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    Numerous women from the Women on Farms Project marched on Philagro, a company in Somerset West that distributes agricultural chemicals. Photo: Facebook/Women on Farms Project

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    Numerous women from the Women on Farms Project marched on Philagro, a company in Somerset West that distributes agricultural chemicals. Photo: Facebook/Women on Farms Project

    Farmworkers demand national ban on ‘poisonous’ pesticide

    Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya addresses agricultural stakeholders at The Innovation Hub in Tshwane. Photo: Maphuti Mongatane

    ‘No more talking; it’s time for real partnership’

    Onalenna Mafora and Jorja Annabelle Lee with their home-grown water purification and monitoring system. Photo: Supplied

    Schoolgirls address water issues with innovative water purification system

    A new programme aims to transform land reform farms into commercial agricultural enterprises. Photo: Getty Images

    EC farmers invited to join farm commercialisation initiative

    A new veterinary science programme planned at the University of the Free State (UFS) will also use the university’s Paradise Experimental Farm, which houses advanced agricultural infrastructure and established production animal herds. Photo: Vida Booyen

    UFS plans to train veterinarians

    It will cost farmers even more to operate a centre pivot irrigation system such as this one. Photo: Getty Images

    Rising electricity costs is a growing threat to SA agriculture

  • Livestock
    • All
    • Cattle
    • Goats
    • Pigs
    • Poultry
    • Sheep
    Photo for illustrative purposes: Louw Pretorius

    The negative effects of dehorning on animal welfare

    Photo for illustrative purposes: Supplied

    Rethinking livestock immunity and the role of immune boosters 

    A cattle farmer walks with his herd in the village of Qunu. These are some of the communal farmers affected by FMD. Photo: Getty Images

    EXCLUSIVE: FMD’s devastating impact on black livestock farmers

    Photo for illustrative purposes: Getty Images

    Traceability soon a condition for livestock sales, says minister

    Photo for illustrative purposes: Juan Forero/The Washington Post via Getty Images

    FMD detected on the slaughter line in North West

    Photo for illustrative purposes: Amelia Genis

    Wool mark: Sought-after certified wool premiums encouraging

  • Crops
    • All
    • Fruit
    • Grains
    • Legumes
    • Vegetable
    Potato varieties are categorised based on their starch and moisture content, which determines their optimal use in cooking. Photo: CHIPS Magazine

    Understanding potatoes and processing

    Apothecia develop from the sclerotia (which are underground in the photo) of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and contain ascospores. These spores are released into the air and initiate disease on various host crops. Observing apothecia helps predict the presence of ascospores, allowing for the timely planning of fungicide applications.

    Sunflowers in Sclerotinia’s grip

    Some of the community members who take part in farming aromatic rosemary and delicate chamomile plants for Qobo Qobo Essential Oils in rural Keiskammahoek. Photo: Supplied

    Qobo Qobo Essential Oils transforms Keiskammahoek 

    Green beans are amongst some of the crops are that could lose half of the best land for growing them by 2100. Photo: Getty Images

    Climate change threatens global crop sustainability

  • Farm Health
    • All
    • Animal Health
    • Financial Health
    • Plant Health
    A new veterinary science programme planned at the University of the Free State (UFS) will also use the university’s Paradise Experimental Farm, which houses advanced agricultural infrastructure and established production animal herds. Photo: Vida Booyen

    UFS plans to train veterinarians

    A temporary barrier was erected on a farm in the Free State during an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2022. Photo: George Galloway

    Second order for FMD vaccines already placed

    Potato plants damaged by hail. Photo: Johan van der Merwe skade laat ly. Dit het die aartappelprys tot R120/10 kg laat styg, 
maar die prys het weer teruggesak tot R25/10 kg toe die volumes 
op die mark herstel het.

    Underinsurance a significant risk to SA farmers

    Photo for illustrative purposes: Supplied

    Rethinking livestock immunity and the role of immune boosters 

    A cattle farmer walks with his herd in the village of Qunu. These are some of the communal farmers affected by FMD. Photo: Getty Images

    EXCLUSIVE: FMD’s devastating impact on black livestock farmers

    Photo for illustrative purposes: Dr Jan du Preez

    FMD vaccines on their way to SA today

  • Products & Services
  • Technology
    • All
    • Digital Tools
    • Farm Machines
    • Plans Farmers Make
    Dr Mahlatse Kganyago, senior lecturer at the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies. Photo: Supplied

    The scientist who helps farmers with satellite-based tools 

    Photo for illustrative purposes: Chris Clor/Getty Images

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    The new tractors and bakkies expected to help overcome challenges facing the farming sector in KZN. Photo: Supplied

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    Young agri-preneurs who will be benefiting from the programme – in white T-shirts – and representatives of Earth Hub Africa, Shell South Africa and MTN.

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    Multi-ethnic woman checks crop quality, records in digital tablet, farm analysis. High quality photo

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    Shandini Naidoo, an outgoing board member of the National Agricultural Marketing Council, a trade lawyer and director at Avorport, during her visit to avocado farmers in the Vhembe district of Limpopo. Photo: Supplied

    From farm to world: Optimising avocado supply chains

  • Ask The Experts
    Photo for illustrative purposes: Louw Pretorius

    The negative effects of dehorning on animal welfare

    Explore and interact with various soil types by participating in gardening activities.

