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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Regenerative agriculture is a business imperative
Regenerative agriculture was once primarily viewed as a sustainability conversation, but it is rapidly becoming a commercial necessity. Climate volatility, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and rising input costs are creating a new operating environment where long-term productivity and profitability depend on rebuilding the natural systems that underpin farming.
Groundwater regulations set for official rollout by September 2026
Despite sectoral consultations and a public commentary process that began in December 2025 and was later extended to 27 March 2026, farmers may have to wait several more months for clarity on the proposed Regulations for the Protection and Management of Groundwater Resources.
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AVBOB declares R15bn special bonus through 65Alive Cash Benefit
At its 74th annual general meeting, AVBOB announced a R15 billion special bonus in the form of its 65Alive Cash Benefit for qualifying members.
The 2026 Africa Agri Expo: bigger, bolder, and more connected
After nine successful shows that brought together farmers, agribusiness leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators from across the globe, the Africa Agri Expo is back for its milestone 10th Jubilee edition, and this year, it promises to be the most significant gathering yet.
Horns, heritage, and hardiness: Ankole cattle are turning heads in Limpopo
For Edwin Hewitt and his family at Hope Private Game Reserve in Limpopo, Ankole cattle are more than a striking African breed with enormous horns. They represent a long-term investment in genetics, resilience, and African livestock heritage, with the potential to contribute meaningfully to future commercial beef systems.
Bridging science, breeding, and the auction ring in modern livestock production
At just 29, Hennie Goosen represents a new generation of agricultural professionals who combine deep-rooted farming heritage with formal scientific training and practical market experience.
Crossbreeding with Ankole: the hardy advantage
Dail van Rensburg farms in the Delareyville district of North West. His mixed-farming enterprise includes grain production and beef cattle. He has been farming Ankole for 25 years and has built up a large herd.
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More than just milk: the story behind every glass of Nestlé Nespray
Celebrated globally on 1 June, World Milk Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to recognise milk’s important role in nutrition and celebrate the people and industries behind it.
Buffalo Creek Ankole thriving as a natural herd
We operate Buffalo Creek Ankole from our farm near Rooiberg in Limpopo. Although we only have a herd of about 30 cattle, they form an integral part of our operation where we breed with a diverse array of game species, including disease-free buffalo and sable antelope.
A Karoo farm full of fireside tales
A highlight of a visit to Doornberg Guest Farm in the Eastern Cape Karoo is a sit-down session with your host, a talented storyteller, write Julienne du Toit and Chris Marais.
Living art on the veld: Ankole cattle are thriving at Goats Window
At Goats Window near Bonnievale in the Western Cape, Ankole cattle are more than a striking visual attraction. The operation is building a stud focused on resilience, fertility, elite genetics, and long-term sustainability, while using the breed’s unmistakable presence to strengthen its eco-tourism offering.
Quality remains a driving force for Eastern Cape cattle farmer
Stud farm proprietor Keith Peinke says adaptability, fertility and low-input efficiency continue to make the Boran breed a profitable choice for commercial and stud breeders alike.
A conversation on South African agriculture with Wandile Sihlobo
Wandile Sihlobo, Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land. as well as Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), spoke to Gary Wium about realities facing South African farmers, from rising input costs and export market access to land reform, job creation and the role of technology in growing the sector. The conversation also explores agriculture’s contribution to the economy and the opportunities that lie ahead for the industry.
How a photographer fell in love with Ankole cattle
Banella Ankole Stud at Yonderhill near Stellenbosch tells the story of photographer-turned-cattleman Daniël Naudé, who helped introduce and grow the rare Ankole breed in South Africa, blending conservation, cultural heritage, and premium livestock production.
Slow uptake of Gauteng agro-processing fund, despite R100 million on offer
With the application deadline for the current round of Gauteng’s R100 million agro-processing blended finance programme imminent, only four applications have been approved and finalised, highlighting the slow uptake of a fund intended to support black farmers and emerging agro-processing businesses.
Solve the mystery and stand a chance to win!
To celebrate the release of The Sheep Detectives, we’re giving two lucky readers the chance to each win a hamper worth R700!
Bio360 Africa 2026 Johannesburg | in a nutshell: bioenergy hub
Bioenergy Events and Services (BEES) is proud to launch Bio360 Africa 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre on 17–18 June 2026, a new purpose-driven platform dedicated to accelerating bioenergy and sustainable solutions across Africa.
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Prediction of breeding values for carcass traits in Tuli cattle
In South Africa, most beef calves are finished in feedlots, making carcass weight a major factor in the price received per animal. Carcasses that are too heavy or too light do not meet specifications and are penalised.
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Invest in Tshwane: your gateway to growth in Africa
The Tshwane Economic Development Agency is calling for investment proposals across the city’s key sectors.
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Resilience amid crisis: Red Grass Valley Tuli Stud’s experience with FMD
South Africa’s livestock industry continues to face one of its most severe challenges in decades. Since early 2025, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has spread across all nine provinces, despite the outbreak being declared a national state of disaster in February 2026.
