Powerful lowveld hailstorm causes long-lasting damage
The effects of a violent hailstorm in the Lowveld on 27 May will be felt by fruit and macadamia farmers for a long time to come, according to Barend van Rensburg, Agri Mpumalanga representative in the Nelspruit area.
Xhosa Lob Ear goat nets top sale price
Dapples, marble, spots and streaks were the order of the day at the recent indigenous veld goat (IVG) regional auction in Bloemfontein.
OIE warns of latest major animal health threats
A statement issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), following its 86th general session in Paris recently, highlighted a number of the current major animal health threats around the world.
Extensive hail damage in Mpumalanga
Farmers in Mpumalanga’s Onderberg region are still assessing the damage after the devastating hail storm that hit Malelane, Komatipoort and the southern part of the Kruger National Park on Sunday night (27 May).
Former Farmer’s Weekly journalist George Nicholas turns 100!
Congratulations to George Nicholas, who is celebrating his 100th birthday today! George has 72 years of service to the agricultural industry in South Africa.
Successful new farmer development projects around Upington
Wiaan van Rensburg, Orange River Agricultural Union’s (ORLU) president, praised the organisation’s members for their support and active involvement in 13 new farmer development projects that had been established on 2 261ha in the union’s irrigation area.
New book aims to improve vine root management
A book titled Wingerdwortels (‘Vineyard roots’) was launched at the recent Winetech/Vinpro information day held in Stellenbosch.
Tiger Brands’ profit loss linked to listeriosis outbreak
Tiger Brands’ revenue, gross profit, operating income and profit before tax have continued to decline, according to the group’s financial results for the six months ended 31 March 2018.
Developing grain farmer programme shows positive results
There are currently 24 successful producers who can be deemed sustainable black commercial farmers in the grain and oilseeds industry in South Africa.
Nampo visitor numbers grow for sixth year running
Organisers are celebrating yet another record-breaking event after visitor numbers to Nampo Harvest Day 2018 increased for the sixth consecutive year.
SA tractor sales continue positive trend
Nationwide tractor sales continued their positive monthly trend with the 459 units sold in April 2018 a 15,3% increase on the 398 units sold in April 2017.
Firestone agricultural tyres – the hard-working partner you deserve
Firestone prides itself on giving you the right tools to get the job done, and its Farm Hard tyre range has the perfect tyre for every need.
Call for participants in soil health indicator project
The Soil Health Institute in the US has announced the first steps towards creating standard measurements for soil health.
Agriculture department intensifies focus on transformation
More than 20 years into South Africa’s democracy, the agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors have remained relatively untransformed.
Alert issued for Rift Valley fever
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF) has advised farmers to vaccinate their livestock against Rift Valley fever.
The danger of policy uncertainty
Policy certainty formed the root of successful land reform. This was according to Simba Makoni, who had been the minister of finance and economic development in former President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe’s cabinet from 2000 to 2002.
Extension of comments on land expropriation welcomed
Major organised agricultural bodies in South Africa have welcomed recent news that the window period for written submissions on the National Assembly’s proposal to amend Section 25 of the Constitution to allow for land expropriation without compensation has been extended.
Use these routes to travel to Nampo
Organisers of Nampo are recommending that motorists avoid certain routes when heading to Nampo Park from 15 to 18 May due to construction work taking place on many roads in the region.
Rainfall predictions for Western Cape still bleak
Although there are a few cold fronts predicted for the Western Cape this winter, there should be no high hopes that it will be enough to break the continuing drought.
Official farm attack statistics welcomed
The leader of the Freedom Front +, Dr Pieter Groenewald, has welcomed the recent release of official statistics on farm attacks and murders saying it would ensure a better understanding of how to address rural safety in South Africa.
