Crops

The new John Deere S7 Combine offers innovative improvements that help farmers get more out of every hour in the field.

Vineyard success is built from the ground up, starting with the correct planting and care of new vines. Glenneis Kriel reports on the advice of viticulturist Marko Roux on how growers can give vines the best possible start.

A farm is purchased with capital, but cash flow keeps it running. From maintenance to insurance, the cost of ownership is often higher than new buyers expect. Andreas Greeff, managing director of Vleissentraal Eiendomme, shares advice for sustainable farm management.

Malawi had a bumper tobacco year in 2025, selling more than 221 000t, up 66% year-on-year. Farmer’s Weekly spoke to the country’s Tobacco Commission and a local farmer about the industry.

Poor mobile signal in 2026 isn’t just inconvenient—it’s costly. Mines, hospitals, and hotels face safety, clinical, and revenue risks, while proactive organisations stay in control with reliable connectivity.

If you painstakingly choose your wine to pair perfectly with your food or you can name at least five major winemakers in the country, then maybe you have what it takes to be a good sommelier. Erica Taylor, vice-chairperson of the South African Sommeliers’ Association, spoke to Nichelle Steyn.

Water scarcity remains one of South Africa’s biggest challenges, especially in agriculture. Shenton Botes, managing director of Astore Keymak, says the sector, as a major water user, must prioritise efficiency to support long-term sustainability and food security.

For 2026, Farmer’s Weekly will be focusing on the overarching theme of artificial intelligence and technology, and the importance of this in sustainable and long-term farming.

Zimbabwean tobacco farmer Denford Mutwiwa has built a large-scale commercial operation by treating farming as a business, using contract funding and renewable energy to overcome limited bank support and unreliable power supply.

Buying a farm is a financial strategy. From bank loans to investor partnerships, farm financing requires long-term planning and realistic calculations. Andreas Greeff, managing director of Vleissentraal Eiendomme, explains the options and the potential pitfalls.

Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute is the oldest agricultural college in South Africa, with a history spanning 128 years.

Young farmers in South Africa need broad skillsets to succeed in an evolving agriculture sector and help address its skills shortage, says Shaun Welmans, chief operating officer of Agri Skills Transfer, as he unpacks common misconceptions and career pathways.

Since the implementation of the Firearms Control Act of 2000, legislation has given South Africans a clear framework for owning, storing and operating firearms. However, the use of a firearm for self-defence and farm safety can put farmers at risk if legal bounds are overstepped. Henning Naudé reports on the process of becoming a licensed firearm owner and the use of a firearm for protection.

Sugar cane farmer Pratish Sharma shares his practical insights with Octavia Avesca Spandiel on aspects like soil health, pests, irrigation, harvesting, and industry rules, offering useful guidance for anyone entering South Africa’s highly regulated sugar industry.

Indigenous crops like Bambara groundnut, amaranth, sorghum, and cowpeas offer climate-resilient, nutrient-rich, niche market opportunities in South Africa, despite structural and commercial challenges.

Juicy pork sausages wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a sweet, sticky glaze. Simple to make and perfect as a tasty side or party favourite, served hot from the oven.

Few symbols of Christmas are as instantly recognisable as the red-and-white figure of Father Christmas and his flying reindeer bounding across a snowy northern sky.

Perfect for a Christmas table, this orange-glazed pork fillet is stuffed with apple, wrapped in crispy bacon and served with glossy balsamic baby onions.

Strong cell phone signal that lets you make clear calls and enjoy high-speed data is becoming increasingly rare, for several reasons.

Shows can be a daunting prospect for newcomers to the showing world. While they offer an ideal opportunity for their animals to be evaluated by professionals in the industry, having their animals formally judged can be nerve-racking. Willemien Pieterse, a show judge and independent cattle inspector, spoke to Janine Ryan about what she looks for when judging cattle in the show ring.