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- Eyes in the Sky: Zimbabwe Farmers Boost Yields with Drones
Like a hawk that scans from above, the drone circles the fields, raising alarm long before a farmer senses any trouble. Working as a team, the farmer providing purpose, the drone providing data, the two can save a season. A Zimbabwean drone expert Bvumavaranda Bukamoyo, says drones narrow down the… Read more » - Potatoes SA targets levy shake-up to fund next phase of expansion
A combination of improved technology, targeted marketing, and improved market intelligence is beginning to pay off for the South African potato industry. This was evident in 2025, when production climbed to a record 276 million 10kg bags, up from 256 million in 2024, despite only a modest increase in plantings.… Read more » - Why Simmentaler cattle appeal to three Zimbabwean farmers
Obert Chinhamo Chinhamo’s semen donation initiative stems from his concern about inbreeding, a major challenge in Zimbabwe’s livestock industry, where over 90% of cattle are owned by communal farmers who inadvertently perpetuate poor genetics by breeding cows with inferior bulls. Chinhamo, who runs a stud called Biano Simmentalers in Esigodini… Read more » - ‘Time to name and shame those who break FMD rules’ – Steenhuisen
“It’s time to name and shame those who wilfully break the FMD rules and put others in the industry who do abide by the regulations at risk,” Steenhuisen told Farmer’s Weekly. He added that biosecurity compliance remains a serious concern. “[Last] week, a major incident occurred at an auction in… Read more » - SA’s world champion sheep shearers recognised on home soil
Rabela successfully defended his title as the World’s Best Hand Shearer, reaffirming his position at the top of the sport. In other events, he and Nyatsa secured silver in the team hand shearing division, while Nyatsa claimed gold and Rabela bronze in the All Nations category. Participants from 26 countries… Read more » - IFAJ webinar series spotlights biological crop protection challenges
The opening session focused on the role of biologicals in integrated pest management (IPM), highlighting both their potential and the barriers slowing their uptake across the AME. Speaking during the session, Dr Zahra Shokribousjein, a crop protection specialist with CropLife AME, said farmers are facing escalating pest challenges linked to… Read more » - Fifth mohair sale: young goats take a knock
The downward trend comes after the previous sale which saw all buying houses competing throughout the day. However, the rand, which traded 4% up, also dampened the market. The offering, of which 95% was sold, consisted of good quality mohair, 86% of which was RMS-certified, according to Mohair SA. The… Read more » - Curious about curios
Farming is a tough business, so many farmers and/or their spouses are always looking for ways to earn something extra. Sometimes, where products do sell well, the profits are skimmed off by a curio gigolo who monitors the day’s business from the comfort of his big BMW parked under in… Read more » - Wildlife management and science: Focusing on the basics-part 2
Vegetation classification The main drivers in savannas and grasslands include bottom-up (rainfall, geology, soil) and top-down variables (management, for example water provision, animal numbers, feeding types, fire). Vegetation classification is vital for veld monitoring and management. It identifies plant communities and their condition, enabling precise assessment of forage availability and… Read more » - B.E.D. boosts Nampo presence through innovation, teamwork, national reach
Driven by a collaborative Nampo committee comprising key regional leaders, including Ian Lloyd, operations manager, Klerksdorp; Carlien Bruce-Smith, national distribution centre manager; Antonie van Zijl, operations manager, Rustenburg; and André Esterhuizen, operations manager, Welkom and Bethlehem, B.E.D.’s presence reflects its national footprint and deep-rooted commitment to the agriculture sector. A… Read more »
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