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.
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.
Tractor, combine harvester sales edge higher, but uncertainty clouds outlook
Tractor and combine harvester sales recorded year-on-year gains in April, but rising input costs and weaker commodity prices are beginning to weigh on farmer confidence, says Dr Jim Rankin, secretary of the South African Agricultural Machinery Association and CEO of AGFACTS.
Boereplanne competition at Nampo showcases farmers’ ingenuity
From spare-wheel solutions to livestock recovery aids, entrants in this year’s Nampo Boereplanne competition impressed judges with practical innovations shaped by real challenges on farms across Southern Africa.
Costly mistakes farmers often make when debushing
Bush encroachment can reduce grazing capacity and water availability, making livestock management difficult. However, clearing invasive species can also become an expensive exercise if it is not done correctly.
Tips for buying smart at Nampo
As farmers prepare for Nampo Harvest Day, the lure of new machinery may be difficult to ignore. However, the wrong purchase can become a costly mistake. Dr Jim Rankin, secretary of the South African Agricultural Machinery Association, shares key factors to consider before buying.
Big horsepower, smart technology lined up for Nampo 2026
Whether you are looking for compact orchard tractors or high-horsepower machines built for large-scale operations, this year’s Nampo Harvest Day promises something for every production system. Farmer’s Weekly spoke to some of the leading exhibitors about the showstoppers in their line-ups.
Potato farmers push back against proposed groundwater rules
Sandveld potato producers have warned that proposed groundwater regulations could increase costs and red tape and ultimately threaten production in one of the country’s most water-dependent regions.
Potatoes SA targets levy shake-up to fund next phase of expansion
After lifting consumption and driving on-farm efficiencies, Potatoes SA is looking to restructure its levy system to secure more stable funding for future industry expansion.
Court confirms market value as baseline for land compensation talks
The Supreme Court of Appeal has reaffirmed that market value must be the starting point when determining compensation for expropriated property.
NSPCA raises alarm over animal welfare failures at prison farms
The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has called on the minister of correctional services and the department’s national commissioner to urgently address animal welfare concerns at agricultural correctional facilities across South Africa.
Nearly half of SA’s wastewater systems in critical state
The proportion of the country’s 848 wastewater systems in a critical state rose from 39% (334) in 2021 to 47% (396) in 2024, according to the recently released 2025 Green Drop Report.
Farmers urged to act now on water risks
Water security is fast becoming one of the biggest threats to South Africa’s fruit industry, with climate change, drought, and flooding already disrupting production. This was the stark warning during a recent Sustainable Water Use Footprint webinar hosted by Hortgro.
Precision and discipline drive success on Northern Cape raisin farm
Albertus van der Merwe, Raisins South Africa’s Most Improved Grower of the Year in 2025, balances multiple farming ventures while maintaining precision, performance, and a people-focused approach.
From chance to choice: a women’s rise to farming success
Many raisin producers assume that retiring without a son to take over the farm means the end of the family business. Alcois Blaauw, this year’s winner of the Raisins SA Female Producer Award, proves that assumption to be wrong. Glenneis Kriel reports.
The basics of irrigation during hot weather
Hot, dry conditions test even the best irrigation strategies. Christo van der Westhuizen, agronomist at Netafim Southern and East Africa, explained to Glenneis Kriel how farmers can manage water efficiently to protect crops during hot days.
