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.
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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.
A review of A Country of Two Agricultures
Wandile Sihlobo has once again crafted a balanced and influential book that deconstructs the complex realities of the agriculture sector in South Africa, writes Dr Sifiso Ntombela.
A new strategy for maize marketing
Markus Monteiro, Bennie Grové and Nicolette Matthews of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State provide an alternative hedging strategy for the South African maize market.
Acknowledging excellence through scientific innovation
The Agricultural Research Council recently presented its 45th instalment of its annual National Beef Performers Awards, which recognises outstanding achievements across seven categories of beef cattle performance and production. Farmer’s Weekly is the proud sponsor of the National Best Elite Cow category, the winners of which are presented below.
SA’s export fruit industry: Why market relationships are key to future success
A paper on the performance of South Africa’s fresh fruit exports has been released by Henley Business School Africa in collaboration with the Gordon Institute of Business Science and Stellenbosch University. It emphasises that maintaining strong exporter-importer relationships could be critical to keep the industry on top.
Espresso chocolate brownies
These delicious brownies can be enjoyed on their own, or with cream and ice cream. Make sure you make a double batch; your guests will be coming back for seconds, says Lorraine Steyl.
Easy vanilla panna cotta with white chocolate
While this panna cotta may look daunting, it is actually a very easy recipe that will impress friends and family, says Lorraine Steyl.
Lamb shank parcels
These lamb shank parcels are perfect for a Christmas dinner. They are not only delicious but they look the part too, says Lorraine Steyl.
Butter chicken with peaches
The star of this dish is the creamy and spicy sauce, says Lorraine Steyl.
Slow-roasted, juicy pork belly
Step aside, ham! This pork belly may very well earn its place at your future Christmas feasts, says Lorraine Steyl.
Advice for cannabis entrepreneurs from experienced growers
To be a successful cannabis producer requires a disciplined, business-oriented approach. Fortunately, lessons learnt by seasoned professionals can provide guidance to prospective entrepreneurs, says Thomas Walker.
Quirky and arty accommodation at the summit of Bainskloof
Brian Berkman takes to the healing waters at McBains near Wellington and enthuses about the free-spirited space where the owners see themselves as guardians of this extraordinary natural resource.
The riskiest periods for sheep producers
In this second part of our series on risk mitigation for sheep producers in South Africa, freelance strategist and writer PJ Mommsen looks at the riskiest periods that both mutton and wool farmers have to contend with.
The pioneering history of Barkly East’s Avoca cattle and sheep studs
The Orpen family has been farming near Barkly East in the Eastern Cape since 1866. Gavin Isted looks at the history of the farm and the current production methods used for running the Avoca cattle and sheep studs.
