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.
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.
Zoomlion launches hybrid tractor in South Africa
Chinese equipment manufacturer Zoomlion is expanding its South African footprint beyond construction and mining machinery into agricultural equipment, aiming to offer first-world technology at significantly lower prices than those of established brands.
Case IH AF9 raises the bar for smart harvesting
Case IH introduced its new Axial-Flow 9 (AF9) combine harvester during a media briefing at Nampo 2026 in Bothaville, Free State, where the machine attracted considerable attention for its combination of high-capacity harvesting, advanced automation, and redesigned engineering.
High stock levels, weak demand put SA wine industry under pressure
The South African wine industry is under pressure from rising stock levels, a contracting vineyard footprint, and shifting global demand, forcing producers to rethink long-term production models.
Court battle looms over US chicken import quota
The South African poultry industry is taking Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau to court in a bid to suspend a long-standing rebate that allows tens of thousands of tons of US chicken into the country each year without antidumping duties.
John Deere pushes rigid-frame tractor power to new levels
John Deere added six new models to its 8 Series in February this year, filling the gap between traditional row crop tractors and articulated four-wheel drive platforms, such as the John Deere 9R.
New Holland’s next-generation harvester unveiled at Nampo 2026
The new CR10 combine harvester is New Holland’s answer to the harvesting demands of today and tomorrow.
New Holland T9 upgrades deliver more than brute power
The high-horsepower T9 range of New Holland has been upgraded with six PLM Intelligence models, bringing more power, improved efficiency and smarter precision technology for large-scale farming.
More power, less effort: New Holland refreshes T8 Genesis tractor range
New Holland has given its Genesis T8 series a comprehensive upgrade, boosting power and refining efficiency while placing a stronger emphasis on operator comfort and digital integration.
Analysing the real cost behind that tractor deal
If machinery sales are a little slower at Nampo Harvest Day this year, some in the industry might jokingly point the finger at Wynand Visser, financial adviser at North Financial Services. Armed with a custom-built model designed to strip away marketing spin and expose the real cost of finance deals, Visser is making it harder for glossy promotions to do all the talking.
Precision agriculture pays off when backed by data and sound agronomy
Precision agriculture technologies can significantly improve profitability, but farmers who expect savings through lower input use may be missing the bigger picture. Research presented by Karen Truter at Nampo 2026 shows that the real gains often come from higher yields, better management of soil potential, and more informed decision-making.
South Africa’s blueberry growers face rising global pressure
As Peru dominates global blueberry production through scale and efficiency, South African producer Six33 is taking a different approach. By focusing on premium fruit quality, improved genetics and refined labour management, the Franschhoek-based business is positioning itself to compete in an increasingly demanding export market.
