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.
Innovation drives citrus nursery’s 450% production increase
In 2014, the Cederberg Tree Nursery produced 100 000 citrus trees a year. Two years later, after its acquisition by ANB Investments, the nursery produces more than 550 000 citrus trees annually.
Boland wine farms under investigation by Vinmonopolet
Various wine farms in the Boland are being investigated by the Norwegian government-owned, alcoholic beverage retailer, Vinmonopolet.
Nkwinti reassures landowners on compensation
“Land will not be taken arbitrarily. Nobody will just grab your land.” This was the reassurance given by the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Gugile Nkwinti, towards foreign landowners at a media briefing in Parliament recently.
Transformation important for sustainable success
Transformation is important to ensure sustainable success in the agricultural sector, said Dr Brand Pretorius, former CEO of Toyota SA Marketing and McCarthy Limited and currently a director of a number of listed companies, during his address at the annual SKOG pre-harvest day held in Moorreesburg…
Parmalat SA wins at Agri Expo Qualité Awards
Parmalat received Dairy Product of the Year and four other prestigious Qualité awards at a recent gala event held at the Grand West Casino in Cape Town.
Rainbow Chicken to sell 13 KZN farms
One of South Africa’s biggest chicken producers, RCL Foods Limited, formerly known as Rainbow Chicken Limited, is selling 13 of its farms in KwaZulu-Natal in an effort to stay afloat in the current economic climate.
Focus on poultry crisis, then on transformation – FAWU
The Food and Allied Workers’ Union (Fawu) recently called on government to focus on the crisis facing South Africa’s poultry industry, rather than on transformation.
Joburg Fresh Produce Market hit by corruption
Fraud of more than R7,5 million was recently uncovered at the Joburg Fresh Produce Market.
Steep increase in sin tax will challenge wine industry
Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, recently announced an 8,8% increase in excise duties on wine and sparkling wine, and an 8,5% increase on spirits.
Western Cape: Rooibos Heritage Route
The Rooibos Heritage Route offers an unique glimpse into the production process of Rooibos tea.
Pecan nut profits: well worth the wait!
Growing pecan nuts requires long-term commitment. Dries Duvenhage of Hartswater in the Northern Cape planted his first hectare of pecans 16 years ago and patiently waited for the return on his investment.
Mushroom production tips from a Boland farmer
For small-scale mushroom farmers in South Africa, production can be a challenge. But Wilmaré Lotz of Boland Mushrooms succeeded in doubling production in her first year as manager. Specialising in button mushrooms, the business employs 36 members of the local community and produces approximately 6,5t of mushrooms a week.
Unlocking the Western Cape’s game farming potential
Game farms may be uncommon in the Western Cape, but Fernando Rueda, a rare-game breeder on Arc-en-ciel, near Wellington, is convinced that the province has great potential
for aspiring game farmers. Fernando and farm manager Schutz Marais spoke to Jeandré du Preez about unlocking the industry’s potential.
Simonsig: SA wine route pioneers
Wine estate Simonsig pioneered Méthode Cap Classique – a traditional style of producing sparkling wines – in South Africa. The method has since been adopted by a number of estates. Winemaker Johan Malan spoke to Jeandré du Preez about Simonsig’s heritage.
Coffee and olive oil: authentic Italy in the Western Cape
Capitalising on their Italian heritage, Carlo and Lucar Marra have turned their interest in Italian food specialities into a lucrative agritourism business on their 30ha farm. They spoke to Jeandré du Preez about their growing success.
Land reform – how to take the process forward
Ownership of land in South Africa is a highly politicised and emotive issue. However, were land reform better administered, it could serve as a possible solution to rural poverty in the country. Agricultural Writers SA agriculturalist of the year for 2015, Prof Ben Cousins from the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies at the University of Western Cape, shares his thoughts on land reform and redistribution with Jeandré du Preez.
Dieback: root of the problem
Dying trees in plum orchards, just a few years after planting, recently sparked alarm among Western Cape farmers, especially those in the Berg River region. Prof Piet Stassen, a private consultant and stone fruit rootstock expert, shared his recommendations on the subject
with Jeandré du Preez.
From gardener to top provincial farm worker
Alexious Shoko, Western Cape Farm Worker of the Year, suffered setbacks and financial despair. Yet he refused to give up. He spoke to Jeandré du Preez about his inspiring journey to success.
Pebbles – an educational cornerstone in the winelands
Children in farming communities often face educational obstacles as well as lack of support and encouragement to achieve success. Charmaine Gola from the Pebbles Project spoke to Jeandré du Preez about how this non-profit organisation endeavours to ensure that every child it works with becomes a constructive contributor to society.
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