Clayton Swart
Clayton Swart is a journalist, editor and communications manager with experience across South Africa and Europe, travelling extensively to major international trade shows. He has written for leading news publishers and global agriculture media, specialising in storytelling that connects people worldwide.
Latest articles
Undercover farming doesn’t offer shortcuts
Protected production provides greater control over growing conditions, but success still depends on healthy plants, sound management, and access to viable markets.
Patensie strikes winning note once again at Agri’s Got Talent
Honey Katoo from Patensie in the Eastern Cape took top honours at the 2026 Agri’s Got Talent competition at a gala evening near Klapmuts, Western Cape, on 16 October. She is the second consecutive winner from the citrus-growing town, following fellow Endulini Fruit employee Jenedine Jantjies’s win in 2025.
Smarter farming and food recovery can strengthen food security
Observed annually on 16 October, World Food Day draws attention to hunger, malnutrition, and the need for sustainable global food security. According to experts, South Africa could make better use of its agricultural resources through smarter farming, ecological practices, and improved food recovery.
Western and Eastern Cape farmers honoured at !Xhariep AWSA awards
A fruit farmer, an organic vegetable producer, and a collaborative citrus development were recognised at the 2026 Agricultural Writers SA (AWSA) !Xhariep regional awards in Cape Town on 9 October.
Organisers set to expand Nampo Alfa programme after successful 2026 event
Nampo Alfa staged its most successful livestock programme in a decade despite the continuing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) challenge, according to Albert Loubser, livestock coordinator for Nampo Alfa 2026. Organisers are now planning an Africa Livestock Conference as part of a broader African focus for 2027.
Savanna ram wins interbreed title at inaugural BKB Super 10 competition
Savanna ram Demolisher from Maize Valley Savanna Goat Stud lived up to his name at this year’s Nampo Alfa, defeating strong competition to claim the overall interbreed title at the inaugural BKB Super 10 Goat Show on 2 October.
Brahman, Simmentaler triumph at Nampo Alfa 2026
A Brahman bull and a Simmentaler cow claimed top honours at the 2026 Old Mutual Wealth National Interbreed Championships at Nampo Alfa on Saturday, 3 October.
Recovery and unity in focus as livestock industry gathers on Day 1 of Nampo...
Livestock competitions, outdoor demonstrations and youth skills development drew visitors to the opening day of Nampo Alfa, but discussions around the future of South Africa's livestock industry and the need for greater unity dominated many of the conversations.
Biosecurity measures help drive strong livestock turnout at Nampo Alfa 2026
Stringent biosecurity measures and widespread vaccination compliance have enabled Nampo Alfa to host one of its largest livestock exhibitions yet despite the ongoing challenge posed by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), according to Albert Loubser, livestock coordinator for Nampo Alfa.
Standardisation is key to tackling rooibos residue concerns
Black marker pens, mosquito repellent, and hand sanitiser have been identified as potential sources of detectable residues in rooibos tea, industry experts told delegates at the Rooibos Tea Producers Association’s annual general meeting near Clanwilliam in the Western Cape on 17 September.
Nic de Beer named young auctioneer of the year
A young auctioneer from Tzaneen in Limpopo has been named the Plaas Media Toyota SA National Young Auctioneer of the Year after claiming first place at Nampo Cape 2026.
Namibia’s agricultural future lies beyond beef
Dr Salomo Mbai, director of the Agricultural Trade Policy Institute at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, spoke to Clayton Swart about the opportunities he believes could shape Namibia’s next agricultural frontier.
Rooibos growers upbeat as rain revives planting hopes
More than 250 km from Cape Town, in the heart of South Africa's unique rooibos producing region near Clanwilliam, growers gathered at Rondeberg Resort for the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Rooibos Tea Producers Association (RTPA) held on 17 September 2026.
Building a profitable indigenous goat enterprise
Starting with only 20 breeding females and one male in April 2024, Leon Lourens and his partners have grown their indigenous veld goat enterprise LGL Farming Co outside Pretoria to about 148 animals. Their experience shows that understanding customers and building relationships can be just as important as increasing production.
Calls for urgent reform as Western Cape agriculture faces mounting risks
The Western Cape must accelerate climate adaptation, repair damaged rural infrastructure, and improve the Port of Cape Town if its agriculture sector is to remain globally competitive, says provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer.
Canola industry growth brings opportunity, but with risk
The growth potential of South Africa’s canola industry was placed in the spotlight at Nampo Cape 2026 during a Grain SA panel discussion titled ‘Canola: A Golden Future’.
Western Cape premier urges farmers to prepare for extreme summer
Europe’s extremely hot recent summer could be an early warning of severe conditions heading the Western Cape’s way, and the province and its agriculture sector therefore need to be ready, Premier Alan Winde told farmers at Nampo Cape 2026 on Friday.
Lack of rain weighs on Swartland growers, says Grain SA
Grain SA CEO Tobias Doyer says poor rainfall, weak grain prices and high input costs are highlighting the pressure facing many Swartland grain producers. In contrast, the Overberg area is expecting a better grain harvest, noted Doyer.
SA dairy sector must learn to live with FMD
At the Milk Producers’ Organisation Western Cape’s annual general meeting, experts urged South Africa’s dairy sector to make foot-and-mouth disease management a routine practice, ensuring biosecurity and herd immunity to safely meet rising milk demand.
Adaptability remains the Nguni’s greatest strength
As livestock producers contend with rising input costs, climate uncertainty, and increasing disease pressure, adaptability is becoming one of the most sought-after traits in beef production, says Limpopo veterinarian and Nguni breeder Dr Pierre Bester.
