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.
Win 1 of a festive hampers of Babylonstoren worth around R2 500
One Farmer’s Weekly reader can stand a chance to win a festive hamper of Babylonstoren’s books, worth around R2 500 in total.
Load-shedding respite should not breed complacency
While the optimism over South Africa’s electricity supply is refreshing, it may be misguided, even if well-intentioned, say Mzukisi Kota, Lubumba Kamukwamba and Kelly-Rain Green of Webber Wentzel.
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Win 1 of 2 hampers of Herman Lensing's Air Fryer recipe book! Discover 100 irresistible recipes, from cheese scones to chocolate French toast. Perfect for quick, delicious meals!
Win 1 of 5 copies of ‘Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa’
Don’t miss your chance to own "Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa", an essential guide for researchers, enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Enter now to win 1 of 5 copies!
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Five-star luxury and refinement in Stellenbosch’s most historic area
Every October, Brian Berkman heads to the Stellenbosch Woordfees and, this year, he stayed at a remarkable hotel during his visit.
Increasing the nutrient use efficiency of potatoes
In today’s agricultural playing field, the focus is being directed at sustainably producing crops for a growing world population. Concepts like ensuring food security, soil quality and fertility, nutritional value of crops, and environmental impact on the natural resources are the order of the day.
Climate-smart ambassador shares his knowledge
Charl Saunderson’s farming is based on four important aspects, and each team member on his farm enjoys their role in maintaining these principles.
The Cullinan: the crown jewel of Southern Sun’s Cape Town hotels
Brian Berkman reunites with an old musician friend at this grand hotel on the foreshore and finds that the establishment’s recent refurbishment has lent it even more charm and comfort, as well as some mod cons.
Van Loveren acquires controlling stake in Neil Ellis Wines
Van Loveren has taken a significant step in expanding its influence in the wine industry with the acquisition of the majority share in Neil Ellis Wines, a brand that is synonymous with terroir-driven craftsmanship.
LED lighting can maximise your cannabis crop yield
LED lighting is transforming South Africa’s agriculture, offering local farmers an effective way to increase crop yields while reducing energy expenses. With precise control over lighting conditions, LED technology can enhance plant growth and overall productivity.
Zimmatic and University of Free State partner to build a new generation of resilient...
South African agriculture faces relentless challenges, from extreme weather events to escalating production costs, and to thrive in this environment, the next generation of farmers must embrace technology and innovation. Recognising this, Lindsay Africa and the University of the Free State (UFS) have joined forces, harnessing Zimmatic’s irrigation technology to grow not only crops but also expertise.
One man’s journey from a city job to a farm’s pastures
From the bustling streets of Pretoria, Gauteng, to the serene pastures of eNtokozweni in Mpumalanga, Colin Morodi’s journey from government bureaucrat to dedicated cattle breeder is a story of determination and the pursuit of a lifelong dream.
Savour natural beauty, play a round of golf, and enjoy a rejuvenating spa
Only about 90 minutes from Cape Town by car, the Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa is a jewel in the Kogelberg range, which runs along the False Bay coast. Brian Berkman explains why.
Innovative programme addresses GBV in rural areas
A ground-breaking programme is addressing gender-based violence in South Africa’s rural communities and empowering young men to fight harmful stereotypes.
A family-friendly farm stay where your soul can soar
A fully operational farm, Raptor Rise Guest Farm in Tulbagh in the Western Cape offers upscale and perfectly appointed yet well-priced accommodation.
Here’s how to curb the spread of zoonotic diseases
Dr Nandipha Ndudane, president of the South African Veterinary Council, explains how you can help prevent diseases spreading from animals to humans, and vice versa.
Nestlé leads the way in sustainable dairy farming in SA
Nestlé is transforming dairy farming through a pioneering zero-carbon partnership with Skimmelkrans Dairy Farm and 119 additional farms across South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. This initiative started with Skimmelkrans in 2020.
With its great hospitality, you’ll never feel blue at this seafront establishment
On a visit to The Blue Peter Hotel in Cape Town’s Bloubergstrand, Brian Berkman was utterly charmed by its standout views and the upgrade it recently received.
The Government of National Unity should bridge the gap when disaster strikes farms
South Africa is hindered by insufficient and incoherent policies regarding disaster relief for farmers, say Dr Theo de Jager and Francois Rossouw of Saai. A solid policy on disaster relief is needed to support farmers, including those recently been affected by the devastating fires that swept across several provinces.
