Farmer's Weekly SA

Not cheaper, just different: what you should know about farming in Mozambique

Lindi Botha — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:00:16 +0000

Although Mozambique is often viewed as a cheaper, easier farming location than South Africa, cost comparisons tell a more complex story. But while cross-border production presents real challenges, it also offers opportunities for complementary trade, diversification and regional food security, particularly when it comes to subtropical crops such as bananas.

PIC seeks exit as Daybreak Foods struggles to recover from collapse

Hanlie du Plessis — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:00:32 +0000

The Public Investment Corporation is moving to sell a majority stake in poultry producer Daybreak Foods, as the company continues to grapple with the fallout from financial, governance, and animal welfare crises in 2025.

Bloem Show 2026: a beach party experience like no other

Staff Reporter — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:00:12 +0000

The Bloem Show is proudly celebrating its 143rd anniversary this year, with a vibrant and refreshing theme: Beach Party in Bloem!

Tips for the long-term protection of agricultural machinery

Staff Reporter — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:00:30 +0000

Thorough cleaning, protective wax treatment, and proper winter storage can extend the service life of agricultural machinery, preserve resale value, and reduce the risk of breakdowns in the next season.

How 100 000 weather stations could change farming in Africa

Jeanne Van der Merwe — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:00:13 +0000

African farmers could claim capital expenditure from international funding bodies as compensation for climate change, says Prof Guy Midgley, director of Stellenbosch University’s School for Climate Studies.

Precision and discipline drive success on Northern Cape raisin farm

Glenneis Kriel — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:01 +0000

Albertus van der Merwe, Raisins South Africa’s Most Improved Grower of the Year in 2025, balances multiple farming ventures while maintaining precision, performance, and a people-focused approach.

Wool market shows positive sentiment at latest sale

Roelof Bezuidenhout — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:00:07 +0000

The wool market is showing encouraging signs of recovery, with demand beginning to outstrip supply, according to Leon du Plessis, auctioneer at BKB.

Twinning in Dorper sheep requires some modified management

Staff Reporter — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Twinning in Dorper sheep can greatly boost productivity, but it requires precise nutrition, fertility management, and seasonal planning to safeguard ewe health and lamb survival.

Top-quality kid’s mohair fetches R1 110/kg

Roelof Bezuidenhout — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:43:57 +0000

Strong demand for fine fibres continued at the fourth mohair sale of the season, with top-quality kid mohair fetching up to R1 110/kg. While the overall market remained largely unchanged, prices are still outperforming last year’s levels, supported by solid competition among buyers and a high clearance rate.

From chance to choice: a women’s rise to farming success

Glenneis Kriel — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:00:13 +0000

Many raisin producers assume that retiring without a son to take over the farm means the end of the family business. Alcois Blaauw, this year’s winner of the Raisins SA Female Producer Award, proves that assumption to be wrong. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Pineapples of all shapes and sizes take top honours at Bathurst Show

Sabrina Dean — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 06:00:10 +0000

From perfectly formed fruit to the downright unusual, pineapples of every shape and size were on display at this year’s Bathurst Agricultural Show, where growers gathered to celebrate one of the region’s most distinctive crops.

The basics of irrigation during hot weather

Glenneis Kriel — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:00:51 +0000

Hot, dry conditions test even the best irrigation strategies. Christo van der Westhuizen, agronomist at Netafim Southern and East Africa, explained to Glenneis Kriel how farmers can manage water efficiently to protect crops during hot days.

Renault adds turbo punch to its Kiger compact SUV range

Mark Jones — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 06:00:25 +0000

Renault recently added turbocharged variants to its popular compact crossover SVY Kiger range. The Citizen’s Mark Jones reports.

Mohair market gets moving

Roelof Bezuidenhout — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 03:00:19 +0000

The third mohair sale of the 2026 summer selling season was highly satisfactory, with the average indicator improving by 3,8% compared to the previous sale, according to Pierre van der Vyver of the House of Fibres, in Port Elizabeth.

From kitchen experiments to a thriving meat empire

Glenneis Kriel — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:00:50 +0000

What started as an after-hours kitchen project in the Truter household has grown into the fully fledged meat empire Deli-Co. Brothers Pieter and Hendri Truter told Glenneis Kriel how they turned a local favourite into a multigenerational family business.

Traditional curried pickled fish worth the wait

Staff Reporter — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:00:22 +0000

This traditional curried pickled fish is a beautifully balanced dish of tender fried fish layered with sweet, tangy curry-infused onions. Made ahead and left to soak up all the flavour, it’s the perfect recipe for gatherings, celebrations, or a comforting meal served with soft bread rolls.

Lotz bags top prize with 1 221kg pumpkin

Jyothi Laldas — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 03:00:27 +0000

A giant pumpkin weighing in at 1 221kg has set a new South African and Southern Hemisphere record at the annual Giant Pumpkin Festival held in Heidelberg over the weekend.

The future of SA wool: refined infrastructure and wool traceability

Henning Naude — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:00:16 +0000

As the agriculture sector starts to adapt to the fast-paced development of technology, producers and processors need to decide what to implement and what to avoid. Henning Naudé spoke to Izak Klopper, manager of shearer training at the National Wool Growers’ Association, about how shearing has changed, and what the industry can expect from new research and development from international markets.

Easter egg rocky road: a no-bake treat everyone will love

Staff Reporter — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:00:52 +0000

Looking for an easy, crowd pleasing Easter sweet? This colourful rocky road comes together in minutes, combining creamy chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy cookie pieces, all topped with speckled eggs for a festive finish. Simply mix, chill, and slice perfect for sharing.

Meet the Pannar team at Nampo 2026

Staff Reporter — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:26 +0000

Pannar will be at NAMPO 2026, showcasing locally tested hybrids, practical agronomic insights, and solutions designed for real farming conditions.