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
Santa Gertrudis: A practical guide to the breed and its commercial value
Understanding what a cattle breed can offer starts with knowing how its characteristics translate into the realities of farming.
AI moves from experimentation to execution
South African agriculture will gain the greatest value from AI when businesses use it deliberately to strengthen human judgement, solve clearly defined problems, and improve data-driven decisions without surrendering responsibility, trust, or control.
Profitability, security, self-reliance in spotlight at TLU SA Congress
Policy certainty, farm profitability, rural safety, water security, and the need for stronger organised agriculture dominated discussions at the TLU SA Congress 2026, held on 2 September at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria.
The state of SA’s small-scale aquaculture
Despite South Africa’s long coastline and strong fishing tradition, aquaculture remains underdeveloped, with its greatest successes concentrated in Western Cape marine production.
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Foton’s growth reflects a changing South African automotive market
South Africa’s new-vehicle market continued its positive momentum in July, with total sales reaching 57 708 units, an increase of 11,9% year-on-year. For Foton South Africa, however, the significance of these figures extends beyond another positive month for vehicle sales.
How farmers can help strengthen the fresh produce cold chain
From farm to market, better post-harvest practices, cold room management, and refrigerated transport can help protect the quality of fresh produce and reduce losses. This practical guide looks at the measures farmers and other industry players can take to maintain quality throughout the value chain.
Hidden lives in a hidden valley
Gamkaskloof, also known as Die Hel, was once a self-sufficient small-farm community deep in the Swartberg Mountains. Today, the last family in the valley farms bees and welcomes adventure tourists, writes Julienne du Toit.
Grid modernisation critical for AI development
South Africa’s expanding data-centre sector must be carefully aligned with the country’s constrained electricity grid, water resources, and municipal infrastructure.
NWAFASA marks end of Women’s Month with an event focused on personal well-being
The Women’s Desk of the North West African Farmers Association of South Africa (NWAFASA) rounded off Women’s Month with an event focused on female farmers in Taung, North West, on 27 August 2026.
Poisonous plants: a hidden threat to livestock farm profitability
South Africa’s livestock industry contributes significantly to food security, rural livelihoods, and the agricultural economy. Every year, farmers lose millions of rands’ worth of livestock to poisonous plants, one of the most overlooked causes of livestock deaths.
Simmentaler cow breaks SA record with R220 000 price tag
A new South African record was set for Simmentalers when River Valley Simmentalers sold the in-calf cow Orchid AB 15 88 (Lot 21) for R220 000 during the stud’s recent production auction sale.
Data centres becoming strategic AI assets
South Africa needs a balanced artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure strategy that protects sovereign control over critical systems while using affordable international services where appropriate and ensuring that data-centre expansion does not impose disproportionate electricity, water or environmental costs on agriculture and surrounding communities.
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Agrico delivers unique irrigation solutions for Inyoni bananas
With 440 hectares of bananas under irrigation, Inyoni is one of South Africa's leading banana producers. The team works closely with Agrico to ensure this thirsty crop receives the precise amount of water it needs.
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Financing for livestock farmers: the John Deere 5-Series tractor
Upgrade your livestock operation with a John Deere 5-Series tractor. Enjoy flexible financing with extended 72-month terms to lower monthly repayments. Offer valid until 9 October 2026.
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Steiger: a legacy built on power
Few names in agricultural machinery carry the heritage and reputation of Steiger. Built on decades of innovation and shaped by the demands of large-scale farming, the Steiger name has become synonymous with uncompromising power, exceptional traction, and proven reliability.
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New Holland’s specialised technology adds value in orchards and vineyards
New Holland’s specialist tractor range and advanced Braud grape harvesters empower South Africa’s fruit and wine producers to boost operational efficiency, lower input costs, and protect crop quality.
SA food inflation at a 16-year low
South Africa’s annual food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation rate slowed to 0,9% in July 2026, from 1,6% in June. This means food and beverage prices were, on average, 0,9% higher than in July 2025.
Wildlife is SA’s big conservation and economic opportunity
Conservation and economic development in the SA wildlife industry do not have to be opposing forces, according to Kgomotso Maphai, director of marketing at Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA). He was speaking during the North West Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Women’s Month High Tea in Rustenburg. Here is an adaptation of his speech.
A Randlord’s mansion on a Karoo farm
An extraordinary history is unfolding on Dwarsvlei Farm in the Eastern Cape – from racehorses to sheep and cattle farming, trail running, mountain biking, and more recently, a magnificent celebration of wool and natural fibres.
Gauteng honours women and youth entrepreneurs in agriculture
Women and young agricultural entrepreneurs from across Gauteng were recognised at River Meadow Manor in Irene on 14 August 2026 during the Gauteng Women Entrepreneurs Awards and Youth Entrepreneurs Awards. The awards highlight value creation, mentorship and wider participation in the agricultural economy.
