Crops

From crops that can better withstand extreme weather to varieties that stay fresher for longer or require fewer inputs, plant breeding is undergoing a technological revolution. Advanced sensors, big data, and precision gene editing are giving breeders powerful new tools to develop the next generation of crops.

Whether strawberries are grown in a high-tech greenhouse or on raised beds in open fields, the production principles remain the same: create optimum growing conditions for the plant, and it will reward you with big, firm, flavourful fruit.

At an average of 2,5t/ha, South Africa’s soya bean yields lag behind those of major producers like the US, at 4t/ha, and Brazil, at 3,2t/ha, partly due to limited access to genetics. But record yields in this year’s Grain SA Grow for Gold National Yield Competition suggest significant room for further gains.

Effective use of the winter dormancy period lays the foundation for healthier orchards and vineyards and a smoother, more productive growing season.

Developing a new crop protection product typically takes more than a decade, by which time the target pest or disease may have evolved. Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping researchers identify promising compounds faster, optimise them, and focus field testing where it matters, shortening the journey from laboratory to farm.

Koos Blanckenberg told Octavia Avesca Spandiel that canola has become essential in improving soil health, controlling ryegrass and strengthening crop rotation systems as grain producers navigate rising costs and climate uncertainty.

Every successful crop starts long before the seed goes into the ground. It begins with the soil: its composition, its limitations, its water-holding capacity, and the dynamics beneath the surface.

Sclerotinia white mold replenishes the soil with resilient sclerotia that survive for over a decade. Applying the biofungicide LALSTOP Contans WG directly destroys these structures, safeguarding future susceptible crops.

Faced with a warmer climate and growing pressure to farm more sustainably, Bosman Adama is looking beyond South Africa’s conventional wine grape cultivars for vines better suited to future conditions.

The development and evaluation of new potato cultivars are helping local producers meet changing consumer and processing demands while improving yield, adaptability, disease resistance, and long-term production.

Post-harvest handling remains a key challenge in South Africa’s cannabis sector, with expert Natie Ferreira warning that poor drying, storage and consistency issues drive losses.

Macadamia nut borer damage is increasing across farms in Southern Africa. Effective management starts long before symptoms become visible. Understanding the pest’s life cycle, monitoring damage and acting early can make the difference between manageable losses and costly infestations.

The Zunckel name is synonymous with no-till farming in South Africa. Egon Zunckel, a pioneer in the field and a passionate advocate for soil health, shared with Lindi Botha the lessons he has learnt over the years about building resilient soils and sustainable farming systems.

The Camerons from Lobería in Argentina not only farm crops but have also reinvested in their land through regenerative production practices. They have a strong commitment to diversification and innovation, a testament to the transformation that is taking place in agriculture in Argentina.

With an abundance of new apple and pear cultivars entering the market, producers have more choice than ever but also face greater risk, as performance can vary widely under local conditions. Dihan Blom, pome product manager at Delecta, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how on-farm trials can reduce this risk.

Roean Wessels, Syngenta’s head of research and development for field crop seeds in sub-Saharan Africa, attended a pre-conference workshop on nitrogen-use efficiency at the 4th International Wheat Congress in Bologna, Italy, and he shared key takeaways with Farmer’s Weekly.

A cover crop can either become an asset or an expense. The difference lies in selecting species that work with your soils, climate, and maize rotation to deliver measurable benefits.

Lesego Mohube has rapidly scaled her Heidelberg vegetable enterprise from a single tunnel to 5ha. Her market-aligned, precision-driven approach focuses on staggered production and consistency to ensure year-round profitability.

While wheat remains South Africa’s dominant winter grain, diversification into oilseeds and legumes is becoming increasingly common as farmers look to spread risk and improve soil health. Farmer’s Weekly spoke to experts for insights into crop performance, rotation, and management strategies shaping winter grain production.

At 27, Phomolo Sewedi is steadily building a farming business with purpose in Ganalaagte, North West. From humble beginnings, he is carving out a place in agriculture through persistence, adaptability and a strong sense of responsibility to his community. His journey reflects the grit and vision that define this year’s 30 under 30