Jyothi Laldas
Jyothi Laldas is an accomplished journalist with 15 years of experience in the news media industry. She has established herself as a respected voice in the field, known for her keen insights and passion for storytelling. Jyothi grew up on a farm in rural KwaZulu-Natal, a background that instilled in her a deep appreciation for hard work and the importance of community. Her passion for writing and learning about people has been a driving force throughout her career, enabling her to connect with her audience and bring important stories to light. Jyothi‘s journalistic journey has been marked by her dedication to providing accurate and impactful reporting on a range of topics.
New acting CEO appointed at Land Bank
The Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa (Land Bank) has appointed Jabu Mphambo as acting CEO, effective 9 February, following Themba Rikhotso’s resignation earlier this year.
Royal Show postponed amid FMD outbreak
The Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) has announced that the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show will now be held from 8 to 11 October, a change made to protect livestock producers, exhibitors, and the long-term integrity of the event amid ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) concerns.
What farmers need to know about FMD movement permits
With the mass vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease under way in South Africa, the Department of Agriculture has reminded farmers that strict livestock movement controls remain in place and permits are still legally required in many cases.
Agri sector calls for fair taxes, policy certainty in Budget 2026
As Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to table the 2026 National Budget this afternoon, agricultural stakeholders say his speech will reveal whether government is serious about protecting jobs, managing risk, and supporting the sector’s long-term growth.
Sugar industry crisis prompts call for state intervention
The South African Canegrowers Association has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa and several Cabinet ministers, requesting urgent action to prevent the liquidation of Tongaat Hulett and stabilise the wider sugar industry.
Agri employment reaches two-year high in late 2025
The agriculture sector helped to boost employment in South Africa at the end of 2025, with farm jobs reaching their highest level since Q3 in 2023, according to Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released earlier this week.
Farmers urged to co-operate with FMD inspections
Following a recent case of a farmer refusing state veterinarians access to his property, officials have emphasised farmers’ legal duties in foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control zones and the need to co-operate with inspections.
Foot-and-mouth disease explained
As foot-and-mouth disease continues to wreak havoc in South Africa, with misinformation circulating and anxiety growing among farmers, Farmer’s Weekly approached Dr Dave Midgley, CEO of the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa, to answer the questions farmers on the ground are asking.
ARC to produce 20 000 FMD vaccines a week by March, says Steenhuisen
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen visited the Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (OVR) campus for the handover of the first locally produced foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease vaccines in more than 20 years on Friday, 6 February.
ARC releases first locally produced foot-and-mouth disease vaccine
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has taken a major step in South Africa’s fight against a widespread, costly foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, releasing the first batch of a locally produced FMD vaccine.
Editors Pick
Cabinet memo drafted on FMD disaster declaration
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the Cabinet memorandum seeking a national state of disaster declaration over South Africa’s ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak has been drafted following a high-level meeting on 30 January.
Food inflation steady at 4,4% as meat prices remain under pressure
Consumer food price inflation held steady at 4,4% in December 2025, unchanged from November, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), and while overall inflation for 2025 was the lowest in more than two decades, elevated meat prices continue to weigh on the country’s food basket.
North West retracts FMD movement protocol
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has retracted a circular titled ‘Foot and Mouth Disease Movement Protocol for Live Animals and Game into and within North West Province’, which was released on 14 January.
Tighter border controls on agri goods as travellers return to SA
As thousands of travellers return to South Africa this week after the festive season, the Border Management Authority has issued a strong warning about bringing agricultural products back into the country.
Corporate partnerships help communities grow their own food
In food-insecure communities across South Africa, Shoprite and its partners are establishing food gardens that help people grow their own food and build long-term self-reliance.
Foot-and-mouth disease crisis under spotlight at industry workshop
Farmers, veterinarians and industry experts met in Potchefstroom, North West, on 12 December to discuss practical ways to manage the growing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis affecting livestock across South Africa.
Botswana reinstates vegetable import ban from South Africa
Botswana has once again banned vegetable imports from South Africa and other neighbouring countries in an effort to bolster support for local producers, despite having only recently lifted similar restrictions.
Beef industry’s best honoured at ARC National Beef Performers Awards
South Africa’s top beef cattle producers and emerging farmers were celebrated recently at the 2025 ARC National Beef Performers Awards, a prestigious ceremony recognising excellence in herd genetics, management, and performance across the country.
AFASA conference drives agricultural partnerships and transformation
The African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) recently brought together government leaders, agricultural experts, financial institutions, and farmer representatives for its Leadership and Strategic Partnership Conference.
Industry, government warn against use of illegal FMD vaccines
Following recent reports of the illegal use of Kenyan foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines in South Africa, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) immediately alerted authorities, which led to the detection of two suspicious consignments, one in Polokwane and another in Pietermaritzburg.
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