Nearly 250 farmers gathered in Tsolo for Food For Mzansi’s annual Eastern Cape farmers’ day, where experts shared insights on livestock disease prevention, funding readiness, and farm management.

South Africa’s livestock sector enters 2026 under sustained pressure as disease outbreaks and supply constraints drive broad-based price increases across beef, pork, poultry and sheep meat. The latest Absa AgriTrends Report shows how biosecurity risks are reshaping the entire meat value chain.

With unpredictable droughts hitting SA hard, smallholder farmers are finding hope in sorghum. Experts say this ancient grain isn’t just resilient; it’s a nutritional powerhouse with more iron and fibre than maize.

Citrus exports to the Middle East are continuing despite shipping disruptions. The CGA says longer transit times and higher costs are being managed through alternative routes, while fruit quality remains strong and demand steady.

From title deed struggles to limited resources, women in farming say many barriers remain despite democratic gains. On Freedom Day, female farmers and sector leaders reflect on how land reform, secure rights and practical support can transform agriculture for future generations.

Agricultural events coming up include Afasa training for foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease; the Hortgro Technical Symposium later in May; Agri Skills Transfer short courses on plant, poultry and sheep production; and a farmers' camp in North West. Don't forget Food For Mzansi's farmers' days!

Think a braai needs meat? Vegetables, beans, breads and fire belong together. Two local chefs reveal their best meat-free braai tips, menu ideas, and an easy bean-and-lentil patty recipe.

Uganda’s pig sector is booming, but many women were excluded from opportunities. A new study found that simple tools, professional clothing and open community dialogue helped break barriers. The result? Higher incomes, stronger confidence and more women thriving in agriculture.

South Africa’s sheep shearing champions have been honoured after winning a sixth straight world hand shearing title in New Zealand. Their success comes as the local wool industry enjoys a sharp price rebound and growing global demand.

SPONSORED CONTENT: On 17-18 June, Johannesburg becomes the hub for bioenergy innovation. The inaugural Bio360 Africa event brings together policymakers and producers to explore biohydrogen, biogas, and biochar technologies tailored for the African continent.

Inspired by family, guided by teachers, and driven by determination, Sibonelo Dlodlo turned a childhood love for animals into a growing mixed farming enterprise. Today, he runs Isibonelo So-Mabanga (Pty) Ltd. in Vaalkop, Ladysmith, with goats, maize, chickens, and cattle.

Goss’s wilt has officially spread to eight provinces. While KZN remains the only unaffected area, the department of agriculture is urging maize farmers to focus on on-farm sanitation, crop rotation, and collaborative scouting to manage the bacterial threat.

Farmworkers say displacement from farms often leads to overcrowding, fires, flooding, and disease in informal settlements. This week, more than 100 protesters gathered at parliament to demand meaningful land reform and secure housing for farm women and their families.

Tshego Mputle believes agriculture is a "green diamond" waiting to be polished. Through TshegoM Creations, she crafts infused mayo, atchar paste, granola and more, proving agriculture can empower women, youth and rural communities alike.

SPONSORED CONTENT: Certification has value, but it cannot solve every challenge farmers face. Fairtrade Africa’s DONUTS programme steps into the gaps, helping producers tackle income pressure, land degradation, worker inclusion, and access to finance.

Disease outbreaks remain a concern for pig farmers, but teamwork is making a difference. Sappo says better coordination, targeted vaccination, and producer support have strengthened the industry’s response. The focus is now on preserving jobs and driving long-term growth.

For the first time in Africa, researchers from Stellenbosch University and the ARC have precisely edited the DNA of a woody crop plant. The grapevine breakthrough could help farmers grow more resilient vines that withstand disease and dry conditions.

Amaranth offers strong nutritional and farming potential in South Africa, but poor awareness, stigma and weak market access continue to limit growth. Farmers and researchers call for change.

As Earth Day 2026 shines a spotlight on environmental action, South African farmers say healthy soil is the true foundation of food security. From hydroponics to biochar and drip irrigation, agripreneurs are adopting practical innovations to tackle soil degradation and water scarcity.

High fuel prices and rising fertiliser costs are squeezing farmers just as commodity prices dip. As the Northern Hemisphere prepares to plant in May, Wandile Sihlobo explores whether these economic pressures and the threat of export bans could shift toward a legitimate global food crisis by 2027.

Thinking of taking your produce global? It takes more than a great harvest. Specialists from the PPECB explain the three "passports" every farmer needs: export, food safety, and pre-cooling certificates.

Africa’s small businesses are finding new growth opportunities in the booming organic market. The Cape Town Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa 2026 highlighted opportunities for SMEs to grow through funding, mentorship, and export access.

In 2013, Reginald Mayekiso started with just 13 ewe lambs. Today, Olifantshoek Trading Enterprise has grown into a diversified business spanning agriculture, mining support and mechanisation. Mayekiso shares his views on South Africa’s hunger crisis while idle farmland lies unused.

Tongaat Hulett has been given breathing room after extra IDC funding prevented liquidation. The mills can now start operating, offering hope to growers who depend on them. The court postponed the matter to 17 June while stakeholders search for a lasting solution.

When work dried up, Thule Mbono created his own opportunity. The Engcobo entrepreneur turned an old family home into Bountiful Acres, a poultry business inspired by his family’s history in egg trading. Now he balances farming, studies and rebuilding after losses – one bird at a time.

