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.
Farmers urged to be on the lookout for second African armyworm strike
Famers have been warned to prepare for a second strike of African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) during this or next week (week of 31 March).
SA agricultural confidence at its highest since 2021
South African agricultural businesses are relatively upbeat, judged by the recently released Agbiz/IDC Confidence Index (ACI).
Budget Speech 2025 fails to impress agri role players
Agricultural role players have raised several concerns in response to the recently tabled budget, which was announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on Wednesday, while the DA has rejected it outright.
High-tech Meatmaster farming in the Klein Karoo
Fintech entrepreneur Pieter de Wet, who farms Meatmaster sheep in the Klein Karoo, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he is helping to reshape the local meat industry with his Landrani brand and unique production system.
How the wine industry is battling extreme weather and skills shortages
The South African wine industry is working hard to position itself for a better future. This was the key message that emerged during a panel discussion hosted by South Africa Wine at the Farmer of the Year 2024 event.
SA experiences worst African armyworm infestation on record
The current African armyworm outbreak has reached historic proportions since first reported in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal on 15 February, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship manager of CropLife South Africa.
Soil health improves, but yields lag in regenerative agriculture trial
A regenerative agriculture trial at Tygerhoek Experimental Farm near Riviersonderend in the Western Cape is yielding promising results in terms of soil health, according to Lisa Smorenburg, scientific technician at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, whom was offering an update on the project at the farm.
Vaccination urgently needed to avert bird flu crisis
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has warned that South Africa may face catastrophic consequences without the vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Load-shedding remains a challenge for agriculture
While the agriculture sector has become more prepared, the reintroduction of load-shedding on Saturday is driving up production costs.
Steenhuisen hits back at allegations made against him and government
Minister John Steenhuisen of the Department of Agriculture called a media briefing at Parliament in Cape Town on Tuesday to address what he said was ‘misinformation being peddled by certain parties’.
Prioritise roads and ports in Budget 2025 – Wine SA
With Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana set to deliver the Budget Speech 2025 on 19 February, Christo Conradie, stakeholder engagement, market access and policy manager at South Africa Wine, said he hoped government would announce plans to strengthen and build on the momentum gained in restoring infrastructure.
Good season ahead for apples and pears
Apple and pear exports are expected to increase this year on the back of new orchards coming into production, improved varieties and favourable weather.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that’s better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
South Africans spend majority of income on living costs, survey shows
South African households spend roughly R76 out of every R100 on housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, food and non-alcoholic beverages, transportation and insurance, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) in its latest insights report into household income and expenditure, ‘Income and Expenditure Survey of Households 2022/2023’.
Eskom price hike set to cost farmers an extra R1,27 billion in 2025
From 1 April this year, consumers will be paying more for electricity, thanks to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) recently granting Eskom permission to hike prices by 12,74%.
Agri role players’ wish lists for SONA 2025
Farmer’s Weekly asked leading agricultural role players about their expectations for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 6 February, as well as their views on government's progress in delivering on promises made during SONA 2024.
Interest rate cut brings welcome relief to farmers
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has cut interest rates by 25 basis points, taking the repo rate down to 7,5% and the prime lending rate down to 11%.
Young farmer of the year shares his tests and triumphs
Dean Barnard, the Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of Year for 2024, grows hops and plums near Waboomskraal in the Western Cape. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the ongoing refinement of his production techniques, and how he overcame his struggles with anxiety to achieve remarkable success.
Borrowed time and great spirit: a Prestige Agri Worker’s story
Lindie-Alet van Staden from L’Ormarins Wine Estate in Franschhoek was named the 2024 Prestige Agri Worker of the Year. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel at her vegetable garden in Somerset West.
Future-proofing the wine industry
Speakers highlighted ways to improve farmer resilience in a bid to future-proof the wine industry at the recent Vinpro Nedbank Producer Day 2025, entitled ‘Navigating Climate Chaos’.
- ADVERTISEMENT -
- ADVERTISEMENT -
MUST READS
- ADVERTISEMENT -
