Posts by Staff Writer
The evolution of Zimbabwe’s stockfeeds industry
By Rowan Hayter Zimbabwe’s stockfeeds industry has undergone remarkable transformation over the past decade, with total feed production surging by 62% since 2016. However, beneath this impressive growth figure lies a complex story of shifting market dynamics, changing consumer preferences, and evolving agricultural practices that have fundamentally reshaped the landscape for beef producers. The numbers…
Read MoreZimbabwe, China deepen tobacco ties at historic inaugural Expo
The inaugural Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo concluded last week, marking a historic milestone for Africa’s tobacco sector. Officially launched by Hon. Dr. Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, this two-day event brought together China and Africa’s “T5” major tobacco producing countries (Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique) under the theme: “From Leaf to…
Read MoreConserving Zimbabwe’s indigenous goat heritage: The untapped potential of Matabele and Mashona breeds
By Joseph Sikosana Zimbabwe’s indigenous goat breeds, the Matabele and Mashona, represent centuries of natural selection and adaptation to our unique environment. Yet despite their remarkable resilience, disease resistance, and proven ability to thrive under harsh conditions, these hardy breeds remain largely undervalued in our small-stock industry. As commercial farmers increasingly turn to exotic breeds,…
Read MoreKoala Park’s beef production and dual backgrounding system
At the Zimbabwe Herd Book’s 13th Beef School recently held in Bulawayo, cattle producers and industry stakeholders gathered to explore innovative approaches to cattle production that are transforming the local beef sector. Among the standout presentations was an insightful analysis from Koala Park’s Willy Swan, who shared how his company has revolutionised its operations through…
Read MoreZimbabwe National Sheepdog Trials showcase heritage and skill
The Zimbabwe National Sheepdog Trials, held at Bramber Farm in Ruwa over the last weekend of September, delivered an entertaining and educational showcase of the remarkable partnership between handlers and their highly trained herding dogs. International expertise comes to Zimbabwe The event was judged by Andrew Dickman, a distinguished sheepdog trials judge from Scotland whose expertise…
Read MoreZimbabwe faces challenging 2025-26 rainfall season
Delayed start, regional variations expected The Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department has released its national climate outlook for the upcoming 2025-26 rainfall season, painting a picture of significant challenges and regional variations that will require careful planning and adaptive strategies across the country. A season of two halves The forecast reveals a season characterised by stark…
Read MorePlanting indoors
By Ross G. Cooper (Email: rgcooperuk@yahoo.com) Indoor plant hobbies are extremely varying, satisfying and rewarding. I collect seeds from fruits, vegetables and wild trees and sow them in indoor pots. The seeds should be carefully extracted and dried on a windowsill usually for a day. Planting them requires a well-drained soil and I suggest using…
Read MoreZimbabwe Herd Book announces exciting small stock addition to upcoming Beef School
From September 16-18, the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) will host its annual Beef School in Bulawayo. The choice of Bulawayo as the venue reflects the city’s central role in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. This year marks the 13th iteration of Beef School and this year’s programme is under the theme “iSmart” – representing Impactful, Insightful, Scientific, Modern,…
Read MoreDirk Odendaal receives CFU Farming Oscar Award 2025
The Commercial Farmers’ Union has announced Dirk Odendaal as the recipient of the 2025 Farming Oscar Award, recognising his outstanding service to Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector spanning over four decades. The Zimbabwean Farming Oscar Award, with its distinguished 64-year history since its introduction in 1961, continues to honour individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to agriculture.…
Read MoreGrowing chilli
By Ross G. Cooper Email: rgcooperuk@yahoo.com Capsicum (chilli) is normally sown in rows in September-December in Zimbabwe and takes 7-12 days to germinate and 16-17 weeks to reach crop maturity. The return is so much greater from a few fruits that, if dried, will keep for years. The average depth to sow is 1cm, at…
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