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.

Exciting changes ahead for FW

Farmer's Weekly

UP veterinarian on why hoof care is essential for equine health and performance • Dr Yolandi Smit, equine surgery lecturer at the University of Pretoria, explores hoof health, the risks of neglect, and best practices to ensure horses remain comfortable, mobile, and able to perform at their peak.

WoodEX for Africa • 18 to 20 June, Midrand

Help us find a forever home on a farm for rescue dog Mac

TRENDING IN AGRICULTURE

Profiting from tailor-made salad packs

NEWS WRAP

SA agri exports up 6% in first quarter of 2025

Mixed fortunes for timber sector, including Sappi

African armyworm makes its way to Porterville

Karan Beef managing impact of FMD outbreak

Local dragon fruit market sees good season returns

Potato app to help production, marketing decisions

Navigating an uncertain regulatory environment

US trade relationship is damaged beyond repair

AI could negate the need for extension officers

Highlights from the 2025 Good Life Show • The Good Life Show, held recently at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, hosted close to 200 exhibits, thought-provoking talks, and hands-on experiences to promote healthy living. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various exhibitors about the value the event holds for them.

Opening up opportunities for future farmers by exposing them to technology • Magda du Toit attended the launch of a strategic collaborative partnership between Earth Hub Africa, MTN SA Foundation, and Shell South Africa, aimed at creating scalable smart farming in rural areas.

Mohair trust holds knitting workshop for women

Nelson Mandela Bay hosts youth agri indaba

Maize prizes fluctuate • Maize prices exhibited diverging trends across East and Southern African countries, according to Absa AgriBusiness.

Barriers to insuring cannabis crops in South Africa • Local insurance companies remain reluctant to cover farmers who produce cannabis for recreational and commercial purposes, largely due to the industry's uncertain legal status, writes Thomas Walker.

Crop rotation is key in vegetable and crop production • The continual practice of ‘monoculture’ planting by farmers is becoming increasingly detrimental to the quality of produce in the longer term, so cyclical rotation is a better option, writes Shane Brody.

Free State Regional Miniature Horse Championships • There were 33 Miniature Horses exhibited by 12 stud breeders at the Bloem Show on 26 April. The horses competed in 49 classes, and a total of 78 entries were received. The judge was Nic Jooste of Perdekop near Volksrust.

SA National Ile de France Championships • The South African National Ile de France Championships were held in Bloemfontein on 26 April. There were 270 sheep exhibited by 19 stud breeders. The judges were Henri Naudé, Wimpie Rossouw, and Johan van der Walt.

FOCUS ON YOUNG FARMERS

Marrying the old with the new: a young farmer's perspective • The roots of the Battenhausen family in the Upper Karoo are as deep and meaningful as their family tree. For six generations, they have farmed sheep near Philipstown, and their contribution to the community is well known. Today, it is up to Carl Battenhausen to walk in the footsteps of those who came before him and continue building his family's legacy. Nichelle Steyn reports.

‘Make yourself indispensable to ensure your...