Jeanne Van der Merwe
Journalist, specialising in agriculture and logistics. Connecting dots, finding context and presenting information in usable and reader-friendly formats.
Namibia bans exports and animal movement after confirmed FMD case
Following a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Karasburg State Veterinary District of Namibia, situated in the country’s FMD-free zone, the Namibia Agricultural Union has urged the Namibian government to declare a state of emergency.
‘A well-trained dog is far better at reading sheep than we are’
When Mark Trollip started farming sheep in Swellendam, Western Cape, he knew moving his flocks would be easy. A veteran sheepdog trainer, he’s competed in sheepdog trials for the better part of 30 years with 12 different dogs. He talks about his passion for sheepdogs and the role they play on his farm.
Preparing for drought is hard for farmers drowning in debt
An audience member at Farmer’s Weekly’s panel discussion on El Niño preparedness said while the theory of implementing practical steps to improve resilience makes perfect sense, it comes at a cost that many smaller farmers simply cannot afford.
A flower spectacle at Nampo Cape
Marjolijn Malan's floral creations at Nampo Cape have become somewhat of an institution, and this year's fanciful riffs are no exception.
Boerboels in the spotlight at Nampo Cape
Western Cape Boerboel breeders, owners, and their dogs journeyed through the pouring rain into Bredasdorp to participate in the Western Cape Boerboel Show, which took place on the final day of Nampo Cape 2026.
Farmers highlight the brutal reality of predator damage at Nampo Cape
Predation Management Western Cape is raising awareness at Nampo Cape about severe livestock losses, demonstrating why regional predator control, professional hunting, and collaboration are essential to protect sheep.
Choose the Dohne Merino for tough times, says farmer
In the Overberg, Potberg Dohnes proves why the versatile Dohne Merino excels. Renowned for mothering ability, high lambing rates, and fine wool, this tough breed delivers maximum profitability during difficult seasons.
Nampo Cape Day 2 sees agri experts focus on water and El Niño risks
The second day of Nampo Cape 2026 saw agriculture leaders tackle critical water rights, climate resilience, and incoming El Niño risks.
Climate change could make Senepol a winner for the Western Cape
An Eastern Cape stud farmer told Farmer’s Weekly at Nampo Cape 2026 that he believes the changing climate in the Western Cape could make the Senepol an attractive option for red meat producers contending with harsh, dry summers and rising feed costs.
White wheat could shake up the SA market
With local wheat production under increasing pressure and quality standards having recently been expanded to include the cultivation of white wheat, industry insiders expect the first white wheat cultivars to become commercially available by the end of the decade.
Western Cape braces for ‘fiery’ summer as El Niño develops
The developing El Niño, believed to be the most severe on record, is expected to exacerbate the fire risk in the Overberg.
Humid conditions trigger early Sclerotinia infections
An unusually humid early winter has rendered conventional preventative measures against Sclerotinia stem rot ineffective, with the disease infecting canola plants before they began flowering.
SA soya beans grab a corner of the Chinese market
A surprise tariff concession by China and favourable market conditions have opened the door for South Africa to export around 200 000t of soya beans to the world’s biggest importer later this year, 36% more than the country shipped there three years ago.
Plans taking shape to move agri commodities by rail
The local agricultural value chain has a unique opportunity to shape the future of its freight landscape, including moving some commodities to rail, through a process running until 30 September.
Namibia’s EU meat exports at risk as state funding runs dry
The Namibian red meat industry is working with authorities to address a funding shortage that could jeopardise mandatory inspections of EU-approved livestock farms, potentially threatening exporters’ access to the bloc’s lucrative market.
Climate uncertainty reshapes table grape industry thinking
At the inaugural Table Grape Conference, held in Franschhoek, Western Cape, from 5 to 6 August, climate-related challenges dominated discussions, with speakers sharing strategies to help growers adapt to increasingly uncertain conditions.
New act strengthens SA’s defences against plant diseases
The Plant Health (Phytosanitary) Act (No.35 of 2024), Section 8 (Powers of entry, search, inspection and seizure with regard to land), is set to empower government officials in South Africa.
Direct Harare–London flights boost export options for Zim growers
Zimbabwe’s blueberry export industry received a boost this month when exports to China began on 7 July, followed two days later by the announcement of a direct air route between Harare and London Gatwick.
Nampo Cape broadens focus with vegetable farming seminar
This year, the organisers of Nampo Cape are continuing their drive to expand the show’s scope and increase the representation of the Western Cape’s extremely diverse agricultural landscape.
Experts say Aucamp is up against a broken system
The overwhelmingly positive response to Willie Aucamp replacing John Steenhuisen as minister of agriculture belies deeper problems that, according to industry experts, have hampered successive agriculture ministers, including a broken animal health governance system, outdated legislation, and officials who are a law unto themselves.
