Animals-and-Pets
Farmer's Weekly
High rainfall-mitigation tech is available, but costly
South Africa's status as an arid country has focused much attention on water-saving technologies, placing farmers in a good position to better manage water resources.
2 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Standing committee gears up for better oversight
The Standing Committee on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism recently engaged directly with leading industry bodies, including AgBiz, Agri Western Cape, Hortgro, South Africa Wine, the National Wool Growers’ Association (NWGA), the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO), Milk South Africa, the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation and the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, to deepen their understanding of the agriculture sector.
2 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Sorghum: a viable crop for summer rainfall areas
Sorghum, deeply rooted in South Africa’s heritage, is a versatile, highly nutritious, and gluten-free grain. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it thrives in various soil types and fluctuating climate conditions. However, for sorghum to be a viable crop, it must add value to a farming enterprise, fit into a farmer's rotation system, and be profitable. Magda du Toit spoke to industry experts about the best sorghum production practices.
10+ min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Western Cape honey bee population under threat
South Africa’s agricultural output could face significant disruption unless urgent steps are taken to protect the country’s indigenous honey bee populations, the Western Cape Bee Industry Association (WCBA) has warned.
2 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Captive big cat industry needs complete reform
The recent conviction of Thabo Masihlelo, a professor at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in Gauteng, for animal cruelty (after starving captive lions were found in his possession near Tweeling in the Free State) highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reform in South Africa's captive lion industry.
1 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The rise of the big red machine
In German, a steiger is the foreman on a mine; someone who must ensure the safety of workers rising from the depths. In the same way, the new Case IH Steiger is the latest example of how agricultural mechanisation has risen from relatively humble beginnings to powerful innovation.
2 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
World shearing record broken in South Africa
New Zealand shearer Aiden Copp and South African shearing contractor Tienie du Plessis recently set a world two-stand shearing record by shearing a total of 970 Merino lambs in nine hours near Steynsburg, Eastern Cape.
2 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
MEC highlights empowerment at G20 food meeting
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Thembeni Madlopha Mthethwa delivered a rallying speech at the G20 Food Security Task Force (FSTF) Meeting in late April in Durban, calling on global partners to \"empower youth, women and smallholders\" and embrace technology to ensure a more resilient and inclusive agriculture sector.
1 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Favourable prospects for livestock industry, despite uncertainties
This week, Absa AgriBusiness explores some of the major factors that could have a bearing on price direction and profitability in livestock markets over the coming months.
3 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
A closer look at land reform numbers
Johann Bornman, chairperson of Agri Development Solutions, recently released a report to set the record straight about land reform in South Africa. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the results.
7 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The American Quarter Horse: undisputed king of Western riding
Over centuries, the American Quarter Horse has been refined into the ideal work and sport horse, thanks to its history as a cow horse. Janine Ryan looks at the Western riding disciplines that have been derived from farm work, and explains why the American Quarter Horse is perfect for this sport.
8 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Surviving the storm: managing risks in a world of 'black swans'
It’s at times like the present that a professional risk-management exercise becomes so valuable.
3 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Flood damage exacerbated by poor infrastructure
Tarien Cooks, disaster management specialist at AfriForum, has expressed serious concern about the lack of damage-control infrastructure and management expertise across South Africa, except in the Western Cape.
1 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Looking forward to Nampo 2025
Nampo Harvest Day is once again upon us!
2 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Let the figures do the talking
Six years after starting a dairy, former chartered accountant John Knipe not only milked a massive Friesland herd but marketed the final product himself, as this article revealed.
3 min |
May 16, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Focus on global food security at a major conference hosted by Joburg
The World Union of Wholesale Markets Conference 2025 will bring together industry leaders to explore innovative solutions, policies, and technological advancements that can transform food distribution networks and enhance sustainability.
2 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The foundation for greatness
The 1951/52 Springbok touring side to the UK and France set a benchmark for future South African teams, and was regarded as 'world champion' before the title officially existed
6 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
How to finance John Deere equipment
With smarter cash flow, better planning, and flexible repayment options, John Deere Financial empowers farmers to remain resilient and ready for growth — without the need for upfront payment.
2 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Uncertainty looms over 2024/25 summer grain crop
There are several uncertainties regarding the 2024/25 summer grain season of which producers and consumers need to be aware
2 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Boosting productivity in sheep farming
Emerging sheep farmers can boost their production and profitability by focusing on quality over quantity. Willem Goosen, production adviser at the National Wool Growers' Association, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about strategies for breeding productive animals and managing them effectively.
6 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
How to keep your Asil Arabian stallion from pacing at night
Like stallions of other breeds, Asil Arabian stallions will often get restless at night. Dr Mac explores ways to deal with this behaviour.
2 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Meander to Nullarbor Cottages
Head off to the Magalies Meander for a tranquil, self-catering farm stay
2 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Storage solutions for your summer crop
In this article, Janine Ryan and Nichelle Steyn take a look at storage options for grains and oilseeds.
6 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Hemp industry success needs processing increase
Growing demand for hemp in the textile and building industries offers much potential for South African farmers, since the country has both the land and climate to cultivate this crop.
1 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Tuna-stuffed pasta with arrabiata sauce
Mark World Tuna Day on 2 May with this simple yet wholesome pasta bake - the perfect dish for chilly nights.
1 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Tech in, on and around Case IH equipment on show at Nampo
Nampo Harvest Day 2025 is around the corner, and the Case IH team is ready to meet producers and discuss the challenges they face on their farms. Magda du Toit spoke to the team to find out more about their plans for the trade show, and what farmers can expect to see.
2 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Getting to grips with the basics of sunflower production
Sunflower is an important oilseed in South Africa and a highly versatile crop.
8 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
SA Boerperd: a breed tempered by Africa, for Africa
A five-star rating system being implemented by Erica Stud is taking the SA Boerperd into the future. George Nefdt, owner of the stud in KwaZulu-Natal, tells Sabrina Dean why he believes the breed to be the perfect companion or competition horse.
8 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The rugged Lexus GX: more than just a fancy Prado
The first two generations of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado-based Lexus GX were sold predominantly in North America and the Middle East. Now, the third generation has finally found its way to the southern tip of Africa
2 min |
May 09, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Powering progress on the farm
TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa provides reliable energy solutions that drive agricultural growth across South Africa.
2 min |