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Farmer's Weekly Magazine - June 20, 2025

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In this issue

Local Equipment maker celebrates 20th anniversary. Focus on young farmers. Building on a family wool farming legacy. Nurturing crops and community spirit. Heritage meets innovation. Rooibos remains a steady export for South Africa. Rabbit farming small animals, big potential.

UP veterinarian on why hoof care is essential for equine health and performance

Dr Yolandi Smit, equine surgery lecturer at the University of Pretoria, explores hoof health, the risks of neglect, and best practices to ensure horses remain comfortable, mobile, and able to perform at their peak.

2 mins

Help us find a forever home on a farm for rescue dog Mac

Dear Farmer's Weekly, I am writing to you with an urgent and heartfelt plea to help us find the perfect forever home for a very special rescue dog named Mac.

2 mins

Profiting from tailor-made salad packs

In this article, we looked at how pillow pack marketing of vegetable greens and salads came as close as possible to the ultimate in farming for some.

3 mins

Mixed fortunes for timber sector, including Sappi

South Africa's timber industry has struggled to recover from subdued consumer demand post-COVID-19. Demand for pine timber remains especially low, while eucalyptus used for dissolving pulp (DP) is faring better.

2 mins

SA agri exports up 6% in first quarter of 2025

South Africa's agricultural exports grew by 6% in the first quarter of 2025 to reach US$3,4 billion (around R60 billion), up from US$3,2 billion (around R57 billion) in the previous quarter, according to the latest data from the International Trade Centre.

1 mins

Karan Beef managing impact of FMD outbreak

Karan Beef has suspended cattle intake at its Heidelberg feedlot following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which was confirmed in early June.

2 mins

African armyworm makes its way to Porterville

An outbreak of African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) has been confirmed on farms near Porterville in the Western Cape, marking a shift in the pest’s usual pattern of migration.

1 mins

Potato app to help production, marketing decisions

At the Sandveld Potato Growers' Organisation's annual general meeting, recently held in Lambert's Bay in the Western Cape, farmers were encouraged to sign up to the Potatoes South Africa (Potatoes SA) app.

2 mins

Local dragon fruit market sees good season returns

The dragon fruit industry has continued its slow and steady growth, wrapping up a positive season in June.

2 mins

US trade relationship is damaged beyond repair

While the US's 'Liberation Day' tariffs could be seen as a negotiating tactic, it may have backfired, irrevocably changing trade relations around the world.

1 mins

Navigating an uncertain regulatory environment

While various regulations and policy developments might be causing uncertainty in the agriculture sector, farmers should remember that previous radical attempts at land reform failed to materialise, or had minimal impact.

2 mins

AI could negate the need for extension officers

Artificial intelligence (AI) could help narrow the gap in production between commercial and emerging farmers.

2 mins

Highlights from the 2025 Good Life Show

The Good Life Show, held recently at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, hosted close to 200 exhibits, thought-provoking talks, and hands-on experiences to promote healthy living. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various exhibitors about the value the event holds for them.

3 mins

Opening up opportunities for future farmers by exposing them to technology

Magda du Toit attended the launch of a strategic collaborative partnership between Earth Hub Africa, MTN SA Foundation, and Shell South Africa, aimed at creating scalable smart farming in rural areas.

2 mins

Nelson Mandela Bay hosts youth agri indaba

Over 250 young people from across the Eastern Cape gathered at the historic Feather Market Hall in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) for the inaugural Youth in Agriculture Indaba, hosted by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture.

1 mins

Mohair trust holds knitting workshop for women

The Mohair Empowerment Trust (MET), in partnership with The Shearing Shed, recently hosted a three-day knitting workshop for 21 women from Graaff-Reinet, Jansenville and Aberdeen in the Eastern Cape, including MET farmers, farmworkers and their families.

1 mins

Barriers to insuring cannabis crops in South Africa

Local insurance companies remain reluctant to cover farmers who produce cannabis for recreational and commercial purposes, largely due to the industry's uncertain legal status

2 mins

The stories behind South Africa's best extra virgin olive oils

SA Olive and Absa celebrate the country's top olive oil producers, from the Breede River Valley to the slopes of the Swartberg Mountains.

