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.
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.
Young farmer proves broiler margins are made in the management
Attention to detail and work ethic have earned Gerrit Maritz the title of AgriCulture Gauteng’s Young Farmer of the Year 2025. He runs a poultry operation producing 4,5 million broilers per year in Magaliesberg, Gauteng. He shared his lessons on keeping margins favourable with Lindi Botha.
South Africa’s record agri exports mask a growing vulnerability
South African agriculture generated R341 million in daily foreign exchange in 2025, surpassing the combined daily earnings of gold and platinum mining. But AgriSA’s latest trade report shows that this success is fragile and increasingly dependent on external factors and policy support.
Holy Shiitake: mastering the science of gourmet fungi
Mushroom production is inherently the practice of expanding mycelium. But since wanted and unwanted fungi flourish under the same circumstances, a mushroom farmer’s biggest challenge is ensuring the right fungi prevails. Lindi Botha reports on Rory Brooks’ learning curve.
Inside the social media strategy for growing Europe’s avocado appetite
Social media has opened myriad avenues for reaching consumers through targeted advertising campaigns. However, the algorithms are notoriously tricky, especially when trying to maximise exposure to specific audiences on a set budget.
Macadamia prices in 2026: whole kernels rise but halves slip
The macadamia industry is cautiously optimistic as new markets and reduced tariffs bode well for demand this year. Prices released this week reflect a maturing market, moving away from the sharp swings seen over the past decade.
Bigger avocado harvest forecast amid challenging export season
The South African avocado industry entered its main harvesting season in March and is expecting a significantly larger crop, but stronger competition from Peru in key export markets is likely to temper optimism.
RCL profits down 30% as sugar division pressure intensifies
RCL Foods has reported sharply lower interim earnings for the six months ended 31 December 2025, as mounting pressure in its sugar division, combined with subdued consumer demand, weighed on overall performance.
New or used? A practical guide to second hand farm equipment
Second hand farm machinery can deliver excellent value, if you know what to look for. Western Cape equipment broker Debbie Smit gave Lindi Botha practical advice to help farmers decide when to buy new, when pre-owned is the smarter choice, and how to avoid the costly pitfalls that often catch buyers off-guard.
Stronger exchange rate could cut macadamia income by 15% this year
While the long-term outlook for South Africa’s macadamia industry remains bullish, the ongoing import tariff uncertainty in the US and a stronger exchange rate are set to leave farmers with slim margins this year.
Budget 2026: agriculture gets support, but biosecurity gaps remain
The response to the 2026 Budget Speech, delivered in Parliament on Wednesday by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, was largely positive. However, the absence of specific support to address the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has left the sector feeling discouraged.
Smarter selection, stronger animals: how AI is changing livestock genetics
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future concept in livestock breeding. Benefits are already being seen in the speed and accuracy of selection programmes, bringing improvements in longevity, efficiency, and welfare.
Budget 2026: debt stabilises, growth remains muted
South Africa’s economic growth outlook is steadily improving, with growth projected to reach 1,6% in 2026, up from 1,4% in 2025. Growth is expected to average 1,8% over the medium term, reaching 2% by 2028.
Stronger rand puts damper on bigger citrus crop
The growing citrus crop is expected to put pressure on South African farmers this year as existing export markets near saturation. Compounding the effect is a stronger exchange rate, which is set to erode margins.
State of the Nation Address solutions ‘impossible without policy reform’, say economists
A constrained economy and lack of business support could render President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proposed solutions to South Africa’s most pressing issues redundant, panellists said during a North-West University Business School webinar on the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
State of the Nation Address met with scepticism over implementation
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2026, delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday evening in Cape Town, highlighted progress made in growing the economy and reducing unemployment, but numerous challenges still inhibit the country from achieving real change.
