Octavia Avesca Spandiel
Octavia Avesca Spandiel is a multimedia journalism honours graduate from Stellenbosch University. She is based in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, and her passion is to focus attention on the unsung heroes in agriculture. She has a rich background in youth work and loves connecting with people, combining her skills and interests to make a meaningful impact in her field.
Farmers could see cash flow relief if diesel prices fall
South African farmers are set to receive modest but welcome cost relief in January 2026, as a projected diesel price cut eases pressure during peak operations, particularly harvesting and land preparation.
Kleiheuwel Trust sets national superfine wool record at 14,1 microns
Kleiheuwel Trust, a 4 700ha mixed farming operation in the Western Cape, achieved a record R306/kg for 14,1-micron Merino wool at the BKB Live Wool Auction on 3 December in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, despite three years of climatic shocks.
Poisonous shrub behind sudden livestock deaths
Farmers across South Africa’s Highveld region are being urged to look out for a fast-spreading poisonous shrub called Cestrum parqui, which has already caused cattle deaths in several areas.
Focus on Angora fibre quality, goat health at Murraysburg Farmers’ Day
Greater emphasis on improving Angora fibre quality, strengthening flock management, and sharing up-to-date goat health information shaped the Murraysburg Farmers’ Day, held on 2 December on Kruidfontein Farm in the Western Cape.
Agriculture sees Q3 growth, despite sector pressures
South African agriculture posted a surprisingly strong third-quarter performance in 2025, rebounding from two years of contraction. Economists note that, although growth came off a low base, the recovery still represents a meaningful shift for the sector.
Chris Hani agri show reconnects smallholder farmers to markets
The revived Chris Hani Agricultural Show in the Eastern Cape has renewed efforts to integrate smallholder farmers into formal value chains, with the provincial government and development agencies identifying new market opportunities, infrastructure needs, and potential pathways for commercialisation.
Boran cattle drive productivity on Free State farm
Quentin de Bruyn, who farms cattle in the eastern Free State, has spent over 15 years refining his beef production system around the Boran. He spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about how the Boran’s resilience, fertility, and low input needs are reshaping commercial beef production in South Africa.
RMIS funds nine new research projects preparing the industry for 2030
Red Meat Industry Services approved and funded nine new research projects in 2025. Announced on 26 October in Pretoria, they form part of the organisation’s Field to Future framework, which ensures research priorities address real challenges across the industry.
A practical guide to managing pigs through the phases
Dr Dorothea Mostert, veterinarian at CSVet, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about practical strategies for managing pigs from weaning to finisher phases, highlighting nutrition, environment, and welfare as key drivers of efficiency and profitability.
The Dorper: a home-grown meat sheep
The Dorper breed is valued for its adaptability, fertility, and meat quality. Eastern Cape farmer Shane Scorgie spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about why this South African success story is thriving worldwide.
Nqanqarhu vegetable farmers celebrate new water infrastructure
Farmers in the small Eastern Cape town of Nqanqarhu have received a welcome major boost to their vegetable production following the delivery of vital water infrastructure and agricultural inputs by the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture.
Blending indigenous farming with innovative business techniques
Seniren Naidoo, who farms in Upper Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, has merged ancestral wisdom with modern business acumen to build a thriving agricultural enterprise. He spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about his operation, which is rooted in indigenous crops, sustainability, and innovation.
SA boosts fight against Goss’s wilt ahead of 2025/26 maize season
Goss’s wilt, caused by the bacterium Clavibacter nebraskensis, was first identified in the US in 1969 and has since spread to Southern Africa, prompting action by farmers, scientists, and policymakers.
SA’s top mohair producers honoured at Daidoh awards
The Daidoh Summer Kid Mohair Awards, hosted by Mohair South Africa on 12 October at the Botanics in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, welcomed over 220 guests from across the mohair value chain, including farmers, brokers, and international partners.
Mpumalanga sugar industry acts against huge surge in imports
Sugar imports into South Africa surged by more than 400% between January and August 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, affecting local sales and rural livelihoods.
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Emerging farmer opportunities in the spotlight at Agri 5 Expo KZN
The Agri 5 Expo in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, showcased opportunities for small-scale and emerging farmers through access to technology, information, and financial services.
ECRDA partnership to transform Eastern Cape crop and food output
The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency recently signed a memorandum of understanding with African Seeds Group and HelloChoice to boost crop and food production by improving input access, market connectivity, and financial inclusion for smallholder farmers across the province.
Imvaba Cooperative fund strengthens rural livelihoods in the Eastern Cape
Last week in Willowvale, Eastern Cape, the Imvaba Cooperative Fund delivered 20 heifers and farming equipment to the Nqabarha Cooperative. The fund is run by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation for the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
Dormer sheep: proven performer in SA’s meat market
Dormer sheep continue to dominate commercial meat systems with their fast growth, high weaning weights and impressive carcass yields. Agricultural economics lecturer and Dormer breeder Dr Mariëtte Geyser spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the breed’s production edge.
EC agri department achieves clean audit and adds 21 000 jobs
Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe tabled the 2024/25 annual report of the Department of Agriculture at the provincial legislature in Bhisho, highlighting major achievements in job creation, financial accountability, and food security.
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