Innholdsfortegnelse for 5+12 December 2025 i Farmer's Weekly

It always amazes me when we reach the end of the year at just how quickly the months pass. The adage that time seems to go faster the older you get certainly seems to be true! This past year has been a volatile one for the agriculture sector, filled with ups and downs. And as corporate South Africa starts winding down to celebrate the festive season, farmers are still working the lands, planting summer crops and running their animals. In South Africa, the agriculture sector never sleeps or rests, and as Farmer’s Weekly, we are proud to be able to provide you with ongoing, reliable and accurate information throughout the festive season and New Year. But as this is my last editorial for the year, I’d like to briefly look…

As Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana delivered his Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, terms such as ‘fiscal discipline’ and ‘tightening the belt’ were likely to dominate headlines. I can understand that we need to be prudent in the financial matters of the country and keep the debt-to-GDP ratio within reason. However, when these measures spill over to an inability to fill critical vacancies in the state’s machinery, the economy suffers. The minister (and previous finance ministers) has repeatedly cut the budgets for state spending on luxuries such as cars, hospitality, and so on, for state functions. The state should be commended for ‘tightening the belt’ in these areas, as this sends a clear and symbolic message to the tax-paying public that is overwhelmingly positive. However, the darker side to this…

South Africa Wine (SA Wine) has released an environmental, social and governance (ESG) roadmap aimed at positioning the country’s wine industry as the ‘most trusted wine industry by leading in sustainability, equity and transparency’ over the next 30 years. Gerard Martin, research, development and innovation executive at SA Wine, told Farmer's Weekly that ESG is no longer regarded as a compliance exercise, but as “a strategic roadmap to a resilient, competitive and future-ready wine industry”. “Globally, sustainability has become a prerequisite for market access, especially in key regions such as the EU, UK and Canada, where due diligence regulations and sustainability standards are tightening rapidly,” he said. “By positioning South Africa as a leader in ethical, sustainable wine production, the framework helps secure current market opportunities while preparing us for…

According to the Crop Estimates Committee’s 9th production forecast for summer crops for the 2025/26 season, the forecast for dry beans remain unchanged from the previous estimate at 90 556t. The area planted to dry beans during the 2024/25 season was 45 620ha (up on the 39 550ha planted the previous season). The expected plantings for dry beans for the next season is estimated at 36 420ha, which is 20,2% (or 9 200ha) down on the previous season. Rossouw Grobbelaar, sales manager at the Dry Bean Producers’ Organisation, said that the 2023/24 season was characterised by severe drought in large parts of South Africa. “This has led to low plantings, poor yields, and consequently a shortage of local supplies. The limited availability of beans caused prices to rise to the…

In the past I have mentioned the value of potatoes as an important food source. In countries like Ireland, potatoes are not only of historical and traditional importance in that they form an integral part of the Irish diet, but this is a vegetable that can supply valuable and nutritious carbohydrates and can be prepared in many interesting and different ways. The catch with growing your own vegetables for self-consumption and even extra quantities for sale is that when crops are ready for marketing, they need to be sold quickly so that they don’t spoil. Essentially, you usually don’t have extended periods of time to store crops. This is particularly problematic with vegetables like spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, and cabbage, but when it comes to potatoes, you can keep them for…

South Africa is home to more than 500 species of aloe, of which Aloe ferox, commonly known as bitter aloe or Cape aloe, has long been prized for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. Unlike A. vera, which dominates global markets and is cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical regions, A. ferox is indigenous to South Africa and grows naturally across the semi-arid regions of the Western and Eastern Cape. Although its production remains relatively small compared to the global aloe market, A. ferox continues to attract attention for its sustainability, drought tolerance, and potential contribution to rural development and job creation. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Andries Cronjé, managing director of Organic Aloe, says the industry stands at a critical juncture, one that requires collaboration, innovation, and value unlocking throughout the…

