Innholdsfortegnelse for Vol 22 - No 3 2025 i AgriProbe

As I write this final editorial for AgriProbe after 22 years and a few months at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, I am filled with deep gratitude for the time I could spend at this esteemed establishment and in the most vibrant sector in South Africa. AgriProbe has become part of my agricultural “blood” and since its inception in 2004, it has been more than just an information platform – it has been a voice, a bridge and a beacon for service delivery excellence, agricultural innovation, shared knowledge and collective progress in many areas. Over these two decades, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the resilience of our sector, the brilliance of our scientists and farmers, and the unwavering commitment of all who believe in the future of sustainable…

On 3 July 2025, I stood before a room of business leaders, diplomats and government officials in Cape Town – not to lament the uncertainty gripping global trade, but to affirm our resolve. The Western Cape is not a passive observer in the unfolding tariff crisis. We are active participants, defending our economy, our exporters, our province and our country, South Africa. The threat is real. If the United States (US) reimposes punitive tariffs on South African goods, raising them from 10% to 30%, the impact will be swift and severe. Containers will be stuck. Orders will be cancelled. Jobs will be lost. And the pain will be felt most acutely in the rural towns and agricultural hubs that form the backbone of our province. “ This is not just…

In 2023, the then National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) introduced the Integrated Rural Development Sector Strategy (IRDSS) to provide a unified national approach to rural development. Following this, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture developed an implementation framework to localise and guide the province in effectively implementing the IRDSS, ensuring that national objectives are aligned with provincial priorities and realities. The framework is called “The Rural Development Strategic Framework” or RDSF. In June this year, the Chief Directorate Rural Development at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture officially launched the Rural Development Forum (RDF), marking a significant milestone in coordinated efforts to advance rural development. This inaugural event brought together key stakeholders from all three spheres of government, as well as academia, youth, civil society…

The joint effort between scientists of the Directorate: Animal Sciences of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Department of Animal Sciences: Stellenbosch University and the Department of Biological Sciences: University of Venda resulted in an MSc study on ostrich reproduction. Neleke Lotz conducted a study, titled “Performance of male ostriches conditioned to semen collection protocol in a natural mating system”, at the renowned Oudtshoorn Research Farm. She was awarded her MSc Agric (Animal Science) degree from Stellenbosch University in March this year. Her study demonstrated that while male ostriches respond differently to training for semen collection using the dummy female method, some could be successfully trained in as little as 11 days. Remarkably, this training did not negatively affect natural mating behaviour, fertility, hatchability or chick production, countering concerns about…

Artificial Intelligence – AI for short – is no longer just science fiction. It’s fast becoming part of our everyday lives, whether we realise it or not. From smart assistants and chatbots to the systems behind precision agriculture, AI is changing how we live, work and grow our food. Now, I know it can sound like a complicated topic, but if we strip away the buzzwords and jargon, AI is simply about machines doing tasks that normally require human intelligence. And while these systems still make mistakes, they’re getting better every day. The truth is: The more we understand about this technology, the better we can use it to improve our lives – especially in sectors like farming, where data, timing and decision-making are everything. “ In a way, it’s…

In regions where agriculture intersects with natural habitats, farming operations often encroach on wild spaces. When this happens, wildlife may pose a considerable threat to both subsistence and commercial farming setups – for example, predators may opportunistically hunt livestock, antelopes may damage crops, baboons may raid orchards, or porcupines and feral pigs may destroy infrastructure. To safeguard their property and livelihoods, farmers sometimes retaliate by reducing or removing wild species. Situations like this where encounters between humans and wildlife lead to negative results are known as ‘human-wildlife conflict’. For centuries, agricultural communities have been trying to ‘control’ damagecausing animals, but despite these efforts, damage still occurs regularly and in some cases the losses are escalating. In fact, research suggests that removing ‘problem animals’ may cause even more problems – this…

South Africa’s dragon fruit industry: Market overview and global context Vanessa Barends-Jones Production of dragon fruit in the Western Cape: Is it viable? Mzwanele Lingani Did you know? Dragon fruit contains prebiotic fibre linked to improved gut health and reduced insulin resistance in animal studies. A 2025 human trial also found positive effects on blood pressure and inflammatory markers (Nutrients Journal). Learn more! Scan the QR code or visit: shorturl.at/IkXhr…

Dr Pieter Cornelis van Rooyen touched many lives of staff and colleagues in the ARC and at the Department of Agriculture with his unique leadership style and his way of extracting the best from people. Although not a sworn rebel, he would not hesitate to ignore or take on the “establishment”. He was a mentor, he was an influencer and he could spot talent a mile away. He was a wine lover and wine expert and was the only representative from the Southern Hemisphere at the International Wine Academy in Switzerland. For this one cannot apply – membership is by invitation only. When asked for advice on what wine to drink, his only advice was to choose wine you like and enjoy. He liked to quote various people to motivate…

