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
The scandal of food wastage: prepare for regulatory pressure
In South Africa, about 30% of local agricultural production is wasted every year, which is equivalent to an estimated R60 billion, or around 2% of GDP. In a country where 30% of households are at risk of hunger, 31% experience hunger and 13 million children live in poverty, this waste is unsustainable and needs to change, says James Brand, a senior associate in ENSafrica’s Natural Resources and Environment department.
Contaminants threatening the health of soil and water
The fouling of fresh water supplies with pollutants emanating from primary agriculture has become a serious issue in South Africa. In this article, the Agricultural Research Council discusses the origins and impact of so-called contaminants of emerging concern.
Papaya diseases and viruses
Diseases and viruses of papayas include damping off, powdery mildew, black spot and root rot. All can be treated or prevented.
Solutions for uneven load distribution and flat tyres
Two of the 16 silver medals awarded at Agritechnica 2022 went to Continental’s Agro ContiSeal and Krone’s ExactUnload, which make transport in the field safer and easier to manage.
Combating the effects of soil pollution
Soil pollution is a serious challenge worldwide, resulting in environmental damage and potential health hazards to people and animals. This report examines affordable ways in which farmers can limit its effects on their crops and reduce further soil degradation.
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Why SA dairy farmers are failing to compete with imports
It is often argued that the ability of the local dairy industry to grow or even survive will depend on the extent to which it can compete with imported dairy products. But can South African dairy farmers succeed when the odds are so clearly stacked against them? Bertus van Heerden, chief economist of the Milk Producers’ Organisation, and Prof Johann Kirsten, director of the Bureau for Economic Research at Stellenbosch University, carried out a price analysis to get some answers.
Botswana’s agri sector offers many opportunities for investors
Botswana’s agriculture and agro-processing sector is rife with opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs, according to the speakers at the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre’s webinar on 31 March, which was hosted by Farmer’s Weekly.
Massey Ferguson launches new tractor for orchards
With interest in the production of orchard crops on the rise, Massey Ferguson has launched the MF 3300 narrow-width tractor series in SA.
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.
