Innholdsfortegnelse for 16+23 January 2026 i Farmer's Weekly

The Western Cape has added some 47 000ha to its conservation estate through the declaration of two new nature reserves and the expansion of two others. This significant expansion in protected areas provides space for Cape mountain zebras to breed and improves the protection of many threatened succulent plants, mammals and bird species across the province. The declarations have increased the size of two existing nature reserves – Anysberg in the Karoo and the Knersvlakte in Namaqualand – by a combined 41 000ha. The two newly declared reserves are Waterkloof near Ladismith and Zebraskop in the Gamkaberg area of the Klein Karoo, which add a further 6 000ha to this number. All four declarations were made possible with land purchased by WWF South Africa using funds raised through the Leslie…

Over 200 agricultural qualifications were awarded at the 2025 Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute (EATI) Graduation Ceremony held in December, marking what the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, described as a “milestone” for skills development and future economic growth in the province. In 2025, the agricultural training institute, near Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, conferred 101 Bachelor of Agriculture degrees, 62 diplomas, as well as 59 National Certificates in Plant Production through the Recognition of Prior Learning Programme. Additional certificates in Horsemastership and Livestock Farming were also presented, while students from the Burgundy Exchange Programme received special recognition. Addressing graduates, Meyer underlined the provincial government's values of worth, caring and fairness, adding that investment in youth skills was critical for shared economic prosperity. “When…

Earlier this year, the University of the Free State (UFS) officially launched the Giraffe Research Centre, a first-of-its-kind programme and infrastructure facility, in the Amanzi Private Game Reserve near Brandfort in Free State. The initiative enables researchers to expand their understanding of giraffes, including techniques for semen preservation and embryo transfer. The research programme and infrastructure allow research to take place with habituated giraffes in a low-stress environment. This makes standing procedures possible, rather than full immobilisation, for physiology, reproduction, welfare, and behavioural monitoring. The research team, comprised of local and international researchers, is led by Prof Francois Deacon, a lecturer in the UFS's Department of Animal Science. “The facility supports multidisciplinary research, including animal science, zoology, and chemistry, among other, in support of giraffe conservation efforts,” he explains. DECLINING…

On a stretch of fynbos-rich farmland tucked between East London and Gqeberha, a workshop hums with colour. The air carries the scent of dye pots, the low chatter of rural women at work, and the gentle rustle of brushed mohair drifting in the breeze. This is Adele's Mohair: a craft-driven enterprise grounded in South Africa's proud mohair heritage and in the belief that handmade work still has a vital place in modern life. Cutten says she founded the business in 1983, and the business has since grown from a solitary experiment with a spinning wheel into a rural craft economy supporting families, developing artisanal skills and celebrating the beauty of South Africa's ‘noble fibre’. While the enterprise now sells designer yarns across the country and abroad, its foundation remains unchanged:…

With 30 years of experience in training shearers in varying environments, Izak Klopper, manager of shearer training at the National Wool Growers’ Association (NWGA), says that shearing sheds have remained productive due to the expertise shearers gain from organisations such as the NWGA, and the close relationship these organisations have with farmers. The skill level amongst well-trained shearers in South Africa is high, and many compete in international competitions. Blade shearers have done particularly well, winning multiple titles. Klopper says: “The South African wool industry is heavily reliant on skilled shearers, and that has remained largely unchanged.” Aside from skilled shearing, Klopper also explains that shearing shed designs have changed significantly to accommodate both physical strain and efficiency between shearers and handlers. In the past, many shed designs moved towards…

His mother knew he was going to be a trout farmer when he caught his first trout in a stream in Du Toitskloof as a four-year-old. Now, more than three decades later, Albert Kemp and his wife Alicia are running a successful and growing trout business in the Overberg from an unassuming smallholding - with clear plans for expanding. The Kemps founded B-bos Trout nine years ago on their property in Baardskeerdersbos, about 20km from Gansbaai in the Western Cape. Albert, who grew up on a grain and cattle farm near Swellendam, had dabbled in fish farming as a child and then studied aquaculture at Stellenbosch University. He has been a fish farmer since 2006. He worked on a fish farm on the Overberg coast, where his current business evolved…

In the stillness of the early morning, tomato rows stand quiet and green, giving little hint of the threat woven into their leaves. Hidden deep inside the canopy, the tomato leaf miner moth, Tuta absoluta, slips between stems and foliage, carving out tiny mines that remain invisible to the untrained eye. By the time farmers notice the first signs of damage, the moth has already moved on, laying up to 260 eggs within a week or two. Hiresh Ramanand, CropLife SA's stewardship specialist, explains that the larvae, burrowed into the stems and leaves of tomato plants, feed off the plant sap, and when populations are high, the leaves die off. Young plants are destroyed, and older plants will suffer significant yield losses if left unchecked. WITH THE RISK OF PESTICIDES…

