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.
Grid modernisation critical for AI development
South Africa’s expanding data-centre sector must be carefully aligned with the country’s constrained electricity grid, water resources, and municipal infrastructure.
NWAFASA marks end of Women’s Month with an event focused on personal well-being
The Women’s Desk of the North West African Farmers Association of South Africa (NWAFASA) rounded off Women’s Month with an event focused on female farmers in Taung, North West, on 27 August 2026.
Poisonous plants: a hidden threat to livestock farm profitability
South Africa’s livestock industry contributes significantly to food security, rural livelihoods, and the agricultural economy. Every year, farmers lose millions of rands’ worth of livestock to poisonous plants, one of the most overlooked causes of livestock deaths.
Simmentaler cow breaks SA record with R220 000 price tag
A new South African record was set for Simmentalers when River Valley Simmentalers sold the in-calf cow Orchid AB 15 88 (Lot 21) for R220 000 during the stud’s recent production auction sale.
Data centres becoming strategic AI assets
South Africa needs a balanced artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure strategy that protects sovereign control over critical systems while using affordable international services where appropriate and ensuring that data-centre expansion does not impose disproportionate electricity, water or environmental costs on agriculture and surrounding communities.
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Agrico delivers unique irrigation solutions for Inyoni bananas
With 440 hectares of bananas under irrigation, Inyoni is one of South Africa's leading banana producers. The team works closely with Agrico to ensure this thirsty crop receives the precise amount of water it needs.
Steiger: a legacy built on power
Few names in agricultural machinery carry the heritage and reputation of Steiger. Built on decades of innovation and shaped by the demands of large-scale farming, the Steiger name has become synonymous with uncompromising power, exceptional traction, and proven reliability.
SA food inflation at a 16-year low
South Africa’s annual food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation rate slowed to 0,9% in July 2026, from 1,6% in June. This means food and beverage prices were, on average, 0,9% higher than in July 2025.
Wildlife is SA’s big conservation and economic opportunity
Conservation and economic development in the SA wildlife industry do not have to be opposing forces, according to Kgomotso Maphai, director of marketing at Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA). He was speaking during the North West Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Women’s Month High Tea in Rustenburg. Here is an adaptation of his speech.
A Randlord’s mansion on a Karoo farm
An extraordinary history is unfolding on Dwarsvlei Farm in the Eastern Cape – from racehorses to sheep and cattle farming, trail running, mountain biking, and more recently, a magnificent celebration of wool and natural fibres.
Gauteng honours women and youth entrepreneurs in agriculture
Women and young agricultural entrepreneurs from across Gauteng were recognised at River Meadow Manor in Irene on 14 August 2026 during the Gauteng Women Entrepreneurs Awards and Youth Entrepreneurs Awards. The awards highlight value creation, mentorship and wider participation in the agricultural economy.
Dormer Sheep: breeding for performance, adaptability, and profitability
Which traits should commercial sheep farmers select for in Dormer genetics to make a meaningful difference to flock performance and profitability?
How to prepare your vines and orchards for spring
Effective use of the winter dormancy period lays the foundation for healthier orchards and vineyards and a smoother, more productive growing season.
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Study validates 100% protection of Argentina’s vaccine against SAT1 foot-and-mouth disease
An independent Wageningen Bioveterinary Research study confirms Biogénesis Bagó’s BIOAFTOGEN® SAT1 vaccine provides up to 100% protection against the expanding SAT1 foot-and-mouth disease strain, offering vital defence for global livestock.
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How farm auctions work
A farm auction might sound like an old-fashioned world: a fast-talking auctioneer, an excited crowd, and a raised paddle indicating the highest bid. But modern farm auctions are highly structured, professional processes driven by transparency, market forces, and precise time management. Vleissentraal Properties explains through a Q&A.
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Build the right equipment package for your farm
Modern farming demands more than individual pieces of equipment; it requires a well-balanced machinery package that delivers productivity, efficiency, and long-term value.
Escape to an ostrich feather palace
In the Klein Karoo, ostrich boom mansions are being converted into historic guest houses, like Welgeluk Feather Palace outside Oudtshoorn.
Bos-Blanco Stud invest heavily in Brahman genetics
As the demand continues to grow across Africa and South Africa for impeccable Brahman cattle genetics, the Brahman is playing an increasing role in the Bos-Blanco Stud’s overall breeding strategy.
Grain SA takes soya bean pricing dispute to JSE
On 13 August, Grain SA led grain and oilseed producers from across the country on a march to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) to present a memorandum on the exchange’s decision to revert to a single reference point model for calculating soya bean location differentials.
Farmer’s Weekly agricultural forum set for September
The future of South African agriculture will come into sharp focus when key stakeholders converge in Magaliesburg this September. What are the current issues confronting the sector, and what else can attendees look forward to?
