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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.

SA’s national herd to be vaccinated against FMD

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announced on Wednesday that the country’s entire national cattle herd will be vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease, marking a major shift from the long-standing targeted vaccination strategy.

Record-breaking season for SA citrus industry

In the 2025 season, the South African citrus industry delivered its strongest performance yet, packing 203,4 million 15kg cartons for global markets, the highest export volume ever recorded in the country.

Strict controls keep Limpopo free of foot-and-mouth, says MEC

While most of South Africa is battling widespread foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks, Limpopo remains free of FMD, with the province’s agriculture MEC Nakedi Kekana saying strict long-term control measures, vaccination strategy and strict livestock monitoring have kept the virus at bay.

Western Cape takes swift action to contain FMD outbreak

All animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Gouda area have been vaccinated as part of approved containment measures, the Joint Operations Centre for FMD, led by the Western Cape, has confirmed.

Medium-Term Budget offers boost for agriculture through structural reforms

While South Africa’s agriculture sector may not have featured explicitly in Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) delivered on Wednesday, leading economists say some reforms and policy shifts outlined in the speech point to meaningful indirect gains for the sector.

Trends that have shaped South Africa’s macadamia industry in 2025

This year has been a defining one for South Africa’s macadamia industry, according to Shane Hartman, CEO of Global Macadamias.

suspected case of foot and mouth disease in cattle

Suspected case of FMD in Western Cape, farm under quarantine

Veterinary authorities have placed a farm in Gouda, Western Cape, under quarantine amid an investigation into a suspected foot-and-mouth disease case, believed to be linked to the recent movement of cattle from the province to the Free State.

Thirteen arrested after Free State farm attack

Thirteen suspects have been arrested for the murder of a farmworker and the rape and stabbing of his wife during a farm attack in Free State in the early hours of Saturday, 1 November.

Eleven KZN farmers to get commercial farms via government initiative

Eleven commercial farms across KwaZulu-Natal are set to be transferred to local farmers as part of a major provincial drive to boost food security, job creation, and rural economic growth.

Top livestock shine at 2025 Royal Fat Stock Show and Carcass Competition

The Royal Agricultural Society of Natal recently hosted the 2025 Royal Fat Stock Show and Carcass Competition, showcasing some of KwaZulu-Natal’s finest beef and lamb entries on-the-hoof and on-the-hook.

Boxer Farmers’ Day supports Ndwedwe growers with training, mentorship

Boxer Superstores hosted a farmers’ day in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, drawing close to 300 farmers from the area for a full day of practical training, mentorship, and empowerment.

South Africa signs landmark stone fruit trade deal with China

South African Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen on Wednesday announced a major win for South Africa’s fruit sector as he signed a one-of-a-kind stone fruit trade protocol with China.

Karan Beef confirms second FMD case at Heidelberg feedlot

Karan Beef has confirmed a second case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) at its feedlot in Heidelberg, Gauteng, detected on 1 October.

Karan Beef truck accident results in death of seven cattle

Seven cattle died when a Karan Beef truck transporting livestock was involved in an accident on the N3 near the Tugela off-ramp in KwaZulu-Natal in the early hours of Tuesday, 7 October.

Port of Gauteng could benefit agriculture, says Grain SA

Investment in modern, integrated logistics infrastructure at the Port of Gauteng could reduce agricultural transport costs, improve the reliability of logistics, and strengthen South Africa’s regional and global market competitiveness, helping farmers to expand production, sustain jobs, and strengthen food security.

Farmers urged to prepare for La Niña conditions

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) released its summer seasonal forecast, cautioning farmers to prepare for a wetter-than-usual summer as the country moves towards a weak La Niña event.

Learners gain practical skills through EduPlant programme

In Diepkloof, Soweto, the Philip Kushlick School for learners with special needs recently highlighted how the EduPlant School Gardening and Nutrition Programme is benefitting the school and the wider community during a site visit to their food garden on Friday, 12 September.

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Jyothi Laldas