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.
Living art on the veld: Ankole cattle are thriving at Goats Window
At Goats Window near Bonnievale in the Western Cape, Ankole cattle are more than a striking visual attraction. The operation is building a stud focused on resilience, fertility, elite genetics, and long-term sustainability, while using the breed’s unmistakable presence to strengthen its eco-tourism offering.
Quality remains a driving force for Eastern Cape cattle farmer
Stud farm proprietor Keith Peinke says adaptability, fertility and low-input efficiency continue to make the Boran breed a profitable choice for commercial and stud breeders alike.
A conversation on South African agriculture with Wandile Sihlobo
Wandile Sihlobo, Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land. as well as Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), spoke to Gary Wium about realities facing South African farmers, from rising input costs and export market access to land reform, job creation and the role of technology in growing the sector. The conversation also explores agriculture’s contribution to the economy and the opportunities that lie ahead for the industry.
How a photographer fell in love with Ankole cattle
Banella Ankole Stud at Yonderhill near Stellenbosch tells the story of photographer-turned-cattleman Daniël Naudé, who helped introduce and grow the rare Ankole breed in South Africa, blending conservation, cultural heritage, and premium livestock production.
Slow uptake of Gauteng agro-processing fund, despite R100 million on offer
With the application deadline for the current round of Gauteng’s R100 million agro-processing blended finance programme imminent, only four applications have been approved and finalised, highlighting the slow uptake of a fund intended to support black farmers and emerging agro-processing businesses.
Solve the mystery and stand a chance to win!
To celebrate the release of The Sheep Detectives, we’re giving two lucky readers the chance to each win a hamper worth R700!
Bio360 Africa 2026 Johannesburg | in a nutshell: bioenergy hub
Bioenergy Events and Services (BEES) is proud to launch Bio360 Africa 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre on 17–18 June 2026, a new purpose-driven platform dedicated to accelerating bioenergy and sustainable solutions across Africa.
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Prediction of breeding values for carcass traits in Tuli cattle
In South Africa, most beef calves are finished in feedlots, making carcass weight a major factor in the price received per animal. Carcasses that are too heavy or too light do not meet specifications and are penalised.
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Invest in Tshwane: your gateway to growth in Africa
The Tshwane Economic Development Agency is calling for investment proposals across the city’s key sectors.
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Resilience amid crisis: Red Grass Valley Tuli Stud’s experience with FMD
South Africa’s livestock industry continues to face one of its most severe challenges in decades. Since early 2025, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has spread across all nine provinces, despite the outbreak being declared a national state of disaster in February 2026.
The fossil farm deep in the Karoo
At Ganora Guest Farm near Nieu-Bethesda, the line between modern agriculture and ancient history is blurred. Prize-winning Dohne Merino rams graze above the remains of prehistoric predators, offering guests a unique farm stay as well as a world-class palaeontological site. Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit report.
Babylonstoren builds elite water buffalo herd for dairy production
At Babylonstoren’s Rietvlei farm, a quiet shift is taking place, gradually expanding the boundaries of dairy production in South Africa. Here, the focus has moved beyond conventional cattle to the distinctive and increasingly sought-after water buffalo. Owner Kobus Lambrechts spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about his operation.
Cannabis Expo returns with strong industry focus
From 29 to 31 May, the Cannabis Expo 2026 will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre.
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Introducing the new agriculture power pack from STIHL
At STIHL, you’ll find the right tools to take on any challenge in your field. The new agriculture power pack brings together three high-performance tools, built to the premium standards you expect from STIHL.
Africa Agricultural Indaba – registration now open!
Be part of a game-changing event for Eastern Cape agriculture at the Africa Agricultural Indaba 2026 at the Premier Hotels East London ICC from 20 May to 22 May 2026.
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When timing is everything, reliability is non-negotiable
How Castrol is helping South African farmers protect their season and WIN.
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The upgraded John Deere 5090E: built for the realities of South African farming
Farming in South Africa isn’t getting any easier. Implements are getting heavier, seasons are more unpredictable, and every hectare has to work harder to stay profitable. Farmers have been clear about what they need from the John Deere 5090E: more lift capacity to handle today’s equipment with confidence. We’ve listened and we’ve responded.
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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.
