Business
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
AI could negate the need for extension officers
Artificial intelligence (AI) could help narrow the gap in production between commercial and emerging farmers.
2 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The mighty capsicums
An important part of the diets of millions of people worldwide, capsicums also boast stunning colours that brighten up gardens
2 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |
June 20, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
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 min |