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
Bonsai: combining horticulture with artistic expression
Bonsai, the traditional Japanese art form of cultivating miniature trees in containers, involves the careful pruning, pinching, and wiring of trees to train them into various shapes.
Eco-paradise: exploring South Africa’s hidden botanical gem
Travel writer Brian Berkman discovers why the pristine Kogelberg Nature Reserve, east of Cape Town, offers the perfect off-the-grid escape for botanical lovers in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
South Africa Invitational Pigeon Race 2025 summer final winners
With a less than one second lead against the second pigeon, a fine Blue Bar racing pigeon, ring ID ZA RADR 136-24, entered by the syndicate of Oliver Radford & Lionel Visser, secured the win in the tough final event of the South Africa Invitational Pigeon Race (SAIPR) Summer Series held on 8 February 2025.
Renewed interest in egg yolk antibodies
It is well known that feeding newborn mammals sufficient volumes of good-quality colostrum in the first hours after birth sets them up for a productive life. This is especially true in the dairy industry, where heifer calves are raised in intensive systems.
The Boerboel: a proudly South African dog breed
The Boerboel is a South African-developed mastiff breed popular with farmers and families for its calm and protective nature. The Boerboel is a powerful mastiff-type dog breed developed in South Africa, with origins dating back to the 17th century and the arrival of the Dutch settlers in the country.
Northern Cape nuclear waste plan met with resistance from agri sector
The proposed upgrade and potential expansion of the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility in the Northern Cape has sparked mixed reactions. According to TLU SA, the site is in a highly sensitive agricultural area that plays a vital role in food production.
Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak confirmed on Free State commercial farm
An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been detected on a commercial farm in the Moqhaka Local Municipality near Kroonstad in the Free State. Traceback activities are under way, and farms within a 10km radius are under surveillance.
Diesel refunds: why farmers struggle to claim what’s rightfully theirs
Government introduced the diesel refund scheme in 2000 to ease the burden of fuel-related taxes on primary producers in sectors like agriculture, mining, forestry, and fishing. While the goal was to support these sectors, especially farmers, the scheme has become increasingly difficult to comply with.
Mabuza takes helm at Grain SA’s farmer development arm
“Every hectare planted is not just a field of grain, but a step toward to a more food-secure and transformed economy.” That is the word from Sibusiso Mabuza, newly appointed CEO of Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP), the dedicated farmer development arm of Grain SA.
Western Cape farmers to benefit from free Green Economy Roadshow
Farmers and agri-businesses across the Western Cape will soon be able to tap into free, hands-on support to make their operations more resilient to rising energy costs, drought, and climate risks due to the rollout of a series of green economy help desks.
Reserve your seat at the ‘Mitigating Pesticide Residue for Food Safety’ event
With rising consumer demand for safe, high-quality food and increasing pressure on natural systems, the upcoming Mitigating Pesticide Residue for Food Safety event brings together scientists, regulators, and industry leaders to address one of agriculture’s most urgent challenges.
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.
