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.
Game industry continues its upward trajectory
Prices paid for nyala on auction has risen steadily, with bulls going from an average of R9 300 in 2022 to R14 000 in 2023. The game industry is continuing its recovery after receiving two blows over the past few years.
Good advice and hard work tripled this farmer’s potato crop
Potatoes are a notoriously tricky crop to produce, making transformation in the sector extra-challenging. However, through collaboration with Potatoes SA and mentorship, Limpopo farmer Walter Mathidi has boosted production. Lindi Botha reports.
Changeable decade ahead for agriculture
Agriculture is South Africa has faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years, yet, for the most part, has survived the storms. In the 2023 Baseline Outlook for the agriculture sector, compiled by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, the next decade is purported to hold the key to future success.
Corporates and wine sector lose, while sugar wins in Budget 2024
The chickens have come home to roost for government who has seen a large decrease in tax income as a result of the malfunctioning of state-owned enterprises like Eskom and Transnet.
Lack of transparency clouds touted land claim progress
The South African government has to date spent R25 billion to settle land claims. Hectares bought and transferred to land claimants equate to 3,9 million.
Macadamias are on the mend
The macadamia nut industry is entering a recovery phase as low prices stimulate demand and value-adding. Over the last two years, the crop fetched significantly lower prices as world economies took a downturn after the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Cut insect damage by installing bat and owl boxes
Bats and owls have a significant contribution to make to controlling pests on farms. Provide them with adequate housing, and these insect and rodent eaters will offer a cost-effective, consistent pest-control service. Lindi Botha looks at best practices for building and erecting owl and bat boxes.
Do you have environmental authorisation to farm?
Farming’s impact on the environment is not usually front of mind when buying a piece of land, but without securing environmental authorisation, farmers could find themselves in a world of trouble. Lindi Botha speaks to Ngwanarachuene Mampane, director of Westleigh Environmental Services, about remaining on the right side of the law, how to apply for authorisation and the time frame involved.
World Pulses Day highlights this miracle food
World Pulses Day on 10 February is of particular importance this year as the food sector the world over seeks solutions to improve soil health and increase food security.
Above-inflation minimum wage hike will hinder job creation
Labour costs are set to rise by 8,5% from 1 March 2024. The 3% above-inflation increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will see hourly rates jump from R25,42 to R27,58, prompting concern across labour-reliant industries about whether they will be able to maintain employment rates.
Agricultural trends that will impact your farm in 2024
The rate at which the world is changing seems to grow faster each year. This is particularly true for the agriculture sector, where technology, consumer demands and research culminate in a whole new playing field. What lies in store for agriculture this year? Lindi Botha looks at the top five trends that will influence the sector this year.
Following the herd to help reduce emissions
Identifying and including a low-methane trait in livestock breeding programmes could be the answer to the methane problem faced by animal farmers globally. But how conclusive is the research and will it impact production traits? Lindi Botha reports.
Agriculture takes the spotlight in matric class of 2023
While the matric class of 2023 has much to celebrate in the increased pass rate, the agriculture sector has more reason for optimism with the increase in interest in agricultural subjects.
South African avocados head for Japan
South Africa’s growing avocado crop received a boost late last year when Japan lifted its ban on Hass avocados from this country.
Severe weather could curb Mpumalanga yields
The festive season in Mpumalanga was characterised by severe weather that resulted in floods, strong winds and hail. The province received uncharacteristically high amounts of rainfall.
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.
