Tighter border controls on agri goods as travellers return to SA
As thousands of travellers return to South Africa this week after the festive season, the Border Management Authority has issued a strong warning about bringing agricultural products back into the...
Flood risk looms as Mpumalanga braces for up to 800mm of rain
Catastrophic floods are predicted for the Mpumalanga Lowveld next week, with rainfall of between 500mm and 800mm forecast for the period from 9 to 14 January.
Zimbabwe dairy industry regains momentum
Zimbabwe's dairy sector is on a rebound, with the country hoping to build on increasing milk production to surpass its national annual requirements.
New climate commission to steer SA’s just energy transition to 2030
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a new group of commissioners to the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), marking the start of a new five-year term that will run from 1 January...
Resilience and gradual recovery expected in 2026
Prospects for a positive 2026 are improving as lower input costs are expected for the agriculture sector and bumper grain crops seem likely. Loffie Brandt, head of sales enablement at...
SA farmers await fair compensation for land losses in Zimbabwe
South African farmers are struggling to claim compensation or reclaim their farms that were seized during Zimbabwe's land reform exercise launched in 2000 by then-President Robert Mugabe.
Sunflower industry cautious but optimistic for 2026
As about 90% of South Africa's summer grain crops, including sunflower, are predominantly rainfed, climate changes and rainfall patterns have a major impact on production. When looking at the 2025/26...
2025/26 soya bean season outlook shows structural sector improvements
Around the world, soya beans are in high demand for livestock feed and as a plant-based source of protein for human consumption, offering high protein content without cholesterol or saturated...
Cautious outlook for dry beans
Dry beans are important for crop rotation and make a significant contribution to the country’s economy, as domestically grown beans are also in demand internationally.
Top women scientists champion transformative agriculture research
Thirty women researchers, nine of whom are conducting research that benefits the agricultural sector, have received the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Award.
FMD case in Eastern Cape highlights communal grazing challenge
The confirmation of a new foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case in Amahlathi Local Municipality in the Amathole district has once again placed the Eastern Cape at the centre of South Africa’s...
Ethical trade still matters when consumers are under pressure
When household budgets tighten, ethical consumption is often the first casualty. Yet in agriculture, periods of economic strain are when fair trading relationships matter most. South Africa’s Fairtrade industry shows...
Flood of imports sour optimistic year for cane growers
A small recovery in local sugar production coincided with a steep drop in the international sugar price, and slow government response to the volatile international market resulted in record sugar...
Anomalies and contrasts ruled SA’s rainfall patterns in 2025
It was a year of extremes for South African weather, with unusually wet conditions in parts of the summer rainfall areas, while winter cropping areas felt the pinch of below-average...
Fruit growers deliver in 2025, but logistics limit exports
South Africa’s fruit exporters had a roller-coaster year, as optimism over record yields and exports was tempered by market jitters over tough tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump’s administration...
Rooiwal wastewater crisis hits farmers hardest
Failing infrastructure upstream of Hammanskraal near Pretoria, Gauteng, continues to undermine livestock welfare, crop production, and farm viability in northern Tshwane.
Against all odds: SA extra-virgin olive oil shines in 2025
South African extra-virgin olive oil producers have earned some of the highest honours at major international competitions over the past year, despite the local industry accounting for just 0,99% of...
Farmers could see cash flow relief if diesel prices fall
South African farmers are set to receive modest but welcome cost relief in January 2026, as a projected diesel price cut eases pressure during peak operations, particularly harvesting and land...
US tariffs tarnish trees and tinsel
US President Donald Trump’s trade war with China was expected to dampen festive cheer this year, with artificial Christmas trees noticeably more expensive for US consumers this holiday season.
Fiery weekend devastates Paarl wine estate, strains fire crews
A hot, windy weekend kept Western Cape fire crews busy on the last weekend before Christmas, with a fire at Laborie Wine Estate in Paarl and disruptions in a number...
