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.
Latest articles
Maize Trust bursary: Making a difference | Episode 3
Stefan Links completed his MSc in plant pathology (cum laude) at Stellenbosch University in 2019. He currently works as a research co-ordinator for Grain SA.
The fascinating history of the Drakensberger
The Drakensberger has a centuries-old history, and was initially bred for pulling wagons and ploughs. However, it has since evolved into an efficient meat-producing animal.
Financial solutions that can bolster food security in Africa
Given the complexities facing the agriculture sector, it seems that the road ahead will be impossible to navigate without both the financial support and expertise of banking institutions and financiers, writes Nedbank’s Zhann Meyer.
How to grow okra in South Africa
Originating in Africa, okra is a popular vegetable cultivated in tropical, subtropical and warm, temperate regions.
Maize Trust bursary: Making a difference | Episode 2
Balungile Dlulisa grew up in Clearwater township in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal and recently finished her MSc through UNISA.
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John Deere Financial: from tailored solutions to customised support
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Afrika Tikkun Foundation seeks to develop the youth’s agri skills
Afrika Tikkun Foundation’s Agriprenuership Programme is offering youth a head-start in agriculture and related skills to boost South Africa’s food production potential, make the country more food secure and create much-needed employment.
Fertiliser alternatives can improve crop yields
Chemical fertilisers are a major contributor to poor soil and loss of biodiversity. In this article, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations looks at environmentally friendly alternatives.
Maize Trust bursary: Making a difference | Episode 1
Ncumisa Yekelo grew up in a village in the Eastern Cape and became interested in agriculture through her parents.
The Beefmaster: adaptable and hardy
Cows of this tough, dual-purpose breed from Texas are renowned for their strong maternal traits, their fertility and their easy calving. What’s more, the Beefmaster’s famous ‘Six Essentials’ guide simplifies breeding.
The importance of global trade
With countries adopting more protectionist policies due to rising fears of a global food crisis, this report discusses the importance and need for world trade in agricultural commodities.
Cannabis farm for sale in Atlantis, Cape Town
A prime cannabis farm, with conditionally approved Good Agricultural and Collection Practice certification, is for sale in Atlantis, Cape Town, with tremendous potential for those looking to enter the fast-evolving South African cannabis market.
Optical sorter for peanuts improves quality and yield
Replacing traditional manual sorting methods with a machine has enabled Japan’s Inaba Peanuts, a well-known food producer, to improve quality and yield, as well as solve the problem of labour shortages.
The stage is set for the 2022 ARC National Beef Performers Awards
The National Beef Performers Awards, presented by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), is set to take place virtually on 23 November 2022.
Champion cheesemaker goes for quality over quantity
Running a boutique dairy comes with certain benefits: a smaller herd to manage, and the opportunity to hone your craft and make high-quality products. However, with a business this size, staying viable requires hard work and careful bookkeeping. Grant Warren spoke to Lindi Botha about how he runs his artisanal dairy.
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High-priced Drakensbergers
Drakensberger bulls have fetched spectacular prices on auction over the past few years. In this article, we list some of the highest prices registered.
‘Zero Hunger’ by 2030: a goal becomes a mirage
The number of people affected by hunger and undernourishment around the world is expected to remain high even up to 2030, largely due to the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
How much should you invest offshore?
Jean Minnaar, managing director at Old Mutual Wealth Private Client Securities, explains the various benefits offered by offshore investment.
Are your seeds coated with advanced technology?
Advanced seed technology presents farmers with the opportunity to introduce more resilient crops, improve yields and adapt to a more dynamic farming environment to ensure a sustainable future.
