Intermediaries could ensure success of farmer relationships

Independent bodies or third parties could facilitate partnerships between commercial and developing farmers. This was the opinion of ANC presidential candidate, Mathews Phosa, speaking at the 2017 Agri SA congress held in Pretoria recently.

Holographic cow improves learning experience

UK researchers have developed interactive hologram imagery of cattle to enliven bovine anatomy teaching at Harper Adams University in Shropshire.

Fresh produce market agents face price-fixing charges

Up to 14 fresh produce market agents and the Institute for Market Agents of South Africa have been charged with price fixing and have been referred to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution.

Experts warn of explosion in plant pest populations

The window to combat the African bollworm outbreak in canola and wheat in the Western Cape’s Swartland has now virtually closed.

Should vaccines be used to curb avian influenza?

There has recently been much debate about whether the poultry industry should use vaccines to curb the avian influenza outbreak.

2017 tractor sales could surpass 6 000 units

Despite the softening of South Africa’s agricultural machinery sales last month, national tractor sales for 2017 could top the 5 855 units of 2016, and even exceed 6 000 units, according to a statement by the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA).

Stable outlook for table grape harvest, despite drought

Despite the drought and more stringent water restriction in the Western Cape, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) expects a good season.

EU commits $7 million to agri development in Zimbabwe

The European Union (EU) has set aside $7 million (R96 million) for proposals for a project that would strengthen the agriculture value chain in Zimbabwe.

Bird flu kills over 500 wild birds in Johannesburg

An avian influenza outbreak that has been confirmed in Gauteng, has forced the Montecasino Bird Gardens to temporarily close its doors, while biosecurity measures have been taken to protect the bird population at the Johannesburg Zoo.

Disease identification app to boost food security in Africa

A team of researchers that has developed an app which will allow small-scale farmers in Africa to identify cassava diseases has won a US$100 000 (R1,4 million) grant to expand the tool for use on other root, tuber and banana crops.

Dairy farmers work together to prevent strike-led milk losses

The recent strike action by milk collection truck drivers of Dairy Farmers South Africa (DFSA) nearly resulted in potentially crippling losses for dairy farmers in KwaZulu-Natal’s ‘milk bowl’ of Creighton, Ixopo and Donnybrook.

Cattle painkiller found toxic to vultures

Conservationists are urging SA farmers not to feed the carcasses of cattle and other animals containing traces of the painkiller, carprofen to vultures…

Landmark ruling in land claims case

The recent Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that a R300 000 deduction from an Mpumalanga farm’s compensation value, because it was destined for land restitution, was not justifiable, bodes well for property owners in South Africa.

Absa awards SA’s top 10 olive oils

Ten extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) were recently awarded as the best in the country of the 2017 harvest at the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards ceremony, held at Val de Vie Estate outside Paarl in the Western Cape.

Dumping, bird flu, cripples SA poultry and grain producers

Poultry dumping and avian flu losses have severely affected the country’s grain industry, as 70% of poultry production costs were feed costs, said Marthinus Stander, CEO of Country Bird Holdings (CBH).

Boost for East African wheat production

Recommendations aimed at boosting wheat production in East Africa have been approved by the principal secretaries for trade in Kenya and Tanzania, Dr Chris Kiptoo and Prof Adolf Mkenda.

SA’s oldest apple tree stripped for firewood

South Africa’s oldest apple tree has been stripped of all its branches, presumably to be used as firewood. It is, however, uncertain who was responsible for the damage.