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.
Minor economic growth in Zimbabwe as agricultural output shrinks
Zimbabwe's economy expanded by 2,9 % in 2024, according to the latest figures released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat).
Beefmaster Group welcomes Ngunis to its feedlots
The recent agreement between the Nguni Cattle Breeders' Society of South Africa and the Beefmaster Group’s feedlots was good for the industry as other feedlots penalised Nguni weaner producers by as much as R8/kg, according to Nico Harris, president of the society.
Grain SA commends Steenhuisen’s revocation of Leaf Services’ appointment
Grain SA has welcomed the announcement by Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen that the designation of Leaf Services as an assignee under the Agricultural Product Standards Act, 119 of 1990, has been officially revoked.
Farmers and processors urged to remain vigilant as FMD spreads in North West
Farmers and processors in North West have been urged to remain vigilant as foot-and-mouth disease continues to spread. The North West Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (NWRPO) has called on farmers and members of the red meat value chain to remain extremely vigilant to prevent the further spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the province.
‘Choose the SA Suffolk for lucrative sheep farming’
According to RC Malherbe, the SA Suffolk sheep breed has all the characteristics needed for profitable sheep farming.
Boer goat ram sells for world record price of R2,3 million
The Boer goat ram Next Level set a new world record when he was sold for R2,3 million to the VEA Stud. The Boer goat ram Next Level (762-22-1427) achieved a new world record for Boer goats when he was sold by Lukas and Abraham Burger in Griekwastad for R2,3 million.
Senepol: a genetically unique beef powerhouse
Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country’s beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke to Annelie Coleman about how the growing number of Senepol stud breeders underpins the value of the breed under exacting African conditions.
Livestock breeds undergo strict biosecurity protocols ahead of Nampo
The livestock component at Nampo Harvest Day has, over the years, become one of the highlights at the show, with 27 cattle breeds and 16 sheep, pig and goat breeds taking part in the exhibitions this year.
‘Dexters carry us through the drought’
The Helmeringhausen Farmers’ Association’s Dexter cattle project was honoured by the Namibia Agricultural Union as the 2024 NAU-Feedmaster Community Project of the Year. Association chairperson Jörg Gaugler spoke to Annelie Coleman about this unique project and the difference it makes in the farming community.
Anticipation grows as Nampo Harvest Day approaches
With the theme ‘Global agriculture, locally!’, this year’s Nampo Harvest Day (Nampo) is expected to draw more than 70 000 visitors to Nampo Park in Bothaville from 13 to 16 May.
Technology helps keep SA agriculture thriving, despite dryness
South Africa’s status as a net exporter of food and a leading player in high-value horticultural export markets contradicts the fact that it has always been a water-scarce country, subject to periodic droughts and erratic rainfall patterns, according to Arno Abeln, managing director at Agrimark Operations.
‘Grietjie’, at 445kg, is SA’s heaviest pumpkin for 2025
Cornelis Bester from Heidelberg took the laurels in this year’s Goliat van Gat Pumpkin Festival, hosted by the Cullinan Farmers’ Union, with a whopper of a 445kg pumpkin. Bester named the gigantic pumpkin Grietjie after his mother, Magriet Bester.
Germany to continue funding environment project in Namibia
Germany has extended funding for an environment protection project in Namibia for five years.
Grain SA to establish Nampo training facility
Delegates to the 2025 Grain SA congress gave their unanimous endorsement for the establishment of an agricultural technical training facility at the organisation’s Nampo facility near Bothaville in the Free State.
Weather SA predicts unusual conditions in autumn and winter
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.
Free State roads in “abominable” state, despite reported investment
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.
Rooibos exports keeping the industry going
Despite slightly lower rooibos tea crop expectations in 2025, the rooibos export market remains on an upward trend.
Zimbabwe targeting a 340% increase in crop production in 2025
The government of Zimbabwe is targeting a 340% increase in major crop production for the 2024/25 summer season, which was a positive step towards national self-sufficiency, according to Positive Eye News.
Buffalo bull with 56-inch horns sells for R22 million
Magic, a buffalo bull with 56-inch horns, was recently sold for R22 million at the Piet du Toit Wildlife Auction in North West. The bull was sold to four buyers.
Agri sector needs to focus on how budget allocation is spent – RPO
Over the past few years, the broader South African agriculture sector has been disappointed by the National Budget, according to Dr Frikkie Maré, CEO of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation.
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