Cotton industry upbeat despite global plunge in consumption

Global cotton consumption is expected to decline 11,8% this year compared with the previous season, which will reduce global trade to 8,26 million tons in 2019/2020, according to the International...

Second locust wave could dampen East Africa’s harvest hopes

Despite significant gains in the battle against desert locust infestations in 10 countries, mostly in East Africa, food security remains at risk, especially as a second wave of locusts now...

Fears about labour shortages for 2020 guava harvest

Although prospects for South Africa’s 2020 guava crop have been, for the most part, favourable so far this season, there is concern that there will not be enough workers available...

Donations provide lifeline for drought weary sheep farmers

Despite generous donations of animal feed to the drought-stricken farmers in the Northern Cape, sheep numbers in the province continue to decline dramatically.

Alarm about souring of Australia-China trade relations

The Australian National Farmers’ Federation has expressed concern about disruptions to agricultural trade between Australia and China, following the suspension of beef supplies from four Australian abattoirs by the Chinese...

Wool auction delays and shortage of shearers due to COVID-19

Due to disruptions across the entire wool supply chain, as a result of the restrictions to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, there was not enough wool available to hold...

The Weekly Wrap – Update on SA’s wheat imports outlook

In this episode of the Weekly Wrap podcast, Farmer’s Weekly editor, Denene Erasmus, and journalist, Sabrina Dean, discuss the top stories featured in the 22 & 29 May issue of...

Lockdown alcohol ban may derail 2020 barley season

Early estimates for the 2020 malting barley season suggest that the hectares planted to this crop will continue to increase as it has since 2016.

Avocado export estimate down 13% due to COVID-19

Despite having taken an initial knock in demand on international and local markets as a result of global trade and movement restriction to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, South...

Game farmers ‘losing out on billions’ due to lockdown

South Africa’s private wildlife ranching value chain, worth well over R15 billion annually before the national lockdown to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic brought it almost to a standstill,...