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.
Catch dry-cow problems before they get out of hand
The dry period plays a major role in determining a cow’s health, fertility, and productivity after calving. Detecting and addressing problems at this stage can reduce post-calving disease and involuntary culling, limit milk losses, and improve reproductive performance.
Making every drop count on a Tuli Block farm
In Botswana’s Tuli Block, where farmers measure every millimetre of rain, Manjo Stiglingh has transformed almost 5ha of veld into a thriving food forest. She spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about harvesting water, rebuilding soil, and designing a resilient farming ecosystem.
Swartland Show is a showcasing and solution platform
The 92nd Swartland Show will take place from Wednesday, 2 September, to Saturday, 5 September 2026, at the Moorreesburg Showgrounds in the Western Cape.
What SA’s most profitable wine farmers get right
Vinpro’s latest cost guide shows that long-term profitability is less about cutting costs than making every vineyard decision count. Yolandi Botha, an agricultural economist at Vinpro Agricultural Economic Service, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this.
The cold chain: agriculture’s missing profit link
Lowering field temperature as soon as possible after picking, along with better on-farm cooling and storage, can help farmers protect quality, retain market options, and reduce post-harvest losses of fruit and vegetables.
‘Organised agriculture is key to navigating change’ – Agri Western Cape
Strong producer organisations, effective public-private partnerships, and functioning infrastructure will be critical if South African agriculture is to withstand mounting economic, climatic, and biosecurity risks.
Dairy management: today’s decisions could shape future generations
At the 12th DMC Hollard Conference, held on 11 August in Durbanville in the Western Cape, speakers urged dairy farmers to use data and early intervention to prevent production, health, and fertility losses before they become visible or affect future generations.
Dry winter takes its toll on Western Cape crops and veld
Exceptionally dry conditions in June and July have affected wild flowers, grazing, and crops across parts of the Western Cape, despite the province’s relatively healthy dam levels.
South African Preserve Championships attracts record 700 entries
From traditional peach preserves to spekboom chutney and olives stuffed with cashew nuts, local producers showcased the country’s culinary heritage and flair for innovation at this year’s South African Preserve Championships.
Western Cape flood repair bill expected to exceed R2bn
Repairs to the Western Cape’s flood-damaged provincial road network are expected to cost more than R2 billion, but emergency funding is yet to be confirmed, and full recovery could take several years.
Searching for the vines of the future
Faced with a warmer climate and growing pressure to farm more sustainably, Bosman Adama is looking beyond South Africa’s conventional wine grape cultivars for vines better suited to future conditions.
Tax ruling against citrus producer could affect other farmers
A Western Cape High Court ruling that money placed in a structured self-insurance account is not tax-deductible could have implications for farmers using similar products and diminish the appeal of a tool designed to help agribusinesses build reserves against climate, disease, and market-related losses.
Protecting the harvest: Botswana farmer defends seasonal restrictions
Botswana’s vegetable import restrictions are often criticised as protectionist and disruptive to regional trade. But farmer Manjo Stiglingh says South Africans need to understand the size and dynamics of Botswana’s market, and why local growers regard seasonal protection as important for investment, food security, and job creation.
Getting the most out of spray drones
Spray drones offer clear advantages on the farm, but their success depends on how well they are managed. From drift control to logistics, careful planning is key to getting the best results. Anroé Steyn spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this.
It’s about the people: keeping a family business together
In family farming businesses, the hardest decisions are often about people, not production. At Bergrivier Besproeiing’s ‘Passion for your Farming’ farmers’ day in Paarl, Western Cape, three established farming families shared what it takes to keep both the business and the relationships intact across generations.
Balancing scale, cost and risk in ostrich chick production
Ostrich chick production can be a valuable source of income, but success depends largely on how it is done. Dr Adriaan Olivier shared key considerations with Glenneis Kriel that could make or break such a venture.
A Farmer’s Weekly adventure: the Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail
When I suggested that Farmer’s Weekly start running adventure stories to encourage readers and their families to reconnect with nature, our general manager, Gary Wium, said: “You should keep a daily diary.” Risky business, considering some of the things that stay safely locked inside my head, but here goes.
Learning from biogas setbacks
Biogas promises farmers lower energy costs, improved waste management, and protection against load-shedding, but results have been mixed. Mauro Delle Donne, owner of Zandam Cheese and Piggery, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the challenges he’s faced and how he plans to make it work in future.
True cost of May floods in Western Cape still unfolding
Roads and bridges have largely been restored after the Western Cape floods earlier this year, but Ceres and Witzenberg fruit growers are still grappling with widespread damage to orchards, vineyards, irrigation infrastructure, and pump stations, as well as topsoil losses.
Pest management starts with better decisions, not more sprays
Many farmers still think of integrated pest management (IPM) as a combination of pesticides, biological products and beneficial insects. But according to ProCrop SA plant pathologist Dr Gideon van Zyl, that understanding misses the point. Glenneis Kriel reports.
