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.

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Farmer's Weekly

Hidden cost of mesquite in the Northern Cape • Once used to stabilise soils and provide firewood, mesquite has silently invaded the Northern Cape drylands. A study by Siviwe Malongweni, a research scientist at Sol Plaatje University, shows the hardy tree depletes soil moisture and nutrients while reducing grazing capacity, threatening ecosystems and rural livelihoods.

Citrus production

Pioneer celebrates 100 years with South African farmers

Western Cape intensifies FMD vaccination drive

Tip to dairymen: try sharing management

What message did SONA deliver for South Africa's agricultural community? • AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Foot-and-mouth disease is now a national disaster, but what does that actually mean? • POLICY PERSPECTIVE

NEWS WRAP

Smarter management key as macadamia margins tighten • Despite a price recovery, many macadamia growers remain under cash flow pressure as orchards are not yet fully mature and yields are volatile. With current prices leaving some producers below break-even point, boosting early tree growth, improving orchard management, and enhancing processor efficiency are critical to protecting margins and restoring profitability. Lindi Botha reports.

Wheat production in SA: navigating structural decline and import dependence • Despite its importance as a staple food for millions of people, wheat production in South Africa has stagnated, leaving the country heavily reliant on imports. This comes amid rising input costs, shifting crop priorities, and global price pressures, writes Octavia Avesca Spandiel.

Raisin production estimate adjusted downward

Strong rand puts a damper on bigger citrus crop

Rooibos exports up as industry navigates climate, regulatory demands • Rooibos exports from South Africa reached 10 900t in 2025, with the industry prioritising sustainability and traceability amid climate and regulatory pressures. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports.

VDC Raisins boosts SA's global edge

Supply and price dynamics in the livestock industry • Lower feed costs support pork and poultry, while foot-and-mouth disease and global trade shifts shape beef and lamb markets, writes Nkhensani Mashimbyi.

Difficult year for milk producers • The foot-and-mouth disease epidemic has had a devastating impact on infected dairy herds, but lower feed prices provide some relief for dairy farmers, writes Dr Koos Coetzee.

Managing root zones in coco coir • Coco coir excels with precision, and successful growers treat the cultivation of cannabis in this medium as hydroponics, adapting fully for outstanding results, says Thomas Walker.

Happy birthday, Farmer's Weekly! • In 2026, Farmer's Weekly is celebrating its 115th birthday. Established in 1911, the publication has dedicated itself to the agriculture sector, providing farmers with up-to-date news and information. It is a stalwart of the sector in South Africa, and remains a leading voice for agriculture.

SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE COVERS THROUGH THE YEARS • Farmer's Weekly celebrates its 115th-year anniversary this year. Through the decades, the publication has reported on droughts, famines, wars, floods and political upheavals and changes.

South Africa's four-legged anti-poaching heroes • Since the first three dogs were deployed as part of SANParks' K9 Anti-Poaching unit in 2012, there has been a turning...