Drought demands a different way of making farming decisions
Farmers facing increasingly uncertain rainfall need to become more flexible in their decision-making and move away from following the same production recipe year after year.
Drought resilience starts below the soil surface
Producers looking to improve their farms’ resilience to drought and heat stress need to understand how well their soils capture and hold water, and then adapt irrigation, nutrition, and crop choices accordingly.
Technology and scale, not land alone, will shape farming’s future – Roodt
South African farmers may eventually get some relief from high fuel costs, inflation and interest rates, but surviving increasingly tight margins will require much more than favourable economic conditions.
Western Cape premier urges farmers to prepare for extreme summer
Europe’s extremely hot recent summer could be an early warning of severe conditions heading the Western Cape’s way, and the province and its agriculture sector therefore need to be ready, Premier Alan Winde told farmers at Nampo Cape 2026 on Friday.
Exhibitors upbeat despite lower Nampo Cape numbers
Nampo Cape is expected to have attracted between 38 000 and 40 000 visitors this year, down from last year’s record attendance, but organisers say exhibitors remained upbeat despite wet weather and tough economic conditions.
Nampo Cape builds momentum as farm pressures mount
Nampo Cape continued to prove its value as a meeting place for agriculture on Friday, as industry leaders grappled with mounting pressure on commodity prices, government support for emerging farmers and the challenges facing food production.
Drought resilience starts with the farm’s finances
Building drought resilience requires long-term business planning, realistic cash-flow projections, and proactive bank communication. Farmers must match financing to asset lifespans and structure debt properly before tough seasons hit.
Farmers’ practical solutions highlighted at Nampo Cape 2026
The 2026 Grain SA/Omnia Farmer Patent competition at Nampo Cape attracted 27 entries, up from 25 in 2025.
Willie Aucamp admits past failures in emerging farmer support
At Nampo Cape, Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp acknowledged failed government initiatives like agri-hubs, advocating for title deed transfers, skilled leadership, and strict due diligence to build profitable commercial farms.
Voters urged to put delivery before party loyalty to protect rural economies
South Africa’s municipalities needed to be judged on their ability to deliver basic services rather than political promises, as failing towns increasingly threatened the communities and businesses that depended on them.
Farmers highlight the brutal reality of predator damage at Nampo Cape
Predation Management Western Cape is raising awareness at Nampo Cape about severe livestock losses, demonstrating why regional predator control, professional hunting, and collaboration are essential to protect sheep.
Wheat industry ‘heading for tragedy’ without urgent reform
South Africa’s wheat industry was heading towards a tragedy unless long-standing structural problems were urgently addressed, with producers warning that it should not have taken a crisis to force reform.
Voluntary FMD vaccination poses major threat to red meat sector
At Nampo Cape, red meat industry leaders warned that voluntary foot-and-mouth disease vaccination and uneven biosecurity remain major operational risks, urging stronger industry co-operation, funding strategies, and mandatory controls.
‘Don’t panic, prepare’, experts tell farmers as El Niño fear spreads
A panel at Nampo Cape urged farmers to replace El Niño panic with practical preparation, highlighting financial planning, conservation agriculture, and strategic water management as key tools for resilience.
Choose the Dohne Merino for tough times, says farmer
In the Overberg, Potberg Dohnes proves why the versatile Dohne Merino excels. Renowned for mothering ability, high lambing rates, and fine wool, this tough breed delivers maximum profitability during difficult seasons.
CLAAS showcases new CEREX baler and AXION 9 tractor at Nampo Cape
CLAAS is showcasing its recently released CEREX 760 RF round baler and the AXION 9.450 CMATIC at Nampo Cape 2026. The CEREX introduces a new heavy-duty variable-chamber design, while the 448hp AXION is making its first Western Cape appearance.
Nampo Cape Day 2 sees agri experts focus on water and El Niño risks
The second day of Nampo Cape 2026 saw agriculture leaders tackle critical water rights, climate resilience, and incoming El Niño risks.
Increased Chinese demand and shrinking supply lift outlook for SA wool
A 54% rise in the South African Wool Market Indicator over the 2025/26 season, tightening global wool supplies and strong Chinese interest in wool are providing renewed optimism for South African wool producers.
Worst El Niño yet? SA agriculture enters from strong base
Farmers can no longer rely on historical patterns to guide decisions in an increasingly unpredictable agricultural environment, making access to timely market, weather and geopolitical information more important than ever.
Livestock farmers urged to step up fight against stock theft
Speaking at Nampo Cape, industry leaders urged livestock producers to strengthen defences against stock theft and predation.
