‘Historic flooding’ seriously delays US maize plantings

Farmers in the US have turned to social media to show how far behind they are with the planting season this year, due to the severe weather conditions the country is experiencing.

Carbon tax ‘bad news for farmers’

It is expected that the new carbon tax to be levied on fuel, coupled with the expected local diesel price increase, would result in diesel consumers paying 20c/l more from Wednesday.

SA’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak officially over

South Africa is currently engaging with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about declaring a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) containment zone.

Helping farmers in Colombia swop coca for coffee

A new programme has been initiated in Colombia to help farmers in the southeastern mountain region of Nariño to convert an estimated 400ha planted to coca into coffee production, according to the Colombian Coffee Growers' Federation.

SA farmers urged to be vigilant against anthrax

An outbreak of anthrax has been reported in Qeme in Lesotho following the hospitalisation of more than 50 people in the area.

Agri sector welcomes new minister Thoko Didiza

Stakeholders in the agriculture sector welcomed the amalgamation of the Ministry of Agriculture with the Ministry of Rural Development, as well as the newly appointed minister.

Failing municipal infrastructure could cost Astral R85 million

The deterioration of infrastructure in the Lekwa Local Municipality has led to water supply interruptions at Astral Foods Limited’s poultry processing plant near Standerton in Mpumalanga.

Persistent drought forces Australia to import wheat

Following two years of below average rainfall in Australia, which has led to severe drought conditions, agricultural production on the country’s east coast has been devastated.

Cannabis can boost agriculture in Africa – report

The cannabis market in Africa is estimated to be worth around US$37,3 billion (about R545 billion), which is 11% of the total global market for the product.

Concerns about EU-South America trade deal

An accord between the EU and the Mercosur trading bloc, comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela, could be reached in the next week.

Free State farmers urged to prepare for wildfire season

The Free State Umbrella Fire Protection Association (FSUPA) has developed a fuel danger rating to ensure the most effective assessment and fire suppression and prevention operations possible in the province.

Boosting regional trade in Africa

Reducing tariffs and, more importantly, addressing non-tariff bottlenecks will support further regional trade integration on the African continent, according to a report recently released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

International accolade for Farmer’s Weekly editor

Farmer’s Weekly editor Denene Erasmus has been awarded the inaugural Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism from the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ).

Craft beer niche market could see barley production rise

The craft beer industry in South Africa has doubled in size over the past five years and there are now more than 220 brands on retail shelves.

US$16 billion aid plan for US farmers as trade war intensifies

US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a US$16 billion (about R231 billion) farm aid package has been met with mixed reactions.

Egg farmer scoops Western Cape Young Farmer of the Year award

Johan van der Schyff, an egg farmer from Plettenberg Bay, has been named as the Western Cape Young Farmer of the Year at a recent function held at Eensgezind, just outside Durbanville.

Agri SA fights back against Mantashe’s fracking appeal

National agricultural union Agri SA has assured its members and the general public that it will continue its fight to have the potential exploration for and mining of South Africa’s terrestrial shale gas reserves, also known as fracking, stopped before it starts.

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