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.

Innovation at the heart of Nampo 2026

Farmer's Weekly

Mapping Africa's rising ocean resource conflicts • As the blue economy expands, a study by researchers from the US, South Africa, and Ghana, covering 34 African countries, has identified more than 1 000 documented marine conflicts. Driven mainly by disputes over access to resources and exclusionary governance, these clashes threaten coastal livelihoods.

South Africa Wine Summit

New South African study shows editing grapevine DNA could boost resistance to disease and drought

‘Best birds in the world’

A year in which agricultural conditions remain broadly mixed

South Africa’s vulnerability in terms of the conflict in the Middle East

Innovation versus regulation shapes biotech uptake in South Africa • South Africa’s biotech sector faces a tug-of-war between rapid innovation and rigid regulation. Experts argue that while field trials build farmer trust, agile policy is essential to maintain global competitiveness. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports.

Counting the cost of irrigation efficiency

Push to fix rural roads in WC gains traction

Agri Western Cape tackles mounting pressures through coordinated response

Global grain oversupply and Iran war set to continue tempering margins • South African grain farmers face slimming margins due to a global oversupply and geopolitical volatility. Experts warn of a ‘BANI’ era, where unpredictable oil and fertiliser costs demand extreme efficiency. Lindi Botha reports.

El Niño likely to form this winter – a global view • Meteorologists note signs that El Niño will form between June and August. Even if it remains a weak event, it can still influence weather patterns in ways that matter for farmers, according to Zama Sangweni.

Enabling New Zealanders to better look after their soils • Willem Engelbrecht is the co-founder of Revive Soil Solutions NZ, a company focused on improving soil health in New Zealand. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his family’s move from South Africa to New Zealand and the difference his business aims to make in soil management.

Ahead of the herd: livestock collars • Stock theft and predator attacks remain some of the most persistent threats facing South African livestock farmers. GPS collar technology has given farmers a real-time line of defence, and a handful of South African companie companies are now competing to provide it. Henning Naudé spoke to head of engineering at FarmRanger, Marius van der Merwe, and client and service manager at Agri-Alert, Duvan Papenfus, on what each company brings to the market.

NAMPO 2026 Exhibitor list

Nampo 2026: anchoring the future in resilience • Experience the Southern Hemisphere’s premier agricultural showcase from 12 to 15 May 2026. Discover how precision technology, elite genetics, and data-driven solutions empower producers to turn modern pressures into sustainable, profitable growth.

Beyond the bales: Bothaville’s top Nampo side quests • Nampo Harvest Day 2026 brings ‘Resilience through Innovation’ to Bothaville. Beyond Africa’s premier agricultural show, explore the Oesfees Market, historic Vredefort Dome, and Sandveld Nature Reserve. Whether for business or local hospitality at Boere Boss, the Free State delivers. Jedrie Harmse reports.

The ‘disappearing middle’: how smarter can outperform bigger • Consolidation in agriculture is undeniable, but success is not reserved for the biggest players....