The New Face of South African Agriculture
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The first eight hours post-calving, known as the “Golden Hour”, can make or break a livestock enterprise. Discover the essential post-birth timeline every South African cattle producer needs to follow today. The ‘Golden Hour’: Managing a newborn calf’s first hours appeared first on Food For Mzansi
PARTNER NEWS: Winter doesn’t have to mean lost body condition or lower profits. Taung farmer Thabang Phele shares how Voermol’s Protein Block (V10448) and Phase D Bull Cubes (V22521) help his cattle and sheep maintain weight, accelerate growth, and reach market-ready body condition faster, proving the value of targeted nutrition throughout the production cycle. Voermol helps Thabang’s livestock…
High fertiliser prices and unpredictable rains have made reliance on standard staple crops risky. Neglected indigenous species, such as cowpea and amadumbe, offer natural soil enrichment, drought survival, and food security for smallholder farmers across South Africa. Beyond maize: Why neglected crops are SA’s climate-smart future appeared first on Food For Mzansi
Facing a staggering 56% unemployment rate, the North West department of agriculture and rural development has placed 110 agricultural graduates across farms and facilities. The programme equips youth with critical practical experience while boosting local food security and driving provincial economic growth. NW agri empowers 110 graduates to fight unemployment appeared first on Food For Mzansi
When a tragic accident cost Realeboga Marlon Mangwegape both of his legs, he refused to let his agricultural dreams die. Now managing over 72 goats and sheep, he is determined to break out of his backyard setup and secure commercial land to empower the next generation of farmers. Unstoppable: Double-amputee farmer sets sights on commercial success appeared first on Food For Mzansi
South Africa produces a tiny fraction of global tomato output yet continues to import vast quantities of tomato paste. Why is the country trailing so far behind? Industry experts unpacked critical structural barriers, from high production costs to limited local processing capacity. How South Africa can stop relying on imported tomato paste appeared first on Food For Mzansi
In the coming weeks, Food For Mzansi will have a few exciting events to look forward to. This week, we celebrate all the women in agriculture with the Soul to Soil brunch. Then, save the date for the South African Future of Food Conference, the Western Cape Farmers’ Day, and farmworkers’ days across Mzansi. This week’s agri events: 24 – 28 August appeared first on Food For Mzansi
Stretching your household food budget this winter doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour or comfort. By focusing on seasonal vegetables, hearty starches, and cooking once to eat twice, you can make every ingredient count. Chef Napo Ramaili breaks down practical, cost-effective kitchen habits to feed the family for less. Cook once, eat twice: Smart kitchen habits for budget winter meals appeared first on…
Bring your questions, bring your farming challenges and come ready for practical solutions at this year’s dedicated emerging farmers programme at Nampo Cape. New-era farmers get dedicated programme at Nampo Cape appeared first on Food For Mzansi
Some farming stories are about record harvests, bumper seasons or hard-won success. And then there is Rico. For seven years, this remarkable sheep survived completely on his own in the unforgiving Moordenaars Karoo. Separated from his flock, he had no human care and was exposed to predators, drought and the elements. He had to find […] Rico the sheep is turning survival into a legacy appeared…
As a strengthening El Niño threatens Africa’s agricultural sector, traditional planning is no longer enough. An expert explains how AI-driven data and strong partnerships can help African farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers build resilience before climate shocks. How AI and intelligence can shield African farms from El Niño appeared first on Food For Mzansi
Since the Western Cape’s first foot-and-mouth disease outbreak was confirmed in November 2025, authorities have rolled out a 21-point containment plan. With nearly 480 000 livestock vaccinated, officials say collaboration and rapid response remain key to protecting the province’s agricultural economy. Western Cape reaches 82% herd vaccination against FMD appeared first on Food For Mzansi
Master herd management with expert tips on legal identification, body condition scoring, and safe transport protocols for profitable SA livestock farming. Practical management tips every SA livestock farmer must follow appeared first on Food For Mzansi
Xolelwa Koncoshe isn’t just growing food; she’s uplifting an entire community. From securing agricultural qualifications for 13 local producers to building a food hub with a worm farm and solar borehole, her story proves the power of agroecology. Former nurse drives EC agroecology revolution in Ncera Village appeared first on Food For Mzansi
South Africa’s agricultural sector has shed 15 000 jobs in the second quarter of 2026. Farmers cite high input costs and funding barriers as key challenges to workforce retention. 15 000 jobs shed: Why the SA agri sector is feeling the pinch appeared first on Food For Mzansi
Despite policy shifts, women own only 20% of South Africa’s 40 000 commercial farms. An expert says this issue demands more than just funding for women to successfully transition from informal operations to scalable commercial enterprises. Closing SA’s gender gap in commercial farming success appeared first on Food For Mzansi
As 2026 marks the International Year of the Female Farmer, the International Fresh Produce Association brought together leading women in agriculture to discuss closing the sector’s gender gap. Experts reflected on practical tools, digital access, and collective impact to scale sustainable businesses. Trailblazers call for greater access, opportunity for women in agri appeared first on Food For…
For farmers, reliable energy is key to productivity and resilience. Huawei says solar, battery storage and smart energy management can cut costs, protect operations and support more sustainable farms. Smart energy puts Mzansi farms on a stronger footing appeared first on Food For Mzansi
How do you turn soybeans into luxury decor? Chemistry graduate Neo Mokhomo is showing us how it’s done. Through her Secunda-based brand, Treat Torch, she turns renewable soya wax into dessert-inspired candles. Chemistry meets creativity in Neo Mokhomo’s soya candle brand appeared first on Food For Mzansi
Good news for consumers. South Africa’s food inflation fell to a 16-year low of 0.6% in July 2026. Expert Paul Makube explains how record grain harvests and cheaper beef are lowering grocery bills. SA food inflation hits 16-year low driven by bumper harvests appeared first on Food For Mzansi
Nampo Cape 2026 presents an expanded Santam Agriculture Women’s Programme, bringing inspirational talks, live entertainment, and community spirit to Bredasdorp Park. Nampo Cape expands women’s programme at Bredasdorp Park appeared first on Food For Mzansi
PARTNER NEWS: Maggi South Africa has relaunched its iconic chicken-flavoured noodles range with an improved, bolder recipe, combining nostalgic taste with modern consumer needs. Bolder taste, local roots: Maggi revamps iconic chicken noodles appeared first on Food For Mzansi
Join Food For Mzansi and Land Bank at Nampo Cape 2026 for daily lunchtime discussions on agri-finance, market growth, and climate resilience. RSVP now! Plan your Nampo Cape around these lunchtime conversations appeared first on Food For Mzansi
Tshepiso Mkandawire started Blessed and Beautiful Farms with seeds, seedlings, and a vision to tackle food insecurity in Mabaalstad, North West. Today, her enterprise is growing into a multi-hectare operation. Market first: How Tshepiso built Blessed and Beautiful Farms appeared first on Food For Mzansi
South Africa’s national dam levels sit at a strong 95.5%, providing a vital buffer as an intense El Niño approaches. However, experts warn that ageing infrastructure and reliance on rainfall leave farmers vulnerable, urging proactive drought planning. High dam levels offer temporary cushion as SA braces for El Niño appeared first on Food For Mzansi
The Agri X Fusion Red Meat Value Chain Collaboration Summit hits Pretoria this September. Industry leaders, researchers, and financiers will unite to tackle biosecurity, market access, and funding growth. Agri X Fusion unveils red meat collaboration summit in September appeared first on Food For Mzansi
