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.
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
Macadamia and avocado theft costs industry millions
The popularity and profitability of avocados and macadamias have resulted in a double-edged sword, with theft of the produce becoming increasingly rampant.
Attention to detail ensures high-quality sweet peppers
While launching a new farming venture as a first-time farmer may seem daunting, Hannes Wolvaardt is proof that it can be done. He shared his tips on successful sweet pepper production in Limpopo with Lindi Botha.
Labour-intensive coffee farm prospers in Hazyview climate
With the call to increase job opportunities in agriculture, many farmers have been left scratching their heads over the economic implications. But the Schroeders of Mpumalanga have found a winning recipe in coffee production: its high labour component and profitability levels make the crop viable. Lindi Botha visited the mother-and-son team on their farm near Hazyview.
New sweeter Dragon Fruit cultivars
Dragon fruit’s peculiar appearance and exotic name are enough to make anyone take a second look. But beyond novelty appeal, the fruit holds considerable promise for South African producers. Lindi Botha visited Howard Blight at his nursery near Tzaneen to learn about this remarkable crop.
Rabbit farmers left in dire straits after Coniglio liquidation
Government and farmers are rallying to save the rabbit farming industry after one of its biggest role players, Coniglio Rabbit Meat Farms, was liquidated in October.
Limpopo nut farm – a shining example of worker empowerment
Springfield Farm has invested in learnerships for its workers, has an open-door policy for agriculture students, and offers mentorships to emerging farmers.
Dwarf avocado trees: low-maintenance, high-yielding orchards
As fruit farmers are pushed to produce more with less, so the trend towards dwarf trees has gained momentum. Dwarf avocado trees offer the benefits of a compact orchard and savings in labour and production costs. Lindi Botha spoke to farm manager Simon Dunshea in Mpumalanga.
Gene editing: a precise approach to crop and animal breeding
Recent breakthroughs in gene editing technology mean that advancements in the industry can be brought to the farm faster, cheaper and more accurately than before. The result is plants and livestock that are naturally more resistant to disease, crops that are higher-yielding, and ultimately, more sustainable, profitable farms.
Solving calcium deficiency for better-quality crops
Calcium is a challenging and intricate element to manage in a crop, but if its levels are not balanced, the quality and shelf life of produce are compromised. Lindi Botha spoke to Lindi Grobler, the owner of Agri-Alchemi, about solving calcium deficiency in tunnel crops.
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