Innehållsförteckning för 1+8 August 2025 från Farmer's Weekly

Every year in August, coinciding with National Women’s Day on 9 August, we dedicate the early August issue to women in agriculture. While we feature women in Farmer’s Weekly throughout the year, and not only in the month of August, we like to draw specific attention to women in the sector during this month. This issue is no different, and we bring you two articles that focus on spectacular women in the sector. Our first story (see story from page 32) focuses on Dr Hlamalani Ngwenya, who has led a remarkable career in the sector, particularly as it pertains to extension services and education. Ngwenya began her career as a home economics teacher, but has since become a globally recognised leader in agricultural extension, and the broader agrifood systems. The…

Spinach lovers might be surprised to know that the vegetable they enjoy for its succulent leaves is not spinach, but Swiss chard. The term spinach is loosely used in South Africa. Swiss chard is also known as spinach beet, or in Afrikaans as snybeet. While Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris cicla) is the main ‘spinach’, the true spinach (Spinacia oleracea), a paler and less robust-looking plant than Swiss chard, is said to be the tastiest of the spinach types. There is also the succulent New Zealand spinach, a rapid grower. Swiss chard is a year-round crop and it withstands heat and frost. It’s grown for its large, crisp leaves and fresh stalks, all of which can be eaten. Its flavour is often enhanced by adding onions and potatoes, and it makes…

Mounting living costs are hitting South Africans hard especially in light of increasing electricity prices, as well hikes in rates and taxes in major metros. According to a report by Daily Investor, many South African households were under severe financial pressure as living costs outstripped incomes. This caused increased reliance on debt and forced families to use retirement savings just to survive. “Thanks to Eskom’s new Retail Tariff Plan, some households are also facing electricity increases of up to 80%, with added daily fees and capacity charges piling on the pressure,” the report read. According to the latest cost of living data from EcoFlow, food costs varied between R2 000 to R4 000 per person per month nationwide, although it could vary according to location and diet. Consumers could expect…

The Grains Value Chain Round Table (VCRT) is playing a pivotal role in transforming South Africa’s grain sector into a more inclusive, competitive industry. This effort is included in the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), a bold national strategy to grow agricultural production while ensuring opportunities reach all farmers. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Dr Godfrey Kgatle, research coordinator at Grain SA, shared an in-depth update on the progress and priorities driving the future of South Africa’s grain industry in its third quarterly meeting. The VCRT showcased significant strides across its key focus areas. MARKET ACCESS, TARIFF CHALLENGES According to Kgatle, the Trade Working Group’s recent achievements include tackling market access and tariff challenges. “One of our key successes was facilitating the reopening of maize exports to neighbouring Southern African…

The recent upward and downward spike in A-grade beef prices is a good example of how markets operate in the real world. Prices do increase as result of a supply-side shock, but will then decrease again as demand-side factors react. SOME ECONOMICS 101 In the first year of economics study, the student is soon introduced to the use of ceteris paribus (all other things being equal) as a tool to explain economic phenomena. They are taught that prices are determined by the interaction between supply and demand. An increase in the supply will result in a decrease in prices; and a rise in demand will result in higher prices. Both of these statements are true, but only under specific conditions. This is where the concept of ceteris paribus raises its…

There is a growing homogeneity in agriculture and land policy that must be addressed by researchers, in particular independent knowledge generators like the universities. There is merit in the consensus that an export-led growth strategy has helped grow the agricultural output and generate foreign earnings. However, there is a challenge when most players in the sector concur that the growth has been largely exclusive, and disease outbreaks are becoming a problem, but no action or policy changes are effected. Not only are limited changes seen in policy climate, but also in institutions and the conduct of players. It can be argued that the policy and regulatory environment in agriculture and land sectors has remained constant over the past 30 years despite changing social, economic, and environmental factors, both locally and…

