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.
Horse owners urged to vaccinate against African horse sickness
The window to vaccinate horses against African horse sickness runs from 1 June to 31 October, and authorities are urging horse owners to observe the legal requirements applicable to their location.
Steenhuisen to review proposals following FMD indaba
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen is set to review proposals from the recent high-level FMD Indaba held near Pretoria in late July. The proposals are aimed at halting the spread of the disease and strengthening South Africa’s disease-control systems. Once reviewed, Steenhuisen will appoint a task team to oversee implementation of the measures.
NPO takes young farmer training to new level
Living Hope, a faith-based non-profit organisation in the Western Cape, offers fully funded experiential training in intensive fresh produce production to young, aspiring farmers. Nan Smith visited the organisation to find out more.
SAVC registrar under fire as Steenhuisen probes election process
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has put the spotlight on Mongezi Menye, registrar/CEO of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), after serious concerns were raised over the council’s recent election process.
The role of cover crops in regenerative farming
As global human populations surge and climate volatility intensifies, the pressure on South Africa’s agriculture sector continues to mount. The demand for more food, produced more sustainably, has never been greater.
Butterflies: essential and often overlooked pollinators
Butterflies are regarded as less efficient pollinators than bees. However, in some instances, their services have even greater value.
Focus on SA trade, but don’t forget biosecurity challenges
Those in government will have to carefully allocate their resources and time, given the many urgent matters that currently demand their attention.
Freight rail revival on the cards for Overberg agri corridor
A pilot project launched in Bredasdorp in the Overberg region could significantly boost the Western Cape’s agricultural competitiveness by cutting long-haul logistics costs and shifting freight from road to rail.
Agri players split on new labelling regulations for meat alternatives
The Department of Agriculture’s (the department) newly published regulations on the sale and labelling of meat alternative (analogue) products have prompted a sharp divide among agricultural stakeholders, with farmer advocacy groups and industry leaders expressing strongly opposing views.
Feeding garden birds to help them survive the winter
During the warmer months, birds have access to plentiful seeds, fruit, and insects, so supplementary feeding is unnecessary. It’s also an important time for fledglings to learn how to forage. However, in winter, when food sources are scarce, feeding your garden birds helps them survive the harsh conditions.
Porsche Cayenne GTS lives large in a changing world
The Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupé shatters SUV stereotypes, delivering thrilling performance and an intoxicating V8 soundtrack. This powerhouse proves that a practical family vehicle can indeed be a dynamic, purist-pleasing driver’s car.
Working to the benefit of farmers
The Red Meat Producers’ Organisation works on behalf of red meat producers to ultimately improve their sustainability.
Cape Town is key to SA’s fruit export future as freight volumes rise
Fruit exporters have welcomed improved performance at key ports, as South Africa’s logistics sector exceeded freight handling targets by more than 10% for two consecutive weeks.
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The importance of pivot sprinkler systems for irrigation efficiency
Irrigation efficiency and uniformity are largely determined by correct sprinkler selection for your farm and your crop.
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Drip irrigation on sugar cane saves water, energy, and labour
Drip irrigation has long been a trusted method for irrigating sugar cane, as it is widely recognised for its ability to reduce resource use and increase crop yields, writes Marike Brits, Netafim Southern & East Africa.
SA growers target Europe with new grapefruit campaign
South Africa’s grapefruit industry is shaking things up in Europe. Backed by the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), the country’s producers have launched a targeted marketing campaign aimed at revitalising demand for locally grown Star Ruby grapefruit.
Ban on new captive lion facilities draws criticism and praise
A nationwide ban on new captive lion breeding facilities has triggered a fierce debate between government, conservation groups, and those who rely on the lion value chain.
A walk back in time to the whaling days of The Bluff
A tour to the abandoned Old Whaling Station, now a world heritage site, brought up memories of a regrettable bygone industry.
SA’s first cattle embryo shipment to Paraguay breaks export barriers
South Africa has taken its first major step towards regaining its foothold in the global livestock genetics market with the successful export of 326 in vivo cattle embryos to Paraguay, South America.
SA ports handle record number of containers
Container throughput at South Africa’s ports have reached levels last seen in the 2017/18 financial year, according to the South African Association of Freight Forwarders and Business Unity South Africa’s latest cargo report.
