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.
Cele vows to take action against stock theft syndicates
Police Minister Bheki Cele has undertaken to investigate the allegations of police involvement in the livestock theft that plague farmers in the eastern Free State. This was according to Herkie Viljoen, chairperson of the Bethlehem Agriculture Union and Security organisation.
Farm murders have ‘devastating effect’ on sector – Didiza
Two suspects have been apprehended following the killing of Free State farm manager, Brendin Horner, and will appear in the Senekal Magistrate court on Tuesday, 6 October on a charge of murder.
Hundreds of state-owned farms to be leased to the public
Almost 900 farms will be advertised by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (agriculture department) for release to the public.
WWF partnership to support SA wines’ ‘green’ credibility
The demand for sustainable agricultural products is increasing around the world. Now, a partnership between the South African wine industry and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has the potential to improve the local wine industry’s green credential, in order to meet this growing demand.
Retailers must explain high margins on fresh produce
The higher margins made by retailers on fresh produce during the COVID-19 pandemic require an explanation, according to the ‘Essential Food Price Monitoring’ report by South Africa’s Competition Commission (CompCom).
‘Exceptional’ Boer goat ram sells for record R375 000
A Boer goat ram from the Lukas Burger Boer Goat Stud near Griekwastad has been sold for a record price of R375 000 during the stud’s 22nd production sale, which took place at GWK auction pens in Kimberly on Wednesday, 16 September.
Bumper blueberry harvest hits a snag with high export costs
South Africa is expecting a bumper blueberry harvest this season, but difficulties with air freighting are posing a challenge for exporters.
GDP figures worst in SA’s history – economist
South Africa's economy took a not unexpected nosedive during the second quarter of 2020, a period that contained the lion’s share of the country’s five-week long hard lockdown which brought a halt to most economic activity.
Largest crop in a decade will cause drop in SA wheat imports
The 2020/2021 production forecast for winter grains is looking promising, with bumper crops expected after difficult production conditions during the previous season.
COVID-19 pushes SA citrus exports to the US to new highs
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in positive market demand for citrus, causing an upsurge in prices, according to Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa.
Hard times ahead for farmers, despite short-term gains – BFAP
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, South Africa’s agriculture sector has emerged as the shining light of the economy, growing 27,8% in the first quarter of 2020.
Empowering smallholders to access the supply chain
Black smallholder farmers are often excluded from the supply chain due to high barriers of entry. A fund established by Tiger Brands is now trying to address this problem. Mary-Jane Morifi, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer at Tiger Brands, spoke to Jeandré van der Walt about the company’s plans to empower these farmers, as well as black suppliers and distributors.
Ostrich farmers in distress due to drought and COVID-19
Ostrich producers in the Klein Karoo are expecting a challenging production year due to the prolonged drought in the region, as well as the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Above normal rainfall forecast bodes well for winter grain
If the forecast for late-winter rain across the south-western and southern parts of South Africa holds true, winter grain producers in the Western Cape may achieve their best yields since 2016.
Township vegetable garden empowers women
The Siyazama Community Garden in Khayelitsha has changed the lives of a group of women in the township. During a media tour to the garden hosted by Coronation Fund Managers, two of the farmers, Nokwanda Nkqayi and Liziwe Stofile, spoke to Jeandré van der Walt about their organic farming practices and the impact that the garden has had on their lives.
Diesel price expected to increase by 48c/ℓ in August
Fuel prices are set to go up again in August despite a stronger rand.
Wine cellars cancel 2021 grape purchases due to liquor ban
The recent decision by government to reinstate the ban on domestic alcohol sales under Level 3 of the lockdown regulations to contain the COVID-19 pandemic will result in an even larger surplus of wine in South Africa.
New alcohol ban a ‘devastating blow’ for SA wine industry
The decision announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday (12 July) to reinstate the ban on the sale of alcohol, has dealt another blow to the South African wine industry, which has already lost billions this year due to lockdown regulations implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Water cuts result in losses for Gamtoos Valley farmers
Tough water restrictions for the new water year are putting serious pressure on many farmers in the Gamtoos Valley in the Eastern Cape, with some operating in survival mode, according to Rienette Colesky, CEO of the Gamtoos Irrigation Board.
Two strong cold fronts expected to hit Western Cape
A well-developed cold front is expected to hit parts of South Africa later today (9 July), bringing with it bitterly cold, wet and windy weather conditions, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
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