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.
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’.
Extreme weather and conflict dominate Global Risks Report
The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report shows that respondents are concerned about extreme weather and conflict in the present, short and long terms.
Living the ‘culture’ in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Botswana suspends imports of certain SA commodities
Due to outbreaks of Goss’s bacterial wilt (Clovibacter michiganensis subsp. Nebraskensis) and bud rot of palms (Phytophthora palmivora) in South Africa, Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture (MLA) recently suspended imports of certain commodities from South Africa.
Lack of financing hampers regenerative agriculture
Financing for and investment in regenerative agriculture in South Africa are currently lagging behind what is happening in the rest of the world.
African countries adopt a strategy to unlock agricultural potential
Government and private sector will have to work together to get real results from the recently signed the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan.
Raisin production forecast looking positive
Despite some temperature variability during spring 2024, conditions have stabilised, resulting in a positive outlook for raisin production.
Farmers urged to plan carefully for the next ostrich season
Ostrich production is expected to increase by roughly 7% from 140 000 birds slaughtered in the 2023/24 season to 150 000 in the 2024/25 season.
Key trends shaping SA’s agriculture sector
Various trends will reshape the global agribusiness environment over the next 10 years. These trends include agriculture in controlled environments, such as tunnels and greenhouses, which could counter seasonal production advantages, the rise of digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, the use of blockchain and big data, and a return to mechanical weed control using robots.
Agri machinery sales set to remain flat in 2025
South African tractor sales increased by 17% to 9 181 units in 2022, making it the highest annual sales figure in the past 40 years, said Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, in his recent market analysis.
SA’s hopes are on La Niña for relief
The development of La Niña conditions could result in above-normal rainfall in some parts of the summer rainfall region from mid-January to March.
‘Farmer-unfriendly policies are ruining agriculture’
Farmer strikes in developed countries might soon spill over to developing countries, Theo de Jager, executive director of the Southern African Agri Initiative, told Farmer’s Weekly.
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