South Africa

Above-normal rainfall conditions in the north-eastern parts of the country, particularly KwaZulu-Natal, between March and July 2025 are likely to increase water levels during this period, according to Cobus Olivier, a prediction research scientist at the South African Weather Service.

Nyama Battle, South Africa’s first cooking competition series celebrating street food and smoky flavours, premiered on 23 February on eTV.

SASKO recently hosted a media luncheon during which it introduced its new ‘Betterest’ white and brown premium bread loaves. David Howard, SASKO’s head of research and development, spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about the company’s approach to wheat production and milling.

The so-called trade war between the US and China presents threats and opportunities for South Africa, according to Paul Makube, senior agricultural economist at FNB Commercial, and Marlene Louw, senior agricultural economist at Absa AgriBusiness.

The increasing prevalence of grey leaf spot (GLS), caused by the fungus Cercospora zeae-maydis, and northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum, in South Africa’s Highveld is raising concerns amongst maize farmers.

Pierre Vercueil, a farmer from Setlagoli, North West, won a New Holland TT3.45 (2WD) tractor in the CNH Parts & Service ‘Win a Tractor’ competition. The tractor was handed over during an event at New Holland NWK in Lichtenburg on 27 February.

In her recent State of the Province Address, Free State Premier Maqueen Joyce Letsoha-Mathae said that the provincial government had invested R1,9 billion in road infrastructure projects over the past financial year.

South Africa's agriculture sector achieved a record high US$13,7 billion (about R255 billion) in export value in 2024, a 3% increase on the previous year, according to data from Trade Map.

Pannar Seed (Pannar) recently hosted its Extravaganza 2025 in Val, eastern Mpumalanga, during which agronomists and farmers discussed the pressing challenges facing the grains and oilseed industry.

The South African wine industry is working hard to position itself for a better future. This was the key message that emerged during a panel discussion hosted by South Africa Wine at the Farmer of the Year 2024 event.

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) continues its battle against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with recent test results confirming further cases in the province.

The current African armyworm outbreak has reached historic proportions since first reported in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal on 15 February, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship manager of CropLife South Africa.