    Expert advice: Looking at soils in daily life 

    Caiphas Muyambo, a Pannar Seed agent and managing director of Seedlink, unpacks the critical role of seed selection in building a profitable, sustainable farming enterprise. Photo: Maphuti Mongatane

    Seed selection: Insights from an expert

  • Events
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    Attendees of the 2025 Tiger Brands Heritage Tour visited farms where small white beans – the main ingredient in KOO Baked Beans – are grown. Photo: Maphuti Mongatane

    How Tiger Brands is helping to localise production

    The panel discussion on Collaborative Actions for Food Security and Trade, moderated by Dr Marinda Visser, National Biosecurity Hub Facilitator, took place at the University of Pretoria on 10 June. Panel members are, from left, Richard Krige (Chairperson: Grain SA), Prof. Vinny Naidoo (Dean: Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria), David Niemann (COO: Sernick Group), Dewald Olivier (CEO: Red Meat Industry Services), Dr Litha Magingxa (CEO: Agricultural Research Council), Dr Maneshree Jugmohan-Naidu (Chairperson: National Biosecurity Hub Steering Committee) and Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele (CEO: Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa). Photo: Maile Matsimela

    The role of research and diagnostic capacity in SA’s biosecurity landscape

    Prof. Johann Kirsten, chairman of the Karoo Lamb Consortium, with Thandi Mabena, Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board member. Photo: Supplied

    Karoo Lamb Consortium receives innovation award

    Lot 1, a cow with a calf, fetched the highest price at the second Red Warm Brahman auction. Photo: Supplied

    Excellent prices on second Red Warm Brahman auction

    The Jan Jooste & Sons farm from Kestell bought the most expensive bull at the Eastern Free State Veld Bull Club auction. Photo: Salomé van den Berg

    Quality on offer from the Eastern Free State Veld Bull Club

    Young agri-preneurs who will be benefiting from the programme – in white T-shirts – and representatives of Earth Hub Africa, Shell South Africa and MTN.

    Shell invests in the future of farming in rural North West

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Home Education

North West agricultural colleges open for 2026 applications

27 April 2025
in Education
Reading Time: 3 mins read
Inkosi Owen Sithole College of Agriculture held its graduation ceremony in eMpangeni on 25 March. Photo: Supplied

Inkosi Owen Sithole College of Agriculture held its graduation ceremony in eMpangeni on 25 March. Photo: Supplied

By Maile Matsimela

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development invites aspiring agriculturists to apply for the 2026 academic intake at Taung Agricultural College (TAC) and Potchefstroom College of Agriculture (PCA). Applications officially opened on April 1, 2025, and will close on October 31, 2025.

MEC Madoda Sambatha has called on all prospective students to apply early to avoid late submissions and the risk of missing this life-changing opportunity. “Agriculture is the backbone of our province’s economy, and the youth are the future of this vital sector. I urge all young people with a passion for farming and food production to apply without delay. Do not wait until the last minute, secure your space now and prepare to grow with the industry.” 

TAC and PCA are more than academic institutions – they are catalysts for cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders. Whether aspiring to become innovative farmers, cutting-edge researchers, skilled technicians, or forward-thinking agribusiness professionals, students are equipped with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the sector.

The department says these colleges offer in-demand diploma programmes tailored to meet the evolving needs of agriculture, such as a Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation) at Taung Agricultural College and a Diploma in Agriculture (Mixed Farming) at Potchefstroom College of Agriculture.

Admission requirements for TAC’s Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation) include a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification, with:

  • English at Level 4
  • Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences at Level 3
  • Mathematics at Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 4
  • Physical Sciences at Level 3 is an advantage.

PCA’s Diploma in Agriculture (Mixed Farming) requires:

  • Afrikaans or English at a minimum of Level 4 (50–59%)
  • Compulsory subjects include Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Management Practices, and Agricultural Technology.
  • Mathematics, Physical Science, Business Economics, Life Sciences, Accounting, Mathematical Literacy, and Engineering are recommended. 
  • Applicants must obtain at least 24 points on the Swedish Rating Scale, with Level 3 or higher in six relevant subjects, excluding Life Orientation.

Application forms can be collected directly from the respective colleges or downloaded from the Department’s website at www.dard.nwpg.gov.za.

Enrolling at TAC or PCA is not merely a choice; it is essential for anyone serious about becoming a force in agriculture. TAC is the only institution in South Africa offering a Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation), equipping students with specialised skills in water-smart farming. PCA provides a robust and comprehensive Diploma in Agriculture (Mixed Farming), opening doors throughout the agricultural value chain.

Both colleges are recognised for their practical training, expert instruction, and ability to produce graduates who contribute meaningfully to food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Choosing one of these colleges is choosing a future filled with purpose, productivity, and agricultural excellence.

Apply now by visiting the Department’s website or contact the colleges directly for assistance with the application process.

Also read: 

KZN agriculture graduates ready to work the land
Tompi Seleka College graduates ready to take agriculture forward
WATCH: Smallholder farmers join the Unilever supply chain
Tags: 2026 academic intakeagri-colleges South Africaagricultural diplomasagricultural trainingagriculture educationapply nowfarming careersfood securityFuture Farmershands-on agricultural skillsirrigation farmingMEC Madoda SambathaMixed FarmingPotchefstroom College of Agriculturerural developmentSouth African AgricultureSustainable FarmingTaung Agricultural CollegeYouth in Agriculture
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