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
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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.
Dormer Sheep: breeding for performance, adaptability, and profitability
Which traits should commercial sheep farmers select for in Dormer genetics to make a meaningful difference to flock performance and profitability?
How to prepare your vines and orchards for spring
Effective use of the winter dormancy period lays the foundation for healthier orchards and vineyards and a smoother, more productive growing season.
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Study validates 100% protection of Argentina’s vaccine against SAT1 foot-and-mouth disease
An independent Wageningen Bioveterinary Research study confirms Biogénesis Bagó’s BIOAFTOGEN® SAT1 vaccine provides up to 100% protection against the expanding SAT1 foot-and-mouth disease strain, offering vital defence for global livestock.
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How farm auctions work
A farm auction might sound like an old-fashioned world: a fast-talking auctioneer, an excited crowd, and a raised paddle indicating the highest bid. But modern farm auctions are highly structured, professional processes driven by transparency, market forces, and precise time management. Vleissentraal Properties explains through a Q&A.
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Build the right equipment package for your farm
Modern farming demands more than individual pieces of equipment; it requires a well-balanced machinery package that delivers productivity, efficiency, and long-term value.
Escape to an ostrich feather palace
In the Klein Karoo, ostrich boom mansions are being converted into historic guest houses, like Welgeluk Feather Palace outside Oudtshoorn.
Bos-Blanco Stud invest heavily in Brahman genetics
As the demand continues to grow across Africa and South Africa for impeccable Brahman cattle genetics, the Brahman is playing an increasing role in the Bos-Blanco Stud’s overall breeding strategy.
Grain SA takes soya bean pricing dispute to JSE
On 13 August, Grain SA led grain and oilseed producers from across the country on a march to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) to present a memorandum on the exchange’s decision to revert to a single reference point model for calculating soya bean location differentials.
Farmer’s Weekly agricultural forum set for September
The future of South African agriculture will come into sharp focus when key stakeholders converge in Magaliesburg this September. What are the current issues confronting the sector, and what else can attendees look forward to?
New and alternative grape varieties: dare to drink different
Driven by climate change and shifting consumer tastes, South African winemakers are embracing heat-tolerant, disease-resistant alternative grape varieties. Explorations at nurseries like Bosman Adama show how these novel cultivars secure sustainable viticulture.
Register for the Brahman Focus webinar
Farmer’s Weekly invites you to the Brahman Focus Webinar on 11 August 2026, where we will discuss the breed and its place in modern beef production.
ETI offers payroll relief for agricultural employers, but compliance is key
The Employment Tax Incentive (ETI) has been available for more than a decade, but rising labour costs and the seasonal nature of agricultural employment make it worth revisiting. Farmer’s Weekly spoke to Peter Dix, an ETI specialist at Caracal Financial Services, about how the incentive can assist agricultural employers.
Tanzania to host Africa Agri Expo and Future Food, Livestock & Poultry Expo
The 10th Africa Agri Expo (AAE 2026), which will be held alongside the 3rd Future Food, Livestock & Poultry Expo (FLIP 2026), is expected to attract more than 10 000 visitors from 35 countries when it takes place at the Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 2 to 3 September.
Breede River Valley: grape growers of grit and glory
‘The flood showed us the worst of nature, but it also showed us the very best of people.’ Pieter de Waal spoke to several farmers and winemakers affected by the floods.
