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.
When to wean beef calves
Calves should be weaned at the correct time so that they achieve optimal weight, and their dams can conceive again as soon as is practical.
Zambia fights damaging cassava root rot outbreak
This virus threatens to cause widespread hunger as it devastates cassava plantations in Zambia.
Optimising feed efficiency to boost profits
As a livestock producer, it's crucial to ensure that your livestock is performing efficiently to achieve profitability and sustainability.
Sponsored
Kärcher’s new high-pressure cleaner: a portable powerhouse for tough dirt
Kärcher newest high-pressure cleaner, the HD 6/15 G Classic packs a punch even for the most toughest dirt, and yet it is simple to use and is portable enough to fit in a standard car.
Spreading the word: evangelising agriculture
In his recent budget speech and interview with Farmer’s Weekly, Thabo Mokone, MEC of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighted key outcomes and plans for the department.
Edible termites: a weapon in the fight against food insecurity?
Edible insects can help feed the populations of developing countries, says Ntokozo Blessing Zitha, an agricultural economist involved with the Agricultural Research’s Council Professional Development Programme.
Crossbreeding with indigenous cattle breeds – a scientist’s expert advice
Southern Africa’s indigenous cattle breeds are superbly adapted to this region’s harsh conditions. Imported beef breeds are renowned for their size and beefiness. Crossbreeding the two types therefore makes sense, as it can produce the best traits of both. But how can farmers achieve this optimally?
The impact of climate change on dairy cows
In the first part of this three-part series, Dr Jan du Preez, managing director of UCK Investments, discusses the contributing effect of global warming on the occurrence of heat stress in dairy cattle.
Natural fertilisers for vegetables
Use these fertilisers as a source of plant nutrition or to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil and avoid over-fertilisation.
The ins and outs of water-use regulations and legislation
This article, the first in a series by Integrated Water Use License Application Management, is aimed at helping farmers to better understand relevant water-use legislation and regulations in South Africa.
Sponsored
John Deere launches new S440 Series combine harvester
John Deere has announced the launch in the Africa, Middle East market of its newest combine harvester, the S440 Series, which packs an array of innovative technology to boost productivity, efficiency and profitability.
Climate Smart Horticulture 4.0 & Greenhouse Technologies Conference and Edu Tour 2023
In the field of horticulture, how can we achieve enhanced climate resilience while taking into consideration sunburn and heat damage to fruit and vegetables and ensuring food security?
Harnessing the power of technology for smallholder farmers across Africa
Agriculture is critical to economic growth in Africa. According to the United Nations, 65% to 70% of the continent’s workforce is employed by the sector, which accounts for about a third of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Improving poultry production through nutrition
Dr Bulelani Mazizi, a poultry researcher at the ARC, shares insight into poultry production and how farmers can improve their operations, enhance feed efficiency, and ultimately, contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agriculture sector.
Invest in your future with Hubble Lithium
Hubble Lithium’s battery solutions ensure that farmers can keep their operations running smoothly, despite the increasing threat of higher load-shedding stages.
Finding cherry leaf spot-resistant varieties
A study was recently conducted in China to identify the resistance levels of cherry cultivars in that country, and offers useful information for farmers in all cherry-growing regions.
Apply now for the Land Bank’s Blended Finance Scheme!
The Land Bank’s Blended Finance Scheme (BFS) is an exciting new finance programme designed to help developing farmers realise their dream of going commercial.
Help the youth to gain from agrifood systems
When they are given the appropriate support and enabling environment, young people in Africa can take advantage of new opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to building sustainable and resilient agrifood systems, according to a UN report released in 2022.
How animal nutrition impacts livestock production
If you're a livestock farmer, you know that animal nutrition is critical to the success of your operation. However, as there are so many factors to consider, such as whether to use conventional or alternative feeding systems, it can be challenging to know what's best for your animals. We therefore hope that this video interview with Dr Klaas-Jan Leeuw can shed some light on this complex topic.
WEBINAR – The do’s and don’ts of pig farming and pork production
Attention all pig farmers and pork producers – whether you’re established or wannabe! Farmer’s Weekly is delighted to announce its upcoming webinar, ‘The do’s and don’ts of pig farming and pork production in South Africa’.
