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.
Female livestock farmer a fresh voice in male-dominated arena
Linda Mthalane began her farming journey five years ago when she purchased her first cattle. She is one of the few producers breeding Simbra and Brahman cattle in the area where she farms, and she is also a city woman stepping into male-dominated space. Originally from Amanzimtoti near Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, Mthalane relocated to Dundee after a 10-year career in the corporate hospitality industry.
Siphindile’s farming story: Structured for scale and rooted in community
As a young agripreneur, Siphindile Hlengwa is making waves in her area, but also in the broader agriculture sector. Hlengwa is the founder and director of Ndlovukazi Agriculture Multipurpose (Ndlovukazi) in the heart of Imfume in KwaZulu-Natal.
Stock farmer’s big plans to grow meat processing in KZN
Bhekumndeni Khumalo Zulu is a stock farmer with a dream. He not only wishes to be successful himself, but strongly feels that there should be a greater focus on empowering small-scale farmers in Kwa-Zulu Natal. That was one of the reasons he entered the Metropolitan Collective Shapers programme.
Equipping young agripreneurs for a future in farming
The strategic collaborative partnership between Earth Hub Africa, MTN SA Foundation, and Shell South Africa is aimed at creating scalable smart farming in rural areas.
Advancing the use of integrated pest management in crop production
Experts in integrated pest management are gaining importance as fruit-importing countries tighten their phytosanitary regulations. Nadine Botha, technical and commercial manager at Insectec, spoke to Magda du Toit about her journey from growing up in a small mining town to taking on a leading role in the field.
Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter and moisture it contains, the crop to be planted, as well as the previous crop that was planted in the field. Magda du Toit spoke to cereal experts and farmers for guidance.
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‘Get the combination right to unlock your wheat farm’s full potential’
Using the right combination of machinery and implements can help a wheat farmer improve yields and lower costs. Magda du Toit spoke to André Olwagen, strategic marketing manager and product portfolio manager at Case IH.
Grain SA calls for sorghum VAT exemption in upcoming budget speech
Grain SA CEO Dr Tobias Doyer hopes the Budget Speechwill drive economic growth but says agriculture is often overlooked. He urges VAT exemption for sorghum to support the industry.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it’s important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management.
Public-private partnership a boon for Limpopo citrus
The Majeje Citrus Farm can be seen as a landmark project that boosts the agriculture sector’s transformation efforts in Limpopo, benefits the local community, and accelerates inclusivity.
Agribusiness Confidence reflects optimism in agriculture for Q4
There is still optimism in the agriculture sector despite the subdued performance over the past couple of months. This was the overall message conveyed during the Agbiz information day held in Pretoria on Friday.
Eastern Cape’s Dwayne Kaschula wins Young Farmer of the Year Award
The 2024 Toyota SA/Agri SA Awards celebrated farming excellence on Thursday, with Dwayne Kaschula from Maclear, Eastern Cape, winning the Young Farmer of the Year Award.
Lessons from highly specialised farms in Switzerland
The recent International Federation of Agricultural Journalists world congress, held in Interlaken in Switzerland, offered a unique platform to explore the diverse landscape of Swiss agriculture. Magda du Toit reports on how some farms are distinguishing themselves from others to remain competitive.
Pest and disease control under shade netting
As fruit-importing countries become increasingly intolerant of pest infestations and diseases posing phytosanitary risks and equally intolerant of the use of pesticides, South African fruit producers have had to revisit their pest and disease management strategies, writes Magda du Toit.
Off-season activities: importance of planning and management
Off-season farming activities are essential for a successful harvest, says Magda du Toit. She spoke to experts about the importance of soil management, pest control and other actions that producers should take between winter harvesting and summer planting.
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CASE IH partners with Western Cape Department of Agriculture
During Nampo Cape, a significant partnership was announced between CASE IH and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. This collaboration aims to enhance agricultural technology and support farmers in the region.
Sacta levy supports new cultivar development in seed industry
The South African Cultivar and Technology Agency (Sacta) is driving new cultivar development in the seed industry through its breeding and technology levy, which supports innovation and growth across the value chain.
Optimisation of available technology needed to address the cost squeeze
During an Agri in Conversation panel discussion at Nampo Cape on Wednesday, experts highlighted the cost-price-squeeze effect, urging farmers to focus on profitability and efficient use of inputs amid rising costs and market volatility.
Partners pull together to finalise Skutwater farming operations
Letsitele citrus and avocado producer Mahela Group and the ZZ2 Group, an avocado and tomato producer from Mooketsi, are developing a 400ha avocado and citrus farming operation in Weipe, Limpopo, with a non-controlling minority equity investment from AgDevCo. This transaction was supported by DLA Piper and Bowmans in South Africa.
It makes sense to include more sorghum in diets
Gluten-free sorghum contains protein, dietary fibre, and B vitamins like niacin and riboflavin, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It’s also a good alternative to planting maize, writes Magda du Toit.
