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.
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.
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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.
Mpumalanga Show to help small-scale farmers supply fresh produce market
The Mpumalanga Show took place in Mbombela over the weekend, showcasing the province’s agriculture sector and providing opportunities for small scale farmers to upskill.
Ineffective sugar import tariffs weigh on RCL Foods’ performance
RCL Foods (RCL) has flagged the impact of ineffective sugar import tariffs on its latest annual results, with sugar imports hindering growth in its sugar division despite solid operational performance.
New mining bill gives free rein for environmental damage
A new mining bill is expected to further ignore environmental concerns and allow unauthorised mining to take place on private property. This will place farmers’ livelihoods and food security at risk.
Stop the double dipping: calls for overhaul of farmer support
A national register of farmers receiving support through development programmes is needed to prevent ‘double dipping’ and ensure a wider group of farmers could access funds.
Managing macadamias: cutting back brings higher yields
Following rapid expansion between 2014 and 2019, most of South Africa’s macadamia nut orchards have reached maturity. The larger trees and denser orchards require a different approach to management in order to get the full yield that mature orchards promise.
From backyard to business: Patricia Beleng’s journey to success
Patricia Beleng, owner of Buhlebenkosi Agri Productions, is a determined farmer who went from raising broilers in her backyard to running a poultry business supplying hundreds of chickens to the local market. Lindi Botha reports on the partnerships that brought her success.
Growth of SA’s meat industry at risk without improved biosecurity
The livestock industry has been battered and bruised over the past few years as high feed costs, low consumer spending, and disease outbreaks have narrowed profits. Producers will, however, need to hold steady for at least another year before conditions are likely to improve.
Gene editing tech crucial for grain farmers’ survival in next decade
Grain prices are expected to decline over the next decade, squeezing profit margins for farmers even further as input prices continue to rise. Long-term sustainability will require a greater focus on technology that can provide productivity gains. South Africa’s hesitant reception to new breeding technologies (NBTs) will, however, hamper such gains.
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