Technology

Carel van Niekerk Jr of Piket Implements spoke to Petri de Beer about the recent hemp trials in which the company participated, and the potential for the crop in South Africa.

While motorbikes provide much pleasure, adventure, and relaxation to two-wheel enthusiasts, they also serve as a practical, fuel-efficient way of monitoring tough farm terrain, writes Jedrie Harmse.

In line with the advancement of technology, implements, and systems in the agriculture sector, New Holland is modifying their new-generation tractors to keep pace with farmers’ needs in the future, writes Jaco du Preez.

The demarcation of South Africa’s first butterfly conservation servitude on a property owned by Letsitele farmer Gustav Van Veijeren marks a positive step for rare species protection. He and Etienne Terblanche, a Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa custodian, spoke to Farmer’s Weekly.

Even though the face-lifted Isuzu D-Max was rolled out in other markets more than two years ago, South Africans are still waiting for the updated bakkie, writes The Citizen’s Charl Bosch.

In 2025, South Africa recorded more than 24 000 confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease across multiple provinces, threatening the livestock industry, trade, and livelihoods. In such circumstances, maintaining biosecurity and animal health is critical, and farmers need reliable tools to act swiftly and efficiently.

Variable speed drives are transforming modern irrigation by shifting control from valves to pump speed. Instead of running motors at full capacity and throttling flow, the drives adjust motor speed to match real-time crop water demand, reducing energy use, electrical stress and water hammer.

Agrico’s G3 centre pivot irrigation system is designed to adapt to the challenges of modern farming and isn’t just another ordinary water application system.

Second hand farm machinery can deliver excellent value, if you know what to look for. Western Cape equipment broker Debbie Smit gave Lindi Botha practical advice to help farmers decide when to buy new, when pre-owned is the smarter choice, and how to avoid the costly pitfalls that often catch buyers off-guard.

After a 10-year hiatus, Chinese manufacturer Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) has returned to South Africa with the budget beater Vigus Pro bakkie, writes The Citizen’s Charl Bosch.

Farmer’s Weekly recently had an opportunity to witness the compact, self-driving OSAM S500 PRO Multi-function Sprayer in action in a table grape vineyard in the Hex River Valley, Western Cape.

The latest generation of the world’s best-selling car model of 2024, the Toyota RAV4, is heading to South Africa this year. The Citizen’s Charl Bosch reports.

Indian carmaker Tata re-entered the local passenger car market last year with a line-up headed by the brand’s only diesel offering, the Harrier. The Citizen’s Charl Bosch put the SUV to the test.

The new John Deere S7 Combine offers innovative improvements that help farmers get more out of every hour in the field.

The XC60, Volvo’s best-selling SUV, recently received a makeover and some new interior features. The Citizen’s Mark Jones reports.

With the hybrid indicated by a lowercase ‘h’ in its new 700 nomenclature, the electrified Lexus LX, on paper, is the opposite of the petrol-fuelled LX600 it replaces. The Citizen’s Charl reports.

Custom single-cab conversions offer practical solutions for safe storage and transport across a variety of industries and businesses. Toyota-engineered alterations are now available through Hilux Custom Builds to ensure uncompromising performance.

Picture this: a seven-seater SUV that manages impressive fuel efficiency while delivering 455kW of power and 920Nm of torque. That’s what you get with the Chery Tiggo 9 CHS Vanguard, writes The Citizen’s Mark Jones.

Water scarcity remains one of South Africa’s biggest challenges, especially in agriculture. Shenton Botes, managing director of Astore Keymak, says the sector, as a major water user, must prioritise efficiency to support long-term sustainability and food security.

BYD might be a new player in South Africa, but it’s already making waves with its new energy vehicles, writes The Citizen’s Mark Jones.