Farmers from Across the Globe Unite in Stellenbosch for the G20 Farmers Dialogue

17 September 2025: The Southern Africa Agricultural Initiative (Saai) hosted the G20 Farmers Dialogue at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Stellenbosch University, bringing together farmer leaders from across the G20 and beyond. The two-hour hybrid event attracted both in-person delegates and digital participants from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa, ensuring that the authentic voice of farmers was represented in global policy debates. Read More

Boosting Yields and Soil Health: The Strategic Role of Crop Rotation in Commercial Farming

Commercial farmers across the Southern Cape are no strangers to the mounting challenges posed by intensive crop production. Soil fatigue, increased pest pressure, and steadily declining yields are all consequences of repeated monoculture practices. These challenges not only threaten short-term profitability but also jeopardise the long-term viability of farming operations. One of the most effective strategies to address these issues is crop rotation—a time-tested agricultural method that involves alternating the types of crops grown on a particular piece of land. Read More

The Boerboel: South Africa’s Loyal Guardian and Ideal Farm Security Companion

South Africa’s rural landscapes are both vast and vulnerable. From commercial farms to remote homesteads, the threat of livestock theft, break-ins, and violent farm attacks remains a very real concern. In such settings, where response times from law enforcement may be delayed due to distance and terrain, proactive, on-site security becomes a lifeline. Among the most reliable and effective forms of that security is a breed that has stood the test of time on South African soil: the Boerboel. Read More

The importance of pruning fruit trees for commercial farmers

As a commercial farmer, it is crucial to understand the importance of pruning fruit trees in order to maximize your yield and ensure the health of your trees. Pruning is the process of selectively removing certain branches or parts of a tree to promote growth, improve fruit quality, and maintain the overall structure of the tree. Here are some reasons why pruning should be a regular practice for commercial fruit farmers: Read More