COVER Dragon fruit is one of South Africa’s newest high-value crops, combining premium export potential with promising returns for local producers. Although the industry remains small, opportunities lie in counter-seasonal supply to Northern Hemisphere markets and strong domestic demand. Research highlights both the challenges and viability of production in the Western Cape, with gross margins as high as 85% per hectare. Read more about market outlook and production prospects in the Journal section of this issue of AgriProbe.…

As mentioned in the SmartAgri Barometer Edition 3 (2024/2025), the Western Cape Government (WCG), represented by the Department of Agriculture and Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, proudly hosted the 2025 Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP) Annual Convening in May this year. This highlighted the province’s growing reputation as a focal point for climate action, innovation and partnership in climate change response measures. A comprehensive action agenda (2024–2026) was discussed during the event and discussions have already started on actions between the regions. Scan the QR code or visit shorturl.at/LbKXe to download a copy of the MCAP 2024-2026 Action Agenda Framework Proposal_December 2023. Watch this! Scan the QR code or visit shorturl.at/HXRkE to watch the video: “Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership”. Published by ICLEI Global. The MCAP Convening brought together…

For the first time in its history, the Elsenburg Percheron Stud participated in a Virtual Show, competing against other Percheron studs from across South Africa. Showing is an equestrian discipline where breeders present the finest examples of specific horse breeds, with meticulous attention to detail and presentation playing a crucial role. The Virtual Show was an initiative by the Percheron Breeders Society of South Africa in collaboration with the Draught Horse Society of South Africa. Given that the annual Horse of the Year show in Gauteng is the only physical event where draught horses compete, the introduction of a Virtual Show was welcomed by breeders from other provinces. This platform allowed them to showcase their horses without the logistical and financial challenges of transporting their valuable equines across vast distances.…

In our AgriProbe Diary & Events pillar on page 8, Dr Ilse Trautmann reports on the 2nd Annual Convening of the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP) hosted by the Western Cape Government in Stellenbosch, from 6 to 9 May 2025. In this follow-up article, we share the experiences of the full-day technical excursion, the Living Labs site visits, on 7 May. “MCAP priority climate risks that provide a clear focus for the initiative are drought, extreme heat and wildfire. ” The MCAP priority climate risks that provide a clear focus for the initiative are drought, extreme heat and wildfire. Residents of the Western Cape will instantly identify with these risks – we have our fair share of such extremes. Across all the Mediterranean climate partner regions, these extremes are leading…

In today’s fast-paced, tech-savvy world that is constantly evolving, a digital tool needs to truly prove itself to earn its place on the frontlines of farming and land management. CapeFarmMapper, an innovative online mapping application developed in-house by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s GIS unit, appears to be doing just that. A recent user survey reveals the platform is not only being widely adopted, but it is clearly also making a real difference in the daily lives of its users. Between mid-March and mid-April of 2025, a brief user survey was implemented in CapeFarmMapper 3 (CFM) to help assess user perceptions of our platform and to guide potential further refinements and future developments. The survey was presented as a user option on a CFM startup “splash screen”. The survey…

Sweet potato is a popular traditional and food-security crop regarded as a stable food in most households. In the Central Karoo region, the average annual production of sweet potato is approximately 36.5t/ha. Thus, this crop has an exciting potential to address: 1) income and 2) job creation. Farmers continue to experience 2.1t/ha loss due to damaged tubers caused by wild rats. The damage is approx. R42 000 loss to the business. This situation necessitates prompt intervention and innovation. Consequently, a trial was initiated in November 2023 at Rondawel Farm, located in the plateau area of the Nieveldt mountain outside Beaufort West. The study had three objectives: 1 To mitigate the rats’ damage on sweet potato tubers by using the 50kg bag technique. 2 To determine the ideal number of cuttings to be…

1Macro and Resource Economics, Agricultural Economic Services 1. Introduction The global dragon fruit industry has undergone a dramatic shift from a niche exotic fruit to a mass agricultural crop (Sharma & Sharma, 2021). This growth trajectory reflects changes in consumer demand for exotic and healthy fruits, along with the expansion of production in tropical and subtropical countries worldwide (Dung, Duong, Son, & Khanh, 2025; Sharma & Sharma, 2021). Currently, the three largest producers dominating world production are China (67,000 ha), Vietnam (50,000 ha) and Indonesia (17,850 ha), which together account for 93% of global output (Sharma & Sharma, 2021). This concentration marks a significant shift from previous patterns, where Vietnam held the leading position, as indicated in Table 1. China’s rapid expansion has dramatically changed market dynamics, with its production…

