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.
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.
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Unpacking what sets the Agrico G3 centre pivot apart
Agrico’s G3 centre pivot irrigation system is designed to adapt to the challenges of modern farming and isn’t just another ordinary water application system.
Join us at the 2026 Malanseuns Garden Festival!
Get ready to dig in, explore, and be inspired! The third annual Malanseuns Garden Festival, taking place from 10 to 12 April, promises a vibrant weekend filled with lush displays, hands-on learning, and outdoor fun for all ages.
Leading African agribusinesses gather in Gqeberha for IBMA 2026
The 2026 International Conference on Business Models in Agriculture is taking place from 8 to 10 March at The Boardwalk Hotel and Convention Centre in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. This year’s theme is ‘AgriFuture: Connecting African Innovation to Global Markets’.
An introduction to forward contracts and commodity futures for South African farmers
The agriculture sector is notoriously volatile, but producers can find stability using financial derivative tools. This article clearly defines and differentiates between two key instruments: forward contracts and futures contracts.
Budgeting: replace the guesswork with pro-active management
Budgeting isn’t reserved for accountants. In South African agriculture, where margins are under pressure from volatile input costs, unpredictable weather, and fluctuating commodity prices, it is an important management tool that helps farmers plan for profitability, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
Steenhuisen addresses concerns over Foot-and-mouth disease crisis
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to spread beyond its epicentre in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and North West and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen admits the outbreak remains a serious concern.
MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa outlines Gauteng’s FMD containment plan
Foot-and-mouth disease is putting farmers under extreme pressure. In this in-depth conversation, Farmer's Weekly’s Gary Wium and Tinus Havinga from FarmTalk sit down with Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, to unpack the province’s FMD disaster management plan.
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Power and intelligence working together
The new John Deere S7 Combine offers innovative improvements that help farmers get more out of every hour in the field.
MEC Elzabe Rockman details Free State’s FMD containment plan
At an engagement session hosted by the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at the Harry Gwala Multi-Purpose Hall in Sasolburg on 5 February, MEC Elzabe Rockman outlined the province’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) response plan to Farmer's Weekly's Gary Wium.
