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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Blowers that can clean much more than leaves!
Husqvarna leaf blowers are ergonomically designed to provide maximum comfort and ease-of-use over an extended period.
A sturdy breed: some Toggenburg basics
The present genetic stock of these dairy goats in South Africa originated from animals imported from Switzerland in 1951. Their milk is used to produce a variety of hard and soft cheeses.
Save your tyres – and save money
Reduce fuel expenditure and improve productivity by ensuring tractor tyres are inflated to the optimum pressure.
Why Bonsmara cows should be your first choice
Maternal ability is an important trait in female animals of any breed. Cows must be fertile,and able to support, protect and grow their calves into healthy weaners. Bonsmara cows are renowned for this characteristic, and produce superb results in an extensive cattle operation.
Bees the victims of irresponsible pesticide use
Honeybees are the world’s best-known pollinators of natural flora and a vast array of food and fibre crops. Yet they are frequently harmed by human activities, writes CropLife South Africa’s operations and stewardship manager, Dr Gerhard Verdoorn.
Researchers advance in fight to control fall armyworm
Fall armyworm has caused significant damage to croplands in South Africa since first detected in early 2017. However, Dr Annemie Erasmus, a senior researcher of entomology at the
Agricultural Research Council’s Grain Crops Institute, writes that an integrated pest management strategy has been shown to be an effective weapon against infestation.
Dealing with external parasites on chickens
External parasites such as mites can be a major financial threat to a poultry operation. Control is essential.
Integrated financing for smallholder farmers
Africa’s agricultural potential can only be realised if smallholders gain access to finance. But loans cannot be focused on just one aspect of the value chain at the expense of others. Antois van der Westhuizen, managing director of John Deere Financial, suggests ways to design integrated financing models for smallholders.
Getting started with hydroponics
This new series will outline the basics of growing nutritious vegetables without the use of soil.
Safari by Bata: Built for work. Styled for play. Made to last
The Safari boot takes you effortlessly from the farm to your desk, and on to the urban jungle. It’s a shoe that’s hard-working, classic and contemporary, and easily affordable.
New Firestone warranty a boon for farmers
Firestone has extended its warranty on selected US-made agricultural tyres from five to nine years, a dramatic improvement that could potentially save farmers thousands of rands.
Exclusive Farmer’s Weekly merchandise at Nampo Harvest Day
Farmer’s Weekly will be at Nampo again this year with exclusive offers and merchandise only available at the show.
Know your invasive species
This article looks at the beefwood, balloon vine and other species that, by law, have to be controlled or eradicated.
Peppermint Crisp and vanilla panna cotta
These easy pepperminty vanilla panna cottas are a perfect dessert for your next gathering or holiday party. Your guests will love them.
Election 2019: Political parties on land and farming
In the run-up to this month’s general election, Farmer’s Weekly journalists around the country posed the same questions to the seven political parties that performed the best in the 2014 general election. In addition, three of the most interesting new parties that will be contesting the election on 8 May were also included. The questions were: “As stated in your party’s election manifesto, what is your commitment, firstly, to agricultural development, and secondly, to land reform?”
Cannabis Conference 2019
The Johannesburg Cannabis Conference brings together experts from the cannabis field to discuss the latest information regarding the plant/drug.
Africa’s Big 7: Best of food and drink trends on show
Africa’s Big 7, the food and beverage trade show that brings together thousands of stakeholders, suppliers and buyers under one roof to boost pan-African trade, will be back in Johannesburg in June.
Keep that old combine moving
A combine harvester is a major investment. Keep it in good working order through regular maintenance.
Keep earthworms to improve soil quality
Earthworms play a crucial role in improving soil quality, and every farmer should try to maintain a healthy population of these remarkable creatures.
Sugar Industry Information Day
Join us for the first Farmer’s Weekly Sugar Industry Information Day on 29 May at the Royal Show. The event aims to bring together leading agricultural economists and role players throughout the sugar value chain to discuss the challenges facing sugar producers and the industry in general.
