Crops

Technology can sharpen decision-making on farms, but it can’t replace the experience, judgement, and practical knowledge of farmers and their teams, panellists said at the Potatoes SA congress held in Johannesburg, Gauteng, on 22 and 23 July.

With digital transformation on the rise in agriculture, and water resources on the decline, farmers are adopting smarter ways to manage irrigation. However, even the most sophisticated irrigation technology is only as effective as the physical infrastructure beneath it.

South Africa’s dependence on imported fuel is once again under scrutiny as renewed conflict in the Middle East, Russia’s temporary ban on diesel exports, and rising global oil prices coincide with government’s proposal to overhaul the country’s strategic petroleum reserve system.

Choosing an agricultural drone is about more than buying the fastest machine or the biggest tank. Matching a drone’s specifications to your farming operation can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximise returns. AgTech@NWK’s Zane Barnard explains what farmers should consider before buying.

Prof Nick Binedell, a renowned leadership and strategy speaker, founding dean of the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and an authority on business education in Africa’s global economy, spoke to Magda Du Toit.

The overwhelmingly positive response to Willie Aucamp replacing John Steenhuisen as minister of agriculture belies deeper problems that, according to industry experts, have hampered successive agriculture ministers, including a broken animal health governance system, outdated legislation, and officials who are a law unto themselves.

Spray drones offer clear advantages on the farm, but their success depends on how well they are managed. From drift control to logistics, careful planning is key to getting the best results. Anroé Steyn spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this.

While government's recent settlement allowing greater private-sector involvement in importing and administering foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines has been welcomed by many stakeholders across the livestock industry, vaccination must be supported by other measures.

Nearly 30 years ago, Mike Burgess travelled through Syria, exploring the multi-layered and ever evolving ancient cities of Aleppo, Palmyra and Damascus. Rich in history, culture and intrigue, these cities left a lasting impression and revealed stories stretching back thousands of years.

Supplemental lighting in hydroponic greenhouse systems can contribute significantly to the quality of produce grown in such systems, but it has to be utilised optimally as it adds significantly to the capital outlay and running expense of such a facility.

Consolidation in agriculture is undeniable, but success is not reserved for the biggest players. Increasingly, it is the most efficient and well-managed farms that are enduring.

When I suggested that Farmer’s Weekly start running adventure stories to encourage readers and their families to reconnect with nature, our general manager, Gary Wium, said: “You should keep a daily diary.” Risky business, considering some of the things that stay safely locked inside my head, but here goes.

Clean agricultural warehouses are essential for protecting stored crops, preventing pest infestations, and avoiding mould formation. Cleanliness also directly affects product quality, worker health, and overall farm efficiency. Using the correct cleaning equipment ensures dust is extracted efficiently.

Biogas promises farmers lower energy costs, improved waste management, and protection against load-shedding, but results have been mixed. Mauro Delle Donne, owner of Zandam Cheese and Piggery, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the challenges he’s faced and how he plans to make it work in future.

ElectroMechanica has been appointed as the exclusive Southern African Development Community-wide agent for TechTop, marking the globally recognised brand’s return to the regional market after more than a decade.

Winter is the perfect time for vegetation management in South Africa. With growth slowing, visibility improves and conditions become ideal for tackling overgrown fence lines, clearing around infrastructure, and reducing fuel loads ahead of the peak fire season.

Few names in high-horsepower agriculture carry the legacy of the Case IH Steiger range. From the early 91 and 93 series tractors to today’s advanced four-wheel-drive giants, the Steiger name has become synonymous with traction, brute pulling power, and ongoing engineering refinement.

New Holland launched its T4F S speciality tractor range at Nampo 2026 in Bothaville, Free State, introducing a purpose-built solution for orchard, vineyard, and vegetable producers looking for a compact yet versatile machine.

John Deere is positioning its updated 6M tractor range as a versatile, technology-ready workhorse aimed at bridging the gap between basic utility tractors and the company’s premium 6R series.

The new Case IH 475 High-Speed Disc is built around a simple principle: high-speed, heavy-duty construction and efficient field performance that helps farmers save time during critical operations.