Tabla de contenidos para 30 Jan + 6 February 2026 en Farmer's Weekly

Despite early indications pointing to an improved export season for South African producers, exporters are however cautioned to hedge against risks caused by shipping delays, both locally and abroad. A source in the shipping industry told Farmer's Weekly that Transnet's performance in 2025 was the best it had been in years. “Performance is still not great, but it was better, even leading to a 20% increase in citrus exports last year,” said the source. The source was optimistic over shipping conditions for 2026. “The last five years have been some of the most volatile to date. Congestion across most routes has started easing, which could result in lower shipping rates. If Transnet continues on it's road to recovery, we will have more opportunities to export.” A notable change to the…

As South African agricultural exporters face tightening EU sustainability and due diligence requirements, compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is becoming a commercial necessity rather than a consideration. While palm oil is not one of South Africa's major exports, a recently digitised palm oil supply chain in Sierra Leone is offering practical lessons for South African agricultural industries that supply the EU market, including citrus, wine, sugar, and livestock. Through a partnership between agritech company Koltiva and sustainable palm oil producer Planting Naturals, 7 224 smallholder farms and 7 723 plots have been digitised and verified across Sierra Leone's organic Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil-certified palm oil plantation and outgrower model. The initiative enables full plot-level traceability under EUDR rules, while keeping smallholder farmers linked to an export-oriented value…

Farmers in the Steytlerville Succulent Karoo, a unique veld type in the south-western part of the Eastern Cape, have always believed the seemingly barren patches in their shrubveld are the result of overgrazing by previous generations, particularly in the days of free-ranging fat-tailed Persian sheep. They are often tempted to ‘restore’ what they see as ugly blotches in the landscape by ripping them up and sowing in all sorts of seeds. Some have tried chasing their flocks to and fro over the patches, hoping to loosen the topsoil and fertilise it with dung. However, any changes these steps might bring about disappear within a year or two, with the surface simply compacting again after rainfall. The scattered patches, or quartz islands, vary in size from about 10m2 to 100m2 and…

Hydroponics farming is on the rise in Zimbabwe. Keith Chipudhla told Farmer's Weekly that he turned to hydroponics in response to the growing challenges facing traditional agriculture, including water scarcity, limited access to arable land, rising input costs, and inconsistent production outcomes. While studying international trade and finance in China, Chipudhla was exposed to advanced controlled-environment agriculture systems and water-efficient production technologies. This experience inspired him to co-found Vitagrow Urban Farms, a Harare-based urban hydroponics enterprise that officially launched in 2019. Starting with a small backyard greenhouse in the Westgate suburb, the business has since transitioned into a dedicated commercial operation based in Vainona, where production systems have been scaled and standardised to support consistent year-round supply into Harare's premium retail and hospitality markets. Today, Vitagrow supplies a growing network…

For many years, netting in horticulture was regarded as a defensive measure; a way to shield crops from hailstorms, strong winds, and excessive sunlight. However, today undercover farming has shifted from being a protective/reactive tool to a strategic business decision. With margins tightening and competition intensifying, netting has become central to profitability. For premium-grade production, it is increasingly seen as non-negotiable. Farmers are aligning their netting investments with cultivar selection and market demand, ensuring that the crops they grow under cover deliver both resilience and higher returns. The expansion of horticultural plantings into less than optimal areas in South Africa has accelerated this trend. In regions where climate and soil conditions are marginal, netting is often the only way to optimise production and protect against adverse weather. The advantages of…

The principle of implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in hydroponic farming systems is simple: integrate the production and monitoring technology in a hydroponic system, link them to an AI algorithm for your chosen crop, train it to perform the necessary actions according to your required parameters, and enjoy the resulting improvements in yield and income. Designing a custom AI solution is, however, a far cry from typing a query into a chatbot. While AI-run production systems have been built in research settings, they do have limitations. “We often see AI requested where the underlying need is better sensing, data capture, monitoring, or rule-based automation,” says Shaun Lamminga, engineering executive at Farmtrace, an enterprise resource planning provider focusing on agriculture that has implemented a range of systems in South Africa focusing on…

Botswana has established itself as one of the leading beef exporters in Southern Africa. As these exports form a major source of foreign exchange earnings for the country, the cattle industry is considered vital to the national economy. Planning, regulation, and management of the industry are conducted with the same level of seriousness as other strategic industries. The Botswana Meat Commission (BMC), formed in 1965 and mandated to lead the marketing and export of meat, is the central institution responsible for managing the country's beef industry. The BMC oversees quality standards, compliance with international regulations, and export logistics. It has focused on securing routes to market, and establishing offices in key international destinations to facilitate trade and marketing is one of the key ways it has done so. This institutional…

