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
Standard Bank platform provides 4 million meals for the needy
OneFarm Share allows farmers to contribute their surplus fresh produce to needy families across the country.
Can SA grow its agro-processing sector?
One of the topics featured in the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy’s latest agricultural outlook report concerns the prospects for growing South Africa’s agro-processing sector. Using vegetable oil as an example, the report presents some of the challenges that stand in the way of the country developing a strategy towards replacing imported products with locally manufactured alternatives.
Farewell to a stalwart of fresh produce
We at Farmer’s Weekly are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of columnist Michael Cordes, who passed away on 3 December at the age of 79.
Droughts: a global crisis that hits the poorest
According to a new report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, drought constitutes a global crisis that risks becoming a ‘pandemic’, causing widespread starvation if countries do not take urgent action on water and land management.
Make the most of Engen’s exciting rewards programme!
To thank its agricultural customers, Engen has launched an exciting rewards programme. Simply purchase Engen- and PETRONAS-branded lubricants and claim your reward!
Breeding natural enemies to control pests
Limpopo insectary Insectec was founded to develop a secure and steady supply of biological pest control solutions for producers of a variety of fruit and vegetable crops.
Smart, connected agriculture
New Holland’s award-winning NutriSense system is now integrated into the brand’s MyPLM Connect portal, enabling farmers to visualise crop nutrient data collected by their machines in the MyPLM Connect Farm application.
Helping farmers in Africa to mechanise
There is sufficient evidence that mechanisation of farming can improve production, reduce losses and help develop rural communities. In this report, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations suggests a number of models, such as mechanisation hire services, that can help rural farmers mechanise production without requiring them to invest large sums of capital.
Family meetings: learning to plan productively together
Give each person an opportunity to voice their disagreement in your family business, suggests Trevor Dickinson. Doing so will not only reduce resentment, but will help define the role of the next generation.
One of SA’s biggest avocado growers is on a coffee high
With some areas of South Africa having the ideal conditions for growing coffee, the country has the potential to produce a world-class product. However, only a few farmers are planting the crop, as it is highly labour-intensive. Zander Ernst of Allesbeste Boerdery is one of a handful of farmers who want to change the perception of coffee production in South Africa.
Vacancy: Farmer’s Weekly is looking for a new Editor
(Vacancy filled) Farmer’s Weekly has a vacancy for an experienced media professional to join the title as editor of its print and online publications.
HelloChoice: A proudly South African success story
HelloChoice links buyers and sellers through its website and mobile app, and is specifically designed for South Africa’s market environment.
New combination cultivators for seedbed preparation
According to Amazone, its new Ceus 3000-TX and 4000-TX disc and tine combination cultivators offer shallow, intensive lifting and crumbling, as well as deep loosening and mixing.
The economic and ecosystem impacts of GM maize in SA
A recent study by Kristiina Ala-Kokko, a researcher at the University of Arkansas in the US, and felllow researchers has shown that, despite the controversy that still surrounds the use of genetically modified (GM) crops, the production of GM maize has resulted in many benefits for South African farmers and consumers.
Online sales ‘moving boundaries’ for livestock auctions
Many South African livestock auction records have been crushed since the start of the year.
Get credit! Tips on writing a business plan for your farm
If you intend to start farming, or have plans to expand your existing operation, you are almost certain to require funding. But before you can apply for this, you will need to put together a business plan to convince investors that your endeavour is worth their risk. Prof Sanlie Middelberg of North-West University summarises the main elements of a sound business proposal based on research by master’s student Sicelo Masuku.
Why you should consider a prenuptial agreement
Together with a restrictive shareholder agreement, a prenuptial agreement ensures that an ex-spouse will not automatically be a family business shareholder. If the subject is raised far in advance of marriage, or with children before they enter into serious relationships, it is less likely to result in arguments and hurt feelings.
The possible dangers of eating insects
The farming and processing of edible insects for human and animal consumption appears to be gaining in popularity. However, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, there are risks to eating insects that have not been farmed with the correct biosecurity measures in place, and these risks are potentially dangerous to human and animal health.
Risks facing South Africa
Andries Wiese takes a look at some of the main risks that could have an impact on businesses and individuals in South Africa. He also discusses how they might be mitigated, and says that fresh thinking may be needed.
Developing farmers fit for the future for South Africa
FarmSol is celebrating five years of supporting new farmers this October. The company aims to connect farmers and markets to improve food security and income in South Africa.
