‘Conservation efforts of private rhino owners ignored’
Private rhino owners have expressed disappointment that their conservation efforts receive little recognition or support, despite the fact that more than half of South Africa’s white rhinos and more than 35% of black rhinos are privately owned.
‘Agriculture must stop chemical warfare against insects’
Insects should be considered partners, not pests, and South Africa’s farmers need to end the ‘chemical warfare’ against insects such as dung beetles.
High food price inflation leaves poor consumers in the lurch
Annual food price inflation reached its highest level for the past 18 months in August, with the biggest year-on-year increase seen in the price of special maize meal.
Concern as milk production in Australia reaches 22-year low
Milk production in Australia declined 5,7% to 8,8 billion litres in the 2018/2019 season, falling to below the nine-billion litre mark for the first time in over two decades.
Marginal uptick in South Africa’s agribusiness confidence
South Africa’s agribusinesses are slightly more optimistic about current business conditions in South Africa.
‘Growing the agri value chain through partnerships’
Partnership linkages are required throughout the agricultural value chain to ensure that the sector contributes to the growth of the economy.
‘No clarity on gun licences for the foreseeable future’
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police has referred the draft notice declaring an amnesty on firearms back to Police Minister Bheki Cele for reconsideration.
SA farmers concerned about live cattle exports from Botswana
The South African Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO) has expressed serious concern about the announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture in Botswana that the country will be opening its borders to live cattle exports with immediate effect.
‘Land to be restituted, not redistributed’ – Mabuza
The 278 parcels of land mentioned by Deputy President David Mabuza during follow-up questions in a National Council of Provinces session in Parliament on Wednesday were intended for restitution purposes, not redistribution.
Farm murders down, but stock theft on the increase – SAPS
“Although [the current] farm murder rate is among the lowest recorded in the past few years, the reality remains that 47 murders are still 47 too many,” according to Tommie Esterhuyse, chairperson of Agri SA’s Centre of Excellence: Rural Safety.
Botswana farmers want permanent ban of vegetable imports
A group of vegetable producers from across Botswana are calling for a permanent ban on imports of tomatoes, potatoes, cabbages, carrots, beetroot and green peppers from South Africa and other vegetable exporting countries.
Pork shortages set to place a damper on Chinese festivities
Shortages and soaring prices of pork in China, due to the widespread African swine fever outbreaks, have resulted in traders struggling to secure sufficient pork supplies for the upcoming holiday season.
SA’s Brahman council clamps down on ‘show-ring cheats’
The council of the Brahman Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa has condemned the actions of a small group of Brahman stud breeders, who allegedly altered the birthdates of some of their cattle to give them an unfair advantage in the show ring.
Combine harvester sales run out of steam in August
No combine harvesters were sold in South Africa during August, compared with the nine sold in August 2018, according to the latest statistics from the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA).
Southern Cape urgently needs follow-up rain – Grain SA
Winter grain producers in the Southern Cape urgently need follow-up rain to ensure a good 2019 winter grain harvest.
Romanian live sheep exports continuing despite EU warnings
Despite warnings from the EU, Romania is continuing with the controversial exportation of an estimated 70 000 live sheep to the Persian Gulf region this year.
Violence takes a toll on farmers – agri associations
Agri SA and the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) have called on government to step up action against escalating violence currently evident across South Africa.
Assistance for landowners to eradicate invasive alien plants
Clearing invasive species from a hectare of land could easily cost a landowner between R12 000 and 15 000, according to Cobus Meiring of the secretariat of the Southern Cape Landowners Initiative.
Agriculture performs poorly despite 3,1% GDP growth
Statistics South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) data for the second quarter of the year showed a growth of 3,1%, driven by mining, finance, trade and government services.
Government leaders intervene in KZN community land conflicts
Leaders in both national and provincial government spheres have stepped in to try to resolve ongoing conflicts within two separate KwaZulu-Natal communities over agricultural land acquired through the land restitution programme.