ACROSS 1. Wide view or expectation (8) 5. Edible bivalve shellfish of the Pecten genus (8) 10. Shrub of the buckthorn family, also called New Jersey tea (7) 12. Drinking glass or acrobat (7) 13. Popular freshwater game fish of the Salmo genus (5) 14. Hard green Swiss cheese made with skimmed milk and melilot (7) 15. Female tawny African big cat (7) 16. A sibling's daughter (5) 19. Tie up (an animal) with a rope or chain to restrict movement within limits (6) 22. Long-haired breed of sheepdog originating in Scotland (6) 24. Case for a pistol, usually attached to a belt (7) 25. Dry bed of an intermittent torrent (4) 26. Snake-like, almost scaleless fish (4) 28. Style of salad with eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, tuna and…

SERVES FOUR TO SIX INGREDIENTS 2 ripe avocados Avocado or olive oil 600g mixed vegetables, such as peppers, baby marrow, aubergine, and red onion 2 garlic cloves, crushed 30ml (2 Tbsp) mixed dried herbs or Italian herb seasoning Salt and pepper 30ml to 45ml (2 to 3 Tbsp) balsamic vinegar 15ml (1 Tbsp) brown sugar 500g penne pasta For the breadcrumbs: 100g stale sourdough bread, cubed 45ml (3 Tbsp) avocado or olive oil 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional) 2 garlic cloves, crushed Pinch of chilli flakes (optional) Zest of 1 lemon Flat-leaf parsley, to garnish • Preheat the oven to 200°C. • Add a drizzle of the oil to a large oven dish, and then add the vegetables, garlic, and herbs. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and toss…

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. To read the original article, visit bit.ly/4sFYRiM. “In South Africa, manufacturers of pineapple juice and other pineapple products discard thousands of tons of pineapple leaves every year, with most ending up in dumpsites. The leaves are seen as agricultural waste and usually treated as useless. However, they can be converted into something that solves real-world problems; a powerful resource for environmental protection and security. This involves turning them into a special kind of nanoparticle. (Nanoparticles are tiny materials no bigger than 0,0001mm in size.) I'm part of a team of nanomaterial chemists who focus on making new materials from waste like pineapple leaves. We set out…

Closely linked to hydroponics, some Zimbabwean farmers prefer soilless farming in the form of aquaponics. Joe Mugwagwa, who runs an aquaponics operation in Mashonaland East Province alongside his mother, told Farmer's Weekly that his journey into this farming model was ignited a few years ago while he was searching for sustainable farming solutions that could tackle the triple threat of skyrocketing input costs, soil degradation, and chemical overload in traditional agriculture. He says aquaponics stood out for its ingenious combination of fish farming and vegetable production in a closed-loop system that drastically reduces water usage, eliminates the need for synthetic fertilisers, and yields fresh, high-quality produce. “We mainly grow tilapia because they are hardy, adapt well to warm climates, and perform reliably in recirculating systems. On the plant side, we…

Vertical, indoor farming addresses many of the biggest challenges facing food producers: dwindling natural resources, erratic climates, and distance to market. In theory, vertical farming therefore presents abundant opportunities to produce food close to market, using a fraction of the land and water required for outdoor farming. In practice, however, the costs associated with such capital-intensive systems often far outstrip those on outdoor farms. “Vertical farms are suited to low-margin crops. You are growing lettuce, not Gucci handbags, so if the production costs are too high, the business will not be viable,” says Francois van der Merwe, CEO of Clean Air Nurseries Agri Global (CAN-Agri). CAN-Agri is a vertical farm based in Pretoria, Gauteng. It is run as a commercial farm, while providing a testing ground for new research, technology…

Egg production is often described as one of the most accessible agricultural enterprises in South Africa. Compared to other livestock industries, poultry requires less land, offers quicker production cycles, and supplies a staple protein that remains in constant demand. Yet, despite its perceived simplicity, layer farming is one of the most management-intensive agricultural systems, where margins are tight and mistakes costly. Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, Mpumalanga poultry farmer Lebogang Mashego says she has learnt this through experience. Her journey in layer production has been shaped by careful planning, disciplined cost control, and a deep understanding of how small operational decisions affect long-term profitability. For Mashego, success in poultry farming is not about chasing numbers, but about building systems that work. “People think eggs are easy money because chickens lay every…

Dear Jonno, We have bought a site in the Northern Cape and want to build a four-bedroom home with two common bathrooms. The preferred styling is country-style. The house should be built with bricks and plastered walls, and painted white. The roof can be cement slate available locally, and must be gable-ended. An attached double garage is required. We also want a front veranda, near the sitting room and dining room, with an adjacent games room/gym onto the veranda. Hope this helps give some direction as to our needs. Wishing you a prosperous 2026. Kind regards, Geremy and Sandra Dear Geremy and Sandra, Thanks for your descriptive request. Shown is the home's layout with the facilities requested. The styling shown is typical of country homes; bedrooms are all tucked away…

