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.
BRICS summit opens export markets for SA agriculture
South Africa’s avocado and beef industries are set to receive a boost through market access to China, as announced during the 15th BRICS Summit, currently being held in South Africa.
Clarity on drone regulations urgently needed
Greater usage of drones for chemical applications on farms is being hindered by a lack of progress on product label specifications.
Limited consumer spending hits avocado market
Staple food prices continue to rise placing pressure on higher-end produce like avocados. Compared with the same period last year, potatoes were trading 77% higher, with carrots trading 6% higher.
Chicken import tariffs: it’s only fair
Facilities to produce two million chickens per week lie empty in South Africa as dumped imports of chicken elbow local competition out of the market.
Learning through trial and error how to produce kiwifruit in SA
A sunrise industry in South Africa with potential to expand markets locally and abroad, kiwifruit offers good returns on a small piece of land. Malcolm Deacon, owner of Gold Tree Farms, cautions, however, that knowledge gaps abound, and until the industry matures, farmers will have to troubleshoot their way through production.
Proposed tobacco law has repercussions for crime and sin foods
The newly proposed smoking laws have been described as ‘catastrophic’ for the tobacco industry, holding dire consequences for the agriculture sector and the fight against crime syndicates.
The pitfalls and benefits of diversifying your farming operation
Diversification enables farmers to spread risk and add additional income streams, but within the opportunities lie some hazards. Lindi Botha spoke to farmers who have successfully integrated their current operations through multicropping and other methods about how to tackle this juggling act without dropping the ball.
India’s rice export ban to halt progress on food inflation
India has halted two million tons of rice exports with immediate effect as the country seeks to keep local supply and prices stable amid a looming election. The ban impacts all non-basmati white rice and came into effect on Thursday last week.
Potato prices soar, but farmers still under pressure
Potatoes prices have reached record levels for the year and are trading at 77% higher than a year ago. This week, the prices again increased, reaching R81,67/10kg, Johnny van der Merwe, managing director of AM Trends, reported.
How a dairy concern adds value to a diversified operation
With so many variables in the farming landscape, diversification is a useful strategy to hedge one’s risk and ensure a steady cash flow. However, managing multiple divisions comes with its own challenges. Jan Grey, who farms in Mpumalanga’s Bethal region, spoke to Lindi Botha about his winning strategies.
Local problems more of a threat to SA than losing AGOA
While the potential loss of international trade agreements could disrupt South Africa’s trade balance, domestic issues are in fact far more serious, according to Dr Mmatlou Kalaba, commodity market analyst at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy.
Perseverance: the key to stud-farming success
Bonsmara stud manager Sizo Tshabalala believes there is a lesson to be learnt from every challenge. He spoke to Lindi Botha about how his passion for farming and determination to succeed have helped him overcome every obstacle he has faced on his journey to achieving his agricultural dreams.
Nearly 2 million layer hens culled in Mpumalanga as bird flu hits
The highly pathogenic H7 bird flu has spread to Mpumalanga over the last week, necessitating the culling of 1,8 million layer hens. The virus is believed to be contained but fears that wild birds will continue to spread the virus remain.
Boran cattle: perfect fit for diversified farmer
As a diversified farmer whose primary focus is grain, Leon van Tonder doesn’t have much time to worry about his cattle. He spoke to Lindi Botha about why introducing Boran cattle into his herd was the best decision he has ever made, and how this beef breed complements his crop-production division.
Higher maize yield boosts production figures
The latest crop production forecast shows an increase in maize yield, mostly attributed to favourable weather conditions that boosted the crop towards the end of summer.
Macadamia production: cost-cutting ideas to balance falling prices
South Africa’s relatively young macadamia industry has a long way to go to establish optimal farming practices and efficiencies. However, with nut prices falling, producers need to focus on cost savings that will balance inputs with output. Lindi Botha reports on key areas that macadamia farmers should be paying attention to.
Top pig farmer takes full advantage of technology
New technologies, big data and top-of-the-range genetics are becoming increasingly important aspects of profitable pig farming. However, these advancements don’t come cheap, placing them out of reach of many small-scale producers. Pig farmer CP Kriek spoke to Lindi Botha about tech solutions suited to Africa.
‘Farmers have to take charge of rural safety’
Farmers are being called on to work together to build safer communities, rather than wait for government to act.
Eskom’s lack of maintenance causing fire outbreaks
As the summer rainfall region enters the fire season, farmers have been cautioned to keep a watchful eye on Eskom lines and transformers.
Merino: why a bigger flock is better on the Mpumalanga Highveld
The Mpumalanga Highveld was once the wool capital of South Africa, but rampant stock theft over the years has largely decimated the industry here. However, while some farmers are moving away from sheep farming, Johan Steyn has plans to expand his flock. He spoke to Lindi Botha about his success with Merinos.
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