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.
Landmark ruling in land claims case
The recent Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that a R300 000 deduction from an Mpumalanga farm’s compensation value, because it was destined for land restitution, was not justifiable, bodes well for property owners in South Africa.
Boost for East African wheat production
Recommendations aimed at boosting wheat production in East Africa have been approved by the principal secretaries for trade in Kenya and Tanzania, Dr Chris Kiptoo and Prof Adolf Mkenda.
SA’s oldest apple tree stripped for firewood
South Africa’s oldest apple tree has been stripped of all its branches, presumably to be used as firewood. It is, however, uncertain who was responsible for the damage.
Botswana reports suspected foot-and-mouth outbreak
Botswana recently reported a suspected outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Ngamiland to the World Organisation for Animal Health.
‘National government has failed farmers in Western Cape’
The impact of drought in the Western Cape could have been mitigated through better infrastructural planning and development, according to Marinus van der Merwe, a member of Agri Wes Cape’s Natural Resource Policy Committee.
How to succeed with small-scale chicken farming
Glenneis Kriel spoke to poultry industry experts about the challenges facing small-scale producers and ways in which these can be overcome.
New cultivars & production methods for guava industry
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is funding research to stimulate and sustain the growth and development of minor crops in the province, a move that promises to transform the guava industry in the region.
50/50 Policy farm, Solms-Delta, under business rescue
Equity share scheme, Solms-Delta Estate, has been placed under business rescue. Mark Solms, a majority shareholder in the project is however positive that this is temporary.
Karoo cheesery’s big plans for the community
Dean Lategan and Ashley-Ann May of Latana Cheese near Oudshoorn have been producing boutique cheeses since 2012. Now the two are planning to expand production into goats’ milk cheese, while uplifting the local community at the same time. Glenneis Kriel reports.
Aquaponics: ‘economy of scale is the key’
Aquaponics, which combines aquaculture and hydroponics, is increasingly becoming popular in many countries due to its ability to boost farm output and reduce waste. Glenneis Kriel spoke to Ruann Coleman of Eden Aquaponics about his experiences with this production system.
The benefits of choosing a career in agri – Nono Sekhoto
Thirty-five-year-old, Nono Sekhoto, joined her father’s farming operation, Makolobane Farmers Enterprises near Senekal, in 2011. Realising the importance of being part of a network, she joined the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa, where she sits on the national executive committee and advocates for young farmers’ needs.
Amaranth farm trial: a high-potential crop for marginal land?
Amaranth has a high nutrient value and is a popular superfood worldwide. Because it can withstand harsh climatic conditions, it is also an attractive crop to farm. Western Cape farmer, Gerrie Niewoudt, tested it and discussed the results with Glenneis Kriel.
Solar panels lower cooling costs
In 2013, Ceres Fruit Growers (CFG) installed solar panels on the roof of its controlled atmosphere rooms to reduce its load on the municipal grid. Rahim Hassan, manager of engineering services at CFG, speaks about the importance of this decision.
Cash crops can combat low grape prices – Part 2
While some farmers in the Olifants River Valley are switching to organic production to overcome poor wine prices, others are converting to fruit and vegetables.
Turning pig waste into energy
Zandam cheese and piggery, in partnership with the green energy company, Ibert, recently established a biogas plant to convert waste from the piggery into electricity and heat. Piggery owner Mauro Delle Donne explains.
Shares increase as Kaap Agri lists on JSE
Agricultural service company, Kaap Agri Group, listed in the speciality retailer sector of the JSE with an opening value of R58,60/share this morning, valuing the company at about R4,1 billion. Shares have since increased to R61/share.
Diversification beats poor wine grape prices – Part 1
Wine grape prices have remained unchanged for the past decade, and producers in the Olifants River Valley have started to investigate alternative avenues for generating income. Local farmer, Willem van Zyl, explains these to Glenneis Kriel in a two-part series.
Olifants River Valley farmers’ irrigation woes
The supply of water to Olifants River Valley producers has been frequently interrupted in recent years due to breakages in the irrigation canal. Glenneis Kriel spoke to Johan Matthee, CEO of the Lower Olifants River Water Users’ Association, about the causes of this and its impact on farmers.
The guardians of South Africa’s export fruit quality
Farmers invest considerable money and time to produce high-quality fruit and vegetables. Lucien Jansen, CEO of the Perishable Products Export Control Board, South Africa’s export certification agency, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of cold chain management.
The science of fruit packaging: SA leads the way
Stellenbosch University is acknowledged as a world leader in research on optimising packaging design for the fruit industry. Prof Linus Opara spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the university’s achievements in this regard, as well as the latest trends in the field.
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