Water requirements for South African macadamias have long been shrouded in uncertainty. As a relatively new crop, limited long-term research applicable to local conditions has been available to guide farmers. Therefore, irrigation scheduling has been based on estimates, with researchers claiming that trees are likely being over-irrigated, leading to added disease pressure. Compounding the issues that result from over-irrigation is the limited water supply available for the rapidly expanding orchards. The area planted to macadamias has risen from around 6 750ha in 2001 to 81 302ha in 2024, according to Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC). Orchards are expanding into hotter and more water limited regions, while existing farms need to find ways to stretch their water allocation further without compromising yield. Now, SAMAC has consolidated long-term research conducted in the Mpumalanga…

ACROSS Covered in trees (6) Uncultivated area of low-growing shrubs (4) Out of the ordinary (7) Outermost layer of embryonic cells (8) Blackhead _______ is a breed of sheep originating in what is now Iran (7) Chemical mixtures or manure added to soil for fertility (11) Remaining parts of felled trees (6) Traditional fantastic stories of gods or heroes (5) Short-lived (5) Fragrant Mediterranean shrub of the Rosmarinus genus (8) Leaders in research, exploration, etc (8) Regretting (5) Milky juice of rubber trees (5) One sixtieth part of a minute (6) Relating to a group dominated by males (11) Manihot-genus plant and the cereal substance it yields, also called tapioca (7) Common ________ (Portulaca oleracea) is an edible annual succulent with small yellow flowers (8) Tableland (7) Regulation (4) Wattle…

South African grain and oilseed producers are being urged to act quickly when agricultural inputs such as seed, fertiliser, or agrochemicals fail to meet quality standards. Substandard products can have significant financial and operational consequences. Grain SA, a farmer-led organisation, has released a comprehensive set of guidelines to help producers navigate disputes and protect their crops and income. Dr Godfrey Kgatle, research coordinator at Grain SA, mentioned the urgency of addressing input problems immediately. “Disputes over input performance are highly time-sensitive. Evidence such as crop symptoms or product residues can disappear quickly if not recorded promptly. Farmers need to know exactly what steps to take to safeguard their rights and ensure fair technical investigations,” he said. PRACTICAL STEPS Grain SA's guidelines advise farmers to first contact their input supplier or…

The fundamental goal of any sheep farmer is that each ewe must successfully rear and wean at least one lamb per cycle. Livestock producers, however, are facing many challenges on a daily basis, including drought and other adverse climatic conditions, animal diseases, predation, as well as infrastructural challenges including road conditions, which can all lead to livestock losses. Additional challenges include rising parasite and pest resistance, fluctuating wool and meat prices, and labour shortages. Fourth-generation Merino farmer Jacques Pienaar from Mega Merino farming on Klipplaatsfontein in the Colesberg district in the Northern Cape says one of the main challenges he faces is the rising cost of doing business. “Our input costs are increasing while our wool and meat prices are not keeping up in comparison. We review all expenses closely…

In the heart of the Northern Cape, a region synonymous with extreme heat, vast open veld, and chronic drought, the ATKA Stud stands as an extraordinary example of innovative livestock production. Located in Rietfontein near Williston, this operation, spearheaded by Dr Corrie Avenant, a practicing specialist anaesthetist with special interest in chronic pain management, successfully manages a diversified, high-value stud portfolio: Dorper and White Dorper sheep, Boer goats, and, most notably, a world-class, veld-adapted Wagyu cattle stud. The ATKA philosophy is simple yet demanding: breed for genetic balance, embrace objective science, and control the value chain from ‘gate to plate’. Through this commitment, Avenant is challenging conventional agricultural wisdom and positioning his stud as a leader in premium South African genetics. BEEF IN THE KAROO In a region where hardier,…

Farming in South Africa has turned out much less dangerous than was expected, considering what happened in Zimbabwe and the Congo after independence. However, the availability of good markets for produce has definitely reduced because we import more commodities, while labour and transport costs are rising. Profitability should be a top focus in any farming activity. There must be enough money coming in to cover all farm expenses and pay all employees as well as the farm owner. AGE AND TRAINING LEVEL OF THE RIDER AND HORSE MUST BE CONSIDERED WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT BREED Stud breeding, schooling and showing ponies could be a useful source of income. Farmers who raise and bale horse feed can easily become involved in breeding and showing initiatives, now that riding has been recognised…

Dear Jonno, I recently saw your academic artwork in Farmer's Weekly at a friend's lodge in Limpopo and was immediately a fan. Your perspectives and the detail therein are amazing. As an experienced (older) member of my community I am often drawn into healthy debates with the community regarding important matters, and I feel it's at the point where a community meeting place is required. I require a space for discussion, perhaps also teaching the youth, as that is where our future lies. We require a multipurpose structure to accommodate groups of people, for meetings, lectures and gatherings. Attached is a photo of the site, and the semi-desert landscape beyond. The building itself should be spacious enough to accommodate approximately 30 to 40 seated individuals. We require basic kitchen facilities,…