I would love to meet a man of 75 years (or older) who would like a partner to settle down with. I grew up on a farm and was previously married to a farmer and two of my family members currently farm. I am looking for a kind, considerate person who enjoys a simple life, holding hands and who is financially stable and single. Please supply your email address and phone number when replying. LETS GET TOGETHER 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…

11 to 13 February, Groenkloof, Pretoria The Plant Production Course is designed for practical implementation, ensuring delegates can apply what they learn directly to their farming ventures. Over three days, delegates visit a working farm, gaining invaluable hands-on experience, is presented with theory, and complete a workbook. Email Agri Skills Transfer at info@agriskills.net, or phone 012 002 3723. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND EXPOS 9 FEBRUARY International Conference on Agroecosystem Restoration in Agricultural Regions, Johannesburg. Email Nathan Vincent at info@isit.org.in. 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. 11 TO 13 MARCH IPLEX Africa, Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Email admin@exposuremarketing.co.za. COURSES AND TRAINING 4…

While South Africa's export prospects for 2026 appear promising due to improved Transnet performance and a potential return to Suez Canal routes, exporters are urged to maintain rigorous risk management – see story on page 16. ‘Repairs took so long that the fruit missed the peak festive window and arrived in poor condition, causing an estimated US$150 million (R2,5 billion)in losses’ – Coenraad de Bruin, executive head of specialist lines at Hollard Insure, on the risk of not diversifying trade routes (pg 16). ‘The pest is therefore always present, particularly in sorghum-producing regions such as the Springbok Flats’ – Prof Johnnie van den Berg, agricultural entomologist at North West University, on the increasing importance of the sorghum shoot fly (pg 18 – 19). ‘Field verification, farmer onboarding, and data validation…

Please give us some background on parasites and the fact that they are part of nature and have an extremely important role to play. When I arrived in Riversdale in 1984 as young veterinarian to start out in private practice, one of the first people to welcome me was the legendary Oom Hannes ‘Vark’ van Wyk. One of the first lessons he taught me was that parasites are our friends and, in most cases, not the enemy. This statement was radically in contrast to what I heard from farmers as a child and to what we were taught at veterinary school. What I soon learnt was that parasites are part of nature and have extremely important roles to play. Parasites play a significant role by taking out the weakest and…

Producing premium roses in greenhouses Luxaflor Roses, co-owned by horticulture farmer Roelof Nugteren, exports delphiniums and roses to South Africa and the Netherlands. The farm supplies the flower auction in South Africa three times a week. Nugteren's farm is located in Zimbabwe's Mashonaland Central province and is the country's largest exporter of flowers. All production takes place in greenhouses that have been imported from Europe. Its extensive irrigation systems feature dripper lines that weave throughout the greenhouses. “Delphiniums and roses are specialised crops that are difficult to grow,” says Nugteren. Growing these crops in greenhouses allows Nugteren to produce a consistent, uniform and good-quality crop. He adds that due to the difficulty of growing these crops, having the right infrastructure is a necessity. “You can't grow these particular varieties and…

To the uninitiated, it can be difficult to understand the need for lighting in a greenhouse. The bright white plastic and netting used for the flooring, walls and roofs of contemporary plastic greenhouses make the interiors of these structures almost unbearably bright. “Plants make use of different (light) wavelengths to grow and photosynthesise,” explains Kaylee Smit, chief cultivation officer at Cultura Fresh, a hydroponic vegetable producer supplying national retailers from farms in Klapmuts and Stellenbosch. “Each growth phase of the plant (germination, seedling, vegetative, flowering or reproductive phase, and the maturation or harvest phase) requires a different light wavelength and a different set of climatic conditions for the plant to thrive,” she says. LED LIGHTS TYPICALLY LAST LONGER AND USE LESS ELECTRICITY, BUT ARE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE EXPENSIVE While there are…

Gerrit Maritz, owner of Brandvlei Chickens in Magaliesberg, Gauteng, did not let the lack of opportunity get in his way to becoming a farmer. While his father was a part-time farmer, Maritz could not take this operation on full-time and was given the choice to either pursue a tertiary education or find a job after high school in 2007. With farming being the only career in mind, he found a job working for a chicken farmer, absorbing all the knowledge he could. For several years he worked on different farms, gaining experience in different production systems. He eventually moved on to become a consultant in the industry, helping farmers to improve production. His acumen was soon noticed by a businessman looking for a partner to run a broiler operation that…

It all began when The Natal Mercury ran an article about a hippo in a sugar cane field north of Stanger in Natal on 23 November 1928. As it turned out, this very same wandering hippo would travel down South Africa's east coast for around 1 600km before being killed. The hippo's adventures were eagerly described in various South African newspapers, including The Natal Mercury, Daily Dispatch, The Cape Mercury, and The Daily Representative. In time, international publications such as the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, and the famous British magazine Punch, joined in and published articles about the animal. These media reports often anthropomorphised the hippo so that people could relate to it on a human level. For example, it was first named Billy, then Hubert, and eventually…