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.
SA livestock sector pushes for stronger traceability systems
Traceability was under the spotlight at the Karoo Winter Wool Festival, where leaders from the wool, ostrich and red meat sectors warned that South Africa risks losing key export markets without urgent industry-wide adoption of traceability systems.
OVK & Karoo Winter Wool Festival celebrates innovation and excellence
Winners of the OVK Wool Innovation and Best Single Bale Wool competitions were announced at a gala dinner in Middelburg, Eastern Cape, marking the official start of the fourth annual OVK & Karoo Winter Wool Festival.
UFS and NWGA join forces to uplift rural wool farmers
In a move set to boost South Africa’s wool industry, the University of the Free State (UFS) and the National Wool Growers Association of South Africa (NWGA) signed a collaboration agreement on sustainable initiatives aimed at empowering emerging farmers, students, and rural communities.
Woodlands Dairy still delivers quality products after 30 years
Woodlands Dairy, one of South Africa’s foremost dairy processors and the name behind the First Choice brand, has marked its 30th anniversary with a renewed commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social upliftment.
New study reveals key drivers and gaps in SA’s land redistribution
Researcher Dr Siphe Zantsi spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about a new land reform model aimed at improving redistribution outcomes. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on the study’s key findings.
Expert tips for emerging sheep farmers
Emerging sheep farmers can boost their production and profitability by focusing on quality over quantity. Willem Goosen, production adviser at the National Wool Growers’ Association, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about strategies for breeding productive animals and managing them effectively.
RMIS activated Operational Centre to tackle FMD outbreak
The Red Meat Industry Services, in partnership with government, has activated a centralised Operation Centre to help aid government in the ongoing fight against foot-and-mouth disease.
EC youth urged to formalise agribusinesses and get investor-ready
Over 250 youths from across the Eastern Cape gathered at the Feather Market Centre in Gqeberha on 3 June for the inaugural Youth in Agriculture Indaba, hosted by the departments of Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture. At the event, they were urged to formalise their agribusiness to set themselves up for success.
South African cannabis industry holds great promise
South Africa’s medical cannabis and hemp sector is on the verge of transformation, but industry leaders say it will take robust education, policy reform and home-grown innovation to realise its full potential.
Farmer’s day ‘aims to inspire and equip youth to succeed in sector’
The second annual Youth Livestock Farmer’s Day, held in May at Lethare Farm in Serowe, Botswana, drew a crowd of enthusiastic participants from across the country, perhaps signalling growing national interest in livestock farming among young people.
Budget 2025: SA faces slower growth, higher costs
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the 2025 Budget Speech in Parliament on Wednesday, warning that global economic uncertainty and weaker trade are hurting South Africa’s economy.
Eastern Cape agri campaign teaches learners to grow their own food
The Empowering Learners Through Agriculture campaign, launched by the Eastern Cape department of agriculture, aims to uplift schoolchildren by teaching them about growing their own food.
Brothers’ journey from communal farming to mohair success
Through strategic partnerships and perseverance, brothers Simphiwe, Thembinkosi, and Linda Fani have built Doornrivier Farm in Somerset East, Eastern Cape, into a thriving livestock operation. Simphiwe and Thembinkosi spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the land acquisition, infrastructure, and financial challenges they have overcome to reach a point of sustainable production.
Biotech can help make crops more resilient to extreme weather
Plant biotechnology uses tools like genetic modification and bioengineering to enhance crops’ resilience, nutritional value, and sustainability in the face of challenges like climate change. Biosafety South Africa’s Dr Hennie Groenewald spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about how this technology can shape the future of crop farming around the world, stressing that field testing and commercialisation are the next critical steps.
Namibia reinstates ban on bovine semen and embryos from SA
The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) recently raised alarm over Namibia’s decision to reinstate its ban on the importation of bovine semen and embryos from South Africa as of 8 April, warning that the move could severely disrupt the red meat value chain between the two countries.
Understanding cannabis and hemp regulations in South Africa
South Africa’s cannabis and hemp regulations remain a topic of debate and uncertainty, particularly when it comes to commercial use and small-scale production. Cannabis experts Shaad Vayej and Trenton Birch spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the challenges that small-scale cannabis and hemp farmers face.
US tariffs a major challenge for South African agriculture
US President Donald Trump announced on 2 April that he would impose at least a 10% tariff on all exports to the United States, with some 60 nations, including key trading partners like China, the European Union, Japan, and Vietnam, facing even higher duties.
Foot-and-mouth disease spreads to Bergville, KZN
A new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, bringing the province's total to 147 active outbreaks out of the 165 reported in South Africa.
Key farming tips to help new farmers succeed
Farming requires patience, resilience, and strategic planning. Duncan Serapelwane, owner of Moalosi Bonsmara, shares essential advice for emerging farmers, focusing on sustainability, budgeting, biosecurity, and leveraging nature for long-term success.
How a food forest is helping an Eastern Cape community escape food insecurity
Bakhusele Mathupha is the founder of Phawu Likum AgriPak, a rural agroecology co-operative based in the small town of kuGatyane in the Eastern Cape. Through this initiative, he has introduced a food forest to help combat food insecurity in the local community. Mathupha spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about how collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to the land are empowering community members to create a self-sustaining food system while restoring the local environment.
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