Tabla de contenidos para 21+28 November 2025 en Farmer's Weekly

My interest in climate change as a man-made phenomenon was recently piqued again when I read that billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates, a climate activist, has made a clear shift on his stance when it comes to climate change. Gates previously described climate change as an ‘existential challenge’ (see his 2021 book How to Avoid a Climate Disaster), but now dismisses the so-called doomsday outlook that climate change will decimate civilisation or cause humanity's demise. In a memo he recently released, Gates wrote that “people will be able to live and thrive in most places on Earth for the foreseeable future”. This is in stark contrast to the hardline view Gates and organisations like the United Nations have taken over the years (who can forget former climate activist Greta Thunberg's…

The global soya bean trade has been reshaped by geopolitical tensions, particularly those stemming from the Trump administration's tariff policies. While much attention has been given to the impact on American farmers, who lost significant market share in China due to what is framed as retaliatory tariffs, the ripple effects extend far beyond the US. SHIFTING TRADE DYNAMICS South Africa, too, has found itself caught in the crosshairs of shifting trade dynamics, with its eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) still uncertain. This ambiguity adds a layer of complexity to South Africa's agricultural export strategy, especially as it seeks to expand its footprint in global markets. For South African soya bean producers, however, these disruptions present a unique opportunity. With China turning away from US soya beans…

The Western Cape government recently launched a comprehensive Water Resilience strategy (2025 to 2035) aimed at securing the province's water future through sustainable management, innovation and partnerships. Speaking at the launch in Cape Town, Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said the strategy sought to ‘future-proof’ the Western Cape. “The strategy is about ensuring that every community, farm, business and ecosystem has reliable, sustainable and equitable access to water.” Bredell added that legislation currently provided six kilolitres of free water and 50kWh of electricity per household, but that this should increase to at least 10 kilolitres of water and 150kWh of electricity. “Access to clean water provides dignity, but it also reduces the burden on our clinics and hospitals. The real question is…

Gyeongbuk Provincial Council member Choi Taerim has demanded immediate and substantial support for apple farmers in the South Korean province, urging immediate measures for apple farmers affected by heat damage be implemented, The Asia Business Daily recently reported. He also demanded that the heat damage caused by abnormal climate conditions be recognised as a “climate disaster”, and stressed that Gyeongbuk's status as the source of over 60% of the nation's apple production means the local damage translates into a crisis for the entire fruit industry. Choi fiercely criticised the current crop disaster insurance system, which he said failed farmers by excluding heat damage through its classification as a “physiological disorder,” forcing farmers to absorb the total financial burden of climate change. He also called for immediate action from the central…

The slowdown in the international economy since 2022 and relatively positive production conditions have resulted in lower international food prices. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization food price index, a weighted index of dairy, grain, oil, sugar, and meat product prices, decreased from 144,5 in 2022 to 122 in 2024 and then recovered slightly to 128,8 in September 2025, still 11% below the 2022 peak. Cereal prices decreased from the 2022 average of 149,5 to the September 2025 level of 105 – a decrease of 30%. Globally, record grain crops are expected for the 2025/26 season with all-time record production expected for maize and wheat. Prices are expected to remain at, or near to, current levels. SOUTH AFRICAN OUTLOOK The South African summer grain industry recovered in the 2024/25…

With an estimated six million consumers purchasing coffee in South Africa, the demand for quality, knowledge, and authenticity in every cup has never been higher. Local specialty coffee businesses are evolving rapidly, mirroring international trends that value craftsmanship, provenance, and experience over convenience. From urban cafés in Johannesburg and Cape Town to small roasteries experimenting with African-origin beans, South Africa's coffee culture is flourishing. According to Roland Urwin, owner and manager of a (bakery) café in southern Johannesburg and a coffee research master's graduate, South Africans’ coffee habits are changing significantly. “Consumers are far more informed than they were a few years ago. They're asking more questions about the products being served, and they expect quality and consistency,” he says. Urwin's research explored how specialty coffee business owners perceive changing…

The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer's Weekly. This article was first published by The Conversation. Read the original at bit.ly/3LnQTJO. “Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that mainly affects livestock. It can also infect humans. While most human cases remain mild, it can cause death. The disease causes heavy economic and health losses for livestock farmers. As a researcher, I have contributed to several studies on this mosquito-borne virus. So, what exactly is Rift Valley fever, how is it treated, and how can it be controlled? WHAT IS RIFT VALLEY FEVER? Rift Valley fever is a zoonosis (a disease affecting animals that can be transmitted to humans). It is caused by the RVF virus, a phlebovirus…

