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.
A successful Boer goat stud in the Hantam Karoo
Careful management and marketing are both crucial in Boer goat production. Pip Nieuwoudt of Nama Stud, the oldest Boer goat stud in the Western Cape, spoke to Jeandré du Preez about
his management strategy and how he tapped into the Middle Eastern market.
Attention to detail – key to successful cherry farming
Jeandré du Preez visited Derick van Zyl, estate manager of the farm, Esperanto, in the Koue Bokkeveld, to learn about cherry production in that province, and what makes this crop a challenging yet rewarding one.
CEC predicts record soya crop for 2017
South Africa could expect the largest soya bean crop in the country's history, according to the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).
Curiosity: winning secret of a top agri worker
Anton Alexander, 2016 Western Cape Prestige Agri Worker of the Year, started working as a general worker and rose through the ranks to become a human resources officer on Ouwerf Farm near Vyeboom. He spoke to Jeandré du Preez about his journey to success and what the award meant to him.
Western Cape drought’s knock-on effect on SA economy
The drought in the Western Cape can affect the long-term growth of the province and South Africa as a whole, if it is not broken soon.
Western Cape drought persists despite increased dam levels
The Western Cape’s drought crisis continued as dam levels were still critically lower than usual at the start of winter.
Celebrating agriculture’s unsung heroes
The 2017 Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards competition is now underway, according to the provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
Why SA wine exports must move from bulk to brands
South Africa’s wine industry must shift its emphasis from volume to value and from a production orientation to a market orientation. This is according to Anton Smuts, the newly elected chairperson of Vinpro. He shared his thoughts on some of the pressing issues that currently prevail in the industry with Jeandré du Preez.
Severe fodder shortage in Western Cape
The Western Cape is experiencing a severe shortage of fodder after recent fires in the greater Knysna and Plettenberg Bay areas damaged almost all grazing.
Western Cape drought not broken despite massive storm
The violent storm that hit Cape Town and other parts of the Western Cape, brought some relief to the drought-ravaged province.
Wine of Origin Cape Town: A boost for SA wine industry
South African wines are set to attract greater international attention with the creation of a new Wine of Origin district, named after one of the world’s foremost tourism brands.
Shiraz SA winners announced
Shiraz SA recently announced its top 12 Shiraz wines at an award ceremony held at Rhebokskloof Wine Farm in Paarl.
Zokwana: Protect farmers and farmworkers
A moment of silence was called for at the start of the agriculture budget debate for those farmers and farmworkers who had lost their lives in farm attacks.
Western Cape drought declaration: ‘crisis for farmers’
The Western Cape has been declared a disaster area due to the ongoing drought, now regarded as the region’s worst in more than a century.
‘Land reform is ANC’s political game’ – FF Plus
Rural Development and Land Reform minister, Gugile Nkwinti, recently presented his department’s budget in Parliament.
High quality grapes promise excellent wines this year
Wine consumers can look forward to an exceptional 2017 vintage from South Africa, according to the annual South African Wine Harvest Report issued by winemakers' organisation, Vinpro.
Deadline for comment on Land Holdings Bill extended
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform has extended the deadline for public comment on the draft Regulation of Agricultural Land Holdings Bill 2017 and the Explanatory Memorandum.
Agri sector braces for possible fuel price hike
An expected fuel price hike will have a negative effect on the agri sector, as it will coincide with summer crop harvests, says Wandile Sihlobo, head of economic and agribusiness research at the Agricultural Business Chamber (AgBiz).
R200 million fire damage to Southern Cape farms
The agricultural sector has suffered losses amounting to almost R200 million, as a result of recent wildfires in the Hessequa and George districts.
Western Cape drought – no crisis for citrus farmers
Citrus growers in the Western Cape are optimistic about this year’s season, despite the devastating drought currently experienced by the province
- ADVERTISEMENT -
MUST READS
- ADVERTISEMENT -
- ADVERTISEMENT -
