Annelie Coleman
Annelie Coleman represents Farmer’s Weekly in the Free State, North West and Northern Cape.
Agriculture is in her blood. She grew up on a maize farm in the Wesselsbron district where her brother is still continuing with the family business.
Annelie is passionate about the area she works in and calls it ‘God’s own country’. She’s particularly interested in beef cattle farming, especially with the indigenous African breeds.
‘Red meat exports must be prioritised in 2022’
South Africa’s red meat industry benefited from the steady increase in the producer prices of beef, mutton and lamb in 2021, but exports of carcasses and live animals now need to increase.
SA and Australia renew mutual recognition agreement for vets
South African livestock producers can be assured that the veterinarians who care for their herds are amongst the best in the world. This was according to Dr Sarah Ewing, education officer at the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC).
Damage reported to summer crops after heavy rainfall
Farmers in the eastern and western parts of the summer grain production region have reported damage to grain crops following several weeks of rainfall.
‘Pass the potato’ and help to feed the hungry this December
A donation of more than 2t of potatoes to feed the hungry this festive season is typical of farmers and the agricultural value chain’s commitment to local communities and the less fortunate.
Farming profitably on leased land
Richard Mashinini runs a flourishing commercial farm in the Free State. He spoke to Annelie Coleman about his education and the people who helped him succeed, and the uncertainty of farming on rented land.
Locust swarms decimate recuperating Northern Cape veld
The current brown locust (Locustana pardalina) outbreak in the Northern Cape is by far surpassing the infestations witnessed earlier in the year as well as last year.
Early start for summer grains after good spring rain
Grain and oilseed plantings in the summer grain production region of South Africa is well underway after the good rainfall that occurred in November and December.
Large grain harvest, good prices bolster Senwes results
The Senwes Group has increased its turnover by 47,8% to R5,2 billion, according to its interim results for the six months ended 31 October 2021.
Magoebaskloof boasts tallest planted tree in the world
South Africa now holds the records for the highest tree in Africa and the highest planted tree in the world.
Increase in SA citrus exports despite problems at ports
Southern African citrus growers exported 161,6 million 15kg-equivalent cartons of local citrus during 2021. This was 18,6 million cartons more than last year, despite several logistical difficulties that arose during the season.
Stricter regulation awaits SA agrochemical industry
The South African agrochemical sector has been urged to take immediate steps to comply with its legislative obligations before a pending crackdown by regulators.
Strong results for Kaap Agri despite major challenges
Despite an extraordinary year characterised by suppressed GDP growth, record high fuel prices, changing consumer patterns, and a reduction in travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaap Agri has delivered a strong financial performance for the year ended September 2021.
Action against uranium mining in Namibia welcomed
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has welcomed the decision by that country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform to withdraw two permits issued for the drilling of 37 boreholes for exploration and hydrogeological purposes in the Stampriet Basin.
Call for renewed hunt for killers in Brendin Horner case
Free State Agriculture (FSA) has called for the murder of a Free State farm manager, who was killed in a farm attack in 2020, to be reinvestigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Integrated pest management: Taking care of crop protectors
Integrated pest management has become an increasingly popular means of protecting crops against damage from pests such as weeds and insects, and is being driven by, among other factors, the growing resistance to a purely chemical approach to crop protection. Annelie Coleman spoke to several experts to find out more.
Cost of farming escalates for producers in Namibia
The rising inflation rate in Namibia can partly be ascribed to the unprecedented spike in the price of agricultural inputs this year.
Bull breeding and selection for profitable beef production
The money-maker in the herd is the bull, says eastern Free State Simbra breeder Rick Dell. He spoke to Annelie Coleman about the management and selection of breeding bulls for commercial cattle herds.
Up to 20% smaller mango harvest expected for SA this season
South African mango producers are concerned about the 2021/22 harvest, which is currently expected to be between 15% and 20% smaller than average.
Breeding chickens for the show ring
What started out as a hobby for Helene Roodt six years ago has since turned into a full-time and surprisingly intricate and successful show chicken breeding business. Annelie Coleman visited Roodt to find out more about her enterprise.
Transnet vandalism and cable theft at ‘unprecedented levels’
Transnet lost more than 1 000km of copper cable to theft during the first 10 months of this year.
