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.
Festive gammon with ginger, garlic & citrus glaze – serves 10 to 12
Slow-simmered in a fragrant, savoury stock and finished with a light honey, soy and orange glaze, this festive gammon is tender, flavour-packed and perfectly balanced for a special celebration meal.
Steenhuisen: How 2025 strengthened South African agriculture
From opening new global markets and modernising agricultural regulation to strengthening biosecurity and farmer support, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen reflects on a pivotal year for South African agriculture.
Mini festive fruit & nut cakes
Packed with cranberries, figs, and warming spices, these mini Christmas cakes are naturally sweetened, nutty, and perfect for gifting or enjoying with a festive cup of tea.
Father’s tutelage propels girl to farming top spot
At just 13 years old, Zimbabwean Tarylyn Chipo Bote won a national agricultural competition in November, earning recognition for her successful rabbit project.
Growing greenery for the South African flower market
Welma Viljoen, owner of Mobjadi Farm, spoke to Carol Sutherland about the greenery she produces for the flower market, and the challenges she faces in production and getting her product to market.
Holiday cheer cake
An easy, joyous cake full of flavour and holiday spirit-perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Western Cape FMD outbreak remains contained as control measures set in place
The foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) situation in the Western Cape remains stable, with no further spread detected beyond the original index farm near Gouda, according to Agri Western Cape (AWC) and the Red Meat Producers Organisation Western Cape (RPOWC).
Festive apricot-glazed ham – serves 12
A celebration centerpiece glazed with sweet apricot and orange, roasted to golden perfection and served with vibrant summer fruit-made for sharing around the table.
An indulgent, fruit-filled Christmas pudding
Rich and spiced, this indulgent Christmas pudding is packed with brandy-soaked fruit, buttery crumbs and a hint of dark chocolate.
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Avoid the rental minefield
A solid contract underpins any successful rental relationship. With more producers choosing to rent rather than buy, contract fine print is more important than ever. Andreas Greeff, managing director of Vleissentraal Eiendomme, explains how to avoid legal pitfalls.
Pete Goffe-Wood’s Christmas pudding ice cream
A festive favourite with a cool twist, Pete Goffe-Wood’s Christmas pudding ice cream blends rich, spiced pudding with creamy indulgence for a refreshing take on a classic holiday dessert.
Coconut snow-globe cupcakes
These Coconut Snow Globe Cupcakes are a simple showstopper, perfect for festive celebrations or special occasions.
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The future of mining communication in Africa
No mine can afford poor mobile signal underground. When communication stops, operations slow, safety risks rise, and productivity drops.
Zim farmers to benefit from government licence cuts
Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector is set to benefit from the government’s regulatory fee reforms, which will see statutory fees either scrapped or reduced in the coming year.
FMD outbreak confirmed in Limpopo, emergency measures rolled out
The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed three separate outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease across the province, prompting immediate quarantine measures, movement restrictions, and a coordinated emergency response.
South Africa’s FMD crisis: A sector running out of time
South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease crisis has entered a critical phase. What began as a severe disease outbreak has become a deeper governance and leadership conflict; one that threatens national food security, agricultural exports, and the future stability of the industry.
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How to choose the right antenna: a complete buyer’s guide
Weak mobile reception isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a silent barrier that slows productivity, disrupts business, and disconnects people from the world they rely on. Behind every strong and reliable signal lies a single, often underestimated component: the antenna.
Agribusiness confidence rises on weather, exports, and FMD progress
South Africa’s agribusiness sector hit a high note in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) rising by five points to 67 after two quarters of decline, signalling firmer sentiment across subsectors.
Focus on Auctions and Auctioneering: Broll Auctions and Sales
Broll Auctions and Sales focuses on auctions and private treaty sales of real estate across South Africa, with expertise in commercial and industrial properties, retail and mixed-use developments, farms and agricultural estates, and more.
The indispensable role of a property valuator
When buying or selling a farm, one factor can make or break the deal: value. Emotion skews judgement, with sellers overestimating their land and buyers underbidding. In a market driven by production potential, location, and demand, independent valuators are crucial.
