Latest Agriculture News| Farmer's Weekly

R650 000 Limousin heifer sold at Leading Lady Auction

SA Stud Book awards top achievers for 2025

‘R1 billion in stock’ soon to make its way to Nampo...

KZN smallholder farmer programme aims to empower 100 farmers

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana scraps VAT increase

Armyworm suspected in death of 100 cattle in EC

Better prices, good weather see wool farmers breathe sigh of relief

Heavy rain and cold pose problems to oilseed, sheep farmers

Piet Lotz sets new SA record for largest pumpkin at 1...

Tanzanian ‘agri trade war’ with SA looms over phytosanitary requirements

Compensation payments to Zim farmers dispossessed of land commences

Germany to continue funding environment project in Namibia

Zimbabwe targeting a 340% increase in crop production in 2025

Namibia’s vegetable ban on South Africa a struggle for local farmers

Zimbabwe to conduct first agri sector census since independence

Rhino horn trafficker receives 18-year prison sentence for money laundering

Food scarcity takes its toll on hungry Zimbabweans

Japanese aid enabling Zim farmers to grow sesame

A farmer’s experience with bush encroachment

Farmer David Addenbrooke has worked in the Zimbabwean beef industry for around four decades. Here, he relates his experience with bush encroachment and offers farmers some advice on battling this...

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.

Why a solar-power subscription might not make financial sense

Solar-energy subscriptions are often marketed as convenient and hassle-free, but it’s important to consult a checklist before signing up for one. Teresa Kok, director of One Energy, talks about what...

World

Tariff uncertainty causes rise in US farm bankruptcies

Bankruptcies of family farms in the US are set to increase even further this year, following a 55% increase year-on-year in 2024.

US farmers fear losing biggest market China as tariff war escalates

With Chinese authorities announcing retaliations against US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, US farmers now stand to lose their largest export market.

Growing concern as UK finds world’s first bird flu case in...

Parts of the UK have been placed in an ‘avian influenza protection zone’ following the detection of the world's first case of the disease in sheep. BBC News reported that...

Plough for more

News

Call to arms for global dairy industry

Dairy plays a key role in feeding the world and the industry must respond dynamically and forcefully on a global level to those who challenge its nutritional and environmental integrity.

Woolies buys Nam beef

Namibia beef processor Meatco has closed a deal with Woolworths to sell free-range certified beef from its Oshakati abattoir in the Northern Communal Areas (NCA).

Severe fodder shortage in Western Cape

The Western Cape is experiencing a severe shortage of fodder after recent fires in the greater Knysna and Plettenberg Bay areas damaged almost all grazing.

Poultry industry will fight for a fair trading environment

The SA Poultry Association (SAPA) said it will do everything in its power to secure a fair trading environment for the industry, despite the decision by the Department of Trade...

1, 2, 3… Sheep counting competition at Agri Mega Week 2012

The annual sheep counting competition is a highlight of Agri Mega Week and will take place at Mega Park in Bredasdorp from Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 September.

Mlengana calls for unity in agriculture

Mike Mlengana, chairperson of Afasa, speaking at a panel discussion on Thursday morning, at Nampo, said there were key fundamentals to the debate on land reform.

Business

Spreading the Christmas spirit for 60 years

The Christmas Fair Fund was started in Stanger by a group of young farmers’ wives 60 years ago – and the organisation has brought hope and upliftment to the region...

The science of fruit packaging: SA leads the way

Stellenbosch University is acknowledged as a world leader in research on optimising packaging design for the fruit industry. Prof Linus Opara spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the university’s achievements in...

Maize by the bucketful for household producers

An Eastern Cape distributor is marketing a unique maize seed pack to communal homestead maize producers with notable success. Mike Burgess visited Border Seed Distributors to investigate why this product...

Beef and wine in South Korea: big opportunities for SA exporters

South Korea is one of the world’s least self-sufficient countries in terms of agricultural production. Janine Ryan looks at some of the opportunities in this East Asian country that may...

Restaurant manager turns commercial farmer

Through dedication and hard work, William Matasane of Senekal in the Free State has changed from being a restaurant manager to an award-winning commercial farmer in less than 10 years....

Growing opportunities with maize

Eight developing maize farmers plan to better themselves and their community through government and private assistance, hard work and a determination to equip themselves with as much knowledge as possible.

Lifestyle

‘n Boer maak ‘n plan

As poaching has threatened almost one rhino a day this year alone, South African farmers have resorted to desperate measures. With this in mind, Abré J Steyn decides to revisit...

Fabulous fish pie

You don’t have to live on the beach to enjoy this delicious meal, since the fishy parts come straight out of the supermarket freezer. And to make it even easier,...

Blue-cheese cheesecake with sweet-wine jelly

If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but still long for something creamy and delicious, try this savoury, baked, blue-cheese cheesecake with dessert-wine jelly garnish topped with herbs....

Quick pork & asparagus stir-fry

There’s real joy to be experienced in the production of this meal. It is quick and simple enough for the out right beginner, yet the unexpected presence of asparagus will...

Agritourism basics: Could you make it work?

Developing an agritourism operation may present a viable way to increase your farming income, while still maintaining normal farming activities, but it may not be suitable for every farm or...

Calamari pasta in tomato sauce

Pan-fried calamari is an impressive addition to the new cook’s repertoire, and the tomato sauce is a tasty reinvention of a classic. Enjoy this dish with a cold beer, or...

Animals

Just how high is your horse?

An exact measurement is needed to certify competition horses, says Dr Mac.

Maintaining optimal pigeon health

Renowned SA vet Dr Ockert Botha says maintaining optimal pigeon health requires a 365-days-a-year programme.

About successful genes

To maintain the high quality of a superior gene pool, most pigeon breeders follow a breeding plan using line breeding or inbreeding from the foundation pigeons.

Are worms troubling your horse?

Is your horse in poor condition, despite receiving good food? Worms could be the problem, says Dr Mac.

A breeder’s best friends

Breeders tend to take the pedigrees of their horses for granted, not realising that they are important legal documents. This is where the Animal Improvement Act and the South African...

No place for pampered stud animals in beef cattle production

Don't pussyfoot around with stud cattle - to be effective in the commercial market, they must be managed as commercial animals, with the ultimate test being performance. So says stud...

Crops

Vegetable farmer’s battle against the forces of nature

Eric Mauwane of Oneo Farms in Gauteng says that a crucial lesson he has learnt about sweet pepper production is the need to understand market demand and manage production practices...

The role of a market manager

Being a market manager (MM) on a fresh produce market is a hands-on business and not about skulking in sumptuous offices. Unfortunately, far too many of our current crop of...

Continuity of supply to the markets

One of the basic tenets of good marketing is to always ensure you have your product available and in front of the buyer’s eyes. Admittedly, that’s easier said than done,...

The role of earthworms in boosting soil quality

Of all soil organisms, earthworms can be by far the largest component by weight. Their benefits are generally insufficiently appreciated by farmers.

Making a point

Recently, I wrote about the necessity of ensuring vegetable transplants have enough nitrogen in the plug or in the plant to stimulate root growth and ensure an early start as...

Cutting water and energy use in orchards

Robertson farmer, Louis Loubser, has developed a system that allows micro-sprinkler users to significantly cut water and energy use in orchards. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his invention, the...