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.

FROM THE FARMER'S WEEKLY TEAM

Farmer's Weekly

Retail sector must adapt to consumers' demands • As consumers become more discerning, environmental sustainability, social engagement, and good governance will continue to demand the attention of all retail sector stakeholders, say Chandni Gopal and Zimkhitha Mhlahlo of South African law firm Webber Wentzel.

Citrus summit • 11 to 13 March 2025, Summerstrand, Gqeberha

Raisins South Africa welcomes new CEO known for his strategic thinking

Something to scratch a head about

A review of the momentous election year that was 2024

News highlights of 2024

Global agriculture: news that made the headlines • Farmer protests, droughts and floods dominated international agricultural news throughout 2024. Here, Janine Ryan gives an overview of these challenges.

Flooding displaces millions and leads to crop and livestock losses

Farmer protests in Europe

Labour shortages

More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah

Farmers called to comply with dam safety law

Trump's tariff threats shake SA's fresh produce industry

Tips for better olive production • At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling

'South Africa does not need to import maize'

South Africa's worst wildfire season in nine years

Cannabis Master Plan moved to trade department

How meat markets fluctuated, and what the future holds • This analysis by Absa AgriBusiness reflects on the dynamics in the meat complex in 2024 and explores what price trends could look like over the coming weeks as we head into the new year.

The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture • While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it’s more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation, writes Dr Koos Coetzee.

The cannabis-infused beverages industry • The way people consume cannabis is being reshaped. Cannabis beverages are poised to become a lasting part of the market due to the increasing demand for healthy, alcohol-free options, says Thomas Walker.

Editor's picks for the year • In this segment, Janine Ryan has cherry-picked her favourite cartoons, features and covers from 2024. While there were so many to choose from, these were selected for their particular content and visual appeal.

What can the SA agri sector expect in 2025?

Facing 2025 with confidence

Sentiment in the sector is improving in important ways

SA poultry hopes for various government interventions

Land Bank is on its way to effectively executing its mandate and crafting solutions for farmers

Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal • South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities. Lindi Botha reports.

Empowering dreams, transforming lives • Since its launch in 2013, the Agri’s Got Talent...