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.

Should farmers take the lead in FMD control?

Farmer's Weekly

Zambia's silent crisis: why heat stress is the new frontier for public health • As temperatures in Zambia near 40°C, farmers face a hidden health emergency. Research led by medical scientist Anayawa Nyambe, a researcher at the University of Zambia, shows heat stress is driving widespread illness and cognitive decline in rural workers, yet the national health system remains largely blind to the risk.

Artificial insemination

The high cost of cheap stitches

UCT student constructs three-bedroom home using soil and recycled waste

Keeping a close eye out for heatstroke in pigs

Is Venezuela the first domino? • POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE

South Africa‘s 2025/26 winter crop production estimate slashed once more

NEWS WRAP

Good rain bodes well for grain yields, but disease and price pressure mounts • Above-average rainfall has improved soil moisture and boosted prospects for an above-average grain crop across the summer rainfall region. However, delayed planting, disease pressure, limited heat units and low grain prices mean producers remain cautious as the season enters a critical phase. Lindi Botha reports.

Annual harvest celebration honours wine industry leaders for setting benchmarks • At the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, held recently Groot Constantia Wine Farm in Cape Town, top wine professionals were honoured for setting standards their peers can aspire to. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Profit pressure puts barley on same path as wheat

Wheat crisis dominates Grain SA regional meetings

Notable increase in subtropical crops puts pressure on prices • Market conditions will dominate the list of concerns in the subtropical crops sector this year, as tariff volatility is expected to continue. The citrus, avocado, and macadamia industries are all expecting an increase in yields this year, increasing the pressure to balance supply and demand. Lindi Botha reports.

Fresh vegetable market trends in the new year • This article by Zama Sangweni explores how cabbages, carrots, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes performed on the markets towards the end of 2025 and into the start of the new year.

Beware of excessive inbreeding during livestock production • Mating of closely related animals on communal farms not only has monetary consequences, but also has an impact on the genetic make-up of livestock, animal performance, and fertility, says Shane Brody.

Serious misconduct does not mean automatic dismissal • A disciplinary hearing ensures that a fair procedure is followed and that there is a valid, substantive reason to justify the employee's dismissal, writes Hannes Latsky.

A new market and better access will boost agri growth • The trade protocol for stone fruit exports to China presents an opportunity for South African farmers to expand their production and generate foreign earnings, writes Dr Sifiso Ntombela.

Agricultural embryo technology drives cattle restocking programme • Chinhoyi University of Technology is leading Zimbabwe's national herd rebuild through advanced embryo transfer and artificial insemination programmes at its 2 000ha farm. By combining cutting-edge reproductive technologies with rigorous genetic testing, the university is fast-tracking cattle improvement while preserving key indigenous traits, positioning innovation at the heart of sustainable beef and dairy growth. Clemence Manyukwe...