CANOPY Gone are the days when a square white canopy was the only choice for your bakkie. These days they are as sleek as the modern bakkie designs themselves and come in all shapes and sizes. More traditionally styled products can be colour-coded to match the bakkie’s hue. These are usually als fitted with a high brake light and roof rails. Modern designs feature black aluminium framework fitted with tinted dark windows, which works well with any colour paintwork. Wide opening side windows also add to the overall practicality. R39 990 - Fastback canopy for Ford Ranger Double Cab (GZ Aluminium Canopies) WINCH Hydraulic winches vary from smaller motors with synthetic ropes for recreational use to bigger and stronger machines with steel cables capable of handling over 10t of pulling…

Shortest History Of England, Shortest History Of Germany (both by James Hawes) and Linda Jaivin's Shortest History Of China: (all Jonathan Ball, R260 each). Whether you’re interested in a value-for-money, short, sharp, non-fiction summer read or know who might welcome one or more as a gift, keep your eyes open for the Shortest History titles. It’s a wonderful romp through these three nations, all of them with very different and very ancient lineages. There’s an element of the ‘Well, I never’ and ‘Did you know?’ about the books. Of the three seen so far, the best covers England. The chronological distribution is good, giving ample space to the earlier periods. The forging of England, the expansion of England, the industrial revolution, and the retreat from empire to find a role in the world…

As we approach the close of another year, it feels fitting to pause and reflect, not only on the challenges we’ve weathered as an agricultural community, but also on the unexpected places where we find inspiration. Agriculture, perhaps more than any other sector, demands a deep well of hope. It requires us to rise each day with the willingness to face uncertainty head-on and continue working toward a future we may not fully see yet. Recently, I had the privilege of spending a few days in the Kruger National Park. In the familiar beauty of the bushveld, one particular sighting stayed with me: a large herd of impala grazing peacefully near a dry riverbed. Impala are often overlooked; many visitors drive past without a second thought. But as we sat…

The leaders of the 10 political parties that constitute the Government of National Unity (GNU) met for an indaba during the first weekend of November 2025. This meeting took place at a time where many challenges were confronting South Africa. Trust in the GNU was declining due to the crisis in the top police management, the sour relationship with US President Donald Trump’s administration, and Trump’s boycott of the G20 Summit in South Africa. This was followed by the withdrawal of the political leaders of China, Russia, Mexico, and Argentina. Members of the GNU were unhappy with the lack of access to the leader of the ANC, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and the way in which the ANC dominated the executive, despite gaining only 40% electoral support during the 2024 election.…

South Africa’s grain sector is undergoing rapid change as climate pressure, shifting crop profitability, and widening technology gaps reshape production patterns across several provinces. Within the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), the Research and Technology Working Group (RTWG) has become a key driver of efforts to stabilise the grain industry by strengthening resilience from the ground up. RTWG chairperson and Grain SA coordinator, Mahlane Godfrey Kgatle, spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about the current landscape demands urgent, coordinated action. “A grain value chain functions exactly like an ecological pyramid. Farmers and production environments form the base. If that foundation weakens, everything above it becomes unstable, from processors to retailers to consumers,” he said. The AAMP was established as a national compact-bringing government, industry, and farmers together under one shared framework…

According to the Crop Estimates Committee’s 9th production forecast for summer crops in the 2025/26 season, groundnut production is expected to see a 12,2% decline in plantings to reach 42 240ha (down from 48 125ha in the previous season). Despite this, Alfonso Visser, owner of SA Peanuts, and Wessel Higgs, CEO of Triotrade, anticipate a slight increase in plantings. “If the current weather conditions prevail, we might see the plantings reach approximately 45 000ha,” Visser said. Strelza van Aardt, intern economist at Grain SA, said farmers had indicated that due to sufficient soil moisture, many had already planted most of their intended lands. Data from the South African Grain Information Service showed that South Africa achieved a crop of 52 000t for the 2024/25 season. This was slightly down on…

Across the globe, soya beans are in high demand not only for livestock feed, but also due to continued interest as a source for plant-based proteins. For many years, South Africa was a nett importer of soya bean oilcake and only after investing in local pressing facilities and infrastructure development, has the market dynamics changed. Over the past couple of years, the South African soya bean industry has undergone a period of remarkable growth and productivity, allowing the country to start exporting the commodity. This also reflects an ongoing shift by farmers toward crops that offer better rotational benefits and long-term soil health gains. New and improved cultivars, new technology, and adapted production and field management practices are contributing towards higher grain yields, better profitability and a more sustainable grain…

