Lindi Botha
Lindi Botha is an agricultural journalist and communications specialist based in Nelspruit, South Africa. She has spent over a decade reporting on food production and has a special interest in research, new innovations and technology that aid farmers in increasing their margins, while reducing their environmental footprint. She has garnered numerous awards during her career, including The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Star Prize in 2019, the IFAJ-Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism in 2020, and several South African awards for her writing.
Stronger exchange rate could cut macadamia income by 15% this year
While the long-term outlook for South Africa’s macadamia industry remains bullish, the ongoing import tariff uncertainty in the US and a stronger exchange rate are set to leave farmers with slim margins this year.
Budget 2026: agriculture gets support, but biosecurity gaps remain
The response to the 2026 Budget Speech, delivered in Parliament on Wednesday by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, was largely positive. However, the absence of specific support to address the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has left the sector feeling discouraged.
Smarter selection, stronger animals: how AI is changing livestock genetics
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future concept in livestock breeding. Benefits are already being seen in the speed and accuracy of selection programmes, bringing improvements in longevity, efficiency, and welfare.
Budget 2026: debt stabilises, growth remains muted
South Africa’s economic growth outlook is steadily improving, with growth projected to reach 1,6% in 2026, up from 1,4% in 2025. Growth is expected to average 1,8% over the medium term, reaching 2% by 2028.
Stronger rand puts damper on bigger citrus crop
The growing citrus crop is expected to put pressure on South African farmers this year as existing export markets near saturation. Compounding the effect is a stronger exchange rate, which is set to erode margins.
State of the Nation Address solutions ‘impossible without policy reform’, say economists
A constrained economy and lack of business support could render President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proposed solutions to South Africa’s most pressing issues redundant, panellists said during a North-West University Business School webinar on the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
State of the Nation Address met with scepticism over implementation
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2026, delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday evening in Cape Town, highlighted progress made in growing the economy and reducing unemployment, but numerous challenges still inhibit the country from achieving real change.
How school nutrition programmes can boost nutrition and drive transformation
The National School Nutrition Programme feeds more than nine million school children every day and remains one of South Africa’s most meaningful interventions for supporting learning and reducing hunger. But with strategic partnerships, the programme could do far more, strengthening childhood nutrition while helping to drive transformation across the agriculture sector.
Wool industry opens the door for accurate carbon reporting
A new peer-reviewed study has found that wool production is not as carbon-intensive as believed and could help curb global warming. This scientific proof is the first step in re-establishing wool’s value as a sustainable fibre and boosting market acceptance.
Optimal swine nutrition: don’t feed more, but feed better
A one-size-fits-all diet for pigs can lead to overfeeding or underfeeding, producing varying results, and lost production. Instead, JD Mostert, independent swine nutritionist, advocates for a stronger focus on digestible amino acids to get the most from feed rations.
Managing ascites in broilers starts with prevention
Ascites is one of the most economically damaging conditions in broiler production. It often becomes visible late in the production cycle but starts much earlier, and once clinical signs appear, there is no treatment, thus producers must remain vigilant.
Vertical farming searches for sustainable growth after hype fades
Rolling bankruptcies in global vertical farming over the past five years have slowed the industry’s momentum but not its innovation. Instead, the collapse of several high-profile players has pushed operators and investors to shift focus from hype to viable economics.
Agri matrics celebrate high pass rates
Interest in agricultural careers among high school learners continues to grow. Several school principals spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about the matric results at their schools, indicating that pupils are increasingly looking to the agriculture sector for their future.
Flood risk looms as Mpumalanga braces for up to 800mm of rain
Catastrophic floods are predicted for the Mpumalanga Lowveld next week, with rainfall of between 500mm and 800mm forecast for the period from 9 to 14 January.
Resilience and gradual recovery expected in 2026
Prospects for a positive 2026 are improving as lower input costs are expected for the agriculture sector and bumper grain crops seem likely. Loffie Brandt, head of sales enablement at Absa AgriBusiness, spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about how farmers can take advantage of opportunities in the new year.
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FNB signals optimism for the year ahead
While the agriculture sector faced significant headwinds in 2025, the year has ended on a strong note. Dawie Maree, head of agriculture information and marketing at FNB, talks about navigating challenges and opportunities in 2026.
Balancing welfare and viability in cage-free egg farming
The trend towards cage-free eggs presents an opportunity for farmers to tap into a valuable niche market. But with higher production costs and limited scope for market growth, the business requires a delicate balance to remain viable.
Farm watches take charge of rural safety
With rural crime on the rise and police resources stretched thin, farm watches across South Africa are stepping up to protect farming communities. These volunteer-led safety networks are preventing millions in losses, deterring criminal activity and helping police solve major crimes, proving that when farmers unite, the benefits ripple far beyond the farm gate.
Little joy for fresh produce farmers this festive season
High volumes of fresh produce have coincided with cash-strapped consumers, bringing a halt to festive season pricing. Farmers are therefore unlikely to see the higher prices for their produce that are typical at this time of year.
ZZ2 finds the winning recipe for technology integration
Farming group ZZ2 has embraced technology to streamline farming practices and systems to maximise efficiency. Martin Jansen, chief information officer at ZZ2, shares the company’s approach to technological innovation, offering advice on how businesses can implement their own successful strategies.
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