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…
How to Build a Low-Cost Chicken Tractor for Pasture Rotation
A chicken tractor is a movable coop that allows chickens to forage on fresh pasture while staying protected from predators. It is a practical solution for small-scale farmers and backyard…
Day 2 in Durban Strengthens Pest Surveillance Capacity with Digital Tools and Field Training
Day 2 of the Train-the-Trainer Programme under the African Phytosanitary Programme wrapped up in Durban with delegates leaving better equipped to tackle pest threats. The day combined high-level knowledge sharing…
Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture Hosts Strategic Planning Review Programme at Dohne Research Institute
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture is hosting a Strategic Planning Review Programme at the Dohne Research Institute. The initiative brings together farmers, commodity groups, sister departments, and relevant agencies…
Protecting Your Vineyard: Managing South Africa’s Grapevine Trunk Diseases
Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) pose a significant threat to South Africa’s wine and table grape industry. These diseases affect the perennial wood of grapevines, reducing productivity, shortening vineyard lifespan, and…
6 Best Government Support Programs for Emerging Farmers
Emerging farmers in South Africa face multiple challenges, including access to finance, technical training, market linkages, and land. To address these issues, the government has developed a range of support…