Since the dawn of democracy, the agriculture sector has cemented its place as one of the essential and trusted pillars for economic growth, job creation, and foreign earnings in South Africa. The sector was instrumental in the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 downturn and helped with food security provisions. Within agriculture, livestock production is the largest contributor, accounting for 42% of the sector’s gross production value. Most farmers are directly or indirectly engaged in livestock, implying that livestock production is crucial for rural and farming household incomes. The prosperity of the livestock industry is, however, under severe stress because of the escalating animal disease outbreaks, especially trade-distorting diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, and highly pathogenic avian influenza. The disease spread in the country triggered the establishment of…

Koot Klopper is a fifth-generation farmer on his family farm, Vogelensang, located outside Zastron in the Free State. The farm has been in his family for over 140 years. To carry on the family legacy, he decided to pursue a dynamic career that would allow him to both learn and apply research within the agricultural field. Klopper is a qualified agricultural economist, with a master’s degree in the subject. He currently works as a senior agricultural specialist at Absa, where he manages client acquisitions and stakeholder relationships in the agriculture sector. His career in agricultural economics has helped him better understand the importance of managing a farm as both a farmer and as a businessman. He also has over 15 years’ experience in the finance industry. “My career path was…

The risks associated with grain production are immense, and they don’t stop once a crop has survived potential drought, flooding or pests to reach maturity. “In several African countries, post-harvest losses are estimated at between 20% and 40%, representing a substantial loss of value and nutritional resources,” says Dr Charl van der Merwe, CEO of Agbiz Grain. “Across all grains and oilseeds, insect damage and mould development are the most common causes of these losses. Moisture plays a central role – high grain moisture, combined with elevated temperatures, creates ideal conditions for fungal growth and insect infestation”. Mechanical damage, kernel breakage, inadequate aeration, and insufficient drying also contribute to losses. REGULAR INSPECTION OF AERATION SYSTEMS, FANS AND VENTS, AND EFFECTIVE FUMIGATION IS VERY IMPORTANT “Low moisture content can contribute to…

Ruben Namibia And Cindy: Farm Escapades Of Ruben Lambrechts and his animals (Tafelberg, R250). About 60km from Windhoek lies the 5 000ha mixed farm of Simmenau, home to three generations of the Lambrechts family since 1973, now leveraged for business opportunities by different generations of the family. It’s the setting for both a social media sensation and for Pieter van Zyl’s engaging new children’s book. Ruben and his twin brother Tertius mostly look after the day-to-day running of the farm, which mixes cattle with game farming, and some tourist accommodation. About four years before the twins were born their parents started taking in rescued wild animals that have captivated global social media in Ruben’s posts. Ruben explains their farming media world in five key words: 1. Honeymoon: Our first wild animal…

The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer’s Weekly. This article was originally published by The Conversation. Read the article at bit.ly/4oQyrsm. "A recent high court judgment could be a game changer for the setting of municipal electricity tariffs in South Africa. In late October 2025, the court ruled that the process used by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to decide yearly electricity price hikes was unconstitutional because it stifled public participation and violated the right to fair administrative action. This means that the way municipalities decide on annual electricity price increases will change. Everyone who uses electricity will now be able to see how price increases are justified. Municipalities will be compelled to publish key financial documents used to…

Setting up a cut-flower project takes some calculated risks to achieve success. Johannes Maree looks at some key factors to consider when starting up such a project. Cut-flower production can be rewarding and profitable, but proper planning prior to setting up an operation is essential. Once the project is underway, it is vital to maintain good management and follow the procedures as laid out by experts. There is no short cut to flower farming, and attention to detail is important. Correct and ongoing training will also help ensure that the venture is successful. In this article I’ll highlight the primary aspects to be determined before proceeding with setting up cut-flower operations. The amount of money available to you will determine the size and scope of the project. It might even…

