New dragon fruit varieties for SA growers

Dragon fruit is not well-known in South Africa, but the people behind a new venture based in Limpopo believe this niche fruit offers attractive commercial potential for local farmers.

BKB acquires majority shareholding in Fruits du Sud

BKB has acquired the majority shareholding in Upington-based raisin and fruit mince supplier, Fruits du Sud, for an undisclosed amount, thereby expanding its foothold in the Northern Cape.

Two recipients receive Agbiz Honorary Award

At the South African Agriculture Business Chamber’s (Agbiz) biannual congress held in Somerset West recently, two recipients were awarded the Agbiz Honorary Award for their services to agriculture.

First commercially-grown black truffles for KZN

Three black Périgord truffles (Tuber melanosporum) were discovered on Max Bastard’s Willowdale Farm near Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Select for fertility above all, urges geneticist

Fertility is without question the most important trait that beef cattle producers should select for, according to Prof Frikkie Neser, geneticist at the University of the Free State.

El Niño weakening, but rain stays away

Although El Niño has been showing signs of weakening, high temperatures and late rains in most of the Western Cape could have had an effect on winter grain and fodder production, according to a statement issued by Western Cape Agri.

Frustration as government fails to declare drought a national disaster

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT), Des van Rooyen, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), said that eight provinces have been declared drought disaster zones.

Agribusiness confidence index at record negative levels

The latest Agribusiness Confidence Index for the first quarter of 2016 showed that the long-term outlook for the sector remained at record negative levels.

Tractor and combine harvester sales up for May

Tractor and combine harvester sales for May are up compared to the corresponding period last year, but on a year-to-date basis sales are still low, Wynn Dedwith, chairman of the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA), said in a recent statement.

New SA record for Royal Show carcass auction

The prestigious Royal Show Carcass Auction (RSCA) now holds the South African price records for beef, pork and lamb carcasses. This follows the recent annual auction held at the 2016 Royal Show in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Nigerian tomato harvest destroyed by leaf miner infestation

Farmers in northern Nigeria have lost more than 90% of 17 000ha of tomatoes as a result of a pest infestation.

Monsanto rejects Bayer’s take-over bid, but leaves window open

A new global seed and pesticide giant may be on the rise after German drug and chemical giant, Bayer, recently offered US biotechnology company, Monsanto US$62 billion in a take-over bid.

Astral CEO explains company’s decline in revenue

Drought conditions, the weak rand and large poultry imports were the main factors contributing towards the 22% drop in Astral Foods Limited’s operating profit.

Child Protection Week campaign focuses on children living on farms

Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, launched Child Protection Week in Braakspruit near Klerksdorp in North West on 25 May.

Gauteng fast-tracks development approval

Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Lebogang Maile said his department was committed to reducing red tape to increase the ease of doing business within the province.

Canola symposiums scheduled for July

According to Prof André Agenbag of the Protein Research foundation, the benefits of canola rotation are well known.

Five facts about food safety and security in Africa

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that more than 6,3 million people in drought-affected countries in Southern Africa could face food shortages.

AB InBev and SAB Miller one step closer to merger

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has granted exchange control approval for the proposed merger of Anheuser-Busch (AB) InBev and SABMiller.

Food stalls popular at Nampo Harvest Day

A large variety of food items was on offer at the 2016 Nampo Harvest Day held near Bothaville in the Free State, with thousands of visitors enjoying the fare at the food stalls manned by different church organisations.

World Milk Day: Worldwide increase in dairy consumption

Today, the dairy industry and consumers worldwide are celebrating World Milk Day.

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