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.
Heavy rainfall expected, but not for drought-stricken parts
South Africans should prepare themselves for heavy rainfall and a preview to the coming winter as a cold front makes its way across the central and south-eastern parts of the country over the next few days.
Global fibre demand falters due to COVID-19 uncertainty
The impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic is being felt across the global fibre industry, with production, logistics and retail sales being brought to a grinding halt.
Easing of export ban will help wineries ‘keep the lights on’
South Africa’s wine industry will be allowed to export finished goods, both packaged and bulk, during the remainder of the lockdown period which was aimed at containing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Road safety under scrutiny after fatal farmworker accident
The deaths of nine farmworkers in a road accident on the N1 between Touws River and De Doorns have sent shockwaves through the agricultural community.
Western Cape farmers donate to those in need
Over the past week, Western Cape farmers have donated tons of fresh produce to FoodForward SA, a non-profit organisation assisting communities experiencing food shortages during the lockdown for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic.
Late rain and heat predicted for winter rainfall region
A challenging planting season looms for grain farmers in the winter rainfall region, as weather forecasts indicate that rain might be delayed.
Food security at risk as African countries lock down
Fears are growing about the impact the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic could have on food supplies in some of South Africa’s neighboring countries, as citizens there have also been ordered to stay indoors.
‘New broom’ for Western Cape department of agriculture
Dr Mogale Sebopetsa will assume the position of new head of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture on 1 April. He takes over from Joyene Isaacs.
Coronavirus: positive and negative for citrus industry
The South African citrus industry is expected to export a record 143,3 million cartons of citrus fruit to more than 100 countries in 2020.
Task team to manage coronavirus crisis for farming
Amid the devastating coronavirus disease (COVID- 19) outbreak, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (agriculture department) recently established an industry task team, under the auspices of agriculture minister Thoko Didiza, to manage this disaster.
Shipping container dearth due to coronavirus pandemic
Stakeholders in the South African fruit industry have expressed concern about whether there will be sufficient containers to ship produce to various export destinations around the world, due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Value-adding boosts hydroponics venture
Basil Williams, the managing director of Herbal View Hydroponics, cultivates 3t of various herbs per month on just 1ha of land. Recently, he also tapped into the enormous potential of value-adding. Jeandré van der Walt visited him on his farm in Simondium, near Paarl.
Load-shedding burdens SA’s fruit industry
The current rolling blackouts by power utility Eskom have struck the Western Cape in the midst of a critical time for the fruit industry.
Top female farmer makes neglected orchards bloom again
Marilyn Siegels was recently named the Western Cape’s best female commercial farmer after just two years in the industry. Along with her father, Edward van Niekerk, and sister, Yolande van Niekerk, she is rejuvenating a land restitution fruit farm.
Budget 2020: Tax decisions offer a glimmer of hope
The decision by the Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni to propose no major tax increases in the 2020 National Budget Speech has been welcomed by role players in South Africa’s agriculture sector.
Budget 2020: Agriculture sector expects action
Finance Minister Tito Mboweni has been urged to ensure the correct strategies are in place to make the implementation of any announcements made during the 2020/2021 National Budget speech feasible.
SONA 2020: Ramaphosa vows to fix the fundamentals
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that critical action would be taken this year to build a capable state and place South Africa’s economy on a path of inclusive growth.
Empowerment trust banks on barley
Since its inception, the Overberg Boerdery Trust has not only increased its output of barley, but raised dividend payments to its farmworkers.
Call for permanent ban on wildlife trade in China
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) has welcomed the recent decision by Chinese authorities to temporarily ban the trade in wild animals to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Wind and unseasonal rain cause consternation in Western Cape
A Stellenbosch wine estate is faced with thousands of rands’ worth of damages after a strong southeaster wind nearly ruined an entire vineyard block over the weekend.
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