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.

Oil price woes as Iran blocks sea passage

Farmer's Weekly

AGOA's promise fades under new US tariffs • Although the African Growth and Opportunity Act has been extended for another year, new US reciprocal tariffs have largely erased its duty-free benefits. Recent modelling shows sharp declines in African exports to the US, particularly in apparel-dependent economies such as Lesotho and Madagascar.

Sheep production

Hampshire Downs come out tops during droughts

Notes from the Western Cape agricultural roadshow

NEWS WRAP

Bird flu vaccination access could stunt poultry industry growth and exports • South Africa's poultry industry has become increasingly competitive, but future growth will depend on expanding exports. Industry experts say not only will this require vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza, but stronger government support to ensure stable production and unlock new international markets. Glenneis Kriel reports.

South Africa's dairy industry is rated highly competitive • South Africa's dairy industry has been ranked among the most competitive in the world in the 2025 IFCN Dairy Report. With relatively low production costs, strong productivity, and large herd sizes, local producers are well positioned to compete in international markets despite ongoing challenges such as rising input costs and declining farm numbers. Lindi Botha reports.

IBMA conference spotlights innovation, investment in African agriculture • More than 120 local and international delegates gathered in Gqeberha in early March for the International Conference on Business Models in Agriculture, where speakers highlighted the need to connect African agricultural innovation with global markets and turn research into practical solutions for farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports.

No bees, no yield: lessons from the 2025 strawberry pollination trial • The 2025 strawberry pollination trial at Limberlost Farm shows managed bees are crucial for fruit set, yield, and quality, proving pollination is a key production input. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports.

Weighbridge maintenance critical to prevent financial losses • Farmers can lose millions if weighbridges are not properly maintained, a risk highlighted at the!Xhariep region annual general meeting of Agricultural Writers SA, held recently at Massamatic in Parow. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Grains and oilseeds: ample availability, small price changes • South Africa's grain and oilseed markets entered the new season under a mix of favourable production prospects and softer international price dynamics, writes Nkhensani Mashimby.

More about growing vegetable seedlings in trays • By considering various factors and tailoring care to specific vegetable needs, you can produce healthy, robust seedlings ready for transplanting into the garden, writes Shane Brody.

The new NMW and what it means for the sector • The National Minimum Wage Act is a very explicit piece of legislation. As James Pretorius writes, non-compliance by employers can carry serious consequences, which includes monetary fines.

Prodigy of agriculture and land is now a presidential envoy • Wandile Sihlobo will be armed by state powers to accelerate any decision-making that the Presidency deems crucial to grow the sectors of agriculture and land, writes Dr Sifiso Ntombela.

Bathurst Show celebrates heritage where town and country meet • With a history stretching back more than 170...