In case of a seal bite, scratch or lick: • If a seal bites/scratches someone in the water, the beach will be closed immediately, marked by the activation of a shark siren and the raising of a shark flag, if available. • Shark spotters or lifeguards will promptly notify CapeNature and the state veterinarian, who will provide guidance on the necessary action. Municipal Disaster Management and appropriate Marine Stranding Networks will also be informed. • Lifeguards or first responders will monitor and track the seal's movements. • The beach will only reopen after the seal has been safely removed or has vacated the area. • Anyone bitten, scratched or licked by a suspect rabid seal should seek urgent medical care at the nearest hospital. At the scene, the wound must…

UNITED STATES A new study by researchers in the US revealed that advanced geoengineering, specifically Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI), may not be enough to save wine grapes, coffee, and cacao from climate change, according to an article recently published by ScienceDaily.com. Researchers modeled the experimental cooling technique against future climate scenarios across 18 key growing regions. Although SAI successfully reduced surface temperatures, it failed to stabilise crucial factors like rainfall and humidity consistently. Only six regions showed significant improvement, proving that cooling alone cannot prevent climate instability or mitigate risks from pests and diseases. The findings said that reliance on technological fixes is insufficient, and suggested that long-term solutions require global co-operation and tailored local adaptation strategies to protect these vital crops and their farming communities. GEORGIA Georgia's citrus season…

As the 2025/26 summer crop season gets underway, South Africa's grain and oilseed markets are navigating a complex mix of local resilience and global uncertainty. While international markets remain weighed down by record harvests and geopolitical disruptions, South African producers are cautiously optimistic, buoyed by early rainfall and the prospect of a La Niña weather pattern. MAIZE Global maize markets have entered the final quarter of 2025 under a cloud of uncertainty. Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) maize prices have remained largely trading sideways in recent weeks (see Graph 1). Year-on-year (y/y) prices increased by 2,4%, supported by a sharp rise in crude oil prices and persistent uncertainty around the final size of the US maize harvest. The recent imposition of US sanctions on major Russian oil suppliers, who collectively…

Adifferent kind of cultivation is happening in laboratories across the globe, and it doesn't involve a single cannabis plant. Engineered yeast and bacteria are now producing THC and CBD from simple sugars. For South African growers who've invested heavily in facilities and genetics, this biosynthetic revolution demands attention. In these biotech facilities, you won't see a flowering room, drying racks or even a single plant. Instead, rows of fermentation tanks house microorganisms that have been genetically modified to produce cannabinoids through their natural metabolic processes. Though successful engineering, scientists have developed systems to allow yeast to produce major cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, as well as several minor variants, from simple sugar feedstock. At least 18 companies are currently racing to commercialise cannabinoid production using algae, bacteria or yeast. SYNTHESISING…

Technology is transforming the way in which farmers are doing business. This is also true for buying and selling at auctions. Auctions have always been about the pursuit of something valuable or the thrill of outbidding somebody else on something both want. At auctions there is always an element of competition, excitement, and the potential for picking up a bargain or something rare or special. “Prospective buyers at live auctions all have their unique way of bidding – a nod, a wink, a finger or wave. This creates that element of competitiveness, secrecy, and cunningness to get what you want at the best price,” says Garth Saunders, owner of Batiki Game near Gravelotte in Limpopo, and the chairperson of Benchmark Game Breeders. Auctions have changed over the years. While the…

After nearly three decades of banana farming, and experiencing plantations across South Africa, Mozambique, India and Costa Rica, Jacques de Villiers has learnt that while no two plantations are alike, the principles of timing, precision and discipline never change. When he took over the Giba banana farm in Kiepersol, Mpumalanga, in 2023, he drew on that experience to rebuild the farm, proving that innovation and strict management can turn even the most neglected operation into a productive enterprise. Giba farm belongs to the Giba Community Property Association (CPA), having been returned to the community in 2012 following a successful land claim. The farm was recapitalised by the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, and leased to various farmers over the years. After a hurricane in 2022,…

Foton has made steady inroads into the local bakkie market since its official return to the segment last year, and the all-paw model will complement the two-wheel drive single cab, which was the only derivative before. Predictably dearer at R419 900 versus R329 900, the arrival of the single cab for the weeklong test came with yet another surprise as, instead of a different derivative, Foton had supplied the displayed vehicle, complete with in “farm-ready regalia”. Seemingly a deliberate attempt to appeal to a vital segment of the market, the various accessories included cattle rails, side-steps and a prominent nudge bar. The single cab 4x4's main difference only includes 17” alloy wheels compared to the 4x2's 16” steelies. ROW IT YOURSELF Besides its four-wheel drive system, it also harks back…

