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.
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.
BFAP outlook: agriculture can save SA’s abysmal economic growth
With global and local economic growth stagnating, South Africa needs to ramp up investment to boost the economy. However, confidence is lacking, requiring intervention from government to provide an environment more conducive to investment.
‘Every farmer should help turn the tide of disinformation’ – Farm Babe
In an era where misinformation about food production spreads faster than the truth, farmers have a unique and powerful opportunity to bridge the gap between field and fork.
There’s money to be made in agriculture, despite turmoil
South Africa’s agriculture sector continues to outperform other parts of the economy, with robust export growth and sustained investment, despite mounting pressure from input costs.
Consumer concerns about pig welfare can’t be ignored
Animal welfare has become one of the greatest challenges facing the pork industry – not just on farms but across the entire value chain.
Diversification can protect pig farmers in volatile market
Amid rising input costs and market volatility, South African pig farmers are facing a harsh financial climate. But at the PigX2 conference held in Pretoria this week, experts urged producers to remain focused, diversify income streams, and adopt disciplined risk management strategies to stay afloat.
How top potato farmer optimises production
Since taking over her late husband’s farm three years ago, Franelyn Rossouw has been simplifying her approach to potato farming in order to streamline production. She spoke to Lindi Botha about how her focus on optimising irrigation, meticulous crop protection, and reducing in-field traffic is bearing fruit.
Mpumalanga fresh produce market ‘a white elephant’ – DA spokesperson
Mbombela is waiting anxiously to see if the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM) will open its doors on Friday. The controversial market has been six years in the making, at a cost of R2 billion to tax payers, but has yet to open.
Fad diets damage the reputation of potatoes
Conflicting messaging surrounding the nutritional value of potatoes has hindered stable and consistent consumer uptake. Educating consumers on the merit of potatoes is therefore key to growing demand and keeping prices stable for producers.
Tapping into the gluten-free trend could improve potato margins
The growing demand for sustainable and gluten-free food products could significantly reduce the volume of wasted potatoes in South Africa, boosting farmers’ profitability.
Prepare for higher fertiliser prices this summer
Higher fertiliser prices are on the cards for the upcoming summer planting season, as trade policies and sanctions take their toll on supply.
Worldwide macadamia shortage softens tariff blow
The world’s two largest macadamia-producing regions were hit by adverse weather conditions last year, resulting in a smaller 2025 crop. As such, these lower volumes could soften the blow of possible higher import tariffs for macadamias shipped from South Africa to the US.
Fake news lurks in agri, but it can be stopped
At the Africa Agri Tech 2025 conference held in Pretoria in March, Alan Hardacre, co-founder of Advocacy Academy, spoke about how disinformation campaigns wreak havoc on agribusinesses. He highlighted the challenges and opportunities in using artificial intelligence in the fight for truth.
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