Women in agriculture do far more than farm. From unpaid care work to feeding households and communities, they keep local food systems running. A new FAO report says real progress now depends on policy reform, investment and equal opportunities.

Agricultural events to look out for include the Bloem Show, livestock auctions, an aquaponics course by Agri Skills Transfer, and save the date for the Agbiz Congress in June. If you're in the Eastern Cape, join Food For Mzansi's farmers' day in Tsolo on Friday.

Discover how farmer Kate Sithole transformed her rose geranium farm by moving beyond oil production into agroprocessing and value addition. Learn practical tips for farm diversification and building a sustainable agricultural enterprise.

Disease preparedness is no longer optional for pig farmers. Experts stressed that African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease and emerging threats require strict biosecurity, smart planning and daily discipline. Bending the rules is the biggest threat to livestock safety.

South Africa and China have signed a new agreement to streamline citrus exports, making it easier and cheaper to get world-class fruit into Chinese markets.

In Libode, a group of young visionaries is turning soil into opportunity. The Ngxanga School Garden is teaching children how to grow their own food while tackling unemployment and hunger. From spinach to herbs, every harvest is a lesson in sustainability, nutrition, and self-reliance.

SPONSORED CONTENT: Farm planning is critical before planting any crop. Marco Appel from Netafim shares five key questions farmers should ask before investing in a crop or enterprise to help them manage risk and maximise resources.

Young farmers are building businesses in an uncertain environment. Experts say insurance offers stability, improves access to finance and protects future growth. Leaders called for partnerships to tackle myths and make coverage more accessible.

From a single tree in 1662 to 45 million trees today, South Africa’s apple industry has flourished into a major economic driver. To mark 364 years, a rare Witte Wijnappel tree was planted in Cape Town, celebrating heritage, resilience, and an industry that now exports to over 100 countries.

Agriculture isn't just a job; it’s an economic powerhouse. Vuyisani Qhekeka saw his mother pay school fees by selling spinach and cabbage, and now, as an agricultural economist and advisor, he’s helping others do the same on a grand scale.

Farmers are moving beyond production to become major players in the food economy. Agripreneurs highlight how diverse industries – including wine, indigenous foods, and micro-livestock such as snails – offer fresh pathways to success.

West Coast small-scale fishers are fighting for survival following a series of administrative bungles by the DFFE. Despite a promised 58% increase in lobster quotas, "computational errors" have left many cooperatives with less than before.

With rising production costs, improving carcass yield is key to maximising profits in beef farming. An expert explains how focusing on carcass quality, feed efficiency, and genetics – particularly through breeds like the Chianina – can boost returns for SA farmers.

Farming in the Kalahari is no easy feat, but Lesedi Serapelwane is making it work. From beef production to small stock and crops, diversification keeps her business resilient. She shares how she’s also opening doors for young farmers across Africa through her Moraking Farm Camp. 

Why do farmers stick with chemicals even when they know the risks? Researcher Mokgadi Hlongwane visited Phiring in Limpopo to find out. Hlongwane says rhizobia-based fertilisers offer a sustainable alternative, and better education and supply chains could bridge the gap.

Women-led agripreneurship took centre stage at the Gordon Institute of Business Science. Industry leaders and farmers explored how women are driving profitability, resilience and food security despite challenges like limited finance and market access.

Global conflicts, shifting trade policies and unpredictable weather are reshaping South African agriculture. The Absa AgriTrends 2026 autumn report reveals that while challenges persist, opportunities in horticulture and export markets are offering a lifeline.

Only 11% of South Africa’s farmland has been redistributed since 1994. Researcher Nkanyiso Gumede shares insights on how political will, diversified land use, and smarter redistribution models could unlock faster, more inclusive land reform while strengthening rural economies and food systems.

Following the uncertainty of liquidations and global trade pressures, phase 2 of the Sugar Industry Master Plan has been officially signed. Industry leaders emphasised the importance of local production and small-scale grower support to ensure the industry's long-term resilience and sustainability.

In the heart of Engcobo, Eastern Cape, Aphiwe Poyo is transforming ancestral land into a growing crop farming business. By blending real estate savvy with traditional wisdom, he is turning dormant family land into a productive engine for growth and community empowerment.

Land access for women and youth remains one of South Africa’s most pressing agricultural challenges. At the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba, national assembly speaker Thoko Didiza called for bold reforms, urging government and financial institutions to rethink land tenure, funding models, and support.

Agricultural events to look out for include Food For Mzansi's farmers' days. If you want to learn critical tractor driving skills, sign up for Agri Skills Transfer's short course, and save the date for the Hortgro Technical Symposium and Nampo Harvest Day.

Community-driven carbon capture projects in the Eastern Cape are proving that climate action can go hand in hand with rural development. New research shows these initiatives not only store carbon and restore ecosystems, but also create jobs and improve livelihoods.

Rooibos isn’t just for tea anymore. South African agripreneurs are tapping into its antioxidant power to create skincare products with global appeal. Experts highlight the importance of formulation, compliance, and quality control to stand out in a crowded market.

With growing demand for affordable protein, poultry farming is opening doors for small-scale farmers. A Rainbow Chicken expert shares how they offer practical support, from supplying chicks to offering technical advice, helping farmers access markets, and building profitable agribusinesses.