The South African Dexter Society has recognised Wilhelm Joubert, viticulturist at Hartenberg Wine Estate near Stellenbosch, and Bennie Diedericks, production consultant at Resalt, for their role in expanding and promoting the Dexter breed in the Western Cape. Presenting the awards at Hartenberg, Dr Mark Wiseman, who heads breed improvement at the society, said the Dexter breed had traditionally been concentrated in the Free State, with smaller numbers in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, and only a handful previously found in the Western Cape in areas such as Sutherland and George. “I think that one of the reasons for the poor adoption had to do with a genetic trait associated with dwarfism, but the society has been actively selecting against this trait, aiming instead to produce a smaller-frame animal that is highly commercially…

A new Bee-Tech Group study has raised concerns about the timing of monopotassium phosphate (MKP) applications in strawberries, showing a measurable reduction in pollen viability during flowering. The findings suggest that mistimed nutrient sprays could influence fruit shape, seed number and yield. FRUIT QUALITY Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Jaimee Harris, head of research at Bee-Tech Group, said pollen health is one of the strongest indicators of strawberry reproductive success. “Pollen viability is one of the most direct biological indicators of whether a strawberry flower will successfully bear fruit. Each viable pollen grain can germinate, form a pollen tube, and fertilise an ovule, an essential step for producing seeds. “In strawberries, each fertilised ovule contributes to berry swelling, meaning fruit size, shape, and uniformity depend heavily on how many viable pollen…

South African maize farmers show cautious optimism for the coming season. With the 2025/26 maize production season just starting, farmers intend to plant 2,665 million hectares to the crop, according to the Crop Estimates Committee’s (CEC) 9th production estimate that was released at the end of October 2025. This was a slight increase on the 2,636 million hectares planted in the previous season. According to the CEC, prospects of La Niña rains during the 2025/26 season promised to be favourable, enticing farmers to increase plantings by 1% from the 2024/25 season. According to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, it is likely that the mixed performance of South Africa’s farming sector in 2025 will continue into 2026. “The encouraging factors going into 2026 include a favourable weather outlook and farmers’…

While structural supply strength persists in the meat market, price movements reflect seasonal adjustments, disease risks, and evolving trade dynamics. The Meat Price Index of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows an overall upward trend since early 2024, with bovine and ovine categories leading gains, while poultry and pig meat remain relatively stable. In South Africa, prices across all major proteins have strengthened. GLOBAL DYNAMICS Beef Global beef prices have eased from their September highs, following typical seasonal patterns. In the US, beef prices decreased by about 10% driven by increased herd liquidation, and softer consumer demand. In Australia, cattle prices lost momentum in October due to dry conditions, although recent rainfall stabilised markets. Lamb and mutton Global sheep meat markets were under pressure as slaughter numbers increased…

An employment contract is far more than just a legal formality: it is the cornerstone of the employment relationship. For farmworkers in South Africa, employment contracts have evolved significantly over time, shaped by statutory intervention, the development of common law, and sector-specific regulations. Today, a modern-era farmworker’s employment contract serves not only as a legal safeguard, but also as a practical tool to ensure clarity, fairness, and compliance in the workplace. An employment contract is a binding legal agreement between an employer and an employee. It defines the terms and conditions of employment, as well as the rights, responsibilities and obligations of both parties. In terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and the sectoral determination for the agriculture sector (Sectoral Determination 13), which is incorporated under the…

Whilst May/June is typically the holiday period for hunting or travelling abroad, doing so year in and year out can become monotonous. An alternative – a once-in-a-lifetime exploration in May/June 2027 – is to do something very few get to experience: an Arctic hunt, but for something entirely different. The French-flagged Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s only luxury icebreaker, and whilst the extreme and faraway locations it can take you to are legendary, the ship is a destination in itself. Able to operate without returning to shore for three months thanks to its two tanks of liquefied natural gas and vast battery capacity, this hybrid electric ship not only goes to places others can’t, but does so quietly. You may be giving up the solitude and silence of…