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.
The influence of irrigation water quality on the solubility and effectivity of water-soluble fertiliser...
When considering the suitability of irrigation water for the purpose of dissolving water-soluble fertiliser, there exists a myriad of interactions that come into play. One such factor, especially in the Western Cape, finds irrigation dams at low levels during autumn months.
Growing and processing groundnuts can be lucrative
Over the years, Eduard Dreyer ventured into different markets to build his business’s resilience. Groundnuts, however, became a core part of his farming enterprise, so much so that he built a processing plant that specialises in cleaning and sorting the crop. Nichelle Steyn reports on how Eduard and his son Christian handle the 2 000t harvest.
The best of British hospitality under warm African skies in Mossel Bay
You don’t have to be a full-on British royalist to enjoy Betty’s Boutique Hotel in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, writes Brian Berkman. There’s a mix of good hospitality and service on offer at this establishment.
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Invest in Husqvarna equipment to counter wildfires
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) reports that the increasing urbanisation of South Africa’s rapidly growing population is a significant factor impacting the risk of wildfires.
The importance of livestock for sustainable agriculture
While conservationists often say that livestock are detrimental to the environment, research has shown that regenerative agriculture really only succeeds when livestock are utilised.
‘South Africa is making strides against illegal seed practices’
South Africa has made several important strides against illegal seed practices since the signing of an MoU by the International Seed Federation in the Netherlands a year ago.
Snail and slug damage forces Overberg farmers to replant
Many farmers in the Overberg have been forced to replant their crops after they were destroyed by slugs and snails. Slugs and snails are proving to be formidable adversaries to Overberg grain producers this season.
Agri students and principals raise frustrations with Steenhuisen
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen met with student leaders and principals from 11 of the agricultural training institutes to address challenges in funding, infrastructure, and training. The meeting was held at Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch during Youth Month.
Pangolins, coral reefs, and the Big Five: a unique Zululand safari
Set in the Munywana Conservancy in the Zululand region of northern KwaZulu-Natal, &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is renowned for exceptional safari experiences and fascinating wildlife.
Unexplained giraffe deaths spark concern across Namibia
Veterinarians and farmers in Namibia are grappling with a troubling surge in giraffe deaths that have occurred over a large part of the country north of Windhoek. The cause remains undetermined, but experts suspect an insect-borne viral disease.
Getting started with dry beans
Dry beans are highly water efficient, making them an ideal crop for drier production areas. They are advantageous in crop rotation systems, helping to reduce input costs and manage risk.
A judicial duel in the name of ‘just and equitable compensation’
In the Moloto case, the Land Court had to consider factors like market value and the current use of the property on which a land claim had been lodged.
Wine and wild dogs in the Waterberg
The Waterberg is home to one of SA’s last free-roaming African wild dog populations. Lindani Game Reserve hosts a weekend to aid an NPO working to protect them.
R100 million Land Bank investment set to boost growth in SA’s agriculture sector
Land Bank has invested R100 million in the newly launched Inclusive Justice Institute, a transformative initiative aimed at the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Preparing your garden for winter
As the temperature drops and plant growth slows down, preparing your garden for winter is essential to protect your plants and ensure a strong start in spring. From mulching and pruning to covering frost-sensitive species, a few simple steps can make all the difference.
SA macadamia crop to double within next decade
Despite challenges such as US tariffs, South Africa is positioning itself even more strongly as the world’s leading macadamia producer, according to Alex Whyte, director of the Green Farms Nut Company.
Global demand for rooibos grows
Rooibos is set to benefit from strong growth in the global plant extracts market, driven by consumer health consciousness and increasing demand for 100% natural ingredients across various sectors.
Biosecurity needs to be tightened to improve red meat industry resilience
With foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) an ongoing crisis in South Africa, Department of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen recently announced that R42 million has been set aside for the procurement of FMD vaccines.
Crocodile farming in the spotlight on World Croc Day
While it is difficult to determine exactly how many crocodile farms there are in South Africa, the conditions under which some of these animals are kept has taken centre stage on World Croc Day.
Meander to Nullarbor Cottages
Head off to the Magalies Meander for a tranquil, self-catering farm stay.
