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.
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.
Farmers urged to hedge currency risk as rand weakens, oil prices rise
The South African agriculture sector is operating in an increasingly uncertain macroeconomic environment, with the conflict in the Middle East heightening global volatility, increasing input costs, and driving exchange rate fluctuations.
SA agriculture at risk as crises crowd out policy action
The South African agriculture sector risks losing competitiveness as ongoing crisis management at government level undermines long-term planning and effective implementation.
Not cheaper, just different: what you should know about farming in Mozambique
Although Mozambique is often viewed as a cheaper, easier farming location than South Africa, cost comparisons tell a more complex story. But while cross-border production presents real challenges, it also offers opportunities for complementary trade, diversification and regional food security, particularly when it comes to subtropical crops such as bananas.
Pioneer gives more control to farmers over silage quality
Silage farmers have been given more control over the quality of their silage through practical tools released by Pioneer.
Global supply squeeze lifts outlook for SA pecan producers
As the South African pecan nut harvest gets underway in May, the industry is expecting a positive year as supply and demand trends count in their favour.
Struggling with no-till? Cover crops could be the answer
Soil coverage and living root maintenance are vital for successful conservation agriculture. However, a study has revealed that farmers find these aspects the most challenging when converting to no-tillage practices. Agronomist Dr Hendrik Smith discusses best practices.
Pork producers count the cost of ASF, FMD outbreaks
The unprecedented outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever in the South African pork industry have placed immense pressure on affected producers, with thousands of pigs culled and entire herds lost.
