Business
Farmer's Weekly
Egon Zunckel: a lifetime of learning from the soil
The Zunckel name is synonymous with no-till farming in South Africa. Egon Zunckel, a pioneer in the field and a passionate advocate for soil health, shared with Lindi Botha the lessons he has learnt over the years about building resilient soils and sustainable farming systems.
10 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Researchers explore new tools to combat herbicide resistance
Research by students from Stellenbosch University aimed at combatting herbicide resistance was highlighted during a recent technical trial information day hosted by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.
6 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Lepas leaps into South Africa as the latest Chery-owned brand
Lepas has become Chinese carmaker Chery's latest local subbrand with the introduction of the L4 compact SUV. The Citizen's Charl Bosch reports.
2 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
La Rhone Limousins: a small mixed herd turned renowned stud
The Western Cape is not typically known for cattle farming, particularly in its fruit-growing regions. Yet nestled among the orchards below the mountains of Tulbagh is a Limousin stud that has made a name for itself. AJ du Toit of La Rhone Limousins spoke to Henning Naudé about producing high-quality genetics now found on farms in all nine provinces.
6 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Nitrogen: no easy fix
Products that claim to herald a nitrogen revolution that will boost global food production are nothing more than snake oil, say scientists.
4 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Potato soup
Rich, creamy, and indulgent, this soup is the ultimate in comfort food.
1 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Fill your Easter basket with some books
Patricia McCracken has put together a delightful cocktail of titles to tuck into during the April long weekend break that offers the bookworm an appetising alternative to the traditional sweet treats.
3 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
New Holland T7 and T6000 tractor series
In line with the advancement of technology, implements, and systems in the agriculture sector, New Holland is modifying their new-generation tractors to keep pace with farmers' needs in the future, writes Jaco du Preez.
2 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
The kiss of the golden serpent
The Swedish zoologist Carl Linnaeus captured a Cape cobra at the Cape of Good Hope in 1758 and introduced it to science for the first time. Mike Burgess investigates why and how these incredibly well-adapted snakes are often involved in deadly interactions with humans.
3 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Diamond-back moth remains a key pest to monitor in South African canola
Canola is a cornerstone of South Africa's winter rainfall region, with record yields approaching 300 000t. While it boosts soil health and diversification, the crop remains highly vulnerable to the rapid three-week life cycle of the diamond-back moth. Success depends on early detection of 'windowing' feeding patterns to protect stands and maintain industry momentum.
4 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Limousin: the ancient breed that dominates global beef production
Limousin cattle are used worldwide in crossbreeding programmes, adding value to other breeds. AJ du Toit, head of marketing and communication at the Limousin Cattle Breeders' Society of Southern Africa, spoke to Sabrina Dean about the breed's global popularity and the growing demand for custom-bred local genetics.
6 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
The new NMW and what it means for the sector
The National Minimum Wage Act is a very explicit piece of legislation. As James Pretorius writes, noncompliance by employers can carry serious consequences, which includes monetary fines.
2 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Cape rebel who survived the gallows had to face the rope soon after
A dreadful incident at Aliwal North during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) was remembered by a 15-year-old boy who was also interned by the British, and later published in a manuscript. Graham Jooste reported.
7 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Zimbabwe farmer's Limousin revival
After 25 years working as a computer engineer in South Africa, Ndumiso Sibanda returned to his Zimbabwean roots to fulfil a steely vow made in 2007: to bring the Limousin breed back to Matabeleland South. Trading London-trained technical skills for cattle breeding, Sibanda transformed his farm, Phikelela Limousins, into a model of modern efficiency.
7 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
'Time to talk Limousin'
Because of the decision by the Nampo Harvest Day management to ban the participation of cloven-hoofed animals at the 2026 event, the Limousin Cattle Breeders' Society of Southern Africa has decided to hold a breed summit, as Jan Stiglingh, the president puts it, 'to talk Limousin'.
4 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Free State breeder focuses on functionality and hardiness
Carine Steenkamp spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the various practical herd management practices that contribute to the success of her Limousin operation.
7 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Bird flu vaccination access could stunt poultry industry growth and exports
South Africa's poultry industry has become increasingly competitive, but future growth will depend on expanding exports. Industry experts say not only will this require vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza, but stronger government support to ensure stable production and unlock new international markets. Glenneis Kriel reports.
3 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
South Africa's dairy industry is rated highly competitive
South Africa's dairy industry has been ranked among the most competitive in the world in the 2025 IFCN Dairy Report. With relatively low production costs, strong productivity, and large herd sizes, local producers are well positioned to compete in international markets despite ongoing challenges such as rising input costs and declining farm numbers. Lindi Botha reports.
3 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Oil price woes as Iran blocks sea passage
On 27 February, the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran in the Middle East.
2 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Building better beef: why stud inspections matter for Limousin cattle
Evaluation according to the same formal criteria help make sure each animal meets the right standards for structure, function, and breed traits before joining the ranks of registered breeders.
2 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Locally developed biochar-rock blend attracts global interest
Farmer's Weekly in 2024 reported on promising field trial results for RegenR8, a plant growth enhancer combining biochar and volcanic rock, on wheat at Tygerhoek Research Farm near Riviersonderend in the Western Cape. Clayton Postma spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the latest developments with the product and shared his thoughts on how it is working.
6 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
AGOA's promise fades under new US tariffs
Although the African Growth and Opportunity Act has been extended for another year, new US reciprocal tariffs have largely erased its duty-free benefits. Recent modelling shows sharp declines in African exports to the US, particularly in apparel-dependent economies such as Lesotho and Madagascar.
4 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Diversity and direct marketing drive a small farm's success
On a small piece of land in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, Alan and Belinda Stewart have built a diversified enterprise that produces vegetables, eggs, and cheese, taking their harvest directly to customers through a farmer's market and home deliveries.
10 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Mapping the unseen
Soil mapping is transforming how farmers understand and manage variability within their fields. By combining soil samples, GPS data, sensors, and digital modelling, modern soil mapping reveals differences in soil fertility, texture, and moisture that are invisible to the eye.
5 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Versatility: the secret to cover crop success
Despite the Western Cape's dry climate limiting traditional off-season cover cropping, farmers and researchers are finding innovative ways to integrate cover crops into their systems. By alternating seasons between cash crops and cover crops, producers are improving soil health, boosting grazing capacity, and managing weeds, demonstrating the versatility of cover crops under challenging conditions.
6 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Weighbridge maintenance critical to prevent financial losses
Farmers can lose millions if weighbridges are not properly maintained, a risk highlighted at the !Xhariep region annual general meeting of Agricultural Writers SA, held recently at Massamatic in Parow.
2 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Prodigy of agriculture and land is now a presidential envoy
Wandile Sihlobo will be armed by state powers to accelerate any decision-making that the Presidency deems crucial to grow the sectors of agriculture and land
2 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Notes from the Western Cape agricultural roadshow
We spent time last week engaging with agribusinesses and farmers in the Western Cape. The primary agricultural focus of the province is various fruits, citrus, table grapes, wine, wheat, barley, livestock, and aquaculture, among many value chains.
3 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
More about growing vegetable seedlings in trays
By considering various factors and tailoring care to specific vegetable needs, you can produce healthy, robust seedlings ready for transplanting into the garden, writes Shane Brody.
2 min |
March 27 - April 3, 2026
Farmer's Weekly
Bathurst Show celebrates heritage where town and country meet
With a history stretching back more than 170 years, the Bathurst Agricultural Show remains a cornerstone of rural life in the Eastern Cape.
3 min |