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.
Rising fuel costs hit Zimbabwe farmers, threatening food supply
Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector faces mounting pressure as rising fuel costs spread through the value chain. Farmers, transporters, and industry experts warn that volatile prices could affect productivity and food supply, particularly for smallholder farmers.
A rather remarkable woman
Olive Schreiner is without doubt one of the most famous women South Africa has ever produced, and as a writer tried to persuade the British and Boer warring factions about the futility of armed conflict.
Meerkat Online Auctions keeping livestock trade moving as FMD impacts farmers
As foot-and-mouth disease continues to affect livestock movement, Meerkat Online Auctions is helping farmers keep the market moving.
Win 1 of 20 bottles of Micromin B multi-mineral supplement
Maintaining herd health requires consistent nutritional support, especially under challenging farming conditions, which is why Design Biologix is giving livestock producers the chance to win one of 20 bottles of Micromin B, each valued at R2 000.
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Bloem Show 2026: a beach party experience like no other
The Bloem Show is proudly celebrating its 143rd anniversary this year, with a vibrant and refreshing theme: Beach Party in Bloem!
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Tips for the long-term protection of agricultural machinery
Thorough cleaning, protective wax treatment, and proper winter storage can extend the service life of agricultural machinery, preserve resale value, and reduce the risk of breakdowns in the next season.
Twinning in Dorper sheep requires some modified management
Twinning in Dorper sheep can greatly boost productivity, but it requires precise nutrition, fertility management, and seasonal planning to safeguard ewe health and lamb survival.
Traditional curried pickled fish worth the wait
This traditional curried pickled fish is a beautifully balanced dish of tender fried fish layered with sweet, tangy curry-infused onions. Made ahead and left to soak up all the flavour, it’s the perfect recipe for gatherings, celebrations, or a comforting meal served with soft bread rolls.
Easter egg rocky road: a no-bake treat everyone will love
Looking for an easy, crowd pleasing Easter sweet? This colourful rocky road comes together in minutes, combining creamy chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy cookie pieces, all topped with speckled eggs for a festive finish. Simply mix, chill, and slice perfect for sharing.
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Meet the Pannar team at Nampo 2026
Pannar will be at NAMPO 2026, showcasing locally tested hybrids, practical agronomic insights, and solutions designed for real farming conditions.
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Panda Potatoes reflects Agrico’s commitment to African farmers
Agrico’s reliable centre pivots and after-sales support help farmers across Africa efficiently irrigate, fertilise, and protect their crops, even in the most remote locations and under the harshest conditions.
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When the unpredictable strikes, your insurance cover can’t be on autopilot
Climate volatility is reshaping risk on South African farms. Reviewing your insurance and insured values regularly to ensure they reflect the cost of recovery is essential to maintaining balance sheet resilience.
Global agriculture experts to gather for ICAS 2026
The International Conference on Agriculture Sciences (ICAS 2026) will bring together researchers, industry leaders and policymakers in Bologna, Italy, from 21 to 23 October 2026 to discuss agroecology, sustainable farming systems and emerging agritech innovations.
Technology in hemp production
Carel van Niekerk Jr of Piket Implements spoke to Petri de Beer about the recent hemp trials in which the company participated, and the potential for the crop in South Africa.
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.
