Jeandré van der Walt
Jeandré Du Preez is the newest addition to the Farmer’s Weekly team. Originating from a Riversdal farming family, she has farming in her blood. After school she furthered her studies at Stellenbosch and has been working as an agricultural journalist for the past two years.
She says she feels privileged to write about an industry paramount to the survival of all South Africans and is inspired by the innovative solutions with which the farming community bridges the many challenges they face. She enjoys being able to combine work with travel and appreciates the modesty and friendliness with which South Africa’s farmers share their accomplishments.
She enjoys being able to combine work with travel and appreciates the modesty and friendliness with which South Africa’s farmers share their accomplishments.
If she is not writing or visiting farms, you’ll find her relaxing with a good mystery novel or exploring her other passions: travelling and cooking.
Finding a solution to agriculture’s skills gaps
Skills development is vital to the growth and productivity of any business. Jeandré van der Walt reports on how various commodity organisations are providing the agricultural workforce with more skilled workers.
Improving nitrogen-use efficiency in wheat
With global fertiliser prices at a two- year high, nitrogen use came under the spotlight at the 2021 SKOG Pre-Plant Information Day. Speaking at the event, agronomist Jacques Smith highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to nitrogen fertiliser management in grain crops.
Biosecurity on a budget for small-scale pig producers
In this article Dr Peter Evans, veterinary liaison officer of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, shares affordable and practical tips that small-scale pig farmers can implement to improve biosecurity on their farms and protect their livelihoods.
Breeding bobaas boerboels
Beverli Katz, one of South Africa’s top Boerboel breeders, claimed the prestigious national award of SA Stud Book Stud Herd of the Year for other species in 2020. In addition, her stud has bred the two highest-appraised male Boerboels in the world. Jeandré van der Walt visited her at Klein Sandfontein Boerboels and Boarding Kennels on the outskirts of Caledon to learn about her breeding techniques.
Data: key to empowering Africa’s women farmers
Women play a vital role in Africa’s agriculture sector, growing about 70% of the continent’s food. Yet Africa’s smallholder women farmers come up against various barriers that limit their potential as growers. A climate-smart agriculture project aims to provide these farmers with the skills and resources needed to boost their businesses and succeed over the long term.
Free-range pigs: lessons learnt on the way to commercial success
Start small and grow with the results. This is the principle followed by young pig farmer Jason Buys of Ocean View Piggery in the Western Cape. Jeandré van der Walt visited him to learn more about his free-range pig operation and how he plans to grow his farming business.
Managing a sheep flock before, during and after drought
Prof Tertius Brand, a scientist in animal nutrition at the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute, shares advice on how to manage a sheep flock during and after a drought in order for farmers to regain the profitability of their operations.
‘Clover factory closure no shock for dairy farmers’
The Ditsobotla Local Municipality cannot afford to allow Clover to close and relocate its operations as this will have a devastating effect on over 300 families, according to the Premier of North West, Job Mokgoro.
Former officials charged with fraud in Estina dairy case
The DA will not rest until politicians are held accountable alongside officials for their involvement in the failed Estina dairy farm project near Vrede in the Free State.
SA’s blueberry exports set to increase 58% this season
According to Elzette Schutte, operational manager of BerriesZA, a blueberry crop of 36 000t had been forecast for the 2021/2022 production season, up from 20 000t in 2020/2021. Schutte attributed this to new blocks of blueberry orchards in the Western Cape coming into production.
Tea: celebrating the world’s second most-consumed drink
Friday, 21 May, marks International Tea Day and is celebrated across the globe to recognise the impact tea production has as the main means of subsistence for millions of poor families, according to the UN.
Sponsored
Western Cape poultry farmers brace for more bird flu cases
More than 130 000 birds have already been culled or died in the Western Cape to date as a result of the recent avian influenza outbreaks in the province, according to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.
‘Avian flu under control but further outbreaks anticipated’
With no new cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) being reported in South Africa this week, the outbreak seems to be under control, but the spread of the virus through wild aquatic birds is still anticipated.
Southern Cape welcomes heavy downpours, despite damage
Although the heavy downpours accompanying the intense cold front system that made landfall in the Southern Cape on Wednesday, 5 May, have been welcomed, it resulted in some damage and disruption.
Sixth avian influenza outbreak in South Africa raises alarm
A sixth outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has now been reported in South Africa, according to Izaak Breitenbach, general manager of the South African Poultry Association’s (SAPA) broiler organization.
Health and safety do’s and don’ts for farmers
Navigating your way through the numerous rules and regulations of workplace health and safety can seem a daunting prospect, but labour consultants are there to guide you. Jeandré van der Walt spoke to a number of experts in the occupational health and safety industry about the key aspects of farmworker safety.
SA distillery leading the way in sustainability
James Sedgwick Distillery is the only commercial whisky distillery in Africa. Jeandré van der Walt visited the facility in Wellington to learn how it turns waste to wealth through green technology innovations.
Food and beverages main contributor to higher inflation
In March, South Africa’s headline inflation increased slightly to 3,2% year-on-year (y/y), up from 2,9% reported in February.
Concern about decrease in SA cotton plantings
Although South Africa’s cotton industry celebrated production growth of 800% over the preceding five years in 2019, the industry has shown a 40% decrease in hectares planted to the crop during the past two seasons.
COVID-19 relief vouchers hijacked by ‘fake farmers’, says DA
The way in which the COVID-19 relief scheme for small-scale farmers was designed and how it was adapted over time says a lot about government’s understanding of farming and the food system.
- ADVERTISEMENT -
MUST READS
- ADVERTISEMENT -
- ADVERTISEMENT -
