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.
Making agriculture more bee-friendly
With the majority of food crops being pollinated by bees, dwindling colonies pose a threat to agriculture. But while pesticides play a major role in declining bee numbers, monocultures and a lack of biodiversity are the greater problem. Lindi Botha spoke to industry leaders.
Food price inflation volatility set to continue
Food inflation data for April and May has shown a substantial contraction in the price of chicken, while long-life milk and cake flour prices increased.
Uncompromising standards pay off for Bonsmara farmer
Award-winning cattle farmer Tian Kruger does not believe in shortcuts or compromising on the principles that brought him success. This has earned him a solid reputation for his commercial Bonsmara cattle and above-average prices at auctions. He spoke to Lindi Botha about his approach.
Agribusiness confidence plummets amid market disruptions
Despite improved output and export earnings, agribusiness confidence has fallen to the lowest level since the 2009 financial crisis, due to the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic.
How to start a pig farming business
A misperception exists that pig farming is a quick cash activity due to the short lifespan of a pig. The costs are often ignored.
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.
