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.
More African swine fever outbreaks reported
Two more outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) were recently confirmed by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).
Fourth straight month of fuel price increases for SA
Consumers and motorists are bracing themselves for another hefty increase in the fuel price, making it the fourth consecutive price hike this year.
Zeder maintains earnings despite difficult trading environment
JSE-listed Zeder Investments, which focuses on the agriculture, food and beverage sectors, managed to deliver comparable recurring earnings and maintain dividends, despite a challenging macro-environment in which the company and its portfolio companies operated during the financial year ended 28 February 2019.
Hong Kong customs seizes 83kg of SA rhino horn
Almost 83kg of rhino horn from South Africa valued at around R29 million were recently intercepted by Hong Kong customs officials at the Hong Kong International Airport.
High presence of fall armyworm moths in the Western Cape
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) called on Western Cape farmers to conduct regular checks of their lands after “high numbers” of fall armyworm (FAW) moths were detected in the province.
Fruit farmers open hearts to Karoo counterparts
Producer-owned apple and pear packing and storage business in the Elgin district, Two-a-Day Group, recently donated more than R500 000 to the Agri Western Cape drought relief fund.
Swartland jam factory turns rejected fruit into profit
A fruit-manufacturing business at Piket-Bo-Berg in the Western Cape has created a market for rejected produce by turning it into jam, chutney and similar products. Jeandré van der Walt spoke to general manager Liebré Jacobs about her company’s achievements.
Drier winter awaits Swartland farmers – weather expert
The precipitation outlook for the Swartland region does not look favourable this winter, according to Overberg Agri weather forecaster, Giel Hugo.
Western Cape boasts Africa’s first floating solar system
A fruit farm and wedding venue, Marlenique Estate, near Franschhoek, has introduced the first commercially operated floating solar system on the African continent.
Wine industry satisfied with inflationary sin tax increase
The South African wine and brandy industry has welcomed the inflationary increase in excise duties announced by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni in the 2019/2020 National Budget Speech on Wednesday.
Foot-and-mouth disease hampers hide and skin exports
The recent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Limpopo, and the subsequent loss of South Africa's FMD-free status, has had a major impact on South Africa’s hide and skin industry.
State of the Nation address elicits optimism from agri leaders
“Strategically located land will be released to address human settlement needs in urban and peri-urban areas,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening.
US expert to evaluate grain location differential system
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s (JSE) location differential system was the main topic of discussion at Grain SA’s three annual meetings held in South Africa’s winter rainfall regions.
Stock thieves slaughter 30 sheep on Mpumalanga farm
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the intruders that butchered 30 sheep on the farm Goedgedacht near Standerton in Mpumalanga over the weekend.
‘Low prices compromise wine industry’s sustainability’
Vinpro’s chairperson, Anton Smuts, has called on wine producers and winery directors to stop selling bulk wine at “pathetically low” prices.
National Rooibos Day: celebrating one of SA’s favourite exports
Numerous health benefits have been ascribed to rooibos tea, making it not only a firm favourite among South African tea drinkers, but also across the world.
Call for companies to support agri graduates
According to The Economist's Pocket World in Figures, South Africa has the highest rate of unemployment among young people in the world.
R300 million wine cellar merger in Robertson
The Bonnievale Wines group and Wandsbeck Wines have announced that the two entities will be merging.
Growing popularity of rooibos results in record plantings
As rooibos tea increases in popularity among consumers, it is fast becoming one of the most attractive agricultural commodities to invest in.
Table grape harvest on track as conditions remain unchanged
The South African table grape harvest is well underway with crop volumes estimated to be between 63,2 million and 70,1 million, 4,5 kg-equivalent cartons.
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