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 century of perfecting apple growing in the Langkloof
The Zondagh family farm apples and pears in the Eastern Cape’s fertile Langkloof Valley. During a media tour to Matt Zondagh Estate, hosted by Tru-Cape, the Zondaghs spoke to Jeandré van der Walt about sustainable farming practices and the importance of family.
Marginal uptick in South Africa’s agribusiness confidence
South Africa’s agribusinesses are slightly more optimistic about current business conditions in South Africa.
Farm murders down, but stock theft on the increase – SAPS
“Although [the current] farm murder rate is among the lowest recorded in the past few years, the reality remains that 47 murders are still 47 too many,” according to Tommie Esterhuyse, chairperson of Agri SA’s Centre of Excellence: Rural Safety.
Global trade tensions and weak economy hamper cotton prices
South African cotton prices are still declining, despite the second largest cotton yield on record.
Novice tunnel farmer wins with hydroponics
Byron Booysen started farming only five years ago and now produces tomatoes and other crops in an undercover system on 1,9ha just outside Kraaifontein near Cape Town. Jeandré van der Walt visited him to find out how he got started, the lessons he has learnt, and the challenges he faces.
Women in agri can create jobs, ensure food security
The participation of women in the agricultural sector should be promoted, in order to create much-needed employment opportunities and ensure food security.
Plant-based movement opportunity for fresh produce industry
One of the most exciting developments in the food technology sector is how the plant-based food movement is changing the way in which traditional agricultural businesses operate.
Jobs and safety to take centre stage in the Western Cape
Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, delivered his maiden State of the Province address on Thursday, focusing on job creation and safety.
Ceres growers help drought-stricken Karoo farmers
A group of growers from Ceres recently made the journey to Sutherland to support the hardest hit growers in the drought-stricken Karoo.
Getting started with dairy goats: practical tips from a farmer
Three years ago, WA Hugo started farming dairy goats on 8ha just outside Lambert’s Bay. Today, he has a herd of 150 goats and produces various cheese products. Jeandré van der Walt visited him on his farm, Bettiesville, to learn more about the dos and don’ts of dairy goat farming.
Stolen maize costs Free State farmers millions
The plundering of maize lands in the Free State has become a massive problem for farmers in the region, leading to the loss of millions of rand.
Protracted Oak Valley Estate protest deadlocks over wages
A protest by farmworkers outside Oak Valley Estate near Grabouw is now in its seventh week. The strike action is being led by the Commercial, Stevedoring, Agricultural and Allied Workers Union that is demanding better wages and living conditions for farmworkers.
How to sell your wine in a changing market
The future of wine is evolving and the industry has to adapt in order to survive and flourish. This is according to Robert Joseph, an internationally respected wine expert and winemaker.
Second SONA of 2019 lacks detail on implementation – analysts
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the year in Parliament on Thursday has been met with some scepticism, with many analysts saying the address was big on dreams, but lacked the necessary detail on how he plans to fix the challenges facing South Africa.
Mice ‘run amok’ in Swartland croplands
Mice and worm infestations in crops in the Swartland have been causing serious damage, with the cost of preventative measures and replanting already running into millions of rand.
New Harvest winner: from farmworker to farm owner
The 2018 Toyota South Africa New Harvest competition winner, Whernit Dirks, formerly worked as a general labourer on a farm in Piketberg. Today he farms wheat, barley, oats, rooibos and a flock of 900 Meatmasters on 1 700ha. He spoke to Jeandré van der Walt about his farming journey.
Unsafe food claims over 400 000 lives every year
Every year 420 000 people die, while 600 million fall ill around the world as a result of consuming unsafe food, according to the UN’s World Health Organization.
Agri sector welcomes new minister Thoko Didiza
Stakeholders in the agriculture sector welcomed the amalgamation of the Ministry of Agriculture with the Ministry of Rural Development, as well as the newly appointed minister.
Egg farmer scoops Western Cape Young Farmer of the Year award
Johan van der Schyff, an egg farmer from Plettenberg Bay, has been named as the Western Cape Young Farmer of the Year at a recent function held at Eensgezind, just outside Durbanville.
Concern about South Africa’s rising unemployment rate
South Africa’s unemployment rate increased to the highest level since the third quarter of 2017, according to Statistics South Africa.
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