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.
Seed purity testing vital for agriculture, but skills shortage looms
Seed purity testing is crucial for sustainable agriculture and global food security, yet its importance is often underestimated. The field also faces a growing shortage of skilled analysts, according to experts at the International Seed Testing Association workshop.
Tech, trade, and long-term vision are vital for agricultural success
South African farmers must embrace technology, push for fairer trade, and plan for the long term to stay competitive, panellists said in a Swartland Show session on Friday, 5 September .
Lessons from SA’s first regenerative verified wine farm
Earlier this year, Hartenberg Wine Estate, owned by the Mackenzie family, became the first wine farm in South Africa, and the second in the world, to achieve regenerative verification under the Ecological Outcome Verification framework. Viticulturist Wilhelm Joubert shared the lessons they have learnt on this transformative journey with Glenneis Kriel.
Agribusiness confidence down but still positive
The Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) hovered between 38 and 58 in 2024 and then rose sharply to 70 in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 before declining to 65 in Q2 and 63 in Q3.
The South African woman breaking barriers in viticulture
In December 2015, Dr Erna Blancquaert made history when she became the first woman of colour in Africa to obtain a PhD in viticulture. She is now a lecturer and researcher in grapevine and wine sciences at Stellenbosch University.
Amendments to Liquor Act could raise costs and barriers for traders
Liquor law attorney Danie Cronje has warned that South African wine and liquor distributors could face major hurdles if recently proposed changes to the Liquor Act (No. 59 of 2003) are accepted.
Global trends weigh on SA winter grains, oilseeds outlook
South Africa’s winter grain and oilseed producers face a tough road ahead, with the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy projecting weaker prices and tighter margins in the short term.
Klein Roosboom: a tale of love, resilience, and award-winning wine
Many know Klein Roosboom as a wine brand shaped by Karin de Villiers’s strong vision. But behind the wine lies a deeper story – one of enduring love, shared dreams, and resilience. Karin spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the journey.
BFAP says adaptation is key to the wine industry’s future
Global wine consumption is at its lowest level since 1961, and last year South Africa recorded its smallest harvest in over two decades. The Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy says adaptability, innovation, and differentiation will bolster the industry’s resilience.
Makataan Chunks crowned SA’s first Preserve Product of the Year
Compagniesdrift’s Makataan Chunks recently won the very first South African Preserve Product of the Year award, announced at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, yesterday.
Some handy on-farm water saving tips
With climate change intensifying the risk of droughts, and urban development putting pressure on already scarce water supplies, farmers are under increasing pressure to make every drop count.
Leading with purpose: Dr Ilse Trautmann’s recipe for success
Dr Ilse Trautmann, deputy director-general for Agricultural Research and Regulatory Services, has helped drive the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s success as one of the country’s best-performing departments. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel about her career, management philosophy, and lessons learnt.
Steenhuisen calls for court martial after SANDF chief backs Iran
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has called for South African National Defence Force chief General Rudzani Maphwanya to face a court martial after pledging his military and political support for Iran.
The future of agri lies in collaboration, modernisation and transformation
Local agriculture could overcome many of its challenges by taking a few practical steps, but only if stakeholders united and moved past political agendas and ideologies, agricultural leaders and analysts said at the recent 2025 Agri Western Cape Congress.
Smart from the start: Raven drives the future of precision farming
Precision farming is rapidly evolving, with Raven Industries leading the charge. Nico Myburgh, CNH’s head of precision technologies for the Middle East and Africa, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this.
Risk, resilience, and muscle: positioning dairies for the future
At the Dairy Management Consulting conference held near Durbanville in the Western Cape on Tuesday, speakers urged farmers to rethink long-held habits, embrace technology, and take a multifaceted approach to risk management.
Fauna and flora under threat from poachers
The illegal trade in plants and animals are pushing several species toward extinction, disrupting ecosystems and threatening food chains essential for human survival.
Bird flu confirmed in wild birds, domestic ducks in the Western Cape
Concerns over highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, are mounting after the virus was recently detected in wild birds and domestic ducks in the Western Cape.
Western Cape young farmer of the year leads with heart, innovation
As the 2025 Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of the Year, Francois Rossouw Jnr is part of a new generation of producers blending tradition with forward-thinking strategies in sustainability, technology, and people-centred leadership.
New Boran stud off to a great start in Western Cape
The Olifantsberg Boran stud may only have been established three years ago, but it’s already showing promise of becoming a name to watch in the industry. Farm managers Johan Geldenhuys and Ruanda Brink spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their breeding strategy, and why they believe the Boran is the breed of the future.
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