Business
Farmer's Weekly
'Always look for new opportunities to learn and grow'
When Dr Miekie Human began her undergraduate studies in 2011, she couldn't have known that she'd one day become the science and policy manager at the South African National Seed Organisation, where she now advocates for a sustainable seed industry. She spoke to Magda du Toit about her career path and passion for research.
5 min |
February 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Passionate about nurturing personal and professional growth in the agriculture sector
Dr Nicole Hart, CEO of Afrikelp, a leading manufacturer of liquid seaweed biostimulants, stands as an inspiring figure in the agricultural landscape. She spoke to Magda du Toit about her thoughts on success and leadership, as well as the role of women in agriculture and science.
4 min |
February 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Essential accounting concepts every farmer should know
Cobus du Plessis explores fundamental financial principles that every farmer should understand, including the differences between assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and fixed and variable costs. He also looks at cash flow management, tax basics, risk management, budgeting, and managing unforeseen costs.
5 min |
February 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Managing farm debt: strategies for financial stability
While adverse conditions like droughts and market volatility cannot be controlled, debt can be managed. Cobus du Plessis advises farmers on how to approach debt during difficult financial times.
5 min |
February 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The benefits of getting your show horse used to the water
It's a good idea to get show horses used to water in the summer rainfall areas. Dr Mac explains why you should do this, and how.
2 min |
February 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The intricacies of growing onions
Bill Kerr writes about the complexities of growing onions and the many factors one needs to consider in order to achieve success with this crop.
2 min |
February 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Essential accounting concepts every farmer should know
Cobus du Plessis explores fundamental financial principles that every farmer should understand, including the differences between assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and fixed and variable costs. He also looks at cash flow management, tax basics, risk management, budgeting, and managing unforeseen costs.
5 min |
February 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Women are 'saviours' or 'victims' in the climate change debate: why this is a problem
By avoiding the portrayal of women as either 'victims' or 'saviours' in climate and development literature, we can ensure that building sustainable economies does not reproduce gender injustices, write Prof Naila Kabeer, researcher Chung-Ah Baek, and Prof Deepta Chopra.
4 min |
February 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Smart strategies for conserving water on Cape fruit farms
South Africa is facing increasing levels of water stress, marked by erratic rainfall patterns and longer periods of drought. Lindi Botha looks at five case studies of fruit farms in the Western Cape, where the producers are implementing smarter water-management strategies to make every drop count.
8 min |
February 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
How to manage heat stress in cattle
With rising global temperatures due to climate change, heat stress in livestock is a growing concern. Ranier van Heerden, Evonik’s business manager for ruminant solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, shared insights with Octavia Avesca Spandiel on early signs of heat stress in cattle, its physiological effects, and practical management strategies, offering valuable advice to help farmers mitigate this issue.
5 min |
February 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Winemaking on an old Cape Town farm
FEATURE De Grendel Wine Estate RO/1 2013 DEGRENDEL WINES Winemaking on an old Cape Town farm From politics to premium wines, the Graaff family continues to make its mark. Sir De Villiers Graaff, Fourth Baronet of the family and De Grendel Wine Estate, spoke to Brian Berkman about continuing the tradition.
8 min |
February 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Learners prompted to consider agri careers
In late January, Eastern Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Nonceba Kontsiwe launched a back-to-school campaign in the town of eMaxesibeni, part of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality.
1 min |
February 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Conservation collaboration transforms lives and catalyses meaningful change
The collaboration between the African Conservation Trust (ACT) and the Social Employment Fund (SEF) is not only transforming lives and landscapes, but is a catalyst for meaningful change.
2 min |
February 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Revised Network Statement shows clear intent to move agricultural products back to rail
POLICY PERSPECTIVE by Theo Boshoff
3 min |
February 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Protecting the world's forests
This excerpt of a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provides projections on fuelwood and roundwood production, and offers some pragmatic solutions that are needed to protect the world’s forests, which are essential for the livelihoods of many people.
7 min |
February 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Cederberg frog discovery of 'extreme importance'
The identification of a new frog species, the Cederberg dainty frog (Cacosternum cederbergense), in South Africa in late 2024 is of the utmost importance for the preservation of biodiversity. This was according to herpetologist Tyrone Ping.
1 min |
February 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Farmers warned to look out for fraudsters and deals that seem too good to be true
Fraud happens everywhere, even in the agriculture sector, where many negotiations rely on relationships and goodwill. Glenneis Kriel reports on the situation and how to safeguard yourself against such crimes.
3 min |
February 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Addressing water scarcity and other agri issues through innovative irrigation
Smart irrigation helps address the challenges of water scarcity and unpredictable weather, and promotes operational efficiency, writes Eran Ossmy, president of Rivulis’ Micro Irrigation Division.
3 min |
February 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Canadian farmers expected to face trade challenges in 2025
Possible tariffs on Canadian agricultural exports have been a source of anxiety for the country since the new US government under President Donald Trump came into power in late January.
1 min |
February 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to combat diseases in animals
When it comes to protecting your animals’ health, vaccination stands out as one of the most crucial and effective preventive measures available, writes Boehringer Ingelheim’s Dr Michelle Enslin.
3 min |
February 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
New year starts with a volatile veg market
This analysis by Absa AgriBusiness outlines market trends, highlighting the factors shaping each vegetable category's performance.
3 min |
February 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Ayrshire cattle perfect for mixed farming
This article showed how Ayrshire cows are ideal for dairy production in a mixed farming enterprise.
3 min |
February 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
EU Green Deal mirror clause could put many SA farmers out of business
Fruit producers exporting to the EU will face significant declines in profitability as the Green Deal reduces pest control options. Lindi Botha reports on the impacts on key commodities.
4 min |
February 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Best practices for grain farmers
Maize and wheat are the two most important staple foods in South Africa. With stable consumer demand of these grains and the continuous development of production techniques, Lindi Botha reports on how producers should approach such farming ventures.
8 min |
January 24, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Equine dentistry: is 'bit seating' really necessary for all horses?
While most horse owners agree that it’s a good idea for riding horses to be examined by a dentist at least once a year, the need for bit seating depends on the type of riding, says Dr Mac.
2 min |
January 24, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Recovery of SA agriculture sector possible in 2025
The year 2025 is expected to be one of recovery for the South African agriculture sector, according to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz.
2 min |
January 24, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Oilseeds: vital for crop rotation
Oilseeds play a dual role on a crop farm, providing a valuable product and a mechanism for enhancing soil health and reducing input costs. Lindi Botha reports on the key considerations to make the best of sunflower, soya bean, and canola crops.
8 min |
January 24, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Drought and farming: how SA women are using indigenous knowledge to cope
In a study of small-scale farmers in an impoverished area, Dr Jabulile Mzimela and Prof Inocent Moyo of the University of Zululand found that women in particular had employed traditional farming practices to adapt to drought. Now, the academics are calling for the integration of indigenous knowledge in farming programmes.
4 min |
January 24, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The benefits of treating seed before sowing it
Pathogens can be removed from vegetable seed by treating it with hot water at 51°C for about half an hour. Bill Kerr explains this procedure as well as using trisodium phosphate to kill seed viruses.
2 min |
January 24, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Charting a new course for South Africa's sugar industry
Jennashree Govender, the first female CEO of the South African Sugar Millers’ Association, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about her leadership journey, industry challenges, and vision for transformation.
7 min |