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.
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.
Holographic cow improves learning experience
UK researchers have developed interactive hologram imagery of cattle to enliven bovine anatomy teaching at Harper Adams University in Shropshire.
Ceres farmer achieves best-ever harvest, despite drought
Despite extremely dry conditions, Ceres Valley farmer, Retief du Toit, recently succeeded in producing his two best harvests ever. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he achieved this.
Should vaccines be used to curb avian influenza?
There has recently been much debate about whether the poultry industry should use vaccines to curb the avian influenza outbreak.
Young learners benefit from eco-education
An active return to environmental education practices at Laurus Primary in Oudtshoorn is not only benefiting learners, but also helping boost school income. Ronelle Huysamen, principal of the school, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the turnaround.
EU commits $7 million to agri development in Zimbabwe
The European Union (EU) has set aside $7 million (R96 million) for proposals for a project that would strengthen the agriculture value chain in Zimbabwe.
Disease identification app to boost food security in Africa
A team of researchers that has developed an app which will allow small-scale farmers in Africa to identify cassava diseases has won a US$100 000 (R1,4 million) grant to expand the tool for use on other root, tuber and banana crops.
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.
