Staff Reporter
Farmer's Weekly's Staff Reporter team provides accurate, timely, and trusted coverage of South African agriculture, delivering expert-backed reporting on farming, livestock, crops, agribusiness, technology, policy, and industry developments.
Latest articles
Exploring the market potential for dual-purpose poultry in Southern Africa
The World Poultry Foundation believes dual-purpose poultry breeds could create new opportunities across Southern Africa’s poultry value chain, especially for farmers raising traditional village chickens.
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Alvi’s Drift: three generations, one family legacy
Alvi’s Drift takes its name from a bridge built across the Breede River in 1930. Nearly a century later, the family is still farming here, with a third generation continuing the work that began on the river’s banks.
From broilers to breeders: how a Zim farmer grew his poultry business
Faced with rising input costs and buyers controlling broiler prices, Zimbabwean poultry farmer Bhekumuzi Dube shifted from broiler production to breeding and chick production. He shares how experimentation with genetics, selective birds, and a small hatchery have shaped his business.
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Feeding the nation one Agrico pivot at a time: Seunkie Maseko and Moosa Ngwenya
The first Agrico pivot in the Komatipoort area provided an unexpected boost to Elmboog Farm’s sugar cane yield, writes Natasha Pretorius.
Warmwaterberg: A hidden Karoo gem with a 200-year-old story
Julienne du Toit explores Warmwaterberg Spa, a Klein Karoo retreat near Barrydale with six generations of family ownership, where thermal, lithium-rich mineral waters have offered serene relaxation to visitors.
Where the Karoo reveals its secrets
A story of resilience, survival, good fortune and a minuscule plant that saved the Karoo from a radioactive fate are all wrapped up in a thriving guest farm, write Julienne du Toit and Chris Marais.
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Correct timing needed for farm transactions
When is the best time to buy or sell a farm? It’s a question almost every farmer, investor, or heir has asked. The truth is that while there is no simple answer, economic cycles, agricultural prices, interest rates, and even seasons play a major role. Vleissentraal Properties explains further through a Q&A.
Olea Dohnes, a legacy in the making
Drawing on 42 years of knowledge and experience, Boet and Cecilia Steenkamp continue to build a legacy of quality Dohne Merino breeding near Barkly East in the Eastern Cape.
Gauteng looks to practical solutions for climate resilience
Gauteng needs to move beyond assessing climate risks and responding to disasters to taking practical steps to strengthen its resilience to extreme weather.
Small stud, tough conditions: Southgate’s approach to Dohne Merino breeding
Neil and Morgan Potter are building on the long history of Southgate Dohne Merino Stud in the Eastern Cape. Despite challenging farming conditions and limited resources, they remain focused on breeding hardy, productive sheep through careful management and performance recording.
Twee Neefs Dohne Merino, a unique and thriving stud
Twee Neefs Dohne Merino has established itself as one of the leading sheep breeds due to its unique qualities of resilience, high fertility, and superior wool.
New children’s book aims to inspire the next generation of African farmers
The Desert Bloom Club, a children’s book written by Chifuniro Kandaya, a senior research associate at the University of Johannesburg, has been launched.
Tame stink bugs with the macadamia combo pack
Protect your upper canopy crop with Philagro’s Macadamia Combo Pack. Combining Samurai® 20 SC and Sumi-Alpha® 200 EW, it delivers immediate systemic defense and rapid knockdown to control destructive stink bugs effectively. By Johan Marais, Biorational Product Manager at Philagro.
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Financing that understands farming
Every farming operation has its own equipment needs, cycles, and long-term goals. John Deere Financial offers personalised financing solutions designed around these realities, helping farmers focus on the operation they know best.
The Botswana hunter who became a wildlife farmer
As Botswana’s game farming industry grows, professional hunter Luke Blackbeard’s story highlights how wildlife can become both a viable farming enterprise and a tool for conservation. His journey reflects the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
Preserving elite bull genetics beyond death
Genetics play a critical role in sustainable beef farming. Why do genetics matter and how can they be conserved?
Wine, apples, and the art of ageing very well
Pomologist, former wine columnist, and inveterate collector Buks Nel has spent a lifetime exploring wine, apples, and much more. Pieter de Waal visited him for Cap Classique, conversation, and a taste of patience.
Webinar: Building a productive and profitable Dohne Merino flock
What does it take to build a Dohne Merino flock that performs under South African conditions while delivering value to the farmer?
Cheap on paper, costly at the till: what 1,1% food inflation really means
The Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy's latest brief shows that food prices are barely rising, yet a basic healthy diet still swallows more than half the income of some households. South Africa’s slowing food price cycle offers households relief, but the farmers supplying that food face a difficult question: can they keep producing profitably?
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Keeping farm grounds in shape with the Husqvarna Z560X zero-turn mower
Spring brings the grounds back to the top of the maintenance list on farms and estates across South Africa. Entrances and avenues, the homestead garden, lodge and guest lawns, staff housing, and areas around offices and pack sheds all start growing again at once, making efficient mowing essential for keeping properties neat and presentable.
