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.
Fort Cox: SA’s first agricultural college to offer forestry course
Amid the forested valleys, pine plantations, and grassy hills of the Eastern Cape’s Amatole District is Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute.
Crumbling Mkhondo agri-hub ‘an accident waiting to happen’, says DA
The agri-hub in Mkhondo Local Municipality, Mpumalanga, has a planning and engineering history that reads like a comedy of errors. Despite swallowing R142 million in public funds, it has yet to benefit a single farmer.
New gantry cranes boost Port of Cape Town’s performance
By the time South Africa’s deciduous fruit export season is at its peak, 18 new rubber-tyred gantry cranes are expected to be in service at the Port of Cape Town.
Nampo Cape 2025 sees return of BKB Merino Classic
After a three-year break from Nampo Cape, the BKB Merino Classic is back in 2025 and is set to take place on 11 and 12 September at Bredasdorp Park.
Laced with tradition, Dorp is an enchanting Cape Town village in the sky
Brian Berkman recommends a sensory symphony of fine hospitality, sound, and tradition.
Moringa can transform poultry farming and consumer health
Dr Sharon Nobuhle Lungu, an animal nutrition researcher at the University of Pretoria, says that although moringa offers benefits for sustainable farming and human health, its potential as a poultry feed additive remains largely untapped. She looks at the obstacles facing the industry and how they can be overcome.
Unusual plants with strange names and how to grow them
From living stones to wandering dudes, Linda Piegl looks at strangely named plants and how to grow them in your garden.
South Africa and Australia set for tentpegging test at Nampo Cape
South Africa’s tentpegging riders will take on Australia in a three-day international test at Nampo Cape, taking place from 10 to 13 September in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, bringing one of the world’s oldest equestrian sports to the agricultural expo.
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We’re only food secure when farmers are profitable
Today, agriculture is driven by two global obligations: feeding a growing population and protecting our planet. The overriding message is clear: environmental, social, and governance strategies must enhance profitability.
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This isn’t just your farm. It’s your future
More than land or yield, farming is a home, a way of life and a future. It deserves cover that can change with it.
CILTSA conference to confront gender gaps in logistics and transport
In an industry where women comprise nearly 50% of the workforce yet hold less than 25% of senior leadership positions, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA) is leading a critical conversation on gender gaps.
JSE cancels its basis futures contract, citing ‘software limitations’
Hopes for a more transparent mechanism for forming grain prices than the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s (JSE) current futures contracts were dashed when the JSE cancelled the long-awaited implementation of a basis futures contract.
Farming with your ISUZU, a recipe for success
For six decades, ISUZU Motors South Africa has been deeply rooted in the agricultural heart of the nation. As South Africa’s farmers have worked tirelessly to feed the country and sustain the economy, ISUZU has stood beside them — not just as a commercial vehicle manufacturer, but as a committed partner who understands the unique challenges of life on the land.
Agri 5 Expo: helping African farmers grow for over a decade
This year marks the 12th year of the Agri 5 Expo. The event provides the ideal platform to help organisations support the development of black farmers and expand their meaningful participation in the agriculture sector, whether in poultry, livestock, dairy, or crop production.
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The Agrico T1250 ripper works deeper, for better yield performance
The success of the T1250 lies in its efficiency, robustness, and adaptability. The ripper’s performance was tested on a farm with sandy soils in the Free State and it came through with flying colours, writes Jaco Cilliers.
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New Holland exhibits 50 years of harvesting machine excellence
For half a century, the company has played a crucial part in the agriculture sector, and is now set to showcase their next-generation machinery.
Hotel Verde stays eco-friendly, guest experience keeps getting better
Brian Berkman says Africa's greenest hotel shows how eco-conscious stays can also offer excellent value. Voted by the Green Building Council South Africa as Africa's greenest hotel, Hotel Verde in Cape Town, Western Cape, recycles more than 90% of its waste. And in June this year, it was named Africa's Leading Green Hotel in the World Travel Awards.
Grain exporters look to capitalise on rail privatisation
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy recently announced that 11 private rail operators had successfully bid for rail slots on Transnet’s network. Grain value chain players are already looking at ways to transport surplus grain earmarked for export from the interior to Durban by train.
Willemien Pieterse on life as a cattle inspector and show judge
Independent cattle inspector and show judge Willemien Pieterse has built a career around her lifelong passion for cattle.
Critics say draft live export regulations ‘greenwash’ animal suffering
Government’s draft regulations for the export of live animals by sea have sparked sharp criticism from animal welfare groups, who argue the measures will do little to protect livestock and instead entrench cruelty in law.
