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.
Insurance is part of managing risks in the grain industry
The primary focus of insurance is the protection of property, products and people. But insurance, especially in the grain storage sector, can be complicated. This topic was discussed during the Grain and Oilseed Value Chain Symposium panel discussion recently hosted by Agbiz Grain.
Grain sector needs to don thinking caps to address traceability challenges
Over the past two decades, increasing consumer demand for a reliable and consistently safe supply of food products have necessitated that food sources should be traceable.
Experts address challenges in grain market
Access to available grain stock, the risk of volume concentration, price convergence and failing infrastructure were some of the challenges that were highlighted during the panel discussion of the second day of the Grain and Oilseeds Value Chain Symposium held in Pretoria.
‘Small changes in grain storage sector needed to ensure profitability’
During the first day of the Agbiz Grain Symposium, a panel discussed the various aspects that influence the sustainability of the grain storage sector in light of current and future demands for storage, infrastructural challenges and return on investment made by elevator owners.
Benefit from agrochemicals, but avoid the hazards!
Agrochemicals are often used as a scapegoat for agriculture’s impact on the environment, yet these chemicals do not by definition harm the environment, and they play an important part in food production, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn of CropLife South Africa.
Diversification drives success of leading SA agri group
Despite having diversified into mining, construction, civil contracting, and heavy equipment hire, the ALS Group remains at heart a family farming business characterised by attention to detail, professionalism and integrity. Magda du Toit recently visited some of the agricultural and other business ventures in which the award-winning ALS Group is involved, and filed this report.
A growing market for SA’s world-class olive industry
The production and consumption of olives and olive oil are on the rise in South Africa. Magda du Toit spoke to farmers and other experts about the country’s burgeoning olive industry, and what is required to produce this Mediterranean fruit.
Prevention can outsmart pests and diseases
Successful pest and disease management depends on scouting and monitoring crops. Magda du Toit spoke to a major citrus producer, as well as pest-control experts from various organisations.
Successes chalked up by Grain SA’s Farmer Development Programme
In order to continue improving its food security, South Africa must rely on the contribution of all farmers, both commercial and emerging. A project that’s making great strides in both food production and transformation in the local grain sector is Grain SA’s Farmer Development Programme.
The award-winning cucumber farmer who’s focused on the future
Planning and forward thinking are important in farming, says Kobela Mokgohloa, the owner of Korema Farm in Winterveldt near Pretoria. He spoke to Magda du Toit about how he grew his cucumber production, as well as his plans for the future.
‘Be positive and make use of opportunities’
In 2022, the ALS Group, managed by Cas Joubert, his brother Thys, and partner Johan van Rensburg, was recognised as the Agricultural Writers SA Farmer of the Year for 2022. Joubert spoke to Magda du Toit.
‘Agriculture is the glue that keeps SA together’
André Brink, 2022 Syngenta/Grain SA Grain Farmer of the Year, joined his father on Groot Phesantekraal in the Western Cape’s Durbanville district during the 1980s when interest rates were high and cash flow tight. This, he told Magda du Toit, taught him the value of careful strategic planning.
Guard dogs: which breed is best?
Many experts will tell you that it’s essential to have a mixture of dog breeds on a farm. Some farmers, for example, have terriers that stay inside their houses at night, while their larger dogs stand guard outside.
Factors influencing maize yield
Yield potential refers to the maximum yield that a farmer can obtain from a crop in a given environment and is largely determined by a specific combination of factors. Magda du Toit spoke to industry experts about the basic principles that determine yield and profit in maize farming, and how a farmer can improve results.
How to choose a guard dog for your farm
When it comes to protecting your life and belongings, dogs can be highly valuable assets. But since there are hundreds of breeds out there, selecting the right one to guard your family and farm can be a difficult task. Magda du Toit spoke to some experts to find out which dog breed would make a farmer’s best pal.
The importance of seed labelling for crop farmers
How can farmers ensure that the seed they buy is from a trusted source and conforms to a set standard? Magda du Toit spoke to Kobus van Huyssteen, acting technical manager at the South African National Seed Organization, to find out more about the information on seed labels and what it means.
Optimising fuel usage on your farm: Part 1
With fuel contributing heavily to a farmer’s input costs, every fuel price hike has a negative impact on the bottom line. Godfried Heydenrych, managing director of Argo South Africa, spoke to Magda du Toit about what a producer can do to mitigate the effects of rising fuel costs.
Consumer health trends positive for SA olives
Consumers’ focus on healthy living was helping to drive growing global demand for olive oil, according to Vittoria Jooste, CEO of the South African Olive Association.
The dos and don’ts of owning a firearm
South Africa has strict legislation governing the licensing, purchase and use of a firearm. Magda du Toit explores the rules and official processes that regulate gun ownership, and speaks to experts in the field.
Soil health: crucial for future food production
Healthy soil is a key driver of farm productivity, profits, and sustainable food production. Dr Hendrik Smith explained to Magda du Toit how farmers can improve the health and fertility of their soils.
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