Mel Robbins first shot to fame with an early TEDx talk in 2011 on ‘The Five-Second Rule’ – count from five to one backwards to stop putting your foot in your mouth. This common-sense idea has been viewed well over 30 million times on YouTube and was the basis of her bestselling first book. Although it’s supported by references to neuroscience research, her third book, The Let Them Theory (Hay House, R650), is also essentially based on another common-sense idea: let people say and do what they feel like doing, even if it’s ghosting you or gossiping about you, because you can’t control them. What you can control is how you respond – deciding what you’ll do or, as she puts it, ‘Let them and then let me’. As with all…

Of all the policy areas that we work with, transformation remains the most controversial and delicate. If done correctly, transformation can be a real asset to the agriculture sector as it unlocks the latent capabilities of those who may not otherwise get a chance in the mainstream economy. If done wrong, transformation can pose a serious challenge for companies and even those whom it seeks to advance. Employment equity is a specific subset of transformation that seeks to advance previously disadvantaged individuals in the formal employment sector so that they can compete on an equal basis with previously advantaged individuals. The concept is noble and deserves to be supported. AMENDED LEGISLATION Until recently, companies with a turnover that exceeded a certain threshold was required to formulate employment equity plans containing…

Two recent studies from Stellenbosch University (SU) offer strong scientific support for what many Karoo farmers have long believed: authentic Karoo lamb, raised on natural veld, not only delivers superior flavour, but also offers nutritional advantages over feedlot-finished meat. The studies, led by Prof Phillip Strydom of the Department of Animal Science at SU, investigated how different feeding strategies affect meat quality, nutritional composition and flavour in Karoo lambs raised on natural veld, compared to those supplemented with grain-based feeds or finished entirely in feedlots. Lambs raised solely on Karoo veld had a lower omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio – closer to the ideal balance recommended for human health. In contrast, feedlot lambs had elevated omega-6 levels, which are associated with increased inflammation in the human body. Meat from…

Growth in global trade is expected to slow markedly this year off the back of rapidly shifting policies and persistent tariff uncertainty. The World Bank forecast that annual trade growth would decelerate from 3,4% in 2024 to around 1,8% in 2025. At this pace, trade expansion would be less than half the annual average of about 4,9% in the two decades before the COVID-19 pandemic. Ayhan Kose, deputy chief economist at the World Bank, said that the decade-long rise in trade restrictions had been supercharged by sharp tariff hikes and retaliatory measures from major economies over the past three months. “Advanced economies have accounted for nearly 70% of new trade restrictions since 2022, although their trade barriers generally remain lower than those of developing economies.” Of the most critical risks…

The US recently announced that it would be withdrawing a 2019 trade agreement that provided tariff-free access to tomatoes from Mexico to the US, EL PAÍS reported. From now on, tomatoes from Mexico would thus be subject to a 17% tariff. The recently imposed tariff came on the back of long-standing complaints of alleged dumping practices filed by US farmers against Mexican farmers in 1996, EL PAÍS reported. With annual sales amounting to almost US$3 billion, the commodity is particularly lucrative for US and Mexican farmers. This, according to EL PAÍS, had led to “direct confrontation” between Mexican and US farmers. Despite US farmers’ allegations that Mexican farmers were deliberately selling tomatoes at lower prices, Mexico had managed to avoid paying tariffs due to a series of agreements to keep…

Goats and sheep worldwide are affected by the chronic bacterial disease caseous lymphadenitis (CLA). The disease is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and is characterised by the formation of abscesses in the lymph nodes, which can lead to significant economic losses to goat farmers. Also commonly referred to as ‘cheesy gland disease’, some quite large lymph node swellings can occur, and when lanced can contain dark yellow, white, or even green pus that is often very dense. CLA is highly contagious and can survive in the environment for extended periods. When treating animals with this condition it is important to consider biosecurity, such as the effective sterilisation of equipment and the incineration/burning of swabs. The bacteria can be transmitted through the following means in direct contact with infected animals:…

