Staff Reporter
Getting started with lettuce
Lettuce has a relatively short growth cycle and can be harvested multiple times a year, providing farmers with a consistent income stream. However, successful production depends on careful cultivar selection, temperature and soil moisture management, and tackling seasonal challenges.
A Wes Anderson-inspired sanctuary in the heart of Cape Town
Why settle for The Grand Budapest Hotel when you can stay at The Trade Boutique Hotel instead? Brian Berkman discovers a delightful hotel in the Cape Town CBD inspired by the set of the classic film.
Lessons from the money winners of the SA Invitational Pigeon Race
The South Africa Invitational Pigeon Race (SAIPR) brings together pigeon fanciers from across the country to compete in a unique One Loft series. The article looks at how the races work, entry rules, the Challenge Race, and tips for breeding and training top-performing pigeons.
More to game viewers than meets the eye
Sustained by tourists’ strong foreign currencies, South Africa’s game lodge industry offers opportunities, such as converting standard vehicles into game viewers.
Steenhuisen warns Tshwane to fix market services after court ruling
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has warned that his department will closely monitor the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality’s compliance with a high court order to supply the Tshwane Market with municipal services.
Agriculture sector sheds 24 000 jobs during second quarter
Agriculture was among the hardest-hit sectors in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025’s employment statistics, placing joint second for the most jobs lost between 1 April to 30 June compared with the first quarter of the year.
Suspected African swine fever in Bredasdorp raises fears for local farmers
A suspected outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, has resulted in the deaths of 330 pigs as of 11 August, and authorities are struggling to enforce strict quarantine measures.
South Africa’s apple cultivars and new contenders
South Africa produces a wide range of apple cultivars, from export staples like Golden Delicious and Granny Smith to sweet varieties preferred across the continent. New cultivars are also gaining ground, attracting interest from farmers and consumers.
Customs’ need for hard-copy vet certificates delays poultry imports
With the import ban on Brazilian poultry lifted, South African importers are appealing to border authorities to embrace the digital age to speed up customs procedures.
South Africa’s rural areas can be developed through agriculture
On 6 August, I delivered the 11th Annual Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Lecture at the University of Limpopo. The theme was the role of agriculture in improving rural development.
Building on a family wool farming legacy
The roots of the Battenhausen family in the Upper Karoo are as deep and meaningful as their family tree. For six generations, they have farmed sheep near Philipstown, and their contribution to the community is well known. Today, it is up to Carl Battenhausen to walk in the footsteps of those who came before him and continue building his family’s legacy.
Global oyster market on an upward trend
The global oyster market is on the rise as seafood demand continues to grow. Oysters are valued as a delicacy, a healthy protein, and a sustainable food source.
A mini safari in the Cradle
Just an hour from Joburg, urbanites can swap the bustle for the bush, enjoying game drives and outdoor activities at Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, while staying in the Cradle of Humankind.
Horse owners urged to vaccinate against African horse sickness
The window to vaccinate horses against African horse sickness runs from 1 June to 31 October, and authorities are urging horse owners to observe the legal requirements applicable to their location.
Steenhuisen to review proposals following FMD indaba
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen is set to review proposals from the recent high-level FMD Indaba held near Pretoria in late July. The proposals are aimed at halting the spread of the disease and strengthening South Africa’s disease-control systems. Once reviewed, Steenhuisen will appoint a task team to oversee implementation of the measures.
NPO takes young farmer training to new level
Living Hope, a faith-based non-profit organisation in the Western Cape, offers fully funded experiential training in intensive fresh produce production to young, aspiring farmers. Nan Smith visited the organisation to find out more.
SAVC registrar under fire as Steenhuisen probes election process
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has put the spotlight on Mongezi Menye, registrar/CEO of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), after serious concerns were raised over the council’s recent election process.
The role of cover crops in regenerative farming
As global human populations surge and climate volatility intensifies, the pressure on South Africa’s agriculture sector continues to mount. The demand for more food, produced more sustainably, has never been greater.
Butterflies: essential and often overlooked pollinators
Butterflies are regarded as less efficient pollinators than bees. However, in some instances, their services have even greater value.
Focus on SA trade, but don’t forget biosecurity challenges
Those in government will have to carefully allocate their resources and time, given the many urgent matters that currently demand their attention.
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