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.
Latest articles
Local trials underpin Corteva’s drive for resilient crops
As South African grain farmers contend with increasingly variable production conditions, locally tested genetics are becoming ever more important. Driaan Bresler of Corteva Agriscience, shares his knowledge about developing and testing technologies to help farmers maintain yields and build resilience under shifting field conditions.
How tech is shaping the future of animal feed
Opening a discussion during AFMA’s 12th Animal Feed Conference held from from 8 to10 September 2026 at Sun City, Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior global specialist in animal protein at Rabobank, said it’s becoming clear that forces currently in motion may have a major impact on the feed and food industries in the years ahead.
AFMA Forum panel highlights need for agri industry collaboration
The industries represented by Grain SA, the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, the Milk Producers’ Organisation, the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, and the South African Poultry Association account for 61% of the gross value of agricultural production in South Africa.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a risk to animals and humans
The three-day Animal Feed Manufacturers’ Association Forum 2026 held at Sun City brought together leaders and stakeholders from across South Africa’s animal feed and agricultural value chain, discussing collaboration, industry engagement, biosecurity, and how to adapt for the challenges of the future.
SACTA reinforces the importance of seed research
The South African Cultivar and Technology Agency (SACTA) welcomed various role players in the South African seed industry at the Annual Stakeholder Engagement Meeting (ASEM) in Pretoria. Farmer’s Weekly attended the session filled with conversations and expert insights focused on shaping the future of the seed sector and research investment.
Confronting the realities that drive the feed value chain
The 12th Animal Feed and Manufacturer’s Association (AFMA) Forum, focusing on the theme: ‘The feed factor ¬– the chain that feeds a nation,’ brought together a record number of delegates from across the feed and food value chain.
Dormer, a breed geared for the future
The Dormer sheep breed has a proud South African heritage, but more importantly, it remains deeply relevant in today’s modern agricultural landscape.
Pioneering DNA-based breeding technologies
History is full of women who have played crucial and pioneering roles in science, overcoming various barriers to contribute to discoveries and innovations across disciplines. Not all of them are equally known, but someone who deserves to be a household name is Dr Renée Prins, Founding Director CenGen Pty Ltd.
True trailblazer in the world of animal science
From launching livestock genomics initiatives, to mentoring future scientists, to becoming the first female Head of Department of Animal Science at the University of Pretoria (UP), to leading the South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS), Prof Esté van Marle-Köster’s journey in the agriculture sector has been nothing short of inspirational.
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.
