Farmer's Weekly

Farmer’s Weekly is an agricultural magazine based in South Africa, targeting the whole of Southern Africa. The magazine is committed to advancing the interests of the region’s farmers and its agricultural industry by serving as a mouthpiece for the industry and by keeping its readers informed of the latest developments in the agricultural sector.

Should we fear a ‘super’ El Niño’ event?

Farmer's Weekly

A necessary step to keep delivering trusted agricultural journalism

Massive raptor declines hit central South Africa • A 16-year study reveals 50% of assessed raptor species in central South Africa declined significantly. Urgent action is needed as several resident and migratory species face habitat fragmentation and human threats.

Sheep and goat course

Public urged not to unnecessarily remove chameleons after Garden Route storms

Provision for the bad years

Global food prices nudge up, but we are not at crisis levels

NEWS WRAP

Slower than anticipated freight reform progress raises concerns for ports • More than half of South Africa’s freight logistics reforms are not progressing according to schedule, despite signs of recovery in rail volumes and continued efforts to restructure the sector. Glenneis Kriel reports.

New risks force farmers to rethink cyber strategies

Astral Foods rebounds as poultry demand grows

Climate pressure drives artificial pollination research in pistachios

Biosecurity concerns grow as plant health risks increase pressure on SA’s food system • South Africa’s food security and agricultural trade are facing growing pressure as climate variability and global commerce contribute to the spread of crop pests and diseases, increasing the need for stronger biosecurity and surveillance systems. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports.

Billions lost as storms lash Western Cape farming areas • The intense storms that hit the Western Cape weeks ago caused widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and billions of rands in losses. Clayton Swart reports.

The transition from survival farming to sustainable profit • This Farmer’s Weekly column by Cobus du Plessis explores the crucial transition from smallholder to commercial farming, guiding skilled producers to shift their mindset from survival-based production toward disciplined business systems and sustainable profitability.

Insist that labour inspectors produce a valid form of ID • Failing to confirm an inspector’s credentials can expose a business to fraud and data breaches, while refusing to co-operate with a legitimate inspector can lead to legal consequences, writes Hannes Latsky.

Livestock prices hold as disease reshapes SA’s meat markets • South Africa’s livestock sector has entered a period of sustained firm pricing, shaped far more by disease-related supply disruptions than by a surge in consumer demand, writes Zama Sangweni.

Managing parasite infestations in small ruminants • Identifying and treating parasite infestations in sheep and goats reduce production losses, improve flock health, and slow growing resistance to deworming remedies in South Africa, writes Shane Brody.

AI-based precision technologies enables farmer to make tailored production decisions • The agriculture sector finds itself in the midst of a profound transformation driven by the integration of various types of technologies into traditional farming practices. Petri van der Walt, third-generation farmer and director at Walt Landgoed near Settlers in Limpopo, spoke to Magda du Toit to explain how these pioneers in conservation agriculture are using precision applications to optimise yield, profitability, and sustainability.

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Black Ox Borans excel on the sourveld • Rogers Sithole’s Black Ox...