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.

Where’s the co-operation, retailers?

Farmer's Weekly

South Africa’s risky global position • South Africa has chosen a risky approach to global politics, say Adam Habib and Imraan Valodia. They provide three steps they believe the country must take to reposition itself.

Beekeeping • 21 to 23 November, Honeywood Farms, Western Cape

In memory of the legendary Ron Turcotte

Bambara – great value as food and livestock feed

Gauteng’s role in the undeniable jostle for 2027 ANC leadership

Rural road investment – managing expectations and complexities

NEWS WRAP

Driverless sprayers set for South African orchards

Zimbabwe’s blueberry industry shows potential

Boosting bee activity in avocado orchards • Bee-Tech Group is conducting trials with pollen removal and Apis Bloom pheromones which are showing encouraging results for pollination. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports.

Ghana races to protect banana crop from the threat of Fusarium wilt

Morocco ramps up avo production

Africa in brief

Citrus production in Valencia under threat due to low profitability

India’s apple industry hit by floods

World in brief

Grain SA’s research roadshow highlights farmer-led innovation • Grain SA’s 2025 Western Cape Research Roadshow connected farmers and researchers, sharing advances in plant breeding, pest control, climate tools, and economics to strengthen resilience and profitability in South Africa’s grain industry. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports.

Green rooibos extract aids tilapia growth – study

Lawless small-scale miners destroy environment

A short walk through Walkerville • Farmer’s Weekly took a leisurely drive down the R82 to Walkerville, just south of Johannesburg, to see what draws thousands to the Walkerville Agricultural Show each year. Now in its 62nd edition, the show remains a staple on the Midvaal community calendar.

Better days ahead for dairy farmers • Dairy farmers can look forward to better days as retail dairy demand increases and feed prices trend lower, writes Dr Koos Coetzee.

Global grains and oilseeds: shifts in trade, supply and demand • In this extract from Absa AgriBusiness’s AgriTrends 2025 Autumn Edition outlook, the global production and consumption patterns of grains and oilseeds are analysed, as well as price trends.

SPOTLIGHT ON SHEEP

Genetics and breeding pave the way for Bessiesfontein’s success • Dohne Merino sheep are renowned for their dual-purpose capabilities, excelling in both wool and meat production. In addition, the breed is known for its adaptability to a variety of climates and management systems. Julius Beukes, a well-known Dohne Merino breeder near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal, spoke to Magda du Toit about his production system.

The Dorper: a home-grown meat sheep • The Dorper breed is valued for its adaptability, fertility, and meat quality. Eastern Cape farmer Shane Scorgie spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about why this South African success story is thriving worldwide.

A passion for Meatmasters: a breed with a difference • Boemie Saaiman runs a Meatmaster stud in Murraysburg in the Western Cape, and says that the breed’s exceptional flocking mentality, mothering instincts and adaptability makes it an ideal breed for all breeders across the country. Janine Ryan reports.

HISTORY OF THE MEATMASTER

Hampshire Down: mutton sheep fast gaining in...