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.
Research on puff adders reveals reptiles’ adjustment to climate change
Wits University PhD candidate Azraa Ebrahim tells Farmer’s Weekly of her research on puff adder thermal biology and space use, and dispels some of the fears that people have of these fascinating creatures.
The power of branding: from fields to shelves
Marketing and branding is critical to help make your product stand out, reports Cobus du Plessis.
Enter to win a Curver Petlife Cozy Pet Home!
Is your furry friend in need of a comfy bed? We are giving away a Curver Petlife Cozy Pet Home to one lucky pet owner.
Strong fence ideal for containing farm animals and game
A fence is a long-term investment, and the correct choice is crucial. Add to that strength, durability, a long life expectancy, ease of erection, and top quality.
Farm dog care: Achieving a healthier ‘pack structure’
Jarred Hodgson, a dog trainer, offers some good advice on how farmers can keep their best friends’ tails wagging while helping them to retain their position in the pack.
Terre Paisible: a harmonious blend of agriculture, sustainability and luxury
Wine connoisseur Cobus du Plessis finds a case study for sustainable agriculture at Terre Paisible, an estate producing fine wines, olive oil and lemons in the fertile Franschhoek Valley.
Boost profit by using available genetic resources
Dr Japie van der Westhuizen, general manager of SA Stud Book, describes how to make use of animal genetic resources to select for sustainable profit in beef cattle from a stud and commercial perspective.
A more holistic way of farming
In this article, Zunel van Eeden, a master’s student at North-West University, explains why integrated pest management provides short as well as long-term, sustainable benefits.
The ARC’s farm assessment toolkit
The Agricultural Research Council’s Farm Assessment Toolkit has been developed to allow for the evaluation of a farm in a scientific manner, using the natural resource base of the farm as a foundation.
Queen’s Hotel in Oudtshoorn
Brian Berkman says this hotel is still filled with Klein Karoo charm and the glory days of the ostrich feather boom.
Can further growth be uncovered from SA’s agriculture sector?
South Africa’s agriculture industry could be propelled by the implementation of technological innovation and diversification, says Nomqhele Dube, analyst at strategic research, advisory and investment services company Birguid.
Emerging trends in cannabis genetics and strain development
The search for specific therapeutic effects is one of the most intriguing trends in cannabis genetics, writes Thomas Walker.
Get ready for the auction to achieve the best results
In this article, we look at the steps that need to be taken to prepare your animals (and yourself) for a livestock auction.
Sponsored
How to cultivate your garden soil
The soil in your garden is a living organism that needs air, water and nourishment. That’s why tilling, or soil cultivation, is imperative for a healthy garden.
Sustaining existing trade partnerships and finding new markets is imperative for South African agriculture
South Africa is in the enviable position of being a net exporter of agriculture products. Aside from the obvious contribution this makes to the country’s gross domestic product and job creation, this, combined with excellent local production and two prior years of record exports, are the main reasons why South Africa has been able to ensure food security and curb food price inflation compared to the rest of the world.
The basics of cutworm management
While the presence of weeds strongly influences the pest status of cutworm, the influence of soil moisture on factors such as their biology and behaviour are often overlooked. Entomologist and Bt-maize expert Prof Johnnie van den Berg and Zunel van Eeden, a master’s student at North-West University’s Integrated Pest Management group, have undertaken research on cutworm behaviour, control and insecticide resistance.
Egyptian agritech company unveils soilless solution to water shortage
An agritech company in Egypt has introduced a soilless solution to the water shortage that has affected farmers across the country.
Urbanisation and its effect on food trends
This report on the state of food security and nutrition in the world by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations notes how both urban and rural populations are moving towards pre-prepared food.
Innovative funding solutions for producers
Agrico has partnered with Nedbank Commercial Banking to offer farmers enhanced financing options for their new centre-pivot irrigation systems.
The 10-year review of the National Development Plan
The National Development Plan (NDP) was adopted as government strategy in 2013 and the National Planning Commission has just published its 10-year review.
