Robyn Joubert
Robyn Joubert (Powell) is a freelance writer and production manager who has worked with Farmers Weekly since 1994. Over three decades, she has contributed to the magazine under a succession of editors.
Redefining irrigation efficiency with systems thinking
As the agriculture sector grapples with water scarcity, farmers should be shifting their focus from simple water reduction measures to complex water optimisation strategies. Woolworths South Africa shares some of the irrigation and water management learnings of its 17-year-old Farming for the Future programme.
A land-clearing tool that turns bush into biochar
A Western Cape pilot project by Afriwild could help landowners tackle the removal of invasive plant biomass, with a trailer-mounted incinerator being tested to reduce fire risk, improve soils, and support restoration through carbon finance.
Chickens on the move: practical insights for pastured poultry farmers
Rachel and Jannie Beukes’s regenerative poultry farm in Stanford in the Western Cape is taking flight and growing from 100 birds to 700 birds a month through grit, practical learning, and smart use of social media.
Breakthrough for lab-grown meat – but it’s no threat to livestock farming
A South African biotechnology collaboration has commercialised a key protein used to produce lab-grown meat. The development is not expected to pose an immediate threat to conventional livestock farming and may create new opportunities in the emerging cultivated meat value chain.
Nathi entrepreneurs are nutty about mac oil
Young entrepreneurs Ashley Bennett and Kate Jarvie have launched a macadamia tissue oil that combines their love of Zululand and wellness. Their 100% natural product is helping them forge new roles within their family agribusinesses while building a market for an under-appreciated local resource.
Africa is capturing just 2% of its carbon credit potential
Africa is not living up to its carbon credit potential, despite rapidly growing global demand for emissions offsets. With more projects emerging in South Africa and across the continent, and agriculture uniquely positioned to develop them, carbon markets could unlock billions in investment.
Tech drives a new era of African conservation
A forward-thinking German impact organisation is harnessing the power of technology to finance its conservation ambitions in Africa, while delivering measurable returns for investors and local communities.
Water comes first for Woolworths’ fresh produce suppliers
A new PhD study offers a rare independent evaluation of Woolworths South Africa’s Farming for the Future programme, revealing how the retailer’s fresh produce suppliers are making clear gains in environmental sustainability, with irrigation and water management improvements leading the charge.
Kenyan farmers granted reprieve in seed-saving dispute
Kenyan farmers have received a temporary reprieve in their seed-saving battle after the government failed to overturn a High Court ruling protecting farmers’ right to save, share, and exchange indigenous seeds.
Industry voices concern over Botswana’s fresh produce ban
Botswana’s repeated bans on South African fresh produce have raised concerns in the agriculture sector, with industry leaders saying the stop-start restrictions disrupt trade flows and make export planning difficult.
Steps to encourage the export of beneficiated products
For years, government has come under a steady stream of fire for allowing unprocessed, raw goods to leave South Africa’s shores, only to return as more pricey finished products.
Dargle duck business takes off
A mother-and-son team is building a reputation for flavoursome ‘open-range’ Pekin ducks. But behind the picture-perfect ideal of ducks preening happily under sprinklers lies many challenges.
Spreading the Christmas spirit for 60 years
The Christmas Fair Fund was started in Stanger by a group of young farmers’ wives 60 years ago – and the organisation has brought hope and upliftment to the region ever since. Robyn Joubert visited them.
