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.
Competing demands place strain on South Africa’s water system
Water is one of agriculture’s most vital resources, and in a water-scarce country like South Africa, the sector finds itself competing with urban demand, industry, and environmental priorities.
Nampo panel calls for stronger, strategic agricultural messaging
Over the past few years, agriculture has been able to amplify its voice. But in a landscape shaped by competing and fragmented narratives, political pressure, and public scrutiny, the real challenge is whether the sector is converting its influence into meaningful outcomes.
Biofuels: farmers can meet demand, but action is needed now
At a time when oil prices are high and grain prices are low, South African farmers are looking for alternatives. With the cost of living also rising, biofuels are emerging as a practical option that could help address some of these issues.
Empowering developing farmers to transition into commercial farming
Despite strong commitment, transformation in the grain industry has been slow. There are several reasons for this, one of which is that agriculture is capital-intensive, making it difficult for new entrants and small-scale farmers to compete.
Skilled workforce key to future-proofing agriculture
Anyone walking through exhibition stands at NAMPO quickly sees that agriculture is a sector build on innovation and technology. Across the value chain, innovation is changing how crops are grown, marketed, and processed, underscoring the need for training and skills development that match the demands of today and the future.
How grain and oilseed farmers are adapting under pressure
Oilseed and grain farmers across South Africa are under pressure to remain profitable amid volatile markets, climate variability, and rising input costs. Farmer’s Weekly spoke to producers at Nampo 2026 about opportunities for growth and how they’re staying afloat.
‘Our farmers are resilient, and will survive the difficult times’
During this morning’s Nation in Conversation discussion at Nampo 2026, the focus fell on the economic realities farmers have to deal with while farming.
From genetics to storage: crop production lessons from Nampo 2026
The theme of this year’s Nampo Harvest Day, ‘Resilience through Innovation’, aims to encourage the entire agriculture sector to not only reflect on the challenges farmers currently face but also to find proactive, data-driven solutions focused on profitability and sustainability.
Sunflower: a crop that found its home in Argentina
By leveraging a global genetics pool at its Camet facility, Syngenta is bridging the gap between Argentinian innovation and South African fields, transforming sunflower from a ‘replacement crop’ into a high-margin, oil-rich powerhouse.
Watch Nation in Conversation live at Nampo 2026
Nation in Conversation, taking place at Nampo 2026 near Bothaville, Free State, aims to bring together industry leaders, academics, policymakers, and producers to unpack South Africa’s most pressing agricultural challenges.
Animal feed industry stabilises despite uneven sector performance
South Africa’s animal feed industry is regaining its footing, with the latest figures from the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) pointing to a gradual but steady recovery.
Farmer secures SA’s first butterfly conservation servitude
The demarcation of South Africa’s first butterfly conservation servitude on a property owned by Letsitele farmer Gustav Van Veijeren marks a positive step for rare species protection. He and Etienne Terblanche, a Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa custodian, spoke to Farmer’s Weekly.
Dole and Mahela form partnership to boost Limpopo packhouse
Dole South Africa and the Mahela Group recently announced that they are entering a joint 50% shareholding partnership in Letaba Pakkers. This transaction brings together two significant and established role players in the subtropical fruit industry.
Successful tomato production dependent on holistic approach
Tomato farming has become a high-stakes, high-input business where success depends on getting many moving parts right at once. From seed choice and soil preparation to climate control, irrigation, nutrition and pest management, every stage of the crop’s life cycle demands precise, season-specific decisions.
How women are transforming coffee production in Kenya
A group of Kenyan smallholder women farmers are transforming the country’s high-value coffee sector by pooling their resources.
Animal feed industry enters recovery phase
Data from the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA), the recognised representative body of South Africa’s formal animal feed industry, show that the industry entered a clear recovery phase in 2025 after contracting in 2024.
World Pulses Day highlights the untapped potential of pulses
Building on the success of the International Year of Pulses in 2016, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 10 February was designated as World Pulses Day, to be commemorated each year.
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.
