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.
From kitchen experiments to a thriving meat empire
What started as an after-hours kitchen project in the Truter household has grown into the fully fledged meat empire Deli-Co. Brothers Pieter and Hendri Truter told Glenneis Kriel how they turned a local favourite into a multigenerational family business.
SANRAL draft policy raises red flags for agriculture
The South African National Roads Agency’s (SANRAL) draft policy on Rest and Service Facilities (RSFs) could erode rural competitiveness and increase transport costs for the agriculture sector if adopted in its current form.
Practical guide to veld restoration for farmers
For many farmers, the idea of restoring and rehabilitating veld can feel overwhelming because it is often seen as expensive, complex, and difficult to know where to begin. However, this perception is often the biggest barrier to getting started.
Phytosanitary inefficiencies are slowing seed trade across Africa
Stronger collaboration, clearer regulations, and the rapid rollout of digital phytosanitary certification systems are emerging as key solutions to improve the speed, cost, and reliability of seed movement across Africa.
Western Cape ramps up FMD response with swift vaccination rollout and coordinated action
The Western Cape’s response to the ongoing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is gaining momentum, with provincial authorities and industry stakeholders pointing to strong coordination, early planning, and rapid vaccine deployment as key to containing the disease.
Jet Ski journey shines spotlight on farmers’ mental health struggles
Four friends from Pretoria are jet skiing along South Africa’s coastline to shine a spotlight on the pressures farmers face and the toll on their mental health, through the Coast 2 Coast 4 Farmers initiative.
Rainbow’s earnings surge on strong chicken demand and cheaper feed
The ongoing implementation of Rainbow Chicken Limited’s growth strategy, combined with strong demand for chicken, lower input costs, and a strengthening rand against the US dollar, boosted the company’s financial performance for the second half of 2025.
Agriculture helps drive SA’s economic growth in 2025
South Africa’s agricultural sector was one of the strongest contributors to the country’s economic growth in 2025, according to Statistics South Africa.
War on Iran threatens SA’s fuel and food prices
Escalating hostilities involving the US and Israel against Iran have unsettled global oil markets, fuelling fears that South Africans could face higher transport and food costs in the months ahead.
Canola producers urged not to plant farm-saved seed
Canola producers under financial pressure this season might be tempted to cut costs by planting farm-saved seed, but this could ultimately increase their losses.
Healing the soil to survive the droughts
On Nooitgedacht farm near Kenhardt in the Northern Cape, drought isn’t a crisis – it’s a way of life. But by improving soil health, Charl Saunderson has managed to make his land more resilient and productive in one of South Africa’s toughest farming regions.
Relief for SA agri exporters as US temporarily cuts import tariff to 10%
After Friday’s Supreme Court ruling that US President Donald Trump had violated federal law by unilaterally imposing sweeping global tariffs, Trump announced a 10% import tariff on all imports, later threatening 15%. However, the rate published on Monday morning remained at 10%.
Self-driving sprayers: cost-effective amid rising compliance pressure
Farmer’s Weekly recently had an opportunity to witness the compact, self-driving OSAM S500 PRO Multi-function Sprayer in action in a table grape vineyard in the Hex River Valley, Western Cape.
Canning industry faces mounting pressure from climate, markets, tariffs
The South African canning industry is navigating a tough season as dry, warm climatic conditions, tight markets, and a stronger rand collide with ongoing uncertainty around US tariffs.
Poultry master plan investments are starting to pay off
South Africa’s broiler industry is more competitive than the US’s, according to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy’s (BFAP) new ‘Competitiveness of the South African Broiler Industry’ report, after investment under the Poultry Sector Master Plan strengthened its efficiency and global standing.
From a reluctant farm worker to a raisin trailblazer
Petri Swart never planned on pursuing a job in agriculture. Yet, his hands-on approach, technical focus, and willingness to challenge conventional raisin production systems has earned him recognition as SA Raisins’ 2025 Young Farmer of the Year.
PropelMapper: turning voice notes into actionable farm insights
A platform, PropelMapper, is transforming how agricultural consultants, sales agents and researchers capture and use field data, producing insights that can be shared across teams. Tech entrepreneur Reghardt Pretorius, co-founder of PropelMapper, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the solution.
Crafting excellence in the Green Kalahari
Bezalel Wine and Brandy Estate has evolved from a bulk grape supplier to a producer of small-batch, high-quality wines, brandies, and infusions. Martiens Bezuidenhout spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his family’s journey.
Call for VAT-free chicken ahead of 2026 Budget Speech
Civil society organisation FairPlay has renewed its call for VAT-free chicken ahead of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget speech later this month, saying zero-rating basic poultry products would be the fastest way to address food insecurity and child malnutrition in South Africa.
Getting to the root of healthy vineyards
Vineyard success is built from the ground up, starting with the correct planting and care of new vines. Glenneis Kriel reports on the advice of viticulturist Marko Roux on how growers can give vines the best possible start.
