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.
Producers can’t keep up with global demand for goat meat
Global demand for goat meat is increasing, with health, cultural, and religious practices driving the surge. Trade data company the Observatory of Economic Complexity reported that, over the past five years, the trade in goat meat has grown at an annual rate of 1,76%. In 2023, the main importers of goat meat were the United Arab Emirates (30,3%), the US (17,4%), and South Korea (9,9%).
Consumer connection drives sheep farmer viability
As consumers face increasing economic pressure, their ability to pay higher prices for lamb meat dwindles. Sheep farmers are therefore feeling the pinch as input costs rise, but producer prices remain stagnant.
Stellenbosch University under investigation for alleged animal abuse
Stellenbosch University (SU) is facing an investigation by the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) after Farmer’s Weekly was alerted to the alleged inhumane treatment of animals at the SU’s experimental farm.
Trump’s tariffs: ‘It’s about trade, not politics’
A blame game erupted on social media on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump announced in a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa that a 30% import tariff on South African goods would take effect on 1 August.
Pome fruit outlook optimistic as global demand grows
While there is optimism over the 2025 pome fruit season in South Africa, shrinking marketing windows in key export markets will bring challenges to global exporters in the long term.
Mpumalanga bracing for a severe fire season
A heavy fuel load from vegetation as a result of robust rain is set to make the fire season in the summer rainfall region particularly challenging this year. Last year, wildfires across Mpumalanga desiccated over 1,4 million hectares of land, with damage estimated at more than R21 billion, according to the Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association (LEFPA).
Bird flu vaccine: protocol simplification vital for mass rollout
Without protocol reforms, mass vaccinations of the national flock will be unlikely. Astral Foods became the first broiler producer in South Africa this week to be given the green light to vaccinate its flock against highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu). But without industry reforms, the vaccines will remain out of reach for the majority of chicken farmers.
Sewage-infested water in the Lowveld threatens export markets
Rising E. coli levels in rivers in the Mpumalanga lowveld could cost farmers their markets. Dilapidated waste treatment infrastructure and a rapid increase in informal settlements along rivers from which irrigation water is drawn, has resulted in increasingly polluted water systems.
New Plant Breeders’ Rights to offer greater protection for innovation
New regulations around plant breeders’ rights (PBR) are expected to boost seed technology availability in South Africa, while providing greater scope for subsistence farmers to replant and trade seed obtained from the previous season’s crop.
Blooming difficult: growing orchids for SA’s premium flower market
A high-maintenance crop, if ever there was one, orchids demand attention to detail. With over 35 years of experience in orchid production, LVG Plants combines its expertise with new advancements in greener technologies, ensuring its flowers are beautiful allies for people and planet.
Agriculture gains traction among youth as a promising career path
Agriculture’s growing reputation as a viable career, offering a diversity of focus areas, is attracting more youth to the sector.
AgriCulture Mpumalanga’s 2025 young farmer talks challenges, hope, growth
AgriCulture Mpumalanga’s Young Farmer of the Year 2025, Hendy-Hein Mathews, does not mince his words when it comes to the challenges the youth face in the agriculture sector. But he is certain that farmers will overcome and continue to provide food for the nation.
Days of depending on the state are over – AgriSA
Speakers at the AgriCulture Mpumalanga congress in White River spoke about the mind shifts farmers must go through to ensure they stay in business. The AgriCulture Mpumalanga congress that took place in White River last week was held under the theme ‘Here to stay’.
Choosing the right cultivar for profitable potato production
Before planting, it is essential to consider the market, as well as climatic and overall farming conditions. South Africa has over 80 potato cultivars available, although commercial producers primary focus on fewer than 20.
A beginner’s guide to planting potatoes in South Africa
Potatoes are a high value crop that requires a well-thought-out production strategy. With high demands for moisture, fertiliser and crop protection, farmers considering this crop need to pay attention to the basics to reap the rewards.
‘Fresh produce markets must be preserved at all costs’
The importance of preserving and future-proofing South Africa’s fresh produce markets was emphasised at the World Union of Wholesale Markets conference, held in Johannesburg, Gauteng from 14 to 16 May 2025.
Global conference delegates experience vibrance of Joburg market
On the third day of the World Union of Wholesale Markets conference, held in Johannesburg, Gauteng, delegates were treated to a tour of the Joburg Fresh Produce Market. Nearly 100 visitors from around the world witnessed this unique open market system.
The Donkey Dairy: producing the world’s most expensive milk
Donkey milk has been dubbed ‘liquid gold’ due to its health benefits and high market value. But low production, easily interrupted when donkeys are stressed, makes donkey dairying challenging. Jesse Christelis, owner of The Donkey Dairy, spoke to Lindi Botha about running South Africa’s first such dairy.
Southern Africa to bear the brunt of climate change
Climate change is set to have a particularly adverse effect on agriculture in Southern Africa, delegates at the World Union of Wholesale Markets conference in Johannesburg, Gauteng, were told.
‘South Africa can drive food security in the region’
South Africa was lauded for its “world-class farmers and agri-food system infrastructure” at the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference held in Johannesburg, Gauteng this week.
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