Growing antibiotic resistance an urgent problem
The overuse of antibiotics in animals produced for food could lead to the spread of antimicrobial or antibiotic resistance (AMR) in humans.
Cooperatives can unlock agri-sector potential
Cooperatives could unlock the potential of the agri-sector, said Theo de Jager, president of the South African Confederation of Agricultural Unions.
El Niño no longer predicted for SA
According to Cobus Olivier, prediction scientist at the South Africa Weather Service, the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon was expected to remain in a neutral phase during South Africa’s summer period.
Agri jobs recovery rests on Western Cape rainfall
Although 40 000 jobs were ‘lost’ in the agricultural sector in the second quarter of 2017, this was in line with seasonal norms due to reduced horticultural activity.
Netherlands scrambles to undo eggs disaster
The Netherlands poultry industry is making a concerted effort to undo the damage to its reputation after eggs it produced and exported was found to be contaminated with insecticide.
Agribusiness training to boost fertiliser use in West Africa
The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) has contracted the South African-based African Fertilizer Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) to train agro-dealers in order to boost fertiliser access by smallholder farmers in Ghana and Cameroon, two of the top cocoa producing countries in the world.
July tractor sales jump 11%
The 502 tractors sold nationally over July 2017 were 11,3% more than the 451 units sold in July last year.
Avian influenza outbreak at RCL Foods
RCL Foods has revealed an Avian influenza outbreak at the company’s Viva poultry farm near Muldersdift.
Three arrested after Groblersdal farm murder
Three Zimbabwean nationals were arrested after a farm murder on 6 August, near Groblersdal, Limpopo.
SA wastes a third of its agri output – WWF
A total of 10 million tons of food go to waste in South Africa every year, according to WWF South Africa’s new Food Loss and Waste: Facts and Futures report.
Better policies can improve SA’s agri-outlook
South Africa needs policies that can address agriculture issues, such as land reform, to create certainty in the industry.
Australia’s mutton may soon be lamb
The Sheepmeat Council of Australia will soon vote on a proposal to change the country’s definition of lamb to mirror that of its market rival, New Zealand.
R189 million profit for OVK through diversification
The OVK agribusiness group declared a net profit of R189 million before tax for the financial year that ended on 28 February 2017.
Second Astral farm hit by avian flu
Poultry producer, Astral Foods, has confirmed an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza at a second of its poultry breeding facilities, Welbedach, outside Standerton in Mpumalanga.
SA’s top ranking in African food trade not assured
The sub-Saharan African agri-food system is undergoing significant changes.
Brazil gives GM sugarcane a go
Brazil, the world’s largest sugarcane producer, recently approved the commercial use of genetically modified sugarcane.
Eastern Cape beef production needs improvement
If the quality and consistency of beef production among the Eastern Cape’s emerging cattle owners could be rapidly improved, the province would be the leader in top-quality beef production nationally.
NCT’s 2017 Tree Farmers of the Year
Two farmers from KwaZulu-Natal took top honours in NCT Forestry Cooperative’s 2017 Tree Farmer of the Year competition.
Tongaat Hulett capitalises on Mozambique’s sugar demand
Tongaat Hulett has begun construction on its first sugar refinery in Mozambique, to capitalise on the shortage of locally refined sugar.
Bergsig Estate wins big at Terrior Wine awards
Bergsig Estate, in the Breedekloof, received the Novare Trophy for South Africa’s Top Wine Estate for the second consecutive year, as well as the Novare Trophy for South Africa’s Top Terroir Producer.
