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1 week ago | 
farmersweekly.co.za | Octavia Avesca Spandiel
Doornrivier Farm, located in Somerset East in the Eastern Cape, is a shining example of resilience, determination, and the power of collaboration in South Africa’s agriculture sector. Owned and managed by the three Fani brothers – Simphiwe, Thembinkosi, and Linda – the farm has grown from humble beginnings to a prosperous livestock business. Simphiwe says their journey into farming began in their youth.
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3 weeks ago | 
farmersweekly.co.za | Octavia Avesca Spandiel
As climate change intensifies extreme weather events, the agriculture sector is faced with the arduous task of finding ways to overcome these challenges. This is where plant biotechnology comes in, as it is proving to be an indispensable tool for enhancing crop resilience to droughts and floods. “The development of drought-tolerant crops begins with understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern a plant’s response to stress.
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1 month ago | 
witness.co.za | Kayla Shaw |Octavia Avesca Spandiel
The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) recently raised an alarm over Namibia’s decision to reinstate its ban on the importation of bovine semen and embryos from South Africa as of April 8, warning that the move could severely disrupt the red meat value chain between the two countries. While the ban is officially limited to genetic material, Dewald Olivier, CEO of RMIS, said the consequences are far-reaching.
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1 month ago | 
farmersweekly.co.za | Octavia Avesca Spandiel
While the ban is officially limited to genetic material, Dewald Olivier, CEO of RMIS told Farmer’s Weekly, the consequences are far-reaching. “South African stud breeders, who form an integral part of the red meat value chain, are now unable to supply superior genetics to clients in Namibia. This disrupts commercial relationships, results in financial losses, and may ultimately impact both countries’ genetic progress and herd productivity over time,” said Olivier.
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1 month ago | 
farmersweekly.co.za | Octavia Avesca Spandiel
The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (No. 7 of 2024) allows for the personal use of cannabis, but commercial cultivation and trade are still restricted under existing laws, creating legal grey areas that impact emerging growers and the broader industry.
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1 month ago | 
farmersweekly.co.za | Octavia Avesca Spandiel
Trump slapped a 30% tariff on goods from South Africa. The tariff was due to come into effect on 5 April. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, said that while the country was awaiting the full details of how the tariffs announced by Trump would apply, it was clear that the duty-free access South Africa enjoyed through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was likely over.
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1 month ago | 
farmersweekly.co.za | Octavia Avesca Spandiel
“The recent outbreak in Bergville highlights the continued risk of FMD spread even beyond the newly declared Disease Management Area (DMA) boundaries. This reaffirms the importance of biosecurity and movement control to prevent further outbreaks,” said a statement by the Department of Agriculture. According to the statement, traceback investigations have confirmed that the Bergville outbreak was linked to earlier infections within the DMA before its formal extension.
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1 month ago | 
farmersweekly.co.za | Octavia Avesca Spandiel
Starting a farm is no small endeavour, and for new farmers, laying a strong foundation is essential for long-term success. Duncan Serapelwane, owner of Moalosi Bonsmara in Morokweng, North West, and agent at André Kock & Son auction house, offers top tips for emerging farmers in South Africa. According to Serapelwane, farming is a slow yet sure business, and he urges new entrants to approach the journey with clarity and commitment.
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1 month ago | 
farmersweekly.co.za | Octavia Avesca Spandiel
In the rural Eastern Cape village of kuGatyane, a transformative movement is blossoming amid the challenges of unemployment, food insecurity, and poverty. At the centre of this movement is Bakhusele Mathupha, a former school teacher turned agricultural innovator, whose initiative is cultivating not just food but also hope and unity in his community.
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1 month ago | 
farmersweekly.co.za | Octavia Avesca Spandiel
In response to the recent cases, Minister of the Department of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has announced the extension of the DMA to prevent further spread of the virus. A statement released by the Department of Agriculture on Monday confirmed that this extension is aimed at controlling the movement of cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, and their products within the affected regions.
