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.
An animal health plan for the year from Dr Faffa Malan
Keeping sheep and cattle in top shape requires careful management and a balancing act between eliminating vectors and avoiding resistance build-up to medication. Lindi Botha spoke to veterinarian and MD of RuVASA Dr Faffa Malan about how to maintain a healthy livestock enterprise.
How to start a vegetable farm
Starting a small vegetable farm on, say, 2ha, is generally easier than livestock farming. But the cost, and success, of the enterprise depends on the type of crop, the market and economies of scale.
Egg demand ‘shoots through the roof’ during lockdown
The countrywide lockdown enforced to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic has offered a temporary respite for egg producers, as home-cooked meals and baking activities spike.
Supply chains functioning, but farmers face lower prices
Agricultural commodities have, for the most part, come off lightly amid worldwide supply chain disruptions as a result of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic.
Using manure as fertiliser: Mistakes to avoid
Livestock manure is a popular form of fertiliser, particularly when budgets do not allow for commercial fertiliser. But Dr Gerhardus Nortjé, a senior lecturer at Unisa, says that because manure varies in its composition and nutrient density, farmers should take care not to over-apply it and risk damaging their crops.
Research and marketing needed to boost dragon fruit production
Investing in research and marketing for the dragon fruit industry is needed for this sector to realise its potential in terms of job creation and offering a feasible investment for small-scale farmers.
Rice and wheat price volatility surges due to pandemic
Countries rallying to ensure local food supply are restricting exports amid uncertainty over how long the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic will last and continue to affect trade.
Coronavirus pandemic brings flower industry to a standstill
The South African and international flower industries are in dire straits due to market closures and limited international flights as a result of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic.
Minimal coronavirus impact for cross-border banana farmers
To date, border closures and limitations on movement as a result of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic have had minimal impact on South African farmers with operations in Mozambique.
Restaurant demand for avos down, home consumption stable
The avocado industry has not been spared the effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic.
Microgreens: a tiny crop with big returns
What started out as a hobby has turned into an exciting farming venture for Melanie and Jan-Hendrik du Plessis of Sabie, Mpumalanga. Lindi Botha visited the couple’s microgreen farm, Bumblebee Organics, to learn more about their production and marketing techniques.
Agri sector ‘holding up’ despite challenging decade
The agriculture sector has weathered the storm over the past few years, coping with drought and policy uncertainty, while income and employment have remained stable.
Latest research: Macadamias need less water than you think!
With a looming water crisis and an expanding macadamia industry, the obvious question arises: where will the water for the new orchards come from? A recent groundbreaking study shows that farmers have been grossly over-irrigating and that dryland macadamias in high-rainfall areas actually provide better yields. Lindi Botha spoke to Theunis and Armand Smit, specialists in irrigation and optimal water usage.
Strict selection: the key to award-winning Brahmans
Producing world-class stud cattle is a challenging endeavour, but judging by the stacked-up ribbons at the RiHugo farming enterprise, Rian Maree has found the winning recipe. He spoke to Lindi Botha about practising rigorous selection on his Brahman herd.
Get ready to profit from plant- and insect-based proteins
Across the world, food consumption patterns are undergoing vast changes, necessitating changes in the agricultural landscape. Lindi Botha spoke to Mark Hassenkamp, agri-tech adviser to Blue Horizon Corporation, which holds a portfolio of companies including Red Sun Hortitech, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, about the movement towards plant- and insect-based proteins, and the impact this will have on agriculture.
Advice on how to start a broiler business
Chicken farming is the only type of animal production that can provide an income in the short as well as the long term.
Butternuts: know your market and maintain quality
Butternuts are a reasonably easy crop to grow, with few in soluble problems. The real challenge is to match the cultivar with the market. Mpumalanga-based producer Francois Steyn spoke to Lindi Botha about how he solved this problem.
Farmer programme results in higher yields and better lives
Increasing yields tenfold is a feat that every farmer dreams of, but few realise. Yet, for the past 20 years, Grain SA, through its Farmer Development Programme, has quietly assisted numerous farmers in achieving exactly that. Lindi Botha visited three beneficiaries to find out more.
Four niche crops to boost your cash flow
Diversifying a farming operation by adding a high-income niche crop is an effective way to utilise a small piece of spare land. Lindi Botha looks at four products that are gaining in popularity.
Hmong-American co-op proves the power of collective farming
Adding vibrancy and diversity to the local food scene in Minnesota in the US, the Hmong-American farmers have earned their place on the agricultural landscape. But they have not been spared the challenges that face small-scale farmers everywhere. Lindi Botha spoke to Pakou Hang about the structures in place to uplift their community
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