Opinion

Today, agriculture is driven by two global obligations: feeding a growing population and protecting our planet. The overriding message is clear: environmental, social, and governance strategies must enhance profitability.

In this first article in Farmer’s Weekly’s series on agricultural training institutions in South Africa, we look at Grootfontein College of Agriculture. This Eastern Cape institution has a strong focus on the sheep and goat farming industries.

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.

It was vivid childhood memories of fishing the streams of Barkly East that lured Mike Burgess back to spend three glorious years in these dramatic highlands of the Eastern Cape.

Those in government will have to carefully allocate their resources and time, given the many urgent matters that currently demand their attention.

Mike Burgess has fished the Saalboomspruit in the Eastern Cape’s Barkly East district for almost four decades. He shares how he has never been disappointed with the exceptional indigenous yellowfish this pristine highland ecosystem produces.

For some time, the South African livestock industry has been struggling with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which presents enormous costs to farmers and agribusinesses. As the disease persists, the country's ambitions for export growth are increasingly at risk.

The Boerboel is a South African-developed mastiff breed popular with farmers and families for its calm and protective nature. The Boerboel is a powerful mastiff-type dog breed developed in South Africa, with origins dating back to the 17th century and the arrival of the Dutch settlers in the country.

At the Africa Agri Tech 2025 conference held in Pretoria in March, Alan Hardacre, co-founder of Advocacy Academy, spoke about how disinformation campaigns wreak havoc on agribusinesses. He highlighted the challenges and opportunities in using artificial intelligence in the fight for truth.

Johann Bornman, chairperson of Agri Development Solutions, recently released a report to set the record straight about land reform in South Africa. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the results.

South Africa’s Meat Safety Act sets strict regulations to ensure meat quality and protect consumers, covering every stage of the food value chain. Dr Gerhard Neethling, general manager of the Red Meat Abattoir Association, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about inspections, traceability, and industry compliance.

While conservationists often say that livestock are detrimental to the environment, research has shown that regenerative agriculture really only succeeds when livestock are utilised.

In the Moloto case, the Land Court had to consider factors like market value and the current use of the property on which a land claim had been lodged.

For the past 114 years, Farmer’s Weekly has been a leading voice in agriculture, not only in South Africa, but also further afield in Africa. Over more than a century, we have dedicated our time and resources to serving agriculture by informing you, our readers, and by inspiring up-and-coming farmers.

Farmer David Addenbrooke has worked in the Zimbabwean beef industry for around four decades. Here, he relates his experience with bush encroachment and offers farmers some advice on battling this scourge.

When it comes to protecting your animals’ health, vaccination stands out as one of the most crucial and effective preventive measures available, writes Boehringer Ingelheim’s Dr Michelle Enslin.

Solar-energy subscriptions are often marketed as convenient and hassle-free, but it’s important to consult a checklist before signing up for one. Teresa Kok, director of One Energy, talks about what to look for.

In a recent food rescue operation, SA Harvest drew on its relationships with Dutoit Agri and logistics companies to ensure that nutritious food reached those who needed it, writes Ozzy Nel, the company’s COO.

Early in the year it was indicated in this column that 2024 would be important among other things for the fact that half of the world’s population would hold elections.

The Farmers Weekly team reflects on 2024 and sends heartfelt wishes to our readers for a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year ahead.