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.
Champagne strawberry dessert
This light and creamy champagne strawberry dessert is a simple yet special treat, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Wine estate succeeds with focus on quality over quantity
In this article, Brian Berkman visits the picturesque Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate in Hermanus, where the team consistently looks for a perfect product in smaller quantities rather than an average one in bulk.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Expert insights on the Expropriation Act
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed the Expropriation Bill into law, concluding a five-year process. The amended Expropriation Act has sparked widespread debate, with some strongly opposing it while others view it more favourably.
Flying the flag for female Cap Classique winemakers
Brian Berkman visited Klein Botrivier Farm, on Karwyderskraal Road in the Overberg’s Bot River, to learn about Melissa Genevieve Nelsen’s Méthode Cap Classique winemaking.
Financial management of a farm: the basics of budgeting
Cobus du Plessis explores the fundamentals of budgeting for farm management, explaining its importance, the different types of budgets, and key concepts like fixed and variable costs.
Vrymansfontein demonstrates almond farming’s potential in SA
South Africa’s almond industry stands on the brink of a new era filled with growth and opportunity, thanks to the country’s favorable climate and soil conditions. More farmers are entering the market, seeing almonds as a profitable crop.
Using algae to treat dairy farm wastewater
Dairy farming contributes significantly to the agriculture waste load because of the high volumes of wastewater generated. Phycoremediation has come to the fore as a promising alternative treatment for dairy farm and dairy processing wastewater, say Mzamo Mnikathi, technical intern, and Jon McCosh, chief scientist at the Institute of Natural Resources.
A luxurious villa with all-round views of the ocean and wide open skies
Set aside at least three nights when you book into the Villa Marine in Pringle Bay, and be sure to goin the off season for the best weather and uncrowded beaches.
Canola: a growing force in South Africa’s agricultural landscape
Zander Spammer, an agricultural resource manager at Southern Oil, spoke to Zunel van Eeden about the growth of the canola industry in South Africa and the main uses for this versatile crop.
Where history and modernity meet in a luxurious setting
Brian Berkman kept his eyes peeled for ghosts in the oldest continuously run hotel in South Africa, but all he found was a fabulous two-night stay.
Organisation aims to end hunger with sweet potatoes
In a recent food rescue operation, SA Harvest drew on its relationships with Dutoit Agri and logistics companies to ensure that nutritious food reached those who needed it, writes Ozzy Nel, the company’s COO.
Cutworms: check the weeds on your fields!
Zunel van Eeden explains why understanding the ecological interplay between cutworms and weeds is crucial for effective pest management. Producers should disrupt the life cycle of cutworms to minimise crop damage.
Enjoy the ebb and flow of a simple, natural life in Wilderness
The heart of the Garden Route offers visitors forested areas, rivers in mountain canyons, beaches, and affordable national park accommodation. Brian Berkman visits the area at least once a year.
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Springbok icon Bakkies Botha thrives with Agrico’s support
The former rugby star knows all about the importance of teamwork and reliability. So partnering with Agrico irrigation systems was the best decision for his farming needs.
The importance of risk management in agriculture
Rinus de Bruin, agronomist at NWK, warns that crop production on marginal soils is no longer an option. The challenges posed by ever higher input costs mean that farmers simply cannot continue to plant on lower-potential soils, he says. Selecting the correct crops for each area is also of the essence.
A review of the momentous election year that was 2024
Early in the year it was indicated in this column that 2024 would be important among other things for the fact that half of the world’s population would hold elections.
The next decade in aquaculture: trends and challenges ahead
This report focuses on the production and trade of aquaculture and farmed fish over the next decade, and projects where the industry is likely to end up in 2032.
Best wishes from the Farmers Weekly team for 2025
The Farmers Weekly team reflects on 2024 and sends heartfelt wishes to our readers for a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year ahead.
The small-scale cattle producer continuing his family’s farming legacy
Family-run Glendower Farm in Pedie, Eastern Cape, spans 200ha of fertile land that carries the weight of generations. At its helm is Sdelo Mikhail Ceza, who spoke to Fidelis Zvomuya about his passion for farming.
