A new Checkers, BerryWorld, and Discovery Vitality campaign is turning locally grown blueberries into a vehicle for breast cancer awareness, with R2 from every cup sold going to PinkDrive.

Is your herd management missing these key steps? RMIS livestock technical advisor Gcinikhaya Xhantibe highlights why proper nutrition, clean drinking water, and early disease detection matter just as much as medication.

South African farmers are reaching a breaking point as relentless energy tariffs and input costs make absorbing production expenses impossible. The latest BFAP report warns that while short-term commodity prices remain stable, persistent high operational costs and potential weather disruptions could soon push retail food prices significantly higher.

The department of rural development and Land Reform has signed an agreement with Land Bank, committing R500m in grant funding to revive the paused blended finance scheme. Stakeholders are calling for urgent acceleration to protect farmers caught in bureaucratic funding pipelines.

“All 360 eggs got rotten. I didn’t know what I was doing.” After his first incubator attempt failed, Thando Soroshi didn't give up; he researched, adapted, and tried again. Today, he manages hundreds of pigs, 2 000 broiler chickens, crops, and a local shisanyama.

Farming risks extend beyond the weather. From stock theft to cybercrime, modern agricultural operations face unprecedented operational threats. An expert explains the four major risks every farmer needs to prepare for right now.

Facing dropping harvest yields, foreign competition, and mill closures, South Africa’s sugar industry is urging the government to eliminate the sugar tax. SA Canegrowers call for policy support to safeguard over a million livelihoods dependent on the industry.

Phelisa Ndayi went from being set back four grades after moving from the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg to becoming an agronomist and agritech innovator. Now co-founder of Lusa Agri Solutions, she shares how challenges have helped her build a career empowering farmers through science-driven crop care.

PARTNER CONTENT: Agri Skills Transfer is expanding its 2027 intake with new student residential facilities, a guaranteed second-year farm placement, and specialised short courses. The institution equips students with hands-on agricultural experience, commercial industry exposure, and key technical skills for a successful farming career. Don’t miss their Mega Open Day on Saturday, 10 October 2026.

PARTNER CONTENT: Maximising the fifth quarter – offal, cheeks, and trotters – is a vital strategy for South Africa’s red meat industry. The Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO) highlights how fully utilising every carcass boosts farm-gate value, delivers high-density nutrition to budget-conscious households, and drives agricultural sustainability.

As El Niño conditions loom over the 2026/27 summer season, South African livestock farmers must prepare early for drier pastures and heat stress. An expert breaks down why pre-breeding vaccinations, trace-mineral supplements, and managing body condition scores are essential to safeguard your herd’s fertility this season.

Government officials recently unveiled the Jantjies Boerdery Packhouse Project in Taung. By supplying specialised harvesting and processing equipment, the project aims to turn Taung into a thriving provincial lucerne hub, driving local job creation and helping smallholders move from primary production into agro-processing.

PARTNER CONTENT: Long-term farm viability depends on more than immediate yields; it requires strong soil fundamentals, smart crop nutrition, and effective generational succession. Join industry leaders at the SADC Plant Nutrition Symposium on 19 and 20 November 2026 in Stellenbosch to explore actionable agronomic insights and precision tools.

Despite rising tourist numbers, South Africa’s agritourism sector struggles with uneven growth. Experts weigh in on the need for community-driven development.

Livestock disease outbreaks can cost South Africa more than animals and production; they can put valuable export markets at risk. A new R14 million investment is supporting faster disease detection through the Molecular Rapid Response and Bio-surveillance Programme.

Struggling to supply retailers? Learn the essential steps for market access, including quality standards, pricing, and building buyer relationships.

Southern Africa’s poultry industry needs a ‘missing middle’ revolution. Ishmael Sunga, CEO of the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (Sacau), outlines how to bridge the gap between small-scale survival and corporate power.

Got a business ready to grow? Agda’s Agricultural Business Pitch Competition is calling on local farming and agro-processing SMEs to pitch their growth ambitions. Submit your application by Friday, 9 October 2026.

PARTNER CONTENT: Strong yields do not guarantee strong profits when grain prices are under pressure. Pannar Seed’s Lukas Meyer says farmers should focus on break-even costs, smarter input decisions, reliable hybrids and early marketing.

Inspired by her mother’s dedication to household food security, Sinethemba Nqobile Gebashe turned pocket-money savings into Ithuba Lamahlavula Farming in KZN. Backed by academic degrees and government support, Gebashe overcame early setbacks to build a thriving 1 000-layer poultry business.

South Africa’s food sector faces a pivotal shift toward long-term sustainability, responsible production, and equitable market access. Experts highlight the need to move smallholders from isolated development projects into mainstream supply chains.

Join FNB and Food For Mzansi at the Royal Show on Thursday, 8 October, for a conversation about how stronger relationships between farmers can create real opportunities for growth. RSVP to attend the event for free at the Royal Agricultural Society’s new showgrounds at Tweedie, near Howick, in the KZN Midlands.

Land alone won’t solve rural poverty. A new University of the Free State study shows small-scale farmers rely on mixed incomes, including social grants and off-farm employment, with youth favouring non-agricultural careers. Development strategies must look beyond land and support broader, diverse household livelihood systems.

Despite late-season weather challenges, Tru-Cape’s Pink Lady apple exports surged across Europe and the UK this season. Leveraging microclimates from Ceres to the Langkloof, South Africa now supplies 80% of Southern Hemisphere Pink Lady apples.

Think goat meat belongs only in informal markets? Think again! Buhlebenkosi Mbatha’s Incoso Goat Meat is rebranding goats as a mainstream commodity. From premium packaging to securing export deals in Dubai, Mbatha is proving that commercial goat processing is a game-changer.

