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.
Visit the Bloem Show 2022
After a two-year hiatus, the Bloem Show is back! This year’s event, which will run from 27 April to 7 May, will include a range of national and regional championships.
Agricultural implements: why buying local is still the way to go
Given the advanced technological capabilities of agricultural equipment designed and produced overseas, South African farmers might be tempted to import their implements. However, with locally manufactured machinery and tools come a host of benefits, says Grethe Bestbier of Agrico.
A road map for reviving sorghum production in SA
Exciting times are ahead as a new report on market opportunities for sorghum in South Africa sees the light and new research indicates the best sorghum cultivars for farmers as well as the processors of this crop, writes Mariana Purnell, a consultant with eGrain, a provider of electronic warehouse receipts for the grain industry.
How civil society can help SA’s fight against food insecurity
A new study on emergency food relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, by researchers Camilla Adelle and Ashley Haywood, shows how civil society groups can help to restore South Africa’s ailing food system in the long term, and why government needs to aid the process by providing an enabling environment.
How ticks can harm animals
Ticks are external parasites that live on the skin or the fleece of livestock. It’s important to know about their effects on your animals.
A new mid-range specialist tractor from Fendt
The Fendt 200 VFPS Vario specialist tractor series recently launched in South Africa offers a wide range of configurations that allow farmers to tailor a tractor to suit their specific needs.
Ireland Driving Global Collaborations for Success
This St. Patrick’s Day, see where heritage meets innovation in Ireland’s Agritech industry.
Senwes reaffirms commitment to finance black farmers
Senwes is committed to financing black farmers to a value of at least R20 million for the 2022/23 season.
Sheep selection: the basics
Before selecting sheep, decide on your breeding goals and which type of sheep will adapt best to your conditions and provide maximum income.
Farmers’ markets: much more than sales outlets
The humble farmers’ market has gone from being a place where farmers can sell their produce to a platform that strengthens, educates and enriches communities. For food activists, it also represents a means to take control of what they eat.
Water-wise plants for your garden
Many South African gardens contain exotic species that originate from regions with far higher rainfall than occurs here. As a result, gardeners have to water them frequently. The answer? Beautiful indigenous plants.
Digital tools help when dry bean outlook is uncertain
The HelloChoice online platform allows farmers to easily find buyers for their commodities, bringing with it improved transparency and security.
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Farm tools that make life easier for farmers
Jenna Robinson, Go to Market Manager for Husqvarna, looks at seven reasons why battery-powered machinery is making waves in the farming industry.
The huge risks posed by antimicrobial resistance
Access to effective antimicrobials and their appropriate use have a role in productive and sustainable agriculture. However, the misuse of these products has contributed to rising rates of antimicrobial resistance, impairing public health, food and agriculture production systems, and food security. The UN’s recent action plan serves as a road map for focusing global efforts to address antimicrobial resistance.
Lucerne hay grading: Making SA producers globally competitive
The uniform quality and grading of lucerne hay is important to ensure that animals are as productive as possible, according to Dr Gerrie Scholtz, consultant to the National Lucerne Trust and a lucerne specialist.
Agriculture in Botswana: Opportunities for investment
Are you looking for a place to set up and expand your business? THINK BOTSWANA! Join our webinar on 31 March 2022 to learn more.
A nostalgic stay on the Santos Express
Rail travel enthusiast Brian Berkman has been on some of the most famous and glamorous train journeys in the world. He recently explored Mossel Bay’s delightful Santos Express, a stationary train that offers superb views of the sea at affordable prices.
Inclusivity is crucial to SA’s livestock sector
Mooketsa Ramasodi, director general of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, argues that bringing South Africa’s informal livestock sector fully on board will not only improve the lives and future prospects of smallholder farmers, but also maximise profits for the industry as a whole.
How Israeli Agritech can add value to South African farmers
Join the Israel Trade Office of South Africa for a seminar on how Israeli Agritech can benefit South African farmers and find out about the latest agricultural trends.
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Reap the fruits of success with John Deere tractors
John Deere offers fruit farmers tractors with improved power and reduced fuel consumption in the aim to help growers increase their profitability.
