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.
Early-developing El Niño raises risk of hotter, drier summer
An unusually early-developing El Niño has sparked concerns that South Africa could face a hotter- and drier-than-normal 2026/27 summer. However, experts say it is still too early to predict the full extent of the climate phenomenon’s impact on the country’s agriculture sector.
Buying a cow as an investment: what crowd-farming really means
Crowd-farming allows investors to buy physical assets like cattle or crops, managed by professional farmers. While offering tangible alternatives to traditional markets, these ‘living investments’ are tied to biological and market realities, requiring a deep understanding of agricultural risks and long-term commitment.
Cobus du Plessis reports on the advantages and risks associated with this type of investment.
Where Klein Karoo legends live on
Historic Doornkraal offers visitors family legends, award-winning preserves, and a glimpse into the Klein Karoo’s feather-boom past.
PHASA releases guidelines to prevent spread of FMD
The Professional Hunters' Association of South Africa (PHASA) has issued updated best-practice guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) while ensuring hunting operations can continue without placing unnecessary burdens on the industry.
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Remove dust, don’t stir it up: effective cleaning for agri warehouses
Clean agricultural warehouses are essential for protecting stored crops, preventing pest infestations, and avoiding mould formation. Cleanliness also directly affects product quality, worker health, and overall farm efficiency. Using the correct cleaning equipment ensures dust is extracted efficiently.
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ElectroMechanica reintroduces TechTop to Southern Africa
ElectroMechanica has been appointed as the exclusive Southern African Development Community-wide agent for TechTop, marking the globally recognised brand’s return to the regional market after more than a decade.
Gauteng expo highlights progress in agro-processing industry
The 2026 Agroprocessing Convention & Expo, held on 2 and 3 July in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, focused on progress made in the local industry since the inaugural event last year while identifying priorities for the next phase of growth across the province's agro-processing value chain.
How to conserve moisture in dryland farming systems
In South Africa's dryland farming systems, successful farmers aren’t necessarily those who receive more rain but those who lose less of it. Farmer’s Weekly spoke to Prof Nomali Ngobese and Prof Jacques Berner of North-West University about how producers can conserve more moisture in their soils.
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Winter vegetation management made easier with the Husqvarna 541RS
Winter is the perfect time for vegetation management in South Africa. With growth slowing, visibility improves and conditions become ideal for tackling overgrown fence lines, clearing around infrastructure, and reducing fuel loads ahead of the peak fire season.
Livestock forum puts SA’s meat industry in the spotlight
At the Livestock Global Forum 2026, held on 22 June in Pretoria, Gauteng, experts from around the world discussed whether South Africa’s livestock industry is positioned to compete in increasingly demanding international markets, with much of the focus on the beef industry.
Staying on a sheep farm with a Zen twist
Farms stays come in many forms, appealing to all sectors of the travelling public. On a sheep farm near Colesberg in the Northern Cape, Antony and Margie Osler have created a retreat where Zen Buddhism, Karoo farming and wide-open spaces come together in an unlikely but compelling combination, writes Julienne du Toit.
Africa Protein Alliance to launch in Nelson Mandela Bay
Leaders from government, academia, industry, financial institutions, research organisations, and the private sector will gather in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, on 26 June for the launch of the Africa Protein Alliance.
Beefmaster shows resilience amid climate pressure and possible drought
While large parts of South Africa have battled droughts, heatwaves and unpredictable weather patterns over the past few years, the Beefmaster breed continues to prove why it is regarded as one of the most adaptable and hardy beef cattle breeds.
A camp where wagon history comes alive
Tucked in the Sneeuberg mountains, Witmos Oxwagon Camp offers a journey into the country’s wagon-train history, rugged Karoo landscapes and rhythms of farm life, write Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit.
Gauteng budget earmarks R64 million for FMD fight
The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has allocated R63,9 million towards strengthening the province's response to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as part of a R742,5 million budget aimed at improving food security, supporting farmer development, and stimulating economic growth through agriculture.
Boran cattle prove their worth under bushveld conditions in Eswatini
At Ingwavuma Game Reserve in southern Eswatini, Liz and Ted Reilly run a Boran stud focused on producing functionally efficient cattle adapted to extensive bushveld conditions. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Liz Reilly explained why she believes the indigenous African breed offers a practical and cost-effective option for beef production, particularly in challenging environments.
The Kgodiso Development Fund’s vision for black farmers
Four years after its launch, a R600 million fund born from a corporate acquisition is transforming the lives of black farmers across the Eastern and Northern Cape.
How a young farmer turned a single tunnel into a 5ha vegetable enterprise
Lesego Mohube has rapidly scaled her Heidelberg vegetable enterprise from a single tunnel to 5ha. Her market-aligned, precision-driven approach focuses on staggered production and consistency to ensure year-round profitability.
Top 10 medium- to high-power tractors showcased at Nampo 2026
Bigger implements, tighter planting windows, and growing efficiency demands are shaping the evolution of high-horsepower tractors. At Nampo 2026, manufacturers displayed more powerful, fuel-efficient machines with smarter technology. Farmer’s Weekly has rounded up 10 standout models from 200kW upwards, in alphabetical order.
How to effectively manage parasitic weeds in crop production
Parasitic weeds remain a major threat to crop production across Africa, particularly in grain-based systems. Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, director of food security and safety research at North-West University, offers a practical guide to managing these weeds through improved soil health and sustainable farming practices.
