Hanlie du Plessis
Hanlie du Plessis, a freelance journalist and content strategist, has over twenty years of experience in agricultural media. Her passion is bringing editorial projects from concept to final print, digital, or broadcast format. This stems from her strong sectoral roots, which centre around farmers, their stories, and their animals.
Latest articles
FMD concerns deepen at Addo Elephant National Park
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park, where red hartebeest and eland are also showing clinical signs of the disease. The park is under quarantine as veterinary authorities assess the risk of further transmission.
Royal Show lamb carcass sets South African price record
The 2026 Royal Show’s carcass competition produced a record sale of R110 580, with Vredesig Dormers & Suffolk, Hatari Farming, and 2 Broers Dormers among the leading exhibitors.
Land Bank keeps new BFS applications on hold despite R500m pledge
Land Bank will keep new applications for its Blended Finance Scheme (BFS) suspended despite the additional R500 million pledged by the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, saying the money is insufficient to meet overall demand for grants.
Agricultural growth cannot depend on resilience alone
South African farmers have demonstrated remarkable resilience despite infrastructure failures and inadequate government services. However, agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo and journalist Lourensa Eckard warned that continued growth would depend on stronger cooperation, clearer responsibilities and greater accountability.
AgriSA shifts focus from policy commitments to measurable results
AgriSA has adopted five policy mandates aimed at addressing the structural challenges facing South African agriculture. The proposals span land reform, natural resources, labour, rural safety, and trade, with stronger cooperation between government and industry identified as essential to achieving progress.
FMD may no longer be headline news, but 1 501 outbreaks remain unresolved
Although foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has largely disappeared from national news headlines, 1 501 outbreaks remain officially open, according to the latest government report.
ARC: funding shortfall is holding up R1,6bn FMD vaccine facility
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has defended expenditure of more than R81 million on its proposed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine manufacturing facility, saying the money was spent on vaccine development, technical planning, and regulatory requirements over a period of more than 15 years. However, construction has yet to begin.
Grain SA’s JSE soya bean location differential hearing postponed
Grain SA’s legal challenge against the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) over soya bean location differentials has been postponed, with its interdict application now set to be heard on 6 November 2026.
Additional R150m transferred to Land Bank for blended finance
The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed that an additional R150 million, announced by Minister Willie Aucamp, has been transferred to Land Bank.
Royal Show Technology Hub connects research with practical farming solutions
The Technology & Education Hub at the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show brought researchers, farmers and technology specialists together to explore practical agricultural solutions. One presentation highlighted how assisted reproductive technologies could help communal livestock farmers improve herd genetics, productivity and access to formal markets.
Namibia steps up FMD controls as cases rise to 127
Namibia has intensified measures to contain its foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak near the South African border after the confirmed number of cases increased to 127 across 15 farms, while trade restrictions are placing mounting pressure on the country’s livestock and meat industries.
South Africa’s table grape supply outpaces global demand
South Africa remains one of the world’s leading table grape exporters despite a shrinking production footprint, but increasing global supply, changing trade conditions, and intensifying competition are putting greater emphasis on productivity, quality, and market diversification.
R6,4 million Ankole heifer sets new record at Ntaba Nyoni auction
The in-calf Ankole heifer Queen Arusha (NANK23 001) sold for R6,4 million at the Ntaba Nyoni & Friends auction at Phala Phala near Bela-Bela, Limpopo, on 3 October, setting a new South African record for a female animal across cattle breeds, according to JP Smith, COO of Veilingswinkel.
Land Bank funding squeeze puts agri transformation under scrutiny
Land Bank's Blended Finance Scheme is under renewed parliamentary scrutiny as demand outstrips available funding and farmers face delays that can have serious consequences for seasonal production.
Private sector to help scale up ARC FMD vaccine production
The Agricultural Research Council has begun the preparatory work needed to license its foot-and-mouth disease vaccine technology to private manufacturers, but says procurement, regulatory and biosafety requirements must be completed before an implementation timeline can be set.
Free State reports new FMD case despite 1,6 million cattle vaccinated
The Free State has reported one new clinically confirmed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case in the Fauresmith state veterinary area, bringing its stated provincial total to 799 cases. Of these, 155 remain active and under quarantine, while 644 have been classified as resolved.
Red Rock builds a modern Santa from family foundations
Third-generation breeder Abri Lock established Red Rock Santa Gertrudis to build a stud under his own name. Working alongside the Locklore and JADUP herds, he selects moderate-framed, fertile cattle that must produce saleable kilograms from the veld. He spoke to Hanlie du Plessis.
Before you buy a hive, learn to read the bees
Starting a beekeeping enterprise is less about buying the right equipment than learning to understand the colony. South African beekeeping development specialist Sidwell Banne says beginners should spend their first year learning to read bees, understand their environment, and know when to intervene, or when to leave the colony alone.
Pig industry turns crisis into a test of stewardship
The local pork industry used the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation’s 2026 annual general meeting and expo to take stock of an unprecedented year in animal health and outline a response built on risk-based disease control, digital traceability, producer support, and measurable welfare commitments.
China opens door to SA cherries, but quality will decide gains
South African cherry growers have secured first-time access to the world's largest import market. A three-week early-season window offers an opening, but high airfreight costs and China's strict quality demands mean the opportunity will take time to build.
