South Africa’s Canning Fruit Industry Struggle to Stay Afloat Amid Market and Climate Pressures
South Africa’s canning fruit industry has faced tough conditions in recent years, with many farmers barely breaking even. Jacques Jordaan, CEO of the Canning Fruit Producers’ Association (CFPA), notes that…
5 Best Drought-Tolerant Cover Crops for SA Farmers
Cover crops are essential for soil health, moisture retention, and sustainable farming. In South Africa, where water scarcity is a growing concern, choosing drought-tolerant cover crops can help farmers maintain…
A Guide to Subtropical Fruit Farming in Limpopo
Limpopo’s climate and soil conditions make it ideal for subtropical fruit farming. The region supports the production of mangoes, avocados, litchis, bananas, and guavas, offering lucrative opportunities for commercial and…
Farmers in Moletjie Empowered to Boost Maize Production
The Capricorn North-Western Agro-Ecological Zone gathered farmers from Ga-Mabitsela and nearby villages in Moletjie, under Polokwane Municipality, for an information-sharing session focused on maize production. Maize remains one of South…
How to Fix and Prevent Soil Erosion on Your Sloping Land
Soil erosion is a common challenge for farmers with sloping land. Heavy rains, wind, and poor land management can wash away topsoil, reducing fertility and affecting crop and pasture growth.…
Farmers Urged to Prepare as La Niña Promises Wetter Season for South Africa
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast a wetter growing season for much of the country, offering renewed optimism for farmers ahead of the 2025/26 planting period. The announcement…
The Essential Toolkit for a New Small-Scale Farmer
Starting a small-scale farm requires careful planning and the right set of tools. Choosing the proper equipment improves efficiency, reduces labor, and protects your crops and livestock. Here is a…
ARC-PHP Hosts Bankrupt Bush Awareness Campaign at Farmers Day in Sengatane
On 3 October 2025, the Agricultural Research Council – Plant Health and Protection (ARC-PHP), in partnership with the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the National Department of…
How to Set Up a Solar-Powered Electric Fence for Load Shedding
Load shedding affects every part of farming. It disrupts water pumping, storage, and most critically, farm security. Electric fences often stop working when the power goes out, leaving livestock and…
North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Implements Detailed Thuntsha Lerole Programme in Tswaing
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development conducted the Thuntsha Lerole Programme in Tswaing Local Municipality, delivering services focused on livestock health, agricultural education, and household nutrition. The…
How to Use a Keyline Plow for Water Management
A Keyline plow is a specialized tool designed to improve water infiltration, prevent erosion, and enhance soil fertility on farmland. It works by creating deep, narrow channels in the soil…
Department of Agriculture Hosts LandCare Awareness Campaign in Graaff-Reinet
On 02 October 2025, the Department of Agriculture (DoA) hosted a LandCare Awareness Campaign at Alex Laing Hall, Kroonvale, Graaff-Reinet. The campaign focused on educating farmers and land users on…
