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.
SA citrus industry faces major setback with US tariff
Following a 90-day reprieve that postponed the measure earlier this year, the US will impose a 30% tariff on exports of South African citrus, among other products, from 1 August.
‘Cattle vaccinated against FMD must be branded’ – Steenhuisen
With the Department of Agriculture’s nationwide foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine roll-out now under way, attention has turned to strict compliance with regulations surrounding the control of the disease.
Land Reform budget backs agri growth and rural development
At the presentation of Budget Vote 42 on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development Mzwanele Nyhontso announced a R9,82 billion allocation for his department for the 2025/26 financial year.
Senwes reports robust 2025 results despite challenges
The Senwes Group has achieved a resilient set of financial results for the year ended 30 April 2025, navigating a difficult operating environment shaped by drought, high interest rates, and ongoing infrastructure constraints.
Reports of Oriental fruit fly presence in Grabouw are ‘false and misleading’
The Department of Agriculture has rejected reports claiming that the presence of the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) has been detected in Grabouw, Western Cape, labelling the reports ‘false and misleading’.
Foot-and-mouth disease restrictions lifted in Eastern Cape, Limpopo
The Department of Agriculture has lifted foot-and-mouth disease restrictions in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, while KwaZulu-Natal remains under disease management.
Nampo Cape 2025 set to shine the spotlight on smart farming innovation
As global agriculture navigates rising climate challenges, food insecurity, and population growth, Nampo Cape 2025 will once again bring together the country’s top minds and machinery to tackle the future of farming.
SA farmers alarmed over US poultry import concession
South African chicken farmers have raised serious concerns over the potential introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, from the US, warning that the disease is currently rampant across all poultry-producing states in the US.
Daybreak workers block R50 in protest over unpaid salaries
Tensions continued to mount at Daybreak Foods as more than 100 employees protested outside the poultry producer’s Delmas facility on Wednesday, blocking the R50 route and bringing operations to a halt.
Steenhuisen marks 100 years of agricultural extension
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 58th Annual Conference of the South African Society for Agricultural Extension, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen paid tribute to the vital role played by extension officers in agriculture.
NSPCA lays criminal charges over Daybreak Farms animal deaths
The National Council of the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has filed criminal charges against the board of directors of Daybreak Farms following what it describes as “a catastrophic welfare crisis” in which more than one million chickens suffered or died due to extreme neglect and mismanagement.
Steenhuisen leads visit to Karan Beef feedlot as FMD battle intensifies
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa visited the Karan Beef feedlot in Heidelberg, Gauteng, on Monday as part of a national effort to combat the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.
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Agrico now manufactures PVC pipes larger in diameter
Agrico is set to transform South Africa’s irrigation and water infrastructure by installing an extrusion line capable of producing rigid mPVC and uPVC pipes up to a massive 800mm in diameter, confirmed to be the largest in Southern Africa.
Karan Beef confirms foot-and-mouth disease at three feedlots
Three of South Africa’s largest commercial cattle feedlots, operated by Karan Beef, have tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), placing approximately 160 000 head of cattle under immediate control measures.
Rising meat prices drive food inflation amid FMD outbreak
While South Africa’s overall consumer inflation held steady at 2,8% in May, food inflation has become a growing concern, driven largely by rising meat prices and a nationwide foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak that continues to disrupt supply chains and push costs higher.
Money-spinning auction confirms high stakes in Greyhound breeding
At a record-breaking auction in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, Southern African Greyhound breeders paid a staggering R2,4 million for 65 greyhounds, with the top-priced dog fetching R400 000. The sale was held by André Kock & Seun Limpopo, with director Paul van Vuuren in attendance as a bidder.
SA launches poultry vaccination to combat bird flu
In an effort to curb the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), government has officially launched its first-ever mass poultry vaccination strategy
Steenhuisen outlines strategic pillars at TMR Conference
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has reaffirmed government’s commitment to transforming the country’s livestock sector by accelerating the implementation of commodity-based development models.
Peanut butter company fined R500 000 over unsafe aflatoxin levels
The House of Natural Butters has been given a R500 000 fine after their peanut butter products were found to contain elevated levels of aflatoxins.
Satire article sparks concern over fake news in agriculture
A satirical article about a Limpopo farming community slaughtering the 30 cows awarded to them has been taken as truth by some.