Building a successful commercial farming business takes more than capital. Join FNB and Food For Mzansi at the Royal Show on Thursday, 8 October, for a conversation about how stronger relationships between farmers can create real opportunities for growth.

While neighbouring African countries rapidly expand production to capture a booming USD 995 million global dragon fruit market, South African farmers are trapped on the sidelines. Despite having the land and expertise, local growers face frozen funding and high startup costs.

Water efficiency is critical for the future of citrus farming. CRI and Netafim have launched ‘Citrus Irrigation’, a practical guide authored by Dr Phillip Myburgh and Dr Johan van Zyl. Bridging 50 years of expertise and science, it helps growers optimise orchard irrigation under changing climate conditions.

Inspired by her grandmother’s traditional remedies, Nokukhanya Dlamini turned backyard dandelions in Ntshongweni into Dandelion Glow. From handcrafted soaps to root teas, the former domestic worker is building an organic agribusiness from her kitchen.

PARTNER CONTENT: Numbers matter in development, but impact is measured by what remains when funding ends. Dr Siphesihle Qange, the agricultural programme lead at the Seriti Institute, explains how eThekwini’s Inchanga Agroecology Hub is using cross-sector partnerships and permaculture design to create lasting community-owned food systems in KZN.

Drought conditions in the Northern Cape continue to devastate local grazing. To help sustain livelihoods, 104 small-scale livestock farmers in Loeriesfontein received essential feed packages, including maize, pellets, and protein supplements.

Agricultural economist Conce Moraba breaks down South Africa’s latest fresh produce shifts for GroundRules. With tomatoes surging 38% and potatoes in short supply, month-end demand could keep prices elevated.

Jeremiah Jotham transformed a temporary job into a thriving multi-faceted agribusiness. As director of Basadi Agribusiness in Gauteng, he leverages circular farming methods, combining abattoir services, poultry, rabbit, and vegetable production.

PARTNER CONTENT: Tickets are now available for the SADC Plant Nutrition Symposium, bringing growers, consultants, researchers and industry together in Stellenbosch this November. Early-bird tickets are R2 950 until 1 October, with online attendance also available.

As the new summer planting season approaches, South African grain farmers face severe profit margin pressure driven by a 140% surge in fertiliser prices since 2019. Experts advise producers to strategically reassess crop mixes.

Access to mechanisation in Tigane received a critical uplift as North West agriculture MEC Madoda Sambatha handed over essential farming machinery to local smallholder farmers and CPAs. The shared tractor and implements will help lower operational hurdles, improve productivity, and support rural livelihoods.

PARTNER CONTENT: Success in modern South African agriculture relies on adaptability, smart partnerships, and climate resilience. Following Nampo Cape 2026, Nedbank’s Daneel Rossouw reflects on the key trends shaping South African agriculture and how strategic partnerships can secure long-term commercial resilience.

China’s zero-tariff policy is reshaping trade corridors for African agriculture. Shipments of South African wine, Kenyan coffee, and cut flowers are already generating massive annual duty savings.

Data alone won’t reduce farming risks –better decision-making will. Industry experts highlight how actionable insights can help farmers mitigate climate risks, improve efficiency, and secure better economic returns.

Local impact starts at home. Jennifer Gazide’s farm, Jen Ronior Associates, directly supplies fresh eggs, poultry, and vegetables to local spaza shops, crèches, and households in Bushbuckridge. Her vision? Scaling to 40 000 layers and driving economic growth in rural Mpumalanga.

Protect your animals and workers from rabies. On World Rabies Day, veterinary expert Dr Didi Claassen breaks down how the virus spreads through livestock and wildlife and outlines safe handling procedures.

As we head into October, there are still many agricultural events to look forward to before the end of the year. Save the date for the Veritas Awards on 10 October and the five-day Commonwealth Agricultural Conference starting on 1 November.

Thriving in harsh soils with minimal water, spekboom is more than just a carbon-capturing hedge; it’s a sustainable superfood. Discover how this indigenous plant can transform local meals and support sustainable agro-processing.

Rising electricity, fuel, and fertiliser costs are pushing South African farmers to their limits. Small-scale and commercial producers across the country are facing slashed profit margins, forced worker layoffs, and lower crop yields.

Jackal predation costs small-scale sheep farmers heavily, and traditional culling isn’t working. To help, Stellenbosch University researcher Megan le Roux has created an automated biotelemetry sensor system to monitor black-backed jackals and protect livestock.

Farming comes with tough lessons, from drilling boreholes to navigating cattle auctions. For KZN farmer Sakhile Zondo, mentorship and Grain SA collectives were the game-changers. Today, he grows crops, raises Brahman and Boran cattle, and creates local jobs at Legacy Farm.

PARTNER NEWS: Crop protection is changing, giving farmers more tools to work with. Make sure your team has the knowledge to use them responsibly with CropLife South Africa’s online training. Sign up now.

ITAC tariff hikes offer relief, but imported sugar continues to threaten South Africa's sugar industry. SA Canegrowers calls on retailers and consumers to buy local and protect rural livelihoods.

South Africa’s heritage beverage brands are built on deep agricultural roots, connecting farmers, artisans, and local suppliers. Discover how local barley sourcing and local supply chains are sustaining iconic heritage brands for generations to come.

The countdown is on. On Wednesday, 30 September, some of the most influential voices across the agriculture and food value chain will gather at The Centurion Hotel in Gauteng for the South African Future of Food Conference. And there is still a chance to be in the room. Limited last-minute tickets are now available for a day designed to move the conversation beyond the challenges facing the food system and towards the people, businesses, investment and ideas shaping what comes next. The programme brings together farmers, financiers, retailers, food businesses, development specialists, entrepreneurs, sustainability leaders and policymakers for a series of high-level conversations about where South Africa’s food system is heading.