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.
Managing weaners and growers for maximum efficiency
Effective pig farming requires a delicate balance of care, precision, and innovation to ensure the well-being and performance of weaners and growers. Dr Alex Westerink, an expert in swine health and production at CS Vet, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about strategies for improving pig welfare, feed efficiency, disease prevention, and leveraging technology to boost productivity.
South Africa’s agricultural exports achieve record high in 2024
South Africa's agriculture sector achieved a record high US$13,7 billion (about R255 billion) in export value in 2024, a 3% increase on the previous year, according to data from Trade Map.
Brucellosis: managing livestock health and protecting farmers
Brucellosis poses threats to animal and human health and has severe economic implications. Dr Didi Claassen, general manager of Afrivet Technical and Training Services, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the transmission, clinical signs, and control strategies of brucellosis in cattle, sheep and goats.
New cases of foot-and-mouth disease confirmed in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) continues its battle against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with recent test results confirming further cases in the province.
How to win the battle to control poultry mites
Preventing mite infestation is a constant struggle for poultry farmers, with the poultry red mite and scaly leg mite posing the greatest threats in South Africa. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on how farmers can identify, manage, and control these pests effectively.
Eastern Cape farmers receive 300 sheep to improve flock genetics
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture recently donated more than 300 sheep, including rams and ewes, to wool growers’ associations in the OR Tambo District as part of efforts to improve wool production and support farmers affected by recent disasters.
Role players voice concerns over promises made during SONA 2025
President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2025 highlighted key interventions aimed at strengthening South Africa's agriculture sector.
The effective monitoring of body temperature in cattle
Accurate monitoring of cattle’s body temperatures is crucial for ensuring optimal herd health and productivity. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to animal health experts for tips on precise temperature readings, early disease detection, and maintaining biosecurity in a herd.
Namibia’s vegetable ban on South Africa a struggle for local farmers
South Africa's agricultural trade with its neighbouring countries has faced significant challenges over the past few years, particularly with import restrictions imposed on the country by Namibia and Botswana.
Eastern Cape small-scale farmers receive Nguni bulls to improve production
Nonceba Kontsiwe, Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, called on farmers to expand their operations and venture into the entire red meat value chain to make a meaningful impact on the economy.
Expropriation Bill sparks concerns on land reform, food security
The Expropriation Bill has reignited discussions on land reform and its potential impacts on food security, property rights, and agricultural productivity. This follows its signing into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, 23 January, concluding a two-decade-long effort to address historical land injustices.
SA’s first white maize shipment since 2017 arrives at Port of Durban
The African Baza, a bulk carrier sailing under the Bahamas flag, last week offloaded 23 700t of white maize produced in the US at the Port of Durban.
Optimising nutrient availability for cattle
Nutrient circularity in cattle farming can help improve soil health and reduce farming costs. Ernest Makua, livestock technical adviser at Red Meat Industry Services, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about practical strategies for farmers to achieve sustainability and profitability in the industry.
Red meat industry report offers key insights on global, domestic trends
The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has released its first-ever Red Meat Industry Report, providing a detailed analysis of the trends shaping supply, demand, and prices.
Heavy rainfall in Gauteng and KZN raise flood warnings
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, with the potential for severe flooding, property damage, and disruption of essential services. The adverse weather is expected to persist throughout the week.
Breaking barriers: a change agent in SA wine
Wendy Petersen, a trailblazer in the South African wine industry, spent nearly three decades working towards the empowerment of black women in the industry and transforming communities. She spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about her determination to make a difference and push boundaries.
New cold storage facility strengthens logistics in the Eastern Cape
Commercial Cold Holdings (CCH) officially launched its Greenbushes facility in Gqeberha on 5 December, marking a pivotal moment for the Eastern Cape’s agricultural and logistics sectors.
Difficulty of fighting fires in mountainous regions
The recent fires in Mitchell’s Pass in the Western Cape have brought attention to the unique challenges faced by firefighters in mountainous regions.
The critical role of proper nutrition in pig and poultry production
Proper nutrition is vital for the health and productivity of pigs and poultry. Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka and JD Mostert spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about exploring essential nutrients, common feeding mistakes, and best practices for feed safety to optimise livestock growth and reproductive health.
Citrus industry faces hurdles as export volumes fall
South Africa’s citrus industry experienced an unexpected dip in export volumes this year, presenting growers with significant challenges related to climate, market demands, and logistics. The Citrus Growers Association (CGA) has stepped in to address these issues, supporting farmers as they navigate a tough season.
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