Animals-and-Pets
Farmer's Weekly
What's in a name?
From living stones to wandering dudes, Linda Piegl looks at strangely named plants and how to grow them in your garden.
2 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Government starts process to reform municipalities
A sober look at municipal problems is being undertaken by the Department of Co-operative Governance (DCoG), which could lead to the critical improvements needed in service delivery over the long term.
2 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
AFMA: the voice of the South African animal feed industry
The Animal Feed Manufacturers' Association (AFMA) is the official representative body of the South African feed industry, serving the poultry and livestock sectors. Liesl Breytenbach, executive director of AFMA, spoke to Magda du Toit about the organisation's mandate, strategic pillars, and standards.
7 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
South African soya bean harvests under threat from fungal pathogen
Dr Godfrey Kgatle, research coordinator at Grain SA, has warned that the seed-borne fungus Cercospora kikuchii is threatening soya bean production across the country. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on the diseases it causes, the risks of using untreated seed, and how certified seed and early monitoring can help farmers protect their yields and grain quality.
2 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
What lies ahead for EU farmers
One year after widespread protests, Europe's farmers remain under pressure from rising costs, stagnant incomes, and policy uncertainty.
1 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
What makes good feed ... good?
Feed quality is influenced by many factors. Magda du Toit spoke to feed manufacturers to find out how they ensure quality, from the handling and storage of raw materials to the processing and distribution of feed.
10+ min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Grapes better than printing
This article looked at a young man who gave up his job to help his father produce export-quality grapes.
3 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Wildlife poaching in North West a serious concern
The poaching of game, in all its forms, has become an extremely serious problem in North West.
1 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Transforming wine marketing with technology
Wineries should use data technologies, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen marketing.
1 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Getting to know the Beefmaster breed standards
In this article, we detail some of the typical breed standards for the Beefmaster, as per Beefmasters Breeders United, the official Beefmaster breeders' society in the US, where the breed was originally developed.
2 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Stories of beer, beasts, and self-motivation
This week, Patricia McCracken reviews a broad range of books, predominantly non-fiction, which all seem to have a common thread: motivational tales of self-discovery, expression, and regrowth.
2 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Veggie farmer proves success is possible on communal land
Thulani Magida is the poster child for communal farming in South Africa, demonstrating that commercial success is possible. But his journey also highlights the challenges this segment faces, providing valuable lessons to those questioning the slow pace of transformation.
8 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Avo boats with scrambled eggs and baked beans
Quick and easy to whip up, this hearty breakfast is simple, satisfying, and tasty. Recipe and photo: South African Avocado Growers' Association.
1 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Wine estates urged to tap into domestic tourism
Strategies for unlocking agritourism value were highlighted at the South Africa Wine Summit, held recently in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.
1 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Reduce the risk of viruses getting into your crop
There is no way to eliminate viruses from plants once they're infected, so it is essential to do everything possible to prevent viruses from getting into the crop in the first place, writes Bill Kerr.
2 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Countering the ‘white farmer genocide’ narrative
Instead of focusing on the discredited claim that farm attacks are racially motivated, South Africans should join hands to forge a prosperous and inclusive agriculture sector.
2 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Farmers ahead of green demands, reporting lacking
Farmers are further along in their environmental and social efforts than they are often given credit for.However, the lack of measurement and reporting on their part, combined with primitive frameworks from retailers, has led to a skewed perception.
1 min |
June 13, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Treating bluetongue in sheep
Dear Prof McCrindle, Recently, I read your previous article on bluetongue (FW, 2 February 2024). I farm Damara sheep in the Northern Cape, and many farmers in my area are losing animals due to bluetongue. How can I prevent this infection in my sheep? Kind regards, Quinton
2 min |
June 06, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Books for dads and father figures
With Father's Day on 15 June, ditch the socks and treat the special man in your life to one (or more!) of the reads on Patricia McCracken's list this week - from nature and sport to biography and fiction.
3 min |
June 06, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Pangolins, coral reefs, and the Big Five: a unique Zululand safari
Set in the Munywana Conservancy in the Zululand region of northern KwaZulu-Natal, &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is renowned for exceptional safari experiences and fascinating wildlife, writes Linda Piegl.
2 min |
June 06, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The challenges holding SA aquaculture back
Despite growing demand for freshwater fish and a global aquaculture boom, South Africa’s tilapia industry remains underdeveloped due to high costs, outdated policies, and regulatory challenges. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to an aquaculture farmer and an expert in the field to gauge the industry‘s potential.
6 min |
June 06, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Ultimate egg-salad sandwich
This egg salad makes a delicious filling for rolls, baguettes, or health bread. It's perfect for lunch boxes or road trips, as it keeps well in a sealed container in the fridge for two to three days.
1 min |
June 06, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
'Vultures are intentionally poisoned by poachers'
The two cases of mass vulture poisoning that occurred in May in the Lowveld can be described as “a vulture genocide”.
2 min |
June 06, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Grain supplies are abundant around the world
AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
3 min |
June 06, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
How top potato farmer optimises production
Since taking over her late husband's farm three years ago, Franelyn Rossouw has been simplifying her approach to potato farming in order to streamline production. She spoke to Lindi Botha about how her focus on optimising irrigation, meticulous crop protection, and reducing in-field traffic is bearing fruit.
10 min |
June 06, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Getting started with potato farming
Potatoes are a valuable crop for farmers with limited land and can be planted almost throughout the year. They are also ideal for use in a rotation system with maize. The crop’s value lies in its adaptability to marginal environments. Successful cultivation, however, requires strict adherence to best practices, writes Linda Piegl.
6 min |
June 06, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Updated Isuzu MU-X hits R1 million mark
The Isuzu D-Max bakkie might be a local favourite, but its MU-X SUV sibling is miles behind segment heavyweights like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. The Citizen's Jaco van der Merwe took the updated MU-X for a spin to find out if it is capable of gaining any ground on its rivals.
2 min |
June 06, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Take control of your risks before they take control of you
Risk has two key components: how likely it is to occur, and the severity of its occurrence. Understanding and managing risk is crucial to the survival of your business, says Peter Hughes.
1 min |
June 06, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Nampo Harvest Day enjoys its moment of fame
Nampo Harvest Day 2025 broke records across the board. A record 87 191 visitors attended the agricultural expo, while President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, and Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson were also in attendance.
1 min |
June 06, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Global envy over SA’s free market trading system
South African fresh produce traders could not contain their pride during the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) conference held in Johannesburg, Gauteng from 14 to 16 May.
2 min |