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.
Agriculture sector steps up as state falters
The agriculture sector has again proven its resilience this year, tackling the challenges of government failure and finding opportunity in adversity, a theme highlighted at the Agri SA Atlas congress as industry leaders showed how farmers are shaping their future.
Quality food, not empty calories, is key to solving food insecurity
Food insecurity in South Africa is increasing, despite the country being a net exporter of food and achieving a bumper maize crop this year.
Pigs of the future: genetics shaping a more resilient herd
Advances in pig genetics are rapidly changing breeding and herd management. With digital phenotyping and artificial intelligence, breeders can now select pigs not just for growth and efficiency but also resilience, behaviour, and adaptability to changing climate and management conditions.
Denny closure: those who act fast to fill supply gaps will score
The closure of the Denny Mushrooms farm in Phesantekraal in the Western Cape has sparked speculation over the feasibility of mushroom farming and whether the local market will now face a supply shortage.
Pork industry poised for growth in coming decade
Pork consumption has experienced steady growth in recent years amid rising global demand for meat. However, as much of this is attributed to pork’s relative affordability compared with other proteins, pork producers have little room to expand already tight margins.
No confirmed cases of pesticide resistance in tomato leaf miner
The tomato leaf miner moth is becoming increasingly challenging for tomato farmers to combat. However, CropLife SA says that although some pesticide applications have been ineffective, the pest has not yet shown resistance to any active ingredients.
Have your say in new stock theft study
A newly approved national study aims to investigate the role that community engagement plays in preventing livestock theft.
Strategic partnership turns a rubbish heap into a vegetable harvest
Mathabang Lekhula-Legula has transformed a smelly dumping site in Welkom, Free State, into a thriving vegetable farm. Her success is proof that when a producer is supported by the right partners, waste can be turned into wealth, and despair into growth.
Mounting water stress requires more dam infrastructure
Agriculture is highly vulnerable to water-related risks, with limited availability exacerbated by significant losses caused by ageing national water infrastructure.
Western Cape wheat yields severely compromised by drought
Wheat farmers in the Western Cape are facing what has been described as a dire situation due to absent rainfall, which has curtailed harvests, as well as persistently low prices.
Toog Vermaak is the Toyota SA National Young Auctioneer of the Year
Toog Vermaak took the title of Toyota SA National Young Auctioneer of the Year at the finals held at Nampo Cape in Bredasdorp last week.
Nampo Cape sets new record with 49 326 visitors
Nampo Cape 2025 concluded with a record number of visitors on Saturday. Altogether, 49 326 people attended the event, hosted in Bredasdorp in the Western Cape from 10 to 13 September.
From cleaner to head of production: Hollard Game Changer honoured at Nampo Cape
A celebration of cheese and changemakers took place on Thursday evening at Nampo Cape in Bredasdorp during a cocktail evening hosted by Hollard.
Mashatile pledges government support for agriculture at Nampo Cape
Deputy President Paul Mashatile visited Nampo Cape in Bredasdorp this week, where he met with industry leaders to discuss the challenges facing the country’s farmers.
Sponsored
New Holland’s CR10 combine lowers harvesting costs
Farmers visiting Nampo Cape in Bredasdorp this week are getting a first look at New Holland’s latest innovation in harvesting technology: the CR10 combine.
Growth expected in agriculture, despite significant headwinds
Since 2024, the World Uncertainty Index has surged amid ongoing geopolitical issues and shifting trade policies, driving higher costs, slower growth, exchange rate volatility, and tougher global coordination. Despite these headwinds, there are reasons for optimism in the agriculture sector.
‘Beef industry resilience hinges on animal health, biosecurity’ – Absa
Protecting South Africa’s livestock industry from transboundary animal diseases will require stronger biosecurity systems, effective disease surveillance, and coordinated response plans.
Nampo Cape 2025 provides hope amid tough times for Western Cape farmers
Nampo Cape 2025 kicked off on Wednesday in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, providing a platform for farmers to instil hope amid a challenging year.
Tug of war over milk levies erupts at Nampo Cape
A storm is brewing in the dairy industry over statutory levies paid by dairy farmers, with producers seeking to collect their own levy to support critical projects.
Enrike Maree: making agricultural science more accessible
Feeding a growing population while protecting natural resources demands innovative thinking and strong voices to move science out of research papers and into public discourse. Lindi Botha spoke to scientist Enrike Maree about making science part of the conversation.
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