EnvironmentNelson Mandela University's head of forestry, Tiaan Pool, warns that a strengthening El Niño, dry landscapes and invasive woody plants raise the risk of fires that overwhelm crews, burning grazing land, crops and timber.
OpinionIn a column for Food For Mzansi, Fruit South Africa's industry affairs manager argues that emerging fruit enterprises need finance, title deeds and a tiered path from grants to credit before the industry brings in new entrants.
FruitsAfter a record 2025/26 season, heatwaves, cold fronts and unfinished paperwork for the Chinese market have clouded the outlook for South African cherry growers.
AgribusinessA sunflower farmer and a finance consultant say three years of statements, a separate farm account and a clean tax and credit record are what lenders and buyers ask for first.
CropsA soil analysis costing a few hundred rand guides one of the biggest cost decisions of a grain season, a South African crop nutrition specialist says.
VegetablesSpeakers at the Western Cape Undercover Farming Conference and Expo said tunnels and greenhouses still depend on good seed, a secured market, crop-led climate control, healthy roots and care from planting to cooling.
LivestockSpeakers at the World Dohne Merino Conference in the Western Cape linked breeding decisions to what consumers pay for: wool's footprint rating, Karoo Lamb's origin, lamb eating quality and better rams for communal flocks.
CropsStellenbosch researchers are testing chaff lining and narrow windrow burning against herbicide-resistant ryegrass, while CNH and FarmLink say camera and satellite systems can cut chemical use by spraying only where weeds grow.
AgribusinessFarm organisations welcomed temporary fuel levy relief, R1.5 billion for extension officers and a R10 billion contingency reserve in the 21 October budget statement, but warned that results on the ground will decide its worth.
AgribusinessOfficials, commercial farmers and investors at the Agricultural Development Agency's conference in Boksburg said land reform must come with water, infrastructure, timely finance and market access.
LivestockNjombo Chabangu started Golden Roost Farm in Phalaborwa at 13 with a R10,575 loan from his father and now raises 400 broilers a cycle while studying in grade 8.
LivestockSouth African poultry farmers and an animal scientist describe the warning signs of sticktight fleas and mites, from itching birds and pale combs to fewer eggs, and the cleaning and quarantine that break the parasites' life cycle.
OrganicNemlab consultant Sheila Storey says a balanced soil food web of fungi, bacteria and nematodes recycles nutrients, holds water and helps crops resist pests, and that six soil-health principles, not quick fixes, are what build it.
