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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.

Happy pigs make for good business

With 9 600 sows, Chalala Farms near Malmesbury in the Swartland will soon produce more than 275 000 piglets per year. Jeff van Zyl, manager of the piggery, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the operation’s production methods.

Eastern Cape farmers head west to diversify

Two ways of reducing farming risk are to grow a variety of crops and plant in different geographical areas. Several citrus farmers from the Eastern Cape and other provinces have done both: they’ve bought land near Robertson to diversify production, and introduced new crops. Glenneis Kriel spoke to Hannes Joubert, and his son-in law, Jan Rabie, about their new venture.

Correct feeding can slash dairy cows’ methane emissions by 30%

Josef van Wyngaard, a doctoral student at the University of Pretoria, has found that South African dairy cattle emit less methane than initially thought, and there is room for significant reductions through strategic feeding.

Donkey farming: opportunity or threat?

At the beginning of 2017, plans aimed at cashing in on the growing demand for donkey meat and hides were announced in North West. Glenneis Kriel reports on the viability of donkey production in South Africa.

Rooibos: good production management key to higher yields

Wimpie Smit, co-owner of AMW Boerdery in the Western Cape, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about beating the odds in a tough market and managing a fickle crop.

African swine fever claims thousands of pigs in Zambia

Since its outbreak in the northern parts of Zambia in April 2017, African swine fever has resulted in the culling of more than 20 000 pigs.

Table grapes: how to speed up production in new vines

New vineyards can make or break a producer. Warren Bam, the Western Cape Agricultural Writers’ 2017 New Entrant to Commercial Farming of the Year nominee, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he establishes new vineyards without risking his cash.

SA agriculture’s housing dilemma: a farmer’s perspective

Farmers are frequently criticised for trying to remove illegal occupants from their land. This is often unfair, according to Peter de Wet, owner of Excelsior Wine Estate near Ashton in Langeberg. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his own experience of this issue, and his views on worker housing.

Mechanised fruit farming: increase profits and create jobs

Johan Esterhuyse, who produces a range of stone fruit varieties has introduced mechanisation on his farm to ensure profitability and long-term sustainability. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the positive impact of these innovations.

R1 billion boost for Namibian agriculture

The African Development Bank Group (ADBG) has approved a R1 billion loan to finance Namibia’s Agricultural Mechanisation and Seed Improvement Project.

From novice farmer to successful tunnel producer

Eleanore Swart produces tomatoes under cover near Botrivier in the Overberg. Having recently secured a long-term contract with a major fresh produce retailer, she plans to significantly expand production.

How IT can attract young people to African agri sector

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) were identified as key areas with which young people could be attracted to agriculture.

Big boost for Rwandan poultry production

Social impact agribusiness investor, AgDevCo, recently announced a US$3 million (about R43 million) debt investment in the Rwandan poultry company, Uzima Chicken.

Work your networks, says self-taught veggie farmer

Anastasia Smith won first prize in the 2016 Western Cape Top Women in Agriculture competition’s smallholder entrepreneur category. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel about her farming journey and her attitude towards educating, supporting and empowering others.