Potato prices slide as onion market holds firm
Higher supply delivered sharply different outcomes in South Africa’s potato and onion markets during the first half of 2026, with average potato prices falling by 19% while onion prices rose by 8%, according to Absa AgriBusiness’s latest AgriTrends report.
No livestock allowed at Namibian agricultural shows due to FMD outbreak
The confirmation of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Namibia has resulted in the cancellation of the livestock category of the Windhoek Agricultural and Livestock Show. The show is due to take place from 29 September to 3 October 2026.
Grow for Gold: SA grain farmers push yields to new heights
South Africa's grain producers set 11 new Grow for Gold competition records in 2026, with particularly strong performances from producers farming under dryland conditions in the North West, and exceptionally high yields under irrigation.
Namibia bans exports and animal movement after confirmed FMD case
Following a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Karasburg State Veterinary District of Namibia, situated in the country’s FMD-free zone, the Namibia Agricultural Union has urged the Namibian government to declare a state of emergency.
Fruit industry must turn rising volumes into better returns
South Africa’s fruit export industry is entering a new phase in which producing more fruit is no longer enough to secure stronger returns, with market access, logistics, and the timing of exports becoming increasingly important for profitability.
Standardisation is key to tackling rooibos residue concerns
Black marker pens, mosquito repellent, and hand sanitiser have been identified as potential sources of detectable residues in rooibos tea, industry experts told delegates at the Rooibos Tea Producers Association’s annual general meeting near Clanwilliam in the Western Cape on 17 September.
New funding framework on the table for sugar cane farmers
Government plans to explore a more suitable financing framework for sugar cane growers after farm visits in KwaZulu-Natal highlighted gaps in existing funding models.
Beyond production: Creating more value from African agriculture
Africa's agricultural potential will not translate into food security, jobs, and economic growth simply by producing more food, delegates heard at the 10th Africa Agri Expo in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Timing could be farmers’ best defence against price shocks
In an increasingly volatile operating environment, farmers can protect their margins by paying closer attention to when they buy inputs and market their produce, according to Absa’s AgriTrends 2026 Spring Edition report.
Botswana to streamline game-farming permit applications
Botswana is moving to digitise its game-farming permit application process as the government seeks to expand the country’s wildlife economy and create opportunities for agricultural diversification.
Langgewens marks 100 years of research that has shaped farming
A century of research at Langgewens, near Malmesbury in the Swartland, Western Cape, has helped transform farming far beyond the boundaries of the research farm, contributing to advances in crop production, soil management, conservation agriculture, and livestock systems.
Aucamp commits to disaster area classification for Gamtoos Valley
Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp has committed his department to pursuing the classification of the Gamtoos Valley in the Eastern Cape as a disaster area, following a meeting with farmers and local authorities in Humansdorp and Patensie.
Olive oil producers urged to focus on quality as global prices tumble
South African olive oil producers will increasingly have to compete on quality, freshness, and provenance as recovering global supplies drive international prices down and see the return of cheaper imported oils to local shelves.
Nic de Beer named young auctioneer of the year
A young auctioneer from Tzaneen in Limpopo has been named the Plaas Media Toyota SA National Young Auctioneer of the Year after claiming first place at Nampo Cape 2026.
Preparing for drought is hard for farmers drowning in debt
An audience member at Farmer’s Weekly’s panel discussion on El Niño preparedness said while the theory of implementing practical steps to improve resilience makes perfect sense, it comes at a cost that many smaller farmers simply cannot afford.
Rooibos growers upbeat as rain revives planting hopes
More than 250 km from Cape Town, in the heart of South Africa's unique rooibos producing region near Clanwilliam, growers gathered at Rondeberg Resort for the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Rooibos Tea Producers Association (RTPA) held on 17 September 2026.
Phahamo Agribusiness first annual farmers’ day unites local agri community
Phahamo Agribusiness held its first annual farmers’ day on 4 September 2026 at Protea Hotel in Klerksdorp, bringing local farmers and other agricultural stakeholders together to engage with one another and share their knowledge.
High praise for Die Krip Landboufees
Over the past five years, Die Krip Landboufees has grown into a fully-fledged agricultural festival in Magaliesburg, Gauteng. During the weekend of 4 and 5 September, the small, scenic town drew visitors to celebrate everything that makes South Africa’s farming spirit unique.
Meyer gives farmers an election checklist ahead of municipal elections
With local government elections fast approaching, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer has urged farmers to scrutinise municipal candidates on issues that directly affect agriculture before voting.
How tech is shaping the future of animal feed
Opening a discussion during AFMA’s 12th Animal Feed Conference held from from 8 to10 September 2026 at Sun City, Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior global specialist in animal protein at Rabobank, said it’s becoming clear that forces currently in motion may have a major impact on the feed and food industries in the years ahead.