As Dr Ilse Trautmann prepares to retire in September 2025, we pause to acknowledge her contribution to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. Appointed in 2021 as the first Deputy Director-General for Agricultural Research and Regulatory Services, Ilse led the Department’s scientific and technical work with focus and determination. She helped lay the foundation for a more integrated, evidence-based branch that remains central to the province’s agricultural competitiveness. Her leadership helped shape initiatives such as the SmartAgri Plan and the Die Kwik Styg radio series – both of which deepened the province’s climate response and made science more accessible to those working the land. On 1 July 2019, Dr Ilse Trautmann received the Eco-Logic Gold Award for Climate Change on behalf of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. The award…

Agri-workers from all over the Western Cape are encouraged to enter this year’s Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards. This is your opportunity to shine and be recognised for the important role you play in the agricultural sector and economy! In April this year, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) launched its annual Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards (WCPAA) 2025 at a celebratory event at Elsenburg. The Department was joined in the celebration by sponsors, members of the Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker Forum, regional coordinators, industry partners and senior management. Through this initiative, the Department annually acknowledges the valuable contribution that agri-workers make to the sustainability and growth of the agricultural sector in the Western Cape. The Awards further aim to broaden the agri-workers’ scope and understanding of the agricultural…

In April this year, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) held its 21st annual ostrich auction at the Oudtshoorn Research Farm. The event was hosted in collaboration with the South African Ostrich Business Chamber (SAOBC) and Klein Karoo Auctions and Livestock Marketing. This marked the third consecutive auction where both the WCDoA and various ostrich feather breeders offered selected young breeding birds for sale. The auction is unique in that individual birds are sold based on detailed information provided in a catalogue, rather than being physically present at the event. For biosecurity reasons, all ostriches remain on their farms of origin until sold. However, prospective buyers had the opportunity to view the birds on the respective farms prior to the auction. The auction annually makes superior birds available to…

Generational differences in the workplace are clear – from Baby Boomers and Gen X holding institutional knowledge to Millennials stepping into leadership and Gen Z bringing fresh perspectives and digital skills. This diversity should be a strength, but without effort to connect these groups, it can become a barrier. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) faces this challenge. Over half of its middle managers and nearly two-thirds of senior leaders are aged 50 or older, signalling an ageing leadership and potential future gaps. Next Generation BOLD is an 18-month leadership development programme designed to prepare middle managers (levels 9 to 12) to lead with purpose, adaptability and insight. It goes beyond technical skills, emphasising emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and managing a multigenerational workforce. Through academic modules, coaching, observations and…

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. The disease may lead to increased abortions and stillbirths among cattle, sheep and goats despite the animals appearing otherwise healthy, and may therefore have severe effects on animal production systems. On the other hand, the disease is also of important public health interest as humans are also very susceptible to the disease. It can have severe detrimental effects on pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals or people with heart valve disorders. The incubation period of Q fever in people varies from two to six weeks. The illness starts as flu-like symptoms, including listlessness, sweating, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and a dry cough. The fever may last up to one to two weeks. Pregnant women can suffer miscarriages. Further complications…

Since 2010, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) has proudly supported FruitLook – a cutting-edge tool that has helped revolutionise irrigation practices across the province. For over a decade, farmers have accessed satellite-derived crop data through the platform, enabling smarter water use, enhanced productivity and better on-farm decision-making. Now, after 14 years of public funding, FruitLook is entering a new phase. In line with a data-informed Management Improvement Plan (MIP), the WCDoA announced that the service will transition to a commercially funded model by March 2026. This decision follows a 2022 external evaluation study of the service, which recommended a gradual phasing out of government funding to ensure the platform’s long-term viability. FruitLook was originally conceived as a government-funded initiative to introduce irrigation farmers to the benefits of remote…

1 Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Economic Services 1. Introduction Dragon fruit, also known as “pitaya”, is a large, red-skinned fruit of the cactus family with either pink, purple or white fresh flesh with small edible seeds. Due to its health benefits, such as the high concentrations of antidiabetic, antioxidants and antiaging properties (Sampson, 2023), it is considered a “superfood”. It is indicated that it thrives well in subtropical regions and its trellis system follows that of kiwi production. Although it is still a relatively young industry (just over 10 years) in South Africa, the production of dragon fruit is found in various regions, such as KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Eastern and Western Cape. South Africa produces a myriad of dragon fruit varieties that are marketed locally and internationally.…