Glenneis Kriel
Glenneis Kriel is a senior agricultural journalist for Farmer's Weekly. Her ventures into agricultural journalism started out by chance, more than 20 years ago, when someone suggested she freelance for the magazine, which turned out to be her dream job. Her passion is to write stories that inspire greatness and make people evaluate the way they are doing things.
Tough sentence for poachers gives Botswana game farmers hope
After months of escalating poaching that has decimated wildlife populations, caused livestock losses, and forced farmers to spend thousands of pula on security, prison sentences recently handed down to poachers have raised hopes that Botswana’s courts are beginning to take wildlife crime more seriously.
Wheat farmers left in the lurch as government rules out tariff changes
Industry role players say government’s decision to reject Grain SA’s proposed changes to the wheat import tariff system will leave wheat producers operating under conditions that have long eroded profitability.
Ongoing investment turned Lucerne Fields into Botswana’s top carrot producer
Lucerne Fields, the Tuli Block farming business behind Botswana's B-Fresh vegetable brand, recently celebrated 15 years of carrot production by opening its farm to its trade partners. The event showcased the investments and innovations that have transformed the business into Botswana's leading carrot producer.
Testing before planting: why on-farm trials matter for new pome fruit cultivars
With an abundance of new apple and pear cultivars entering the market, producers have more choice than ever but also face greater risk, as performance can vary widely under local conditions. Dihan Blom, pome product manager at Delecta, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how on-farm trials can reduce this risk.
Locally developed biochar-rock blend attracts global interest
Farmer’s Weekly in 2024 reported on promising field trial results for RegenR8, a plant growth enhancer combining biochar and volcanic rock, on wheat at Tygerhoek Research Farm near Riviersonderend in the Western Cape. Clayton Postma spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the latest developments with the product and shared his thoughts on how it is working.
Cape Town port ranked worst in the world, despite improvements
The Port of Cape Town has once again come under scrutiny after being ranked last out of 400 ports in the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence's Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025.
Case IH strengthens Steiger range with new 595, 645 models
Few names in high-horsepower agriculture carry the legacy of the Case IH Steiger range. From the early 91 and 93 series tractors to today’s advanced four-wheel-drive giants, the Steiger name has become synonymous with traction, brute pulling power, and ongoing engineering refinement.
New Holland launches T4F S speciality tractor range at Nampo
New Holland launched its T4F S speciality tractor range at Nampo 2026 in Bothaville, Free State, introducing a purpose-built solution for orchard, vineyard, and vegetable producers looking for a compact yet versatile machine.
John Deere expands flexibility with updated 6M tractor range
John Deere is positioning its updated 6M tractor range as a versatile, technology-ready workhorse aimed at bridging the gap between basic utility tractors and the company’s premium 6R series.
Case IH 475 High-Speed Disc delivers strength, speed, and time savings
The new Case IH 475 High-Speed Disc is built around a simple principle: high-speed, heavy-duty construction and efficient field performance that helps farmers save time during critical operations.
Richard Hutton-Squire named Western Cape Young Farmer of the Year 2026
Elgin pome fruit producer Richard Hutton-Squire was named the Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of the Year 2026 at a gala event in Paarl on Wednesday, with judges recognising his focus on strong farming fundamentals and sustained production growth.
Omnia’s operating profit jumps 28% on strong agriculture performance
Omnia Holdings delivered a stronger financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, underpinned by solid volume growth in its agriculture and mining businesses, improved margins, and disciplined cash generation.
Stara targets South Africa with precision farming technology, tailored machinery
Brazilian agricultural machinery manufacturer Stara is strengthening its direct presence in South Africa, shifting from an importer-led model to local dealer support while introducing precision farming technology and machines tailored specifically to local conditions.
Western Cape speeds up environmental approvals for flood repairs
The Western Cape government is working to make environmental approval processes more practical and responsive to agriculture’s needs following recent flooding in the province, while also aiming to reduce the regulatory burden on farmers.
Slow land reform, poor post-settlement support holding agriculture back
South Africa's agriculture sector could have created significantly more jobs and expanded production much faster had government implemented long-standing land reform and farmer support plans.
Wine industry is missing major township opportunity
South Africa’s wine industry is failing to connect with a rapidly modernising township consumer market that is increasingly driving food, lifestyle and premium alcohol trends, entrepreneur and author GG Alcock told delegates at the South Africa Wine Summit 2026.
Case IH Magnum blends power, efficiency, and operator comfort
Case IH’s latest Magnum range builds on decades of high-horsepower tractor development, combining increased power outputs with improved fuel efficiency, precision technology, and operator comfort.
John Deere targets contractors with new F-Series forage harvesters
John Deere has introduced its new-generation F-Series self-propelled forage harvesters to the global market, with the machines aimed specifically at large dairy operations and silage contractors seeking higher throughput, lower fuel consumption, and improved forage quality.
Adapting to a shifting trade, climate, and regulatory landscape
Speakers at the Hortgro Technical Symposium 2026, which kicked off in Somerset West in the Western Cape yesterday, said South Africa’s agriculture sector is being reshaped by climate shocks, logistics constraints, tightening regulation, and changing global trade dynamics, while remaining highly competitive and export-oriented.
From grid reliance to energy independence
By investing in a private solar microgrid, Mooigezicht Estates has reduced its reliance on Eskom while gaining greater control over energy costs and supply. Francois Rossouw spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the thinking behind the project, the system’s performance so far, the financial considerations behind the investment, and what it means to the future of the business.