2 mins

Crop rotation is key in vegetable and crop production

The continual practice of ‘monoculture’ planting by farmers is becoming increasingly detrimental to the quality of produce in the longer term, so cyclical rotation is a better option, writes Shane Brody.

3 mins

Marrying the old with the new: a young farmer's perspective

The roots of the Battenhausen family in the Upper Karoo are as deep and meaningful as their family tree. For six generations, they have farmed sheep near Philipstown, and their contribution to the community is well known. Today, it is up to Carl Battenhausen to walk in the footsteps of those who came before him and continue building his family’s legacy.

4 mins

'Make yourself indispensable to ensure your future in farming'

Not only is Johan Odendal farming to leave a legacy for his three children, but he is also looking out for the interests of his fellow farmers through his role as chairperson of the Young Farmer Committee at Free State Agriculture. He spoke to Sabrina Dean about his approach to farming and his thoughts on the sector.

8 mins

Blending indigenous farming with innovative business techniques

Seniren Naidoo, who farms in Upper Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, has merged ancestral wisdom with modern business acumen to build a thriving agricultural enterprise. He spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about his operation, which is rooted in indigenous crops, sustainability, and innovation.

5 mins

Two-decade milestone for local business is no small feat

Wuhlf Equipment, a South African manufacturer and importer of affordable and reliable heavy-duty equipment, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Founded in 2005 as QualiProd by brothers Johan and Carl Grobler, the company rebranded in 2015, and the Groblers now run the business with CEO Coert Steenberg. They spoke to Magda du Toit about the company's successes over the years and how they're weathering the ongoing challenges facing the agriculture sector.

6 mins

Rabbit farming on the rise in South Africa

Rabbit farming is gaining traction in South Africa. Farmer Daisy Moleko spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the breeds, biosecurity, and market access opportunities driving growth in this niche livestock sector.

6 mins

The story of rooibos, South Africa's indigenous tea

Over the past decade, rooibos production has fluctuated, with annual yields ranging between 10 000t and 18 000t. Combined international and local demand for this iconic South African product is currently stable. Marthane Swart, secretariat for the South African Rooibos Council, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the local rooibos industry.

6 mins

The mighty capsicums

An important part of the diets of millions of people worldwide, capsicums also boast stunning colours that brighten up gardens

2 mins

Feeding garden birds to help them survive the winter

During the warmer months, birds have access to plentiful seeds, fruit, and insects, so supplementary feeding is unnecessary. It's also an important time for fledglings to learn how to forage. However, in winter, when food sources are scarce, feeding your garden birds helps them survive the harsh conditions

2 mins

Suzuki 'half-loaf' will put in a full shift

The Nissan NP200 has been replaced by all sorts of alternatives including one-tonner single cabs, converted SUVs, and cargo hatchbacks. However, the most interesting of the lot is a unique little van called the Suzuki Eeco

2 mins

Mashed potato crumpets

These crispy, cheesy breakfast delights are the ultimate comfort food — golden, savoury bites with hints of chilli and chives. Recipe and photo: South African Poultry Association.

1 mins

THE HITCHING POST

I'm a down-to-earth, 57-year-old woman and former farmer, seeking a single, white gentleman farmer in his 50s or 60s in the Emalahleni area. He must cherish the outdoors, fishing, gardening, music, and Yahuah, our Elohim.

1 mins

Morphing proteins hold promise for farming

Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), in the US have created artificial proteins that can change shape to adjust to their environment, just like some natural proteins in our bodies do. This breakthrough holds significant promise for the agriculture sector.

1 mins

Beware the fury of the white-tailed gnu

White-tailed gnu, better known as black wildebeest, are used by some farmers to address security challenges. But these odd-looking antelope can be very dangerous under certain circumstances

2 mins

Stories of struggle from different angles

With South Africans celebrating Youth Day this month, the books that Patricia McCracken has selected this week have the past, present, and future of young people in mind.

2 mins

Eco-paradise: exploring South Africa’s hidden botanical gem

Travel writer Brian Berkman discovers why the pristine Kogelberg Nature Reserve, east of Cape Town, offers the perfect off-the-grid escape for botanical lovers in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

4 mins

Read all Stories from Farmer's Weekly

Farmer's Weekly Magazine Description:

Publisher: CTP-Limited-t/a-Farmer’s-Weekly

Category: Business

Language: English

Frequency: Fortnightly

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.