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.
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.
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.
