End of grain inspection contract a big win for consumers
Retailers have welcomed Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen’s decision to revoke Leaf Services’ costly grain inspection contract, calling it a vital step toward keeping staple food prices affordable.
Sewage-infested water in the Lowveld threatens export markets
Rising E. coli levels in rivers in the Mpumalanga lowveld could cost farmers their markets. Dilapidated waste treatment infrastructure and a rapid increase in informal settlements along rivers from which...
Woodlands Dairy still delivers quality products after 30 years
Woodlands Dairy, one of South Africa’s foremost dairy processors and the name behind the First Choice brand, has marked its 30th anniversary with a renewed commitment to sustainability, innovation, and...
NSPCA lays criminal charges over Daybreak Farms animal deaths
The National Council of the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has filed criminal charges against the board of directors of Daybreak Farms following what it describes...
China clamps down on pig ‘refattening’ to stabilise pork market
In an attempt to stabilise the current price volatility in the pork market, Chinese authorities are clamping down on the speculative practice of ‘refattening’ pigs in that country.
Ostrich feed production shows ‘remarkable’ year-on-year increase
Ostrich feed production was up by more than 700t compared to the same time last year, representing a year-on-year (y/y) increase of 128,5%. This was according to the latest Animal...
New study reveals key drivers and gaps in SA’s land redistribution
Researcher Dr Siphe Zantsi spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about a new land reform model aimed at improving redistribution outcomes. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on the study’s key findings.
New Plant Breeders’ Rights to offer greater protection for innovation
New regulations around plant breeders’ rights (PBR) are expected to boost seed technology availability in South Africa, while providing greater scope for subsistence farmers to replant and trade seed obtained...
Unexplained giraffe deaths spark concern across Namibia
Veterinarians and farmers in Namibia are grappling with a troubling surge in giraffe deaths that have occurred over a large part of the country north of Windhoek. The cause remains...
US-Iran conflict triggers fuel price hike fears
The recent US military strike on Iran has sparked concerns over a potential surge in oil prices, with far-reaching implications for South Africa’s economy and agriculture sector.
Red meat role players urged to unite to move industry forward
Dr Lindie von Maltitz, lecturer at the University of the Free State and cattle farmer in Ficksburg, told delegates at the Winds of Change information day, held in collaboration with...
EU funding to drive inclusive growth in SA wine industry
South Africa’s wine industry is set for a significant transformation boost following the official launch of the €15 million (around R300 million) Wine and Spirits Fund aimed at accelerating inclusive...
