Agribusiness

South African agriculture faces relentless challenges, from extreme weather events to escalating production costs, and to thrive in this environment, the next generation of farmers must embrace technology and innovation. Recognising this, Lindsay Africa and the University of the Free State (UFS) have joined forces, harnessing Zimmatic’s irrigation technology to grow not only crops but also expertise.

From veganism to upcycling, new food trends present avenues for value adding and exploring new markets. After a recent visit to Switzerland, Lindi Botha reports on two companies making headway in that country.

Nestlé is transforming dairy farming through a pioneering zero-carbon partnership with Skimmelkrans Dairy Farm and 119 additional farms across South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. This initiative started with Skimmelkrans in 2020.

The recent International Federation of Agricultural Journalists world congress, held in Interlaken in Switzerland, offered a unique platform to explore the diverse landscape of Swiss agriculture. Magda du Toit reports on how some farms are distinguishing themselves from others to remain competitive.

Janine Ryan spoke to Warren Winchester, general manager of impact investing at Fedgroup, about why the company became involved in agriculture, and what it offers farmers and their immediate communities.

Young farmer Resego Njoro, head of Oarabile 21 Holdings in Vereenging, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about this diverse farming operation where he produces crops and raises livestock.

Valeska van Schoor, co-founder and director of Gro4Africa, overcame financial and experiential challenges to build a successful farming business with her husband from scratch. She spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about how they transformed a vacant plot into a thriving, sustainable vegetable farm.

Farms that embrace solar energy and battery energy storage system solutions will ensure their energy security and remain competitive in the future, operating more independently from the grid.

Groot Phesantekraal Boerdery, located near Durbanville along the Diepe River, has a rich history spanning generations. Their Vissershok farm is one of the oldest in South Africa and the country’s first wheat farm, which is why it is officially recognised today as a heritage site.

Jan Strydom, operations manager at ONE54 South Africa, spoke to Marinda Louw-Coetzee about the launch of A1 Fruit Water, a natural sparkling fruit water.

Octavia Avesca Spandiel visited Crossways Farm Village, South Africa’s first contemporary new rural town and smart village near Gqeberha, showcasing its focus on community, conservation, and agriculture.

Agrico is a well-known name in the farming community across Southern Africa. It’s a family business with a passion for agriculture and farmers and the aspiration to make our beautiful region a better place for everyone.