Farmer's Weekly

Farmer’s Weekly is an agricultural magazine based in South Africa, targeting the whole of Southern Africa. The magazine is committed to advancing the interests of the region’s farmers and its agricultural industry by serving as a mouthpiece for the industry and by keeping its readers informed of the latest developments in the agricultural sector.

Never-ending increases in the fuel price

Why more South Africans should be eating spekboom • Research conducted by Prof Alba du Toit and researcher Faith Matiza Ruzengwe of the University of the Free State explores spekboom’s potential as a nutritious leafy green that could contribute to South Africa’s food security.

FARMER'S DIARY

Jonty Rhodes joins Wesgro in Bengaluru to boost South African brands

Fertilise early for bumper strawberry crops • If you're aiming for a bumper strawberry crop season, you must see that the plants grow vigorously from planting until August/September.

SA’s lowest wheat harvest in eight years is worrying

Preparing summer grains for the tougher season ahead • Ahead of forecasted El Niño conditions for 2026/27, Dr Buhlebelive Mndzebele of the Agricultural Research Council advises summer grain farmers to focus on pre-planting preparations, including soil-moisture management, planter calibration, and cultivar selection, to mitigate heat and drought risks.

SA faces El Niño but starts from a position of strength • Despite incoming El Niño weather risks, South Africa’s agriculture sector is well buffered by exceptionally strong soil moisture reserves, high national dam levels, and improved resilience, says Jade Smith.

What your crop must earn to break even

Challenging days for dairy farmers • South African milk producers are facing a very uncertain outlook that demands prudent management and a keen eye on fluctuating market conditions, writes Dr Koos Coetzee.

Finance partners that help you own your lane • You know your operation. We know equipment finance. At John Deere Financial, we provide personalised equipment financing solutions designed around the needs of your operation. You own your lane. We own ours.

Your facility doesn’t have a growing problem • Most of what gets diagnosed as a cultivation problem is actually an integration problem. To solve this, one person or team must coordinate the input of various specialists, writes Thomas Walker.

FOCUS ON FARM SECURITY

Farmers build their own rural safety networks • From the former Transkei to the Free State, farming communities are confronting stock theft, infrastructure crime, and stretched resources by funding camera networks, operating control rooms, and building rural safety partnerships of their own to take back rural safety.

Firearm legislation on self-defence for farmers and rural dwellers • South African firearm owners need to understand not only how to possess a firearm lawfully, but also the strict common-law principles that determine when its use in self-defence may be justified and what legal responsibilities follow after a defensive shooting.

Technology takes farm security and surveillance to new heights

Van’s Auctioneers: trusted agricultural auctioneering since 1964 • For decades, Van’s Auctioneers has delivered trusted agricultural auctioneering. From livestock and machinery to commercial farms, their experienced team ensures tailored service and maximum value for every asset.

Growing demand for Bonsmara in Botswana • The Bonsmara cattle breed is making significant headway into Botswana’s red meat production industry. Calla Visser, spokesperson for the country’s Alpha Group, told Annelie Coleman that the breed is doing exceptionally well in the semi-arid country’s ox production system.

How Mons Ruber Kalahari Red Stud combines...