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.
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Eersteling Farm: everything starts with an opportunity
Eersteling Farm is built on opportunities, something that the farm’s people want to share with those still to come in order to create a sustainable future. John Deere Financial recently produced a short film about the farm and captured what made the farm what it is today.
Diesel rebate overhaul: what claimants should know
South Africa’s Diesel Refund Scheme has been fundamentally restructured, with a 100% rebate and stricter compliance rules now in place. Freek van Rooyen, a partner at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys, and Mona Appalsamy, a senior associate at the firm, explain what claimants need to prepare for under the new system.
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Heritage of adventure: Defender Trophy edition and the quest for global glory
From the dusty tracks of the Kalahari to the muddy lanes of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Defender has earned its reputation through grit and reliability. Now, that legacy is being celebrated with a modern tribute to the world’s most iconic off-road challenges.
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Harvey’s life and legacy: a tribute to a great cattleman
Len Harvey’s lifelong interest in cattle and his personal commitment to improving Southern Rhodesia’s livestock were the driving forces behind the Tuli breed’s development.
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Partner with Purpose. Grow with Confidence
In farming, success rarely happens by chance. It starts long before a seed is planted or the first raindrop falls. Looking ahead allows producers to make decisions that will shape their future successful harvests.
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One gene to poll them all
The genetics of polledness has long been of major interest to cattle breeders and livestock geneticists, and advances in genomics have helped unravel the genetic mechanisms that control horn development and polledness.
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Axial-Flow: a legacy of simplicity, power and proven performance
Over the years, farmers have become accustomed to solutions and innovations from Case IH machinery. They have been prominent over the decades, and remain a strong foundation for the future of harvesting.
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Think Big. Think New Holland
From higher capacity to precision control, New Holland’s latest machines are built to maximise output while minimising losses.
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B.E.D. boosts Nampo presence through innovation, teamwork, national reach
Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group (B.E.D.) is once again preparing for a strong presence at Nampo Harvest Day 2026, building on more than three decades of consistent participation in South Africa’s flagship agricultural exhibition.
SAT1 FMD serotype detected in China
International animal health authorities have issued urgent warnings after a historically African strain of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) spread into parts of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, raising concerns about economic fallout and weaknesses in global preparedness.
Bigger summer grain harvest expected, but price pressure builds
Grain SA agricultural economist Gerhard Burger says South Africa’s grain industry is entering the new production season with strong summer crop prospects, but the improved outlook comes with growing pressure on prices and shrinking producer margins.
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TotalEnergies: dedicated to helping farmers optimise their operations
From high-performance lubricants and commercial bulk fuels to liquefied petroleum gas, solar energy, and fleet management, TotalEnergies is powering farm productivity across South Africa.
B.E.D. named authorised distributor for Harris Products Group in SA
Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group (B.E.D.) recently announced that it has been appointed as an authorised distributor for the Harris Products Group (Harris) in South Africa.
Summit to help hemp and cannabis move into mainstream economy
South Africa’s hemp and cannabis industries are increasingly being positioned as high-potential growth sectors, capable of contributing to agricultural diversification, rural job creation and export earnings. This momentum will be under the spotlight when the CHEEBA Cannabis & Hemp Summit returns to Johannesburg on 29 May 2026.
Opstal Estate: seven generations of resilience, grit, and heritage
Opstal Estate is a masterclass in agricultural evolution. Nestled in the high-rainfall Slanghoek Valley, this seventh-generation heritage farm has transitioned from bulk wine production to a diversified boutique destination. Blending award-winning ‘Old Vine’ Chenin Blanc with regenerative cattle farming and luxury tourism, Opstal ensures a resilient legacy remains in motion.
Rising fuel costs hit Zimbabwe farmers, threatening food supply
Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector faces mounting pressure as rising fuel costs spread through the value chain. Farmers, transporters, and industry experts warn that volatile prices could affect productivity and food supply, particularly for smallholder farmers.
A rather remarkable woman
Olive Schreiner is without doubt one of the most famous women South Africa has ever produced, and as a writer tried to persuade the British and Boer warring factions about the futility of armed conflict.
Meerkat Online Auctions keeping livestock trade moving as FMD impacts farmers
As foot-and-mouth disease continues to affect livestock movement, Meerkat Online Auctions is helping farmers keep the market moving.
Win 1 of 20 bottles of Micromin B multi-mineral supplement
Maintaining herd health requires consistent nutritional support, especially under challenging farming conditions, which is why Design Biologix is giving livestock producers the chance to win one of 20 bottles of Micromin B, each valued at R2 000.
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Bloem Show 2026: a beach party experience like no other
The Bloem Show is proudly celebrating its 143rd anniversary this year, with a vibrant and refreshing theme: Beach Party in Bloem!
