfarm once again spotlights the school and its impressive line-up of local and international speakers. As the event’s official handout, the issue features speaker articles covering topics ranging from body condition and reproduction to beef cow nutrition during gestation and bull-buying behaviour.
Zimeyer Boerdery: The middle ground is the best course
Cattle farming in South Africa has yet to experience the same paradigm shift that transformed crop farming. Pieter Meyer of Zimeyer Boerdery near Lindley in the Free State, and chairperson of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) Free State, believes that the modern grain producer is precision-oriented, while many cattle producers have not yet fully realised the value of precision selection and genetic progress. In Stockfarm October, Pieter discusses his farming enterprise, on-farm net feed intake test station, and focus on selection with Izak Hofmeyr.
From feed milling and mixing to a new vaccine approach for orf
Milling and mixing ingredients in a cattle ration play a vital role in achieving optimal feed intake. The goal is to produce a consistent ration with minimal variation between the formulated recipe, the physical mixture, and what cattle ultimately consume. Christal-Lize Muller discussed the benefits of ration consistency with Dr Daniël van der Merwe, technical services manager ruminants at Kemin.
For many sheep and goat producers in South Africa, orf is a familiar yet often underestimated viral disease; while rarely fatal, it can significantly affect animal welfare, productivity, and farm profitability. Live vaccines against orf are used worldwide, but they pose certain disadvantages. According to Dr Beate von Teichman, senior scientific researcher at Design Biologix, a new-generation vaccine could soon offer producers a safer, more reliable way to control this common disease.
The October 2026 issue of Stockfarm is available from selected retailers or at www.magzter.com. The magazine is also available as an interactive flipbook at https://digimags.agriorbit.com/books/Stockfarm-October-2026/. To subscribe, phone Rochelle George on 074 153 8380 or SMS ‘Subscribe’ and your phone number to 074 153 8380.