FAST FACTS Hydro ballasting of tyres is discouraged as it negatively impacts tyre performance. Standard tyres with which agricultural implements are sold are not necessarily the best for the job. The load and speed at which a machine will work, as well as tyre pressure, should be considered when configuring tyres for a specific job. Bridgestone conservatively estimates that South African farmers collectively maintain a tyre inventory valued at over R1,2 billion per annum. This estimate is based on there being 40 000 farms in South Africa, as reported by Statistics South Africa in 2017, each with two to five vehicles, including motorcycles, bakkies, tractors, spraying equipment, planters, and harvesters. Despite this significant investment, the importance of tyres in bringing efficiencies to the farm is often overlooked. HYDRO BALLASTING One…

FAST FACTS Zandile Kumalo runs two hydroponics farms in shopping centres in Johannesburg. Being open to partnerships is important to raise the capital to set up operations. A thorough understanding of the market is necessary before starting crop production. The notion of rooftop farming in a city centre is the epitome of farm to table production. It solves one of the major challenges faced by many farmers; proximity to the market. If done in a greenhouse, it also protects the crop from the elements. The property developers, on the other hand, are able to generate an income from unused space, provide green areas in a concrete jungle, and meet a few environmental and social commitments along the way. IF ONLY IT WERE THAT SIMPLE Zandile Kumalo approached 19 shopping centres…

5 key words: Janet Barry Pangolins perhaps suffer the cruel irony of being one of the least-known of southern Africa’s creatures, but one of its most endangered, thanks to a poaching epidemic. This shadowy trade is hard to track but in 2019, for example, it was calculated that about 400 000 pangolin were hunted per annum. For her first book, The Pangolin Prophecy (Chalk Creations, R195), former pre-primary teacher Barry was inspired by a pangolin encounter to showcase the creatures’ fragile time on earth. Her tale of a pangolin and its human protector who tries to keep it safe, is evocatively told and interwoven with Sotho cultural beliefs and the pressures of modern life. The whole story is set among beautiful illustrations by Johannesburg artist Caroline Janse van Rensburg. Janet’s five…

Dear Prof McCrindle, I am a large-scale maize and cattle farmer. It’s time for weaning, but after all the rain this season, the fields are still muddy. Snow is expected on the mountains, so the wind is freezing. My cows are getting very thin and the calves are not growing well. How can I help them gain condition? Kind regards, MF, Witwatersrand Dear MF, We have had a very wet time this year and the forecast is for snow and icy winds. Weaning is a stressful time for both cows and calves. The calf at foot is taking a lot of milk while the cow may already be pregnant, feeding an embryo as well as a weanling. The farmer sees is that the body fat disappears, and the hip bones…

While recent reports highlight a year-on-year decline in EU imports of oranges and grapefruits, South Africa’s citrus industry is demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and even growth in key areas, offering a more optimistic outlook from the southern tip of Africa. According to the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), the 2025 citrus season is shaping up to be one of balanced growth and high-quality produce. Export volumes for key varieties such as Navel and Valencia oranges are projected to increase by 5% and 6%, respectively. Grapefruit exports are also expected to rise by 6%, with 13,5 million 17kg-equivalent cartons forecast for global markets. ENCOURAGING GROWTH This growth is particularly encouraging given the logistical and regulatory challenges the industry has faced, especially with the EU’s stringent phytosanitary measures. Despite these hurdles,…

Growing meat consumption and greater market opportunities in the East are two key trends expected to influence farmers in the coming decade. This was according to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025–2034, a joint publication of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Statistics from the outlook showed that total consumption of agricultural and fish commodities is projected to grow by 13% from current levels by 2034. “As incomes rise over the medium term, diets in low- and middle-income countries are projected to shift toward greater consumption of animal products. In contrast, no fundamental shift in dietary patterns is currently observable or expected in high-income countries, particularly with regard to meat consumption,” said Dr Qu Dongyu, FAO’s director general.…

