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.
Biologicals no longer a niche as pest pressures grow
Biological crop protection products are gaining ground as pest resistance mounts, export markets tighten residue requirements, and climate change reshapes pest pressure. The sector appears to have reached a turning point as multinational crop protection companies are increasingly investing in biological solutions alongside conventional chemistry.
Balancing regeneration and profitability in the Midlands
Set against the serene backdrop of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Bramleigh Farm combines regenerative agriculture with a carefully planned commercial strategy. Owner Andre Kauerauf spoke to Farmer's Weekly about building a profitable farming business through regenerative agriculture, diversification, and direct marketing.
Increasing export volumes of fruit requires strategic, segmented marketing
South Africa’s horticultural success has presented the industry with a conundrum, as the ever-increasing volumes of fruit require more specialised marketing campaigns to lift demand for these commodities.
Mid-sized farms can hold their own if managed with precision
Consolidation in agriculture is undeniable, but success is not reserved for the biggest players. Increasingly, it is the most efficient and well-managed farms that are enduring.
Pork producers rebuild after disease setbacks
As African swine fever (ASF) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks have slowed significantly, pork producers are rebuilding their herds, and healthy margins have returned. But, while the disease crisis has eased, rising imports and the prospect of higher feed costs are emerging as the industry’s next major challenges.
Electricity prices replace load-shedding as farming’s biggest threat
Load-shedding may have ended more than two years ago, but South African farmers remain trapped in an electricity crisis. With soaring tariffs, deteriorating distribution infrastructure, and policies that discourage independent power generation, the cost and reliability of electricity have emerged as growing threats to agricultural profitability, food security, and export competitiveness.
Producing quality beef on natural, rented veld
Running 250 cattle on 90ha of land, producing farm-to-fork grass-fed beef without any feed supplementation, is a remarkable feat, especially when the land is rented and requires building soil health from scratch. Lindi Botha visited Balgowan Beef Company in KwaZulu-Natal to learn how it’s done.
Macadamia nut borer: winning the battle before it starts
Macadamia nut borer damage is increasing across farms in Southern Africa. Effective management starts long before symptoms become visible. Understanding the pest’s life cycle, monitoring damage and acting early can make the difference between manageable losses and costly infestations.
Egon Zunckel: a lifetime of learning from the soil
The Zunckel name is synonymous with no-till farming in South Africa. Egon Zunckel, a pioneer in the field and a passionate advocate for soil health, shared with Lindi Botha the lessons he has learnt over the years about building resilient soils and sustainable farming systems.
Court rules farmers’ market funds aren’t municipal money
Farmers and market agents scored a significant legal victory after the North West High Court dismissed the City of Matlosana’s application to appeal an earlier ruling that stripped it of control over funds generated by the Matlosana National Fresh Produce Market in Klerksdorp.
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.
