Janine Ryan
I am the editor of agricultural magazine Farmer’s Weekly, South Africa's oldest magazine. Farmer's Weekly focuses on providing role players in the agriculture sector with news and information to help them grow their enterprises.
My three ‘simple’ wishes for agriculture in 2026 – Janine Ryan
2026 has finally dawned upon us, and as the farming calendar turns and we close the books on another challenging, yet ultimately fruitful year, it is time to look forward to what this year may bring.
2025: Looking back on a volatile year for agriculture
It always amazes me when we reach the end of the year at just how quickly the months pass. The adage that time seems to go faster the older you get certainly seems to be true!
In the eyes of a show judge
Shows can be a daunting prospect for newcomers to the showing world. While they offer an ideal opportunity for their animals to be evaluated by professionals in the industry, having their animals formally judged can be nerve-racking. Willemien Pieterse, a show judge and independent cattle inspector, spoke to Janine Ryan about what she looks for when judging cattle in the show ring.
A Boer goat stud on the rise
Joubert Horn, owner of the Joubert Horn Boer Goat Stud, has high hopes for the future of the breed in South Africa and abroad.
A top horse stud’s breeding philosophy
The Bridgewater Stud in Hekpoort, owned and run by Garland Poil, has gone from strength to strength since its establishment more than 40 years ago, and offers horse owners and breeders some valuable lessons when it comes to developing a breeding strategy.
A journey from a 3ha plot to a 21ha commercial vegetable farm
Zoleka Dikana was raised on an agricultural homestead, which resulted in her passion for farming. She now runs her Aruzabis farming business on 21ha of arable land near the Maya village in the Chris Hani Municipality District.
Cultivating a greener future in the Eastern Cape
On the family-owned Alberta Songo’s Farm in Bengu Village, Lady Frere, in the Eastern Cape, Sive Songo runs Bonani Entities, a burgeoning agricultural enterprise in South Africa’s nascent hemp industry.
Building a farming legacy in the Eastern Cape
Phumza Sifingo runs Cingisita Piggery in Kidd’s Beach. Sifingo began her operation in 2019 with only 10 pigs, but with the help of the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), her operation now includes a 50-sow unit.
ECRDA support helps farmer move to next level
Nomagcina Suduka started her farming business, Ingarise Poultry, in 2022. It is located in the Mangqukela Village in the Eastern Cape’s Great Kei Local Municipality.
Revitalising the textile industry with South African flair
Nobuzwe Mabona is a name quickly becoming synonymous with African printing designs. Based in Zwelitsha in the Eastern Cape, Mabona owns and operates her own textile design printing company.
How the ECRDA is driving the development of rural agriculture
Simpiwe Somdyala, CEO of the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency, speaks about the agency’s ambitious plans to significantly increase agricultural production in the province.
First steps to take when putting up a chicken house
Choosing the right site and materials to set up a chicken house or coop on your smallholding or in your backyard is essential to ensure the health and safety of your chickens.
Red meat role players urged to unite to move industry forward
Dr Lindie von Maltitz, lecturer at the University of the Free State and cattle farmer in Ficksburg, told delegates at the Winds of Change information day, held in collaboration with Boran SA, that it was imperative for all role players to work together to overcome the challenges facing the livestock industry in the country.
SA farmers must focus on genetics to produce more affordable meat
Even if foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) disappeared today, South African farmers would still struggle to export red meat because they are producing meat that is too expensive. This was according to Issie Liebenberg, a beef consultant at consulting services company Intelact.
‘Regenerative agriculture the solution to SA’s struggling livestock industry’
At the ‘Winds of Change’ Information Day in collaboration with Boran SA, Gerrit van Zyl of Hanzyl Bonsmaras spoke about how regenerative agricultural practices can help farmers produce more affordable meat.
Farmer’s Weekly transitions to a biweekly in July
For the past 114 years, Farmer’s Weekly has been a leading voice in agriculture, not only in South Africa, but also further afield in Africa. Over more than a century, we have dedicated our time and resources to serving agriculture by informing you, our readers, and by inspiring up-and-coming farmers.
How irrigation can help small-scale farmers
Irrigation has resulted in significant crop yield improvement across the globe. In some regions, irrigation is essential for successful crop production; however, it remains out of reach for many small-scale farmers.
Hurwitz Farming’s record-breaking success with Boran cattle
Hurwitz Farming has become synonymous with Boran cattle in South Africa. But it hasn’t always been plain sailing. Simeon Hurwitz spoke to Janine Ryan about the increasing popularity of this breed.
Growing partnerships: Fedgroup’s flexible and innovative approach
Janine Ryan spoke to Warren Winchester, general manager of impact investing at Fedgroup, about why the company became involved in agriculture, and what it offers farmers and their immediate communities.
How to manage and control internal parasites in cattle
Internal parasites are the bane of most farmers’ existence as they are hard to detect, control, prevent or manage. Thankfully, there are some strategies that may help. Janine Ryan reports.
- ADVERTISEMENT -
MUST READS
- ADVERTISEMENT -
- ADVERTISEMENT -
