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.
Holiday goers flock to farms for health and fitness
Agritourism is growing in popularity in South Africa, and this past December saw an influx of holiday goers seeking adventures on farms.
High prices put the brakes on eggy breakfasts
The new year’s budget blues are set to increase for poultry consumers as prices remain high after last year’s devastating bird flu outbreak in South Africa.
How a focus on genetics can triple macadamia yield
The macadamia industry has yet to make the quantum leap in yield seen in older industries like apples and citrus. But with a greater focus on genetics, and fine-tuning every step in the production process, tripling macadamia yields could soon be a reality. Lindi Botha reports.
Focused pricing for avocados will sustain the industry
Avocado growers are set to start the new year with a range of new market options as years of negotiations have come to fruition. This is especially prudent since South Africa is expecting an increase in yield in 2024.
The highs and lows of 2023: our farmers speak
The year was characterised by a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows for farmers. We spoke to a group of Farmer’s Weekly readers to get their take on 2023 and the road ahead.
Avo farm’s long journey to profitability
Land restitution farms in South Africa have a patchy success rate, with many going to ruins after the change in ownership. Failure is usually attributed to the sudden change in management from those with a farming background to those without, as well as a critical lack of operating capital. Lindi Botha spoke to Tom Mdluli of the Matsafeni Trust about surviving despite the challenges, and their plans to expand the operation.
Follow these simple steps to keep your farm safe this holiday
The December holidays present a prime opportunity for thieves to take advantage of farms, often left vacant as farmers head out for the festive period. But with a proper security strategy in place, farmers and their assets can remain safe.
Live Christmas trees: easy money? Not quite!
Many South Africans driving past pine forest plantations in South Africa would have asked themselves why the forestry sector is not capitalising on live Christmas tree sales with their ample forests.
Agri exports up, but hard work lies ahead
South Africa’s agriculture sector has registered an increase in international trade despite issues plaguing our ports.
Botswana border shut could lead to cheaper fresh produce in SA
Botswana has extended its import ban on fresh produce from South Africa, continuing to defy the free trade agreement that is in place.
Coffee and macadamias prove to be a great match in the same orchard
Lowveld farmers have limited options to get around the cost-price squeeze in order to remain profitable amid rising input costs and decreasing crop prices. Father-and-son team Charles and Carel Burger have an innovative approach: they are intercropping coffee and macadamias to maximise returns. Lindi Botha reports.
Ireland’s dairy farmers wrestle with harsh environmental policies
A peek over the farm gate into an Irish dairy farm reveals that although the grass is certainly greener, farmers are facing unprecedented challenges that are placing their survival at risk. The O’Connor family spoke to Lindi Botha about countering the headwinds and sustaining production.
Access to health care on farms reduces HIV infection
South Africa’s agriculture sector has reason to celebrate World Aids Day today, rather than just commemorate it. HIV-positive cases have declined over the last few years as a result of awareness campaigns and access to treatment on farms.
Joburg market’s R32 million generator leaves fresh produce rotting
Thousands of tons of fresh produce worth an estimated R10 million is rotting on the Johannesburg Fresh Market floor as the premises has been without electricity since Saturday.
Walnuts: a rising star in SA’s nut basket
Walnuts make up the smallest portion of South Africa’s nut cultivation, yet show much promise as a profitable crop that can be grown across a host of areas in the country. One of the first to take the leap, Rotondo Walnuts is paving the way for a robust future industry.
Why soya deserves a bigger place on people’s plates
In an ocean of pricey superfoods, soya stands out as being so cheap that its value is often downplayed. Used predominantly for animal feed, soya beans for human consumption faces a significant marketing problem, one which the Cloete family in Mpumalanga are tackling at every opportunity to elevate this humble bean to its deserved spot on our plates. Lindi Botha reports.
How an Irish family is changing the narrative around dairy farming
Public opinion on farming practices has taken a negative slant the world over as social media perpetuate stereotypes of farmers who only seek profit, to the detriment of the environment. Irish farmers Pete and Paula Hynes are challenging those views by placing their farm firmly in the spotlight.
More warthogs must be culled, say sheep farmers
Sheep farmers are at their wits end as damage caused by warthogs is threatening their livelihoods.
How compost from Mpumalanga farmer’s bioreactor is boosting no-till crops
No-till crop cultivation is hardly a novel movement, yet learning curves are still steep as farmers navigate the intricacies of what makes healthy soil. Lindi Botha speaks to Hendrik Odendaal about how a change in his compost regime is making all the difference.
Mid-Term Budget blues: We don’t have money, says Godongwana
The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) brought little good news when it was tabled in Parliament on Wednesday.
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