Farmers must prepare for GlobalGAP water-use scrutiny
International auditing systems such as GlobalGAP may soon introduce maximum water-use limits for fresh produce farmers.
Crackdown on sale of ethylene-ripened mangoes at fresh produce markets
The South African Mango Growers’ Association (SAMGA) and the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) have joined forces to stop the sale of immature ‘achar’ mangoes falsely marketed as ripe fruit.
Zim lifts ban on SA maize imports but imposes restrictions
Zimbabwe has lifted its temporary ban on maize imports from South Africa as it begins to feel the effects of market shortages, a development experts say raises doubts over the