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.
Aucamp expands FMD advisory structures to include more industry representatives
Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp has announced an expansion of his foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) advisory structures to include an additional farmer representative, a veterinarian and vaccine manufacturers, saying he wants all sectors of the livestock industry to have a voice in shaping South Africa's response to the disease.
Science, collaboration and market access reviewed at essential oils conference
Essential oil produced in South Africa creates jobs, strengthens local manufacturing, and generates greater value for the economy.
Meatmaster sheep fit for the veld
Nu Vino Meatmasters breeds sheep that perform where it matters most. By selecting for resilience, fertility, and functionality, the Fourie family is steadily building a flock designed to thrive under some of South Africa's harshest conditions.
Sheep farming profit starts with genetics
The late Charles Freeme built a thriving Meatmaster enterprise through disciplined breeding, commercial thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning. This profile was written shortly before the passing of respected Meatmaster breeder Charles Freeme on 17 July 2026. It is published as a tribute to his contribution to South African sheep breeding.
Farmers urged to complete registration ahead of private FMD vaccine rollout
Livestock producers intending to purchase foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines through the private vaccination programme are being encouraged to complete the required registration and authorisation process now, while the industry awaits government confirmation on the number of doses to be released for private sale.
Proposed fuel policy raises concerns over food security
South Africa’s dependence on imported fuel is once again under scrutiny as renewed conflict in the Middle East, Russia’s temporary ban on diesel exports, and rising global oil prices coincide with government’s proposal to overhaul the country’s strategic petroleum reserve system.
Grain SA slams JSE over soya bean pricing decision
Grain SA has criticised the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s (JSE) decision to abandon its pilot multiple reference point model for calculating soya bean location differentials, warning that the move could put producers at a disadvantage and entrench market inefficiencies.
FMD continues to spread in Free State despite vaccination campaign
The Free State’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak continues to expand, with the province recently confirming eight new cases and organised agriculture warning that vaccine shortages, delayed booster vaccinations, and under-reporting remain major obstacles to containing the disease.
Nampo Cape 2026 to put innovation and collaboration centre stage
Leading agricultural organisations, thousands of producers, and more than 500 exhibitors are expected to gather in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, later this year for Nampo Cape 2026, according to the event’s organisers.
Government expands FMD vaccination drive to Eastern Cape communal farmers
The Department of Agriculture is stepping up its foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) response in communal farming areas, with Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa saying government is now focusing on communities that were not reached during the initial phase of the national vaccination campaign.
Digital platform aims to simplify FMD vaccination for farmers
A new digital platform developed by software and technology company Buffalo Analytics, in partnership with vaccine importer Dunevax Biotech, aims to simplify the regulatory process for South Africa’s private-sector foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination programme, providing government with real-time vaccination data.
Vlakte Bonsmara boasts the biosecurity edge in uncertain times
In a high-risk foot-and-mouth disease climate, the Vlakte Bonsmara Study Group prioritises biosecurity and traceability. Their disciplined, multi-stage screening ensures buyers receive resilient, fertile genetics backed by rigorous veterinary compliance and certainty.
South Africa now must prove its FMD strategy is working
While government's recent settlement allowing greater private-sector involvement in importing and administering foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines has been welcomed by many stakeholders across the livestock industry, vaccination must be supported by other measures.
‘Farmers can’t shoulder blame for high food prices’ – Grain SA
Grain SA has defended farmers’ role in South Africa’s food system to the South African Human Rights Commission, arguing that affordable food depends on a sustainable production base and an efficient value chain.
Private sector given green light to import FMD vaccines
At a media briefing on 9 July, following negotiations with the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), Sakeliga, and Free State Agriculture, newly appointed Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp announced a settlement allowing the private sector to import and administer foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines.
Sibonele Gumede’s journey into one of the world’s most efficient beef breeds
By day, Sibonele Gumede navigates the precise world of radiography; by dawn and dusk, he is a dedicated cattleman tending to his emerging stud in Haakdoornboom. What began as a desperate search for a replacement bull transformed into a deep-seated passion for the Limousin breed, renowned globally for its exceptional muscling and feed efficiency.
Private veterinary channel approved to expand FMD vaccine access
South African livestock producers will soon have an additional route to access foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines after government approved a supplementary private veterinary procurement channel that will allow registered private veterinarians to obtain vaccines directly from authorised importers.
Diesel price cut brings welcome relief for farmers
South African farmers will receive a much-needed boost to their production costs from 1 July, with the latest fuel price adjustments delivering one of the biggest diesel price reductions in recent years.
Government unveils strategy to boost South Africa’s bee industry
The Department of Agriculture is developing a comprehensive National Beekeeping Strategy aimed at tackling some of the biggest threats facing the country’s honey and pollination industries, including bee diseases, declining forage, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited market access.
Aucamp takes over agri portfolio as Ramaphosa confirms Cabinet reshuffle
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Willie Aucamp as South Africa's new minister of agriculture, tasking him with leading the sector through the country's worst foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in decades and a far-reaching animal health reform programme.
