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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.

Organised crime syndicates target SA petroleum pipelines

South Africa is currently facing a serious shortage of diesel as a result of theft and vandalism along Transnet’s 3 800km fuel pipeline network.

‘Imminent price hike could exacerbate diesel shortages’

In addition to diesel shortages across parts of South Africa, producers will also have to brace themselves for a hefty diesel price increase on Wednesday.

Edcon woes bring uncertainty for local cotton procurement

There is uncertainty about the impact the possible closure of the Edcon Group, which owns Edgars and Jet, will have on the local Sustainable Cotton Cluster (SCC), according to Hennie Bruwer, CEO of Cotton South Africa (Cotton SA).

Winter weather causes further export losses for wine farmers

Although wine exports resumed following the easing of the strict Level 5 lockdown regulations to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, wine exports continued to decline in May.

Snow and rain bring relief and challenges for farmers

Western Cape grain farmers have expressed relief about the significant rainfall that swept across the province thanks to a strong cold front this week.

Investment in cannabis a global challenge during COVID-19

As the world finds itself facing a sharp economic downturn due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, access to capital will continue to be a challenge for the cannabis industry.

Challenges at Cape Town harbour hinder fruit exports

Delays at the Cape Town Container Terminal are posing major challenges to the exporting of South Africa’s fresh produce.

South Africa’s on-premise wine trade faces challenging times

Although the South African wine industry resumed the domestic sale of liquor products for off-premise consumption by licensed vendors on Monday, the industry is still not out of the woods.

Diesel to be rationed in South Africa until the end of May

South Africa currently has inadequate stocks of diesel, and rationing is being implemented to manage demand and preserve stocks. This was according to the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA).

Cotton industry upbeat despite global plunge in consumption

Global cotton consumption is expected to decline 11,8% this year compared with the previous season, which will reduce global trade to 8,26 million tons in 2019/2020, according to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

Fears about labour shortages for 2020 guava harvest

Although prospects for South Africa’s 2020 guava crop have been, for the most part, favourable so far this season, there is concern that there will not be enough workers available for harvesting due to the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Western Cape farmers faced with challenging planting season

Western Cape grain producers are facing another challenging planting season, according to Toit Wessels, assistant manager of marketing and Nampo at Grain SA.

More COVID-19 support for farmers, but only for smallholders

In order to further support smallholder and communal farmers during the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform (agriculture department) is working on plans to open a second application window for funding.

Good season for SA pecan nuts despite some challenges

The 2020 pecan nut harvest is currently underway in most of South Africa’s production regions.

Turning a hobby into an award-winning Angus stud

What started off as a hobby for Theuns Bruwer and Pierre Veldhoen seven years ago has turned into the registration of an Angus stud with successful and highly respected breeding stock. Jeandré van der Walt visited their stud, Windmeul Angus, outside Paarl in the Western Cape.