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.
Grain and oilseeds workshop sets stage for production schemes
Key stakeholders in South Africa’s grain and oilseeds industry gathered earlier this week at AFGRI’s head office in Pretoria, Gauteng, for the Grain and Oilseeds Transformation Workshop.
Upcoming indaba to focus on national foot-and-mouth disease strategy
As outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continue to threaten South Africa’s livestock industry, the Department of Agriculture (DoA), in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), University of Pretoria, and Onderstepoort Biological Products, will host a high-level national FMD Indaba from 21 to 22 July 2025.
Growing cannabis legally: What farmers need to know?
South Africa’s cannabis industry faces regulatory challenges, with medical cannabis and industrial hemp as the only legal cultivation routes. Trenton Birch, co-founder and CEO of Cheeba Africa, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about these complexities and the barriers to market entry.
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Netafim marks 60 years of precision irrigation and innovation globally
As Netafim celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, the global leader in precision irrigation is marking decades of innovation, transformation, and impact across Southern and East Africa.
Emerging mohair producers gain key skills in Middelburg
A hands-on training programme held at Grootfontein College of Agriculture in Middelburg, Eastern Cape, from 7 to 11 July 2025 brought together nearly 30 participants that included mohair producers, farmworkers, and agricultural learners from across the country.
Biotech to play pivotal role in future of SA crop production
Biotechnology is set to transform South African crop production over the next two decades. Chantel Arendse, plant biotechnology lead at CropLife South Africa, unpacks how genome editing, drought-tolerant traits, and regulatory reform can help farmers boost yields, improve sustainability, and remain competitive.
An inside look at South Africa’s meat safety standards
South Africa’s Meat Safety Act sets strict regulations to ensure meat quality and protect consumers, covering every stage of the food value chain. Dr Gerhard Neethling, general manager of the Red Meat Abattoir Association, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about inspections, traceability, and industry compliance.
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.