ZIMBABWE As part of its Fostering Digital Villages Initiative (FDiVi), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) recently hosted a ‘digital fair’ in the Bikita District of Masvingo. This fair aimed to serve as a vibrant platform on which farmers, agripreneurs, digital service providers, and key stakeholders could meet to explore how digital solutions could improve agricultural productivity, market access, and rural livelihoods, Africa.com reported. DENMARK At the IndoLivestock Show 2025, which ran from 1 to 4 July, Denmark showcased its agri-food technology and livestock expertise, ScandAsia recently reported. The Danish delegation featured seven companies in livestock genetics, feed processing, dairy, and farming technology. The aim of the delegation was to strenghten Denmark’s business partnerships with Indonesia’s livestock sector. In a Facebook post, the Danish embassy in…

The war between Israel and Iran escalated rapidly in mid-June, ending with a ceasefire announced by the US 12 days later. After the Brent crude oil price breached US$77/barrel on 19 June, the de-escalation of military action caused the price to fall to US$71,48 on 23 June (see graph below). Oil prices are a key driver of agricultural input costs. As a result of this, it is important to explore future price paths and to consider what it could mean for farmers. SCENARIO 1: FIGHTING RESUMES Renewed military conflict between Israel and Iran could affect Iran’s ability to produce and export oil. The country exports just short of two million barrels of oil per day, which constitutes around 2% of the world’s demand. Idle pumping capacity from countries such as…

Many farmers like to give their workers a bonus at the end of the year or after a good harvest. It’s a way of saying thank you for hard work, and it can go a long way towards boosting morale. But while bonuses are appreciated, they can become complicated if not properly managed. IS IT A LEGAL REQUIREMENT? According to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (No. 75 of 1997, as amended) and Sectoral Determination 13, which regulates the basic conditions of employment for farmworkers, employers are not legally required to pay bonuses. There are, however, situations where a bonus can become something an employee is entitled to, if, for instance, a bonus is written into the employment contract, included in a collective agreement, or has become an established practice…

Bridgestone displayed their VX-Tractor at Nampo 2025, as well as one of the two tyres they will release this year. While the VX-Tractor has been in the country for three years, Willouw Goosen, Bridgestone development manager of Agri, says that it remains a great option for farmers looking for longer-lasting tyres. “The lug volume of the VX Tractor is up to 20% higher than those of our main competitors. The tyre contains more rubber and is therefore heavier than the VT-Tractor. The advantage is that it will result in substantially less downtime because of punctures, and promises to last longer, with the longevity depending on the farm conditions.” Bridgestone released the VX-R Tractor around July this year. This tyre carries Bridgestone’s ENLITEN technology, and forms part of Bridgestone’s efforts to…

Performance SUVs are not everyone’s cup of tea. Some enthusiasts argue that a practical body style designed to drop off kids at school has no business trying to be dynamic. But there is always an exception to the rule; in this case it is the Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupé. First applied to the 904 Carrera in 1963, the GTS (Grand Turismo Sport) moniker was designed by Ferdinand Porsche to be a ‘versatile car suitable for both road and track’. While it started on the sports cars, it spilled over to the Cayenne and Macan, as the Porsche portfolio expanded into SUVs. BADGE FROM HEAVEN Slotting in between the S and Turbo variants, the GTS is undoubtedly one of our favourite Porsche badges, if not the favourite. It is a product…

New research has revealed that certain fig tree species, native to Kenya, can store atmospheric carbon dioxide as calcium carbonate ‘rocks’ within their trunks and the surrounding soil, a process known as the oxalate carbonate pathway. This method offers a more effective and longer-lasting form of carbon sequestration than traditional organic carbon storage in trees. The Kenyan, American, Austrian and Swiss scientists are now investigating the most efficient fig species, such as Ficus wakefieldii, for agroforestry applications, highlighting an underexplored opportunity to combat carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, according to ScienceDaily.com. To better explain the process, ScienceDaily.com reports that all trees use photosynthesis to turn CO2 into organic carbon. This carbon forms the trunk, branches, roots and leaves of the tree, and is why planting trees is seen as a potential…