Belonging by Ashwin Desai & Goolam Vahed (Jonathan Ball, R355) About 1,6 million people of Indian origin live in South Africa, 70% in KwaZulu-Natal. In the 1860s, Indian labourers were brought by the British imperial authorities, primarily to work on the sugar cane estates of the then Natal. The ‘free Indians’, not tied to an employer, also came here. When this dual system ended in 1911, as many as 384 ship voyages from India had brought 152 266 people to South Africa. But the focus of this overdue book is the 20th century, and the Indian contribution to South Africa's quest for liberation and democracy. The heroes are here, including Yusuf Dadoo, Mahatma Gandhi, Fatima Meer, Monty Naicker, Billy Nair, Valangaiman Sastri, Dawood Seedat, Fatima Seedat and PJ Singh. What…

Spier wine farm used waste from toilets and kitchens to grow indigenous trees and shrubs. The Spier estate near Stellenbosch is setting a trend: it is the first site in South Africa to use the wastewater from its toilets and kitchens (also known as ‘black water’) to grow plants. The project is based on the Australian Biolytix vermicomposting system. Independent tests by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research have shown that the quality of wastewater coming out of the system is suitable for the irrigation of shrubs and trees. Instead of wasting this potentially valuable resource, which contains phosphate and nitrate, small communities can utilise their wastewater to improve their financial position and prevent the pollution of the environment, says Theunis Duminy of Biolytix Southern Africa. At this stage,…

Shannon Robertson, assistant livestock manager at Boschendal near Franschhoek, was crowned the overall winner of the 2025 Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards, held in Durbanville. Robertson described the award as a blessing and a powerful reminder that women have an important role to play in agriculture. “It shows that women can lead with confidence, faith and determination. My hope is that other young women see this and realise that they too can make a difference in the sector,” she said. The competition also recognised other outstanding workers from across the province. From the Langeberg, Buron Kleynhans won the general worker division, while Jacqueline Lukas took home both the agri-processing award and the prize for the worker showing the most potential. Selton Johnson from Stellenbosch won the driver category, Xongile Masungwini…

It's time. You have done all the work to produce your livestock, you have made your selection and you have circled the auction date on your calendar. Now you need to get your stock fat and shiny for the sale – but where to begin? Do you just bring the animals in from the veld and start feeding them raw maize by the bucketful? No, say the experts. There is a recipe when it comes to getting an animal auction-ready and this varies depending on whether you are selling breeding or slaughter animals. Manus Putter of Putter Voere in Theunissen in the Free State says one of the cardinal errors seen among farmers trying to finish animals ahead of a sale is feeding the wrong ration. “A performance or feedlot…

Involuntary culling is one of the largest hidden dairy production costs, especially when a cow is culled at first lactation. “Cows only start showing a return on investment after their second lactation,” says Lior Yaron. “So, every heifer lost within the first 60 days after calving represents a waste of two years of rearing and feeding. When cows leave early, farmers also do not have flexibility to sell beef crosses from terminal cows.” In the EU, research shows that every extra healthy lactation completed can add around €140 (R2 700) in profit per animal each year. So, anything done to keep cows in the herd longer – whether through better hoof care, improved transition management, or greater comfort – goes straight to your bottom line. In the US, longevity often…

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CUSTARDS 250ml cream 250ml milk 5 star anise 10ml instant coffee granules 6 egg yolks 80ml brown sugar FOR THE COFFEE COOKIES ½ x 400g puff pastry, defrosted 30ml brown sugar, plus extra 10ml instant coffee granules METHOD • For the custards, preheat the oven to 160°C. • Bring the cream, milk, star anise and coffee to a boil. • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for five minutes. • Beat the egg yolks and sugar until creamy. • Slowly add the coffee mixture from a height, while stirring, until combined. • Strain into six 125ml ovenproof jars. Remove the foam. • Place the jars in a baking dish lined with a tea towel and pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the side…

Researchers from Brazil (ITAL and UNICAMP) and Germany (Fraunhofer IVV) successfully developed a meat substitute using sunflower flour, focusing on maximising the sustainability and nutritional profile of the ingredient, according to a recent article by ScienceDaily.com. The process involves removing the outer husks and phenolic compounds from the sunflower meal, which gives the flour a neutral flavour and improves nutrient absorption. The team created small burger patties using two formulations, noting that the version made from textured sunflower protein offered superior consistency, flavour, and composition. This textured formulation provided impressive mineral content, including over 90% of the daily recommended intake for magnesium and manganese, and was rich in healthy fats and protein. “[The patties] also [… provided] 49% of the recommended daily intake of iron, 68% of zinc, 95% of…