Farmers urged to prepare for La Niña conditions

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) released its summer seasonal forecast, cautioning farmers to prepare for a wetter-than-usual summer as the country moves towards a weak La Niña event.

Corteva announces plans to split its seed and chemical businesses

Corteva, the multinational company that develops seed and crop protection products, recently announced in a press release that it plans to separate its seed and chemical businesses into two publicly traded companies.

SA wine industry bullish about African market

African consumers are developing a palate for South African wines, as is evidenced by the fact that Nigeria imported more South African wine than China in 2024.

Emerging farmers seminar plants seeds for food security

Around 125 farmers, officials, and agricultural society representatives from the West Rand in Gauteng converged at Greenhills Stadium Hall in Randfontein on 26 September for the G20 Emerging Farmers Seminar, a day of knowledge, innovation, and inspiration.

Evolution of nematicide technology at a glance

Dr Driekie Fourie, Syngenta Seedcare product biologist for Africa and the Middle East, told the recent 25th Nematological Society of Southern Africa Symposium near Malelane, Mpumalanga, that nematicides have come a long way since their introduction in the mid-19th century.

No confirmed cases of pesticide resistance in tomato leaf miner

The tomato leaf miner moth is becoming increasingly challenging for tomato farmers to combat. However, CropLife SA says that although some pesticide applications have been ineffective, the pest has not yet shown resistance to any active ingredients.

Landmark publication marks a century of pig stud breeding

Following its annual general meeting on 25 September, the Pig Breeders’ Society of South Africa marked a century of stud breeding by launching its commemorative book, Pig Breeders’ Society of South Africa 1919–2019: 100 Years of Pig Stud Breeding.

Young working dog takes National Sheepdog Championship title

In a nail-biting finish at the South African National Sheepdog Championship, held from 19 to 21 September near Buffeljagsrivier in the Southern Cape, Yvan Fourie and his dog Wimpie claimed their first national crown.

Privatisation of SA ports will promote productivity

A South African study has found that ports in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, and even the tiny nation Togo in West Africa have transformed from slow, congested, government-managed ports into globally competitive systems after privatisation.

Forecast climatic conditions highlight need for crop insurance

Agricultural production is increasingly affected by changing climate patterns, with experts observing that rainfall and temperature shifts are becoming more unpredictable.

Have your say in new stock theft study

A newly approved national study aims to investigate the role that community engagement plays in preventing livestock theft.

Warming climate poses threat to blueberry producers around the world

Climate change emerged as a significant factor in the future development of blueberry production at last week’s International Blueberry Organisation summit held in Cape Town, Western Cape.

Bumper potato harvest drives SA market oversupply

The South African potato industry is seeing a sharp drop in prices after a bumper harvest. Expanded plantings, good rainfall, and a mild winter have led to strong yields across the country.

Yield records broken in the Grow for Gold competition

A wider choice of improved cultivars, along with adapted production and field management practices, is contributing to higher grain yields, greater profitability, and a more sustainable grain production industry in South Africa.

‘All farmers must prioritise water-use compliance’ – DWS

During the Agri 5 Expo in East London, Lizna Fourie, assistant director of the Department of Water and Sanitation, emphasised the need for farmers to comply with the National Water Act and adopt responsible water-use practices.

Record-breaking carcass auction and family triumph at Lamb Champs Boland

The Lamb Champs Boland 2025, held on Heritage Day at Hoër Landbouskool Boland in Paarl, Western Cape, delivered history-making moments for South Africa’s sheep industry.

APAC highlights need for transparency in agricultural marketing

The Agricultural Produce Agents Council used its platform at the 12th Agri 5 Expo, which opened today and runs until tomorrow at the Buffalo Club in East London, Eastern Cape, to stress the importance of fair and transparent practices in agricultural marketing.

Exports and destinations for SA blueberries expand

It is a testament to the strength and adaptability of the local blueberry industry that exports grew by 7% this past year, despite up to 70% of the country’s early cultivars being wiped out by black frost in the Groblersdal region.

Learners gain practical skills through EduPlant programme

In Diepkloof, Soweto, the Philip Kushlick School for learners with special needs recently highlighted how the EduPlant School Gardening and Nutrition Programme is benefitting the school and the wider community during a site visit to their food garden on Friday, 12 September.

Patensie songbird wins Agri’s Got Talent 2025

Twenty-five-year-old Jenedine Jantjies from Patensie in the Eastern Cape was crowned the winner of this year’s Agri’s Got Talent competition after moving judges and audiences alike with her heartfelt renditions of ‘This is Me’ and ‘One and Only’.

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