Magda du Toit
Magda du Toit is a freelance communication consultant and journalist. She has worked in the agriculture sector for more than 35 years. She obtained a BA in Communication (Hons), and also completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management. Throughout her career she has received recognition and various awards for individual and team contributions. She was also the chairperson of the northern branch of Agricultural Writers SA and still serves on both its executive bodies. Magda is also the South African representative at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, where she chairs one of the committees.
Agricultural growth likely to slow in 2026
Opening the Nedbank Agri Webinar 2026 in Johannesburg on 28 January, which focused on the macro-economic climate, Daneel Rossouw, head of sales for agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, said that global trade challenges in 2025 had a significant impact on local agriculture.
Efforts underway to assist flood victims in Limpopo and Mpumalanga
Farmers and residents in Mpumalanga and Limpopo continue to be affected by disruptive rains that cause flooding, mudslides and damage to infrastructure and properties.
Sunflower industry cautious but optimistic for 2026
As about 90% of South Africa's summer grain crops, including sunflower, are predominantly rainfed, climate changes and rainfall patterns have a major impact on production. When looking at the 2025/26 season, the production outlook is cautiously optimistic for grain farmers.
2025/26 soya bean season outlook shows structural sector improvements
Around the world, soya beans are in high demand for livestock feed and as a plant-based source of protein for human consumption, offering high protein content without cholesterol or saturated fats.
Cautious outlook for dry beans
Dry beans are important for crop rotation and make a significant contribution to the country’s economy, as domestically grown beans are also in demand internationally.
Award-winning Hlokomela takes rural community care to the next level
In February 2024, the Hlokomela Junction Clinic in Letsitele, Limpopo, opened its doors to provide healthcare services to farmworkers in the area. Farmer’s Weekly visited the clinic to find out more.
Regulatory shifts shaping the agriculture sector
Important regulatory changes in the agriculture sector are in the pipeline or at various stages of implementation, covering local government reforms, carbon emissions targets, changes to the Firearm Control Amendment Bill, and measures on water, land, and agricultural remedies.
SA young farmer of the year hails innovative producers
The future of agriculture took centre stage at the 2025 AgriSA/Toyota SA Young Farmer of the Year Awards, held in Johannesburg on Thursday. Francois Rossouw (30) was named the 2025 AgriSA/Toyota SA Young Farmer of the Year at the prestigious ceremony
The integrated pest management journey
Martin Booyens, InteliGro’s biological solutions technical specialist, spoke at the Bio-Alliance SA-Brazil 2025 Conference in Pretoria, hosted by the South African Bioproducts Organisation and the Brazilian Embassy, outlining steps to implement integrated pest management programmes.
SA-Brazil alliance to drive growth in South Africa’s bioindustry
Under the theme ‘Unlocking the value of bio-inputs through collaborative partnerships’, the Bio-Alliance SA-Brazil 2025 Conference, held at Future Africa in Pretoria on 5 and 6 November, explored how collaboration between Brazil and South Africa advances science-based bio-input solutions.
Quality seeds drive sustainable agriculture in East Africa
The availability of quality seed underpins a thriving and sustainable agricultural system. In East Africa, where nearly 70% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods, choosing good seeds can mean the difference between abundance and scarcity.
Major focus on combatting illicit and counterfeit products in Africa
Pests pose a significant threat to agriculture in Africa, accounting for up to 60% of crop losses, according to Margaux Rundstadler, director of public affairs and communication at CropLife Africa and the Middle East. Climate change is expected to make the situation even worse, as changing weather patterns and shifting seasons bring new pests and diseases.
Father and son drive diversified farming success in Limpopo
Father-and-son team Kallie Snr and Kallie Jnr of CPJ Erasmus & Seun Boerdery in Limpopo’s Letsitele Valley have built a thriving pepper enterprise in a region dominated by citrus production and are regarded as leading pepper producers in South Africa.
Artificial intelligence in practice in Kenya
In Kenya, a mobile app combining science, data, and partnerships is giving farmers affordable access to high-quality agronomical advice, helping them make informed decisions throughout the growing season.
Kenya plays host to third IFAJ congress held in Africa
Kenya made history in October 2025 when Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA) hosted the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Congress for the first time in East Africa, and the third time in Africa overall.
What does the G20 summit on local soil mean for agriculture?
As a historic event for South Africa, the 2025 G20 Summit offers an opportunity to advance the country’s interests and those of the rest of Africa.
New seed treatment application option available to soya bean farmers
Successful soya bean production depends on keeping plants healthy from planting to harvesting. Using fungicidal, insecticidal, and plant growth regulator seed treatments helps seedlings reach their full yield potential by protecting them from disease and insect pests.
Farmer of the Year Awards honours excellence in grain farming
Speaking at the Grain SA Farmer of the Year Awards in Johannesburg on 31 October, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen commended farmers for their determination and innovation, saying excellence is born not of comfort but of courage and hard work.
SA’s favourite relishes produced in the heart of the Letsitele Valley
If you think holiday or snacks before a braai, chances are good that crunchy and fresh cocktail-sized gherkins pickled in a sweet and tangy-flavoured vinegar brine are on the menu. These gherkins, and many of the other products produced by Miami Canners, are perfect for summer platters, salads, or sandwiches. Magda du Toit visited the Pieterse family on their farm, Miami, near Letsitele, recently to find out the secret behind the success of this family-owned and farm-based business.
Genetics and breeding pave the way for Bessiesfontein’s success
Dohne Merino sheep are renowned for their dual-purpose capabilities, excelling in both wool and meat production. In addition, the breed is known for its adaptability to a variety of climates and management systems. Julius Beukes, a well-known Dohne Merino breeder near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal, spoke to Magda du Toit about his production system.
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