Farmer's Weekly Magazine - December 27, 2024

In this issue

Predictions for 2025 Agri leaders share their hopes for the sector. Retailers must adapt to changing consumer demands.
2024 In Retrospect, Agriculture news that grabbed our attention, Editor’s picks Feel-good farming stories. The evolution of avo farming in SA. Livestock exports done the right way.

Something to scratch a head about

This article showed that if you interact with your pigs, your sows will be happy and their piglets will have better growth.

3 mins

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.

3 mins

Farmer protests in Europe

Throughout 2024, farmers have continuously staged protests against their governments in the EU. Most of these protests were in response to farmers feeling targeted by government climate-change policies and legislation.

2 mins

More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah

On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.

1 min

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.

3 mins

Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling

Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.

2 mins

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

3 mins

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

5 mins

Empowering dreams, transforming lives

Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.

7 mins

An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment

For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.

5 mins

Unlocking value through livestock exports

Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.

7 mins

South African avocado production: a success story

Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.

6 mins

Read all stories from Farmer's Weekly

Farmer's Weekly Magazine Description:

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.