In this issue

Lower input costs and good harvests work in producers favour. Land reform
an avo farm’s long struggle to succeed. Farm attacks security expert outlines a proactive plan. Focus on animal health. Apps that make livestock management easier. How happy, healthy animals boost profits.

Amid power cuts, there are factors working in SA farmers' favour

As farmers plant winter crops, including wheat, canola, barley and oats, Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, outlines reasons to feel more optimistic in a challenging operating environment.

4 mins

Bombed sunflower seed

This article described a South African breakthrough in breeding a superior sunflower hybrid cultivar through irradiation.

3 mins

RPO welcomes new vaccine against bluetongue

The recent announcement by Design Biologix, a vaccine researcher, developer and manufacturer, that it has registered a bluetongue vaccine for South Africa has been welcomed by the Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO).

1 min

Tea made with indigenous fruit a 'game changer'

The production of tea from indigenous fruit is a 'game changer' for the tea industry, according to Stellenbosch University (SU).

1 min

Strategic marketing needed to survive tough potato market, says industry body

Farmers producing spuds need to balance quality and price to survive the cost-price squeeze, according to speakers at Potatoes South Africa’s recent annual general meeting. Glenneis Kriel reports.

3 mins

Zambia aims to become Africa's food basket amid climate change

The Southern African state's President Hakainde Hichilema told foreign investors that it was well placed to fill the commodity void left by the Russia-Ukraine war, writes Jeff Kapembwa.

3 mins

Cloud-seeding may not solve Mexico's water crisis, say experts

According to Nature, farmers in Mexico have asked the government to 'bomb' the clouds as the country continues to experience its second-worst drought in a decade.

1 min

Agri budget met with mixed reactions

Role players have had mixed reactions to the recent budget address delivered by Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza. Glenneis Kriel reports.

2 mins

SA olive estate shines at international awards

South African olive estate De Rustica recently received international recognition when its Coratina Collection was awarded Best in Class, the Absolute Best Olive Oil, and Best Monovarietal at the EVOOLEUM Awards in Spain.

1 min

SA Stud Book honours top producers at awards

The top livestock breeders, stud herds and flocks, and stud animals falling under the auspices of SA Stud Book were recognised at the organisation's national awards ceremony held recently in Bloemfontein.

1 min

Combine harvester sales up 136% in April 2023

More than 100 units of combine harvesters were sold in South Africa in April 2023, up 136,4% year-on-year. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

1 min

'Namibia drought could develop into a humanitarian crisis'

The severe drought in Namibia could result in the same humanitarian crisis as during the 12-year drought which ravaged that country until 2019.

1 min

Soil science society celebrates its 70th anniversary

The Soil Science Society of South Africa (SSSSA) celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. The SSSSA was established in 1953, and soil science was already a recognised discipline in South Africa at the time. In fact, the first recorded soil survey was conducted in 1899, according to Corrie Swanepoel, a soil scientist at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).

2 mins

Struggling consumers keep meat prices under pressure

While Easter festivities helped to increase the prices of mutton and beef in April, consumer spending remains constrained, directly affecting demand for meat. Absa AgriBusiness analyses trends and provides forecasts.

3 mins

High costs and weak demand still weighing on dairy producers

Dairy farmers are struggling with increasing input costs, leading to a sharp decrease in milk production. Yet the chances of further producer price increases are slim, as demand remains weak, says Dr Koos Coetzee.

3 mins

Strategies to ensure sustainable cannabis production

Cannabis growers, regardless of where they are, should practise environmentally responsible cultivation methods. This is not only the right thing to do; it’s ultimately more profitable, says Thomas Walker.

2 mins

Pannar's strategy to help farmers improve yield - come what may

Grant Pringle, lead agronomist at Pannar Seed, spoke to Ellis Mnyendu about the company's efforts to develop high-yielding products adapted to a fast-changing environment.

3 mins

China's population is falling: opportunities and risks for Africa

Lauren Johnston, senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs and Associate Professor at the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, writes about the risks and opportunities presented to South Africans as China's population drops.

4 mins

Vigilance: the best way to prevent farm attacks

Laurence Palmer, an independent security consultant, outlines practical steps that South African farmers and farmworkers can take to avoid becoming victims of farm attacks, and to protect themselves if attacked

6 mins

How to keep your chickens happy and healthy

Chickens are sensitive to temperature and may be prone to illness. For this reason, adequate housing and healthcare are essential for profitable production. Janine Ryan reports on some things to consider when keeping chickens to ensure their welfare, better growth rates, and humane handling techniques.

6 mins

How technology is making monitoring animal health easier

A large part of farming is keeping track of the condition and health of animals. Janine Ryan reports on the current apps available to make this process easier and more efficient for farmers.

7 mins

Avo farm's long journey to profitability

Land restitution farms in South Africa have a patchy success rate, with many going to ruins after the change in ownership. Failure is usually attributed to the sudden change in management from those with a farming background to those without, as well as a critical lack of operating capital. Lindi Botha spoke to Tom Mdluli of the Matsafeni Trust about surviving despite the challenges, and their plans to expand the operation.

7 mins

How to recognise stress and manage it

Stress can have a serious effect on your health, which is why it’s so important to address the problem sooner rather than later. Fortunately, there are well-established strategies for this, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.

3 mins

TOMATOES: Controlling weeds in tomatoes

Research shows that the critical period for controlling weeds is 12 to 48 days after transplanting. Competition with weeds during this time can ultimately result in an 80% decrease in yield.

1 min

Get your nitrogen right from planting to harvest

Nitrogen has become an expensive input, so make every gram count: use band placement and avoid over-irrigating, says Bill Kerr.

2 mins

How does a horse regulate its body temperature ?

Dr Mac explains how a horse uses thermoregulation to deal with changes in air temperature and to cope with vigorous exercise.

2 mins

Kia Sportage gets three diesel options

Kia has cleverly added diesel options to its popular Sportage range, two of which have no direct price range rivals. Braam Peens of CAR magazine samples the new CRDi model in the Mother City.

3 mins

Cheesy pap and sweetcorn squares with avocado guacamole

This blend of traditional local flavour and Mexican zing is hearty enough for a cold winter's evening, yet fresh and crisp enough for an elegant lunch.

1 min

Sport, politics, business and death

This week's selection by Patricia McCracken includes the story of Dan Qege and other rugby players during apartheid, advice from top business leaders, skulduggery in athletics, and catering for funerals

2 mins

Pilot, strategist and leader par excellence

Lieutenant-General Robert Rogers, DSO, DFC Bar, Royal Air Force; SSA, SM, MMM, South African Air Force, is the most highly decorated military man in South Africa. Graham Jooste tells his remarkable story.

4 mins

Read all stories from Farmer's Weekly

Farmer's Weekly Magazine Description:

Farmer’s Weekly is an agricultural magazine based in South Africa, targeting the whole of Southern Africa. The magazine is committed to advancing the interests of the region’s farmers and its agricultural industry by serving as a mouthpiece for the industry and by keeping its readers informed of the latest developments in the agricultural sector.