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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Tips for the long-term protection of agricultural machinery
Thorough cleaning, protective wax treatment, and proper winter storage can extend the service life of agricultural machinery, preserve resale value, and reduce the risk of breakdowns in the next season.
Twinning in Dorper sheep requires some modified management
Twinning in Dorper sheep can greatly boost productivity, but it requires precise nutrition, fertility management, and seasonal planning to safeguard ewe health and lamb survival.
Traditional curried pickled fish worth the wait
This traditional curried pickled fish is a beautifully balanced dish of tender fried fish layered with sweet, tangy curry-infused onions. Made ahead and left to soak up all the flavour, it’s the perfect recipe for gatherings, celebrations, or a comforting meal served with soft bread rolls.
Easter egg rocky road: a no-bake treat everyone will love
Looking for an easy, crowd pleasing Easter sweet? This colourful rocky road comes together in minutes, combining creamy chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy cookie pieces, all topped with speckled eggs for a festive finish. Simply mix, chill, and slice perfect for sharing.
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Meet the Pannar team at Nampo 2026
Pannar will be at NAMPO 2026, showcasing locally tested hybrids, practical agronomic insights, and solutions designed for real farming conditions.
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Panda Potatoes reflects Agrico’s commitment to African farmers
Agrico’s reliable centre pivots and after-sales support help farmers across Africa efficiently irrigate, fertilise, and protect their crops, even in the most remote locations and under the harshest conditions.
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When the unpredictable strikes, your insurance cover can’t be on autopilot
Climate volatility is reshaping risk on South African farms. Reviewing your insurance and insured values regularly to ensure they reflect the cost of recovery is essential to maintaining balance sheet resilience.
Global agriculture experts to gather for ICAS 2026
The International Conference on Agriculture Sciences (ICAS 2026) will bring together researchers, industry leaders and policymakers in Bologna, Italy, from 21 to 23 October 2026 to discuss agroecology, sustainable farming systems and emerging agritech innovations.
Technology in hemp production
Carel van Niekerk Jr of Piket Implements spoke to Petri de Beer about the recent hemp trials in which the company participated, and the potential for the crop in South Africa.
Western Cape boosts agriculture budget to R1,14 billion for 2026/2027
Tackling foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and the new risks to producers stemming from the Middle East conflict were among the major concerns discussed during the passing of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s latest budget vote. An increase of R128,5 million to R1,14 billion for 2026/2027 was approved compared to last year’s budget.
Bathurst Show celebrates heritage where town and country meet
With a history stretching back more than 170 years, the Bathurst Agricultural Show remains a cornerstone of rural life in the Eastern Cape. From livestock competitions and farming discussions, to food, entertainment and community celebrations, the event continues to embody its long-standing tradition as the place ‘where town and country meet’.
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Breeding functional cattle for real-world conditions
Fardi Simmentalers near Wesselsbron focuses on breeding fertile, adaptable cattle that perform under real-world conditions. By prioritising functionality, strong maternal lines and balanced milk and meat production, the stud aims to deliver Simmentaler genetics that improve profitability for commercial beef producers.
Middle East conflict affects SA stone, pome fruit industries
The ongoing war in the Middle East, which has disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, has far-reaching consequences for South African fruit exports.
Organics expo links small brands with retail and hospitality buyers
Cape Town International Convention Centre will host the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa from 17 to 19 April.
Charolais prove their tenacity in the Eastern Cape Highlands
Fairbridge Agri, a mixed farming operation on the slopes of the Southern Drakensberg in the Eastern Cape, has used Charolais bulls for terminal crosses since the stud’s inception in 1979. Owner Delwyn Roberts explains their approach.
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New Holland T7 and T6000 tractor series
In line with the advancement of technology, implements, and systems in the agriculture sector, New Holland is modifying their new-generation tractors to keep pace with farmers’ needs in the future, writes Jaco du Preez.
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Regenerative agriculture: reshaping agrifinance in Africa
Regenerative agriculture is often framed as a choice farmers can weigh at their leisure. However, adopting these practices is becoming unavoidable, as sustainability has moved from aspiration to operational baseline, says Zhann Meyer, head of agricultural finance at Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking.
Venter Boerdery: how stepping back built a successful Bonsmara stud
What began as a way to give his sons some breathing room has grown into one of South Africa’s top-performing Bonsmara studs. Boeram Venter shares how a focus on cattle genetics and a hands-off approach to succession has helped secure the future of Venter Boerdery.
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Keeping farms protected and productive with Husqvarna sprayers
In 2025, South Africa recorded more than 24 000 confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease across multiple provinces, threatening the livestock industry, trade, and livelihoods. In such circumstances, maintaining biosecurity and animal health is critical, and farmers need reliable tools to act swiftly and efficiently.
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Why variable speed drives make sense in modern irrigation
Variable speed drives are transforming modern irrigation by shifting control from valves to pump speed. Instead of running motors at full capacity and throttling flow, the drives adjust motor speed to match real-time crop water demand, reducing energy use, electrical stress and water hammer.
