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2 719 stories from 13 South African publishers, refreshed through the day. Every story is the publisher’s own — read it on their site, talk about it here.
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Farmer's WeeklyObserved annually on 16 October, World Food Day draws attention to hunger, malnutrition, and the need for sustainable global food security. According to experts, South Africa could make better use of its agricultural resources through smarter farming, ecological practices, and improved food…
Farmer's WeeklyPresident Cyril Ramaphosa has called on commercial banks to ease lending restrictions for emerging farmers, saying access to finance is essential to expanding black people’s participation in commercial agriculture.
Farmer's WeeklyThe Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has defended expenditure of more than R81 million on its proposed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine manufacturing facility, saying the money was spent on vaccine development, technical planning, and regulatory requirements over a period of more than 15…
Farmer's WeeklyEvery farming operation has its own equipment needs, cycles, and long-term goals. John Deere Financial offers personalised financing solutions designed around these realities, helping farmers focus on the operation they know best.
Farmer's WeeklySouth African farmers entered the 2026/27 summer production season better prepared for El Niño than they were ahead of the devastating 2015/16 drought, but economists warn that poor financial decisions could leave producers facing years of recovery.
Farmer's WeeklyA fruit farmer, an organic vegetable producer, and a collaborative citrus development were recognised at the 2026 Agricultural Writers SA (AWSA) !Xhariep regional awards in Cape Town on 9 October.
Farmer's WeeklyFrom tiny dwarf rabbits to large meat breeds, the rabbit exhibit at this year’s Royal Show in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands offered visitors more than an opportunity to admire these fluffy animals. Behind the judging and prizes was an effort to preserve rabbit breeds at risk of disappearing from South…
Farmer's WeeklyFrom tiny dwarf rabbits to large meat breeds, the rabbit exhibit at this year’s Royal Show in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands offered visitors more than an opportunity to admire these fluffy animals. Behind the judging and prizes was an effort to preserve rabbit breeds at risk of disappearing from South…
Farmer's WeeklyAgriculture remains the biggest cause of biodiversity loss worldwide, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). However, the organisation’s latest Living Planet Report highlights conservation successes that show biodiversity loss can be reversed.
Farmer's WeeklyZimbabwe government officials are projecting a grain deficit of between 266 881t and 541 881t for the 2026/27 season, largely driven by anticipated poor rainfall, due to the upcoming El Niño, and rising fuel and fertiliser costs.
Farmer's WeeklyAs Botswana’s game farming industry grows, professional hunter Luke Blackbeard’s story highlights how wildlife can become both a viable farming enterprise and a tool for conservation. His journey reflects the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
Farmer's WeeklyThe KwaZulu-Natal 2026/27 Multi-Planting Season programme seeks to increase food production and help smallholder farmers prepare for the anticipated effects of El Niño.
Farmer's WeeklySouth Africa’s wheat harvest is expected to fall to its lowest level in eight years in the 2026/27 season, as rising input costs and dry conditions in the Western Cape put pressure on farmers, despite an anticipated increase in overall winter crop production.
Farmer's WeeklyGenetics play a critical role in sustainable beef farming. Why do genetics matter and how can they be conserved?
Farmer's WeeklyExhibitors at this year’s Royal Show were praised for the exceptional quality of their displays at an awards ceremony held at Tweedie Hall in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands last week.
Farmer's WeeklySouth Africa is heading into the 2026/27 season with strong grain supplies, but wheat tells a more complicated story.
Farmer's WeeklySouth Africa’s dairy farmers have become so efficient that there is little room left to cut costs, yet most still struggle to earn worthwhile returns. Farmers are being forced to produce more milk to survive, but the market is not growing fast enough to absorb it.
Farmer's WeeklyPomologist, former wine columnist, and inveterate collector Buks Nel has spent a lifetime exploring wine, apples, and much more. Pieter de Waal visited him for Cap Classique, conversation, and a taste of patience.
Farmer's WeeklySouth Africa’s wine industry researchers achieve a great deal with substantially less funding and capacity than their international counterparts. Broader funding sources, coordinated research programmes and producer involvement could help the industry build on this foundation.
Farmer's WeeklySouth Africa faces the prospect of living with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) indefinitely unless government urgently improves disease surveillance, and farmers take greater responsibility for reporting infections and vaccinating their herds.
Farmer's WeeklyThe Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed that an additional R150 million, announced by Minister Willie Aucamp, has been transferred to Land Bank.
Farmer's WeeklyNampo Alfa staged its most successful livestock programme in a decade despite the continuing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) challenge, according to Albert Loubser, livestock coordinator for Nampo Alfa 2026. Organisers are now planning an Africa Livestock Conference as part of a broader African focus…
Farmer's WeeklyOngoing communication and cooperation between South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana are critical to addressing challenges posed by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the region.
Farmer's WeeklyWhat does it take to build a Dohne Merino flock that performs under South African conditions while delivering value to the farmer?
Farmer's WeeklySouth Africa’s sugar industry needs urgent intervention to restore profitability and protect its future, as cheap imports, the sugar tax, and underinvestment in sugar mills threaten the viability of growers and millers alike.
Farmer's WeeklySouth Africa’s red meat industry needs sufficient funding, changes in state animal health management, and stronger farmer participation if it is to achieve its growth ambitions. This was according to speakers at the Road to Recovery event at Nampo Alfa on 2 October.
Farmer's WeeklyAfter a two-year absence, the Royal Agricultural Society opened the gates to its new home at Tweedie Hall in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday, marking the start of a new chapter for one of South Africa’s oldest agricultural shows.
Farmer's WeeklySavanna ram Demolisher from Maize Valley Savanna Goat Stud lived up to his name at this year’s Nampo Alfa, defeating strong competition to claim the overall interbreed title at the inaugural BKB Super 10 Goat Show on 2 October.
Farmer's WeeklyNamibia has intensified measures to contain its foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak near the South African border after the confirmed number of cases increased to 127 across 15 farms, while trade restrictions are placing mounting pressure on the country’s livestock and meat industries.
Farmer's WeeklySouth Africa remains one of the world’s leading table grape exporters despite a shrinking production footprint, but increasing global supply, changing trade conditions, and intensifying competition are putting greater emphasis on productivity, quality, and market diversification.