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
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.
‘Pollination is key to SA’s agricultural competitiveness’ – Steenhuisen
Pollination should be recognised as essential agricultural infrastructure rather than a niche environmental service if South Africa is to remain competitive in global markets, then Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said at the South African Bee Industry Organisation's BeeCon 2026 event in North West on 30 June.
North West allocates R424,1m to strengthen agriculture, communal farming
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has allocated R424,1 million towards strengthening the province’s farming sector during the 2026/27 financial year, with infrastructure development, production support, and agro-processing identified as key priorities.
New FMD framework offers farmers a clearer path to recovery
South African livestock producers affected by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks could soon see less severe economic disruption after the Department of Agriculture announced new national control measures to simplify outbreak management while protecting the country’s livestock industry and export markets.
SACU summit to focus on industrialisation, regional trade integration
Regional trade, industrial development, and economic integration will take centre stage when South Africa hosts the 9th Summit of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State or Government in Cape Town on 26 June.
Agribusiness confidence declines despite favourable production season
The Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) declined by four points to 45 in the second quarter of 2026, reflecting growing concern among agribusinesses over disease outbreaks, geopolitical tensions, rising input costs and weakening commodity prices.
Wheat producers face setback as tariff changes rejected
Grain SA has sharply criticised government's decision to leave South Africa's wheat tariff framework unchanged, warning that the move threatens the long-term sustainability of local wheat production and could undermine national food security.
FMD concerns disrupt voter registration at Free State farm stations
Biosecurity concerns linked to South Africa's ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak resulted in the closure of 15 farm-based voter registration stations in the Free State over the weekend, highlighting the disease's growing impact beyond agriculture.
Organised agriculture reacts to reports of Steenhuisen reshuffle
Farmers’ organisations have responded strongly to reports that Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen may be removed from his position as part of a DA Cabinet reshuffle, while senior Department of Agriculture officials say critical programmes will continue despite the political uncertainty.
Steenhuisen’s future as agri minister uncertain amid reports of DA reshuffle
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen’s future in the portfolio is uncertain following reports that Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has proposed changes to the party’s Cabinet representation.
