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.
Using sexed semen to get more value from cattle
Breeding using sexed semen can help your bottom line by creating cattle the market demands, says Dr Ken Odde, professor and department head emeritus of the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University.
Emphasis on collaboration highlighted at aquaculture conference
Africa should collaborate and share knowledge on agriculture best practices to nurture the aquaculture industry for enhanced and sustainable food security, says Zambia’s fisheries and livestock minister Makozo Chikote.
Precision agriculture: building the digital agricultural ecosystem of the future
The global demand for food continues to rise and is projected to increase up to 102% to satisfy the requirements of 9 billion people by 2050. Consequently, agricultural production needs to also increase by 60% – 70% to ensure the supply of raw materials for food, feed, and fibre.
Financial solutions for agricultural business owners
We all know there are no short cuts to success and anything worthwhile requires a lot of effort, commitment and determination. That is why you take very good care with who you entrust with your hard-earned money.
Good maize season for Zambia despite challenges
Zambia remains one of the main exporters of maize in Africa, following sustained output of the country’s staple food in recent years spurred by input subsidies, despite some climate change effects, invasion of pests, erratic rains, post-harvest losses and frustrated production in recent years.
The year that was for agriculture and what to expect in 2024
The year 2023 has, in many ways, been a year of consolidation and recovery, particularly for exports. And while there has been some easing of input costs, many challenges and elevated risk in the sector remain.
Bloodstock SA’s Online October Auction
The online auction was held on 3 October.
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Ultra fertiliser blend drastically boosts soya yield
Soya bean production in South Africa has increased drastically over the last decade, reaching a record production area in 2022/23. During this season, the area planted to soya exceeded that of yellow maize.
Nu-Alcade Bonsmara Group Production Sale
The Nu-Alcade Bonsmara Group Production Sale was held at the Warmbad Veemark on 28 September.
Feeding guidelines for various stages of production
Tara Felix, an extension beef specialist, and Nathan Briggs, a former beef extension educator, both from Pennsylvania State University in the US, provide guidelines as hypothetical scenarios that show dietary comparisons across a singular system for growing beef cattle.
Could reptiles fill the food supply gaps?
Dr Patrick Aust, conservation scientist for People for Wildlife, looks at how reptiles can help improve food security in Africa.
Hencil Bonsmara Stud Production Sale
The Hencil Bonsmara Stud Production Sale was held on the farm Grootvlei on 12 September.
Which is best: fresh or frozen meat?
Dr Kedibone Modika and Tebogo Pitse, agricultural economists at the Agricultural Research Council, look at how the flavour, colour and tenderness of beef change during the freezing and thawing process.
Final year agri students present their research projects
North-West University’s School of Geo and Spatial Sciences recently hosted a seminar during which 16 groups of BSC Agriculture final-year students at the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management presented their research projects.
Standard Bank’s Top Women Conference
Gender inequality remains a stark reality in today's world, but the Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2023 is poised to address that narrative.
Germar Bonsmara Production Sale
The Germar Bonsmara Production Sale was held at the Bloemfontein Showgrounds on 20 September.
AGRI 5 Expo makes its mark in KZN!
The AGRI 5 Expo is in its 10th year in 2023 and is the ideal platform in assisting organisations to facilitate the development of African farmers in order to increase their meaningful participation in the agriculture sector within poultry, livestock, and dairy, crop and piggery commodities.
Skilderkrans Simmentaler Stud Production Sale
The Skilderkrans Simmentaler Stud Production Sale was held at the Sundown Lodge on behalf of Tjokkie Nel on 21 September.
Growing gerberas in a volatile market
Florist Carol Sutherland spoke to Tania Henkel, who runs Imbali Cut Flowers in Gauteng, about the challenges of producing gerberas, also known as Barberton daisies.
