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.
Young working dog takes National Sheepdog Championship title
In a nail-biting finish at the South African National Sheepdog Championship, held from 19 to 21 September near Buffeljagsrivier in the Southern Cape, Yvan Fourie and his dog Wimpie claimed their first national crown.
Global canning industry grapples with climate and market pressure
Extreme weather events and growing market uncertainty are weighing heavily on canning fruit producers worldwide. From Europe to the US, farmers face smaller harvests, tighter margins, and intensifying competition from the fresh fruit market for yellow cling peaches.
Bird flu then and now: the ongoing battle against avian influenza
Highly pathogenic avian influenza strains, such as H5N1, are threatening poultry and even mammals, forcing industries and governments to rethink biosecurity and vaccination.
Record-breaking carcass auction and family triumph at Lamb Champs Boland
The Lamb Champs Boland 2025, held on Heritage Day at Hoër Landbouskool Boland in Paarl, Western Cape, delivered history-making moments for South Africa’s sheep industry.
Patensie songbird wins Agri’s Got Talent 2025
Twenty-five-year-old Jenedine Jantjies from Patensie in the Eastern Cape was crowned the winner of this year’s Agri’s Got Talent competition after moving judges and audiences alike with her heartfelt renditions of ‘This is Me’ and ‘One and Only’.
Bloodlines, training, and trust: the story of a top sheepdog
At this year’s South African Sheepdog Association Nampo Cape exhibition, dogs herded with precision, reflecting years of training, trust, and patience. Jurie van der Vyver, owner of border collie Cap, showed Glenneis Kriel what it takes to raise a champion.
Soil health key to resilient, profitable farming
Farmers need to see regenerative farming not as a trend, but as one piece of a bigger, holistic management strategy tailored to their unique conditions, says Bennie Diedericks, soil scientist at Resalt
Vinpro offers practical solutions for farmers at Nampo Cape
Vinpro hosted an information session at Nampo Cape titled ‘Practical Solutions for Today’s Farmer’, offering attendees a wealth of practical, actionable advice to improve their operations and reduce their risks.
High-quality innovations shine at Nampo Cape’s Farmer Patent competition
The Farmer Patent competition at Nampo Cape drew fewer entries this year, but the overall quality of innovations was higher than usual, according to Donald Brink, Omnia sales manager and one of the competition judges.
Practical tips for cutting electricity costs and going solar
Before investing in solar energy, farmers should carefully review their electricity bills and usage patterns to avoid unnecessary costs and mistakes. This was the message from Gerrit Germishuys, sales manager at International Utility Brokers, during his talk at Vinpro’s ‘Practical Solutions for Today’s Farmer’ information session at Nampo Cape.
Smart genetics and savvy management key to dairy profitability
Experts at the SA Stud Book-Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) Dairy Trailblazer event at Nampo Cape in Bredasdorp urged farmers to diversify income streams, tighten financial management, and embrace genomic tools to build more profitable and resilient dairy operations.
Visually impaired learners showcase their inventions at Nampo Cape
Michael Bredenkamp, headmaster of Pioneer School for the Visually Impaired in Worcester, Western Cape, was pleasantly surprised when he discovered his learners had entered three inventions in the Farmer Patent Competition at this year’s Nampo Cape.
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.
