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.
Rona plays a pivotal role in annual crop estimates
In a free market environment, planning is crucial. To make planning possible, official, reliable, accurate, credible, objective and timely crop forecasts are essential to keep the market working. This is where Rona Beukes, a senior statistician in Crop Estimates and Agricultural Statistics in the Directorate: Statistics and Economic Analysis at the Department of Agriculture, has carved a name for herself.
Setback created the opportunity for innovation
After the closure of Roodeplaat Research Laboratories in 1994, where Karen Nel worked as a biochemist, she, along with two colleagues, founded a vaccine-manufacturing business called Design Biologix.
A childhood dream that became reality through hard work
From growing up in a small Northern Cape town to becoming a pioneering scientist, Dr Marinda Visser expanded her horizons to lead vital national research partnerships, championing biosecurity and mentoring agriculture’s next wave of leaders.
Family flower business captures large part of Brazilian market
Quality, consistency, and partnership are three important pillars that a flower business in Brazil is attributing their success to. Joost Kalanchoe, a business based in Holambra, has been specialising in the greenhouse production of potted Kalanchoe and Euphorbia milii. These flowers are sold on the flower auction in Holambra.
Variable rate technology boosting precision agriculture
Farmers are leveraging new technologies to counter climate change and meet demand. Magda du Toit dissects how variable-rate technology can support this shift.
Investigation ends illegal brown-bag oat seed sales
The illegal advertising and brown-bag sale of unlawfully conditioned oat seed were recently uncovered and stopped following an investigation and engagement between the parties involved.
Carla Myburgh named 2026 Women’s Voice in Agriculture winner
At a gala event held in Johannesburg last week, Carla Myburgh, agricultural economist and credit liaison officer at Senwes, was named this year’s Future Agri Perspectives Women’s Voice in Agriculture competition winner and will serve as an ambassador for women’s voices in the sector.
Young Brazilian coffee farmer rewrites the rules of coffee production
Brazilian coffee producer Luka Delpasso is adding value to the family business by producing, roasting and marketing specialty coffee while farming in harmony with nature. Quality, sustainability, and innovation are at the heart of the enterprise.
Huge efforts to reclaim degraded pastureland in Brazil
Brazil has placed emphasis on efficient management of pastureland in order to improve livestock health. This is complemented by the adoption of improved production systems.
Brazilian agriculture is shifting global perceptions
Brazil is playing a vital role in the global agriculture space. Implementing modern agriculture practices while protecting the environment are at the heart of the sector.
Farmers have to stay competitive in a dynamic global market
Prof Nick Binedell, a renowned leadership and strategy speaker, founding dean of the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and an authority on business education in Africa’s global economy, spoke to Magda Du Toit.
Timing of fungicide applications is crucial
Farmers often say fungicides don’t work well enough, but their effectiveness is determined by several factors. Farmer’s Weekly spoke to industry experts about the best practices for developing effective fungicide application strategies.
Argentinian farmer advises on investing in regenerative practices and technology
The Camerons from Lobería in Argentina not only farm crops but have also reinvested in their land through regenerative production practices. They have a strong commitment to diversification and innovation, a testament to the transformation that is taking place in agriculture in Argentina.
Nitrogen-use efficiency in wheat: not a one-size-fits-all solution
Roean Wessels, Syngenta’s head of research and development for field crop seeds in sub-Saharan Africa, attended a pre-conference workshop on nitrogen-use efficiency at the 4th International Wheat Congress in Bologna, Italy, and he shared key takeaways with Farmer’s Weekly.
Inside Argentina’s top-performing Angus herd
In south-western Buenos Aires, the Lafontaine family produces Angus cattle with low birth weights but which show extraordinary growth and reach exceptional weaning weights.
AFMA affirms strict feed code to ensure feed and food safety
The Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) hosted its annual media and industry information day in Pretoria this week, where it outlined the role of the formal feed industry in protecting both animal and human health.
Agbiz congress focuses on how collaboration can change the sector
The Agbiz Congress 2026, held in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, from 3 to 5 June, brought together leaders and stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain under the theme ‘Embracing Collaboration’
South Africa’s biofuel gap puts focus on sorghum potential
During a roundtable discussion hosted by the Localisation Support Fund on 27 May in Sandton, Johannesburg, discussions centred on South Africa’s growing dependence on imported fuel and the commercial potential of sorghum bioethanol.
That’s a wrap for Nampo 2026
Nampo Harvest Day once again proved why it remains the highlight of the agricultural calendar. The four days flew by in a blur of innovation, conversation and discovery. This year, the Farmer’s Weekly team spread out across Nampo Park in Bothaville in search of everything new, different, interesting and useful to report on.
Trade wars, tariffs and opportunities discussed at Nampo 2026
The last Nation in Conversation panellist discussion held during Nampo 2026 on Friday morning looked at the realities, challenges, and opportunities for farmers against the background of the global trade and economic environment, and how these dynamics are reshaping South Africa’s export opportunities.