25 to 27 February, Cullinan The Driving a Tractor Course, combines both theory and practical elements, ensuring students gain hands-on experience alongside essential knowledge. Participants will learn the basics of driving a tractor, including safety protocols and maintenance techniques. Email Agri Skills Transfer at info@agriskills.net, or phone 012 002 3723. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND EXPOS 4 TO 6 FEBRUARY Fruit Logistica, Berlin, Germany. Visit fruitlogistica.com/en. 10 TO 12 FEBRUARY Agtech World 2026, Bangalore, India. Visit agtech.icfa.org.in. 11 TO 12 FEBRUARY Africa Agri Expo, Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. Visit africa-agriexpo.com. 26 TO 28 FEBRUARY New York Farm Show, Syracuse, US. Visit newyorkfarmshow.com/en/home.html. 9 FEBRUARY International Conference on Agroecosystem Restoration in Agricultural Regions, Johannesburg. Email Nathan Vincent at info@isit.org.in. COURSES AND TRAINING 28 TO 30 JANUARY Goat Production Course, Groenkloof, Pretoria.…

A scientific study aimed at reducing the heavy economic losses caused by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South Africa's red meat industry has been launched in Pretoria through a collaboration between Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), the University of Pretoria (UP), and global animal health company Zoetis. The research initiative, titled Evidence-based Risk Reduction for FMD Virus Persistence at Slaughter, seeks to generate the scientific evidence required to overhaul outdated slaughter regulations that currently enforce a blanket ban on certain products derived from FMD-recovered cattle. These regulations, which were originally introduced as a precautionary measure, have resulted in significant wastage of offal and other edible components, placing financial strain on producers, feedlots, and abattoirs. A press release by RMIS said that the study, led by Prof Armanda Bastos of the Faculty…

As agriculture becomes more capital-intensive and increasingly driven by data and automation, traditional financing models are struggling to keep up. Modern farming now depends on multi-million-rand machinery, sophisticated logistics platforms and digital grain management. It is no longer just about soil, seed and rainfall, but also about systems, visibility and the ability to track value as it moves through the production cycle. AFGRI, one of southern Africa's largest agribusiness groups, is positioning itself at the centre of this evolution. By linking technology to finance at every stage of the value chain, the company is trying to close the widening gap between the capital farmers need and the funding they can access. FINANCE HAS NOT CHANGED The financial demands of modern agriculture are immense. A single technologically advanced combine harvester can…

Follow the Great Fish River north of Cradock and the landscape shifts quickly – irrigated pastures at 800m to 900m give way to koppies, then morph into the steep shale and grass slopes of the Sneeuberg mountain range, rising to nearly 1 800m. It's a landscape of contrasts: fertile bottoms fed by irrigation schemes, and rugged mountain veld where cold fronts bite, winds cut, and summer heat pushes animals to the edge of their comfort zone. “Our sheep must perform in both worlds,” says Merino breeder Andrew Jordaan Jr, who farms with his father, Andrew Jordaan Sr, and brothers Wilhelm and Ginkel on their family farm, Spekboomberg. “The land forces us to think differently.” The Jordaan family operates a diverse farming operation comprising a Merino stud along with Dormers, Angoras,…

The ancient Romagnola cattle breed is a relatively new beef cattle breed in South Africa, but has the potential to add exceptional value to the country's beef cattle production industry in the long term. This is underscored by the outstanding weaner weights achieved by Marnus Lessing, owner of Romagnola and Brahman studs. Lessing, who farms near Lindley, pushed up weaner weights markedly by crossbreeding his JML stud Romagnolas with his Manso white stud Brahmans. MAGNIFICENT BREED “I fell in love with the Romagnolas as a young man, after visiting the Nampo Harvest Day some years ago. Even at that age I envisaged myself farming this magnificent breed should I ever have the opportunity to farm. To cut a long story short, I was eventually able to purchase my own land…

At R590 800, the single cab, two-wheel drive Isuzu D-Max 3.0 DDI LS automatic makes for a compelling package, albeit on the pricey side compared to the newer and slightly better equipped, but also less powerful single turbo Ford Ranger XL priced R574 000. As a single cab is designed to work, its interior is rather basic. But it came as a welcome departure from the tech-laden, but also sometimes fussy layout of certain double cabs. It is straightforward, and while hard plastics are the order of the day, it feels solid. The ergonomics are plain to use, from the shortcuts at the base of the infotainment to the physical buttons and dials for the air-conditioning. Far from being spartan, the bakkie features a height-adjustable steering column, a four-speaker sound…

I am a 60-year-old white woman who loves camping, animals, the outdoors and watching sport. I am a Christian and don't smoke. I am looking for a white man of 60 or above who also wants a long-term relationship and is a Christian and likes dogs. ALL YOURS, 9480 I am a 50-year-old woman who loves gardening, nature, travelling, magazines and dogs. I have no kids and never married. I don't drink or smoke. I am looking for a partner who is full of life, loving and kind, respectful and willing to do this life with me. CALM AND COLLECTED GIRL I am a small white lady, 54 years old, and attractive. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including horse riding. I hope to meet a financially secure ‘old…