Crops

Durable, affordable terraPOD footwear reflects what farming itself is about: resilience, stewardship, and care for the people who produce our food.

As the festive season approaches, experts are warning South African consumers of possible red meat price hikes due to ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks.

Zimbabwean farmer Stuart Brent was promised US$800 000 (about R14 million) compensation for improvements to property lost during the country’s land reform programme, but received less than US$8 000 (R138 000), turning his initial relief into disappointment.

The addition of micronutrients like boron are critical in the cultivation of table grapes, as Zunel van Eeden discovered in conversation with agronomist Pieter Botha.

Africa’s agricultural potential remains largely untapped, with post-harvest losses of key commodities exceeding 30% and continued reliance on imported processed foods. This deficit in local value addition undermines food security, erodes export revenue, and curbs job creation and industrialisation.

Since the Department of Agriculture held its seminar on the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan, which seeks to unlock inclusive growth in the sector, there has been some pushback from various corners.

Set in the hills of rural Eastern Cape, Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute focuses on animal health training. Located some 42km north-west of Mthatha, its work benefits the surrounding municipality, which is home to around 194 000 people.

Farming is a risky business that’s not for the faint-hearted, says Paul du Plessis, manager of Hollard Agri. He adds that although we are made to toil the earth and enjoy the fruit thereof, thistles and thorns are part of the package.

Earlier this year, Dr Charl van der Merwe became manager of the Agbiz Grain desk. With nearly 30 years’ experience in grain handling, procurement, market analysis, and strategic development, he drives policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and industry representation.

While the South African livestock industry continues to struggle with foot-and-mouth disease, and considerable work is required to resolve it, other sub sectors are performing reasonably well.

Signal boosters are becoming essential in South African homes under the constant threat of load-shedding, while fibre broadband remains unreliable, expensive, and out of reach for most.

The spread of foot-and-mouth disease into some of the country's largest feedlots this year has once again exposed a systemic challenge that threatens to lock our farmers out of global markets, says Daneel Rossouw, head of sales for agriculture at Nedbank Agriculture.

Satellite Internet may sound futuristic, but in South Africa, it often falls short. Expensive hardware, unpredictable service, and regulatory hurdles make satellite-based providers a risky gamble for businesses and households.

One of the main benefits of irrigation is the ability to produce crops consistently, regardless of fluctuating weather patterns.

The Winelands Fire Protection Association reports that for every 1° increase in global temperatures, there is a 29% increase in fire risk.

Aside from training students in plant and animal production, Madzivhandila College of Agriculture in Limpopo provides soil and water testing services and supports the community with its agro-processing unit.

Successful farming begins with the soil. Proper tillage not only prepares the land for planting but also protects long-term soil health, ensuring strong yields and sustainable productivity.

Farming in South Africa demands machinery that delivers strength, versatility, and reliability season after season.

With modern farming, every hour in the field counts. That’s why Case IH has introduced a fully comprehensive extended warranty on selected Magnum tractors, minimising downtime, saving costs, and protecting productivity throughout the season.

Wuhlf Equipment is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. To mark this milestone, the company is rewarding its valued customers with an unforgettable 10-day luxury holiday for two in China, including flights, accommodation, and a fully guided tour.When you purchase a brand-new JX450 TLB before 30 November 2025, you qualify for this exclusive holiday. Not keen to travel? Wuhlf Equipment offers customers the option of a substantial discount on their purchase instead.