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.
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.
Rabbits dying en masse as RHDV sweeps SA
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) continues to sweep through South Africa, with the latest wave annihilating colonies in Gauteng.
World Food Day highlights impending water crisis
World Food Day is celebrated under a cloud of water troubles as the increasing incidence of both droughts and floods impacts food security.
World Egg Day celebrated despite shortages
Today, as the world marks World Egg Day, eggs are perhaps more front of mind in South Africans than ever before. Unfortunately, this is due to the shortage of eggs, rather than an abundance spreading across breakfast tables.
Citrus gets quality boost through tighter regulation
South Africa’s citrus industry is set to receive a boost in quality as stricter laws for propagation are tabled. The Citrus Improvement Scheme(CIS) will soon be promulgated after undergoing a two-decade process of consultation in the industry.
Uphill road from small to commercial farming
Driven by passion and a dream to develop his business to its full potential, livestock farmer Petros Sibanyoniis persevering despite trials and tribulations. He spoke to Lindi Botha about the challenges faced by emerging farmers, many of whom seem stuck in the proverbial development freezer.
