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.
Tongaat Hulett narrowly escapes liquidation
An 11th-hour deal has brought the liquidation of Tongaat Hulett to an end, just as the matter was due to be heard in the Durban High Court in KwaZulu-Natal.
This year’s CILTSA conference set to focus on greener logistics
The global logistics sector accounts for 11% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, leaving businesses under growing pressure from governments, investors, and consumers to improve their performance, according to the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA), which hosts its ESG Conference in Sandton, Johannesburg, on 23 June.
North West extension services receive a boost with new fleet of vehicles
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has bolstered its capacity to serve farmers and combat foot-and-mouth disease in the province with the handover of 40 new government vehicles for veterinary and extension services.
Machinery sales slowdown could signal changing market conditions
South Africa's agricultural machinery market may be entering a new phase after more than a year of strong performance, with the latest sales figures suggesting a possible moderation in equipment demand during the second half of 2026.
Agri competition offers young innovators a chance to go global
A new agricultural innovation competition is offering up-and-coming agripreneurs a chance to take their ideas from the farm gate to the global stage.
Agriculture central to climate change resilience and response
Climate change is placing growing pressure on South African agriculture, with industry representatives and government warning of increasing risks to food production, water security and rural livelihoods ahead of World Environment Day.
Optimism as sugar season gets under way
Amid a delayed and uncertain start to the 2026/27 sugar cane season, KwaZulu-Natal’s sugar industry is pinning its hopes on a grower-led rescue plan aimed at preventing the liquidation of Tongaat Hulett and safeguarding thousands of jobs linked to its mills and refinery operations.
From curiosity to a passion for livestock farming
At a time when South African agriculture is under pressure to attract and retain young talent, Free State livestock farmer, certified cattle artificial inseminator and agribusiness innovator Rorisang Reanetse Tsotetsi is seeking out a space for himself that blends genetics, entrepreneurship, and youth development, all at the very young age of 21.
Growing a future rooted in agroecology and community-led farming
In the rural village of Nonaliliti, Eastern Cape, where subsistence farming and indigenous knowledge still shape daily life, 30-year-old agroecology practitioner Kanyisa Deliwe is helping to redefine what sustainable farming can look like.
Strengthening Africa’s fresh produce supply chains
In the fast-moving world of fresh produce procurement, where weather, markets, and margins collide everyday, 26-year-old agribusiness professional Luphotho Poswa is becoming an integral part of Africa’s supply chains from farm gates to retail shelves.
Breed societies get creative with displays at Nampo 2026
While breed societies usually showcase live cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs at Nampo Harvest Day, this year they are preparing for a very different exhibition in light of the restrictions on cloven-hoofed animals due to the nationwide foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.
Sunny, cool weather forecast for Nampo 2026
After concerns over recent unseasonal downpours at Nampo Park in Bothaville, organisers say conditions have improved significantly, with sunny and mild weather forecast for Nampo from 12 to 15 May.
Record R2,05m paid for Savanna ram at Rawsonville auction
Epic, a Savanna ram, set a new South African small-stock record when he sold for R2,05 million at the Black-Tie Blue Blood auction last week.
KZN agriculture ramps up support for women farmers
With 2026 declared the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the UN, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is stepping up efforts to recognise and empower women in agriculture across the province.
Gledhow sugar mill back online after R2bn investment
Hundreds of jobs have been secured with the recommissioning of the historic Gledhow Sugar Company mill in KwaDukuza on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
Lotz bags top prize with 1 221kg pumpkin
A giant pumpkin weighing in at 1 221kg has set a new South African and Southern Hemisphere record at the annual Giant Pumpkin Festival held in Heidelberg over the weekend.
Bathurst Show to host FMD panel discussion
A Farmer’s Weekly-sponsored panel discussion on foot-and-mouth disease will form part of the 2026 Bathurst Agricultural Show on 27 March.
FMD, Middle East conflict contribute to decline in agribusiness confidence
South Africa’s agribusiness confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the third quarter of 2024, weighed down by the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
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.
