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.
Diversity and direct marketing drive a small farm’s success
On a small piece of land in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, Alan and Belinda Stewart have built a diversified enterprise that produces vegetables, eggs, and cheese, taking their harvest directly to customers through a farmer’s market and home deliveries. Their journey offers lessons in diversification and building demand, proving that even a modest footprint can yield a sustainable livelihood.
Bio360 Africa highlights trust and data as key to scaling biochar uptake
Farmers will not gamble on unfamiliar inputs without proof. During a panel discussion at the Bio360 Africa expo and conference, industry stakeholders agreed that trust, data, and collaboration will determine whether biochar moves from a niche product to a mainstream soil solution.
Building better maize soils with the right cover crops
A cover crop can either become an asset or an expense. The difference lies in selecting species that work with your soils, climate, and maize rotation to deliver measurable benefits.
Biogas growth depends on compliance, safety, and industry trust
As the value of South Africa's biogas industry is increasingly recognised, the industry is expanding, with stakeholders being urged to prioritise regulatory compliance and safety to protect workers, build public confidence, and support long-term growth.
Feedstock quality can make or break biogas projects, expert warns
South Africa’s growing biogas industry should prioritise both feedstock quantity and quality if projects are to remain viable and deliver long-term returns, says Banda Kondwani, project development manager at Bio2Watt Energy Holdings.
Biogas offers farmers a route to energy, fertiliser, and new income streams
South Africa could generate economic output equivalent to 4,4% of GDP if the 35 million tons of organic waste generated in the country every year were used to generate biogas.
Carbon credits become more accessible to farmers
While the carbon credits market presents opportunities for producers to not only earn additional income but also fund the practices that will boost their farms’ resilience, it has been slow in delivering promised returns. However, farmers are moving one step closer to boosting regenerative agriculture efforts.
A new-generation farmer rooted in purpose
At 27, Phomolo Sewedi is steadily building a farming business with purpose in Ganalaagte, North West. From humble beginnings, he is carving out a place in agriculture through persistence, adaptability and a strong sense of responsibility to his community. His journey reflects the grit and vision that define this year’s 30 under 30
Holistic management keeps groundnut diseases at bay
Groundnuts favour warm, dry climates, but since they are widely planted under dryland conditions, they do require good rainfall. This presents a challenging scenario for disease management, as diseases that attack groundnuts thrive in warm, wet conditions. Lindi Botha investigates effective strategies.
Slim grain margins threaten wider banking system, warns Land Bank economist
The cost-price squeeze facing the grain industry is not only a threat to farmers but also poses a growing risk to the broader financial system if producers are unable to repay their debt obligations, says Land Bank chief agricultural economist Sakhumzi May.
Farmer’s Weekly/FarmTalk golf day raises R186 000 for FMD relief
Farmer’s Weekly and FarmTalk brought the agricultural community together in a show of solidarity and support at their FMD (foot-and-mouth disease) Relief Fund Golf Day, held on 21 April in Johannesburg, raising R186 000 to assist farmers affected by the disease.
How beekeepers can boost their hives with the right forage and care
Just as livestock farmers must manage herd health and nutrition, so must beekeepers nurture their bees to keep them in top shape. Lindi Botha reports on how beekeepers can ensure optimally productive hives.
Wrong-sized machinery, delayed upgrades could be costlier in the long run
Farmers under financial pressure should avoid delaying machinery upgrades to the point where productivity and profitability start slipping, says Antois van der Westhuizen, managing director of John Deere Financial for Africa and the Middle East.
Solar-boosted irrigation brings greater yields and efficiency
Greater reliance on solar energy to power Hannes Schutte’s crop irrigation has meant a change in how he manages his scheduling and the system he employs. By switching to low-pressure sprinklers, this crop farmer has reduced his energy costs and boosted yields.
‘If we lose hope, we’ll lose everything’ – AgriSA CEO
South African farmers are facing one of the toughest operating environments in recent years. Industry leaders at Nampo Harvest Day 2026 urged producers not to lose hope but instead use the platform to find practical solutions to improve efficiencies to keep businesses sustainable.
Questions to ask before buying machinery at Nampo
With farming margins under pressure and input costs continuing to climb, producers are urged to take a more calculated approach to mechanisation decisions, focusing on profitability, utilisation, and long-term sustainability rather than simply buying the biggest or latest machine available.
Heading to Nampo 2026? Here’s what you need to know
Excitement is building for this year’s Nampo Harvest Day, as thousands of farmers, agribusinesses, and industry stakeholders prepare to converge on Bothaville in the Free State for what remains the largest agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere.
Efficiency, connectivity and the next wave of farm tech innovation
Farm machinery is moving into a new era defined by connectivity, efficiency and smarter decision-making on the ground. Lindi Botha looks at how emerging technologies are shaping the next generation of equipment, and what visitors can expect at Nampo.
Agriculture’s voice grows, but gaps remain after COP30 discussions
Agriculture gained increased visibility at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Brazil in November 2025, but progress in formal negotiations remained limited.
Canola production expands northwards
Interest in canola production in South Africa’s summer rainfall region is growing, as new cultivars provide promising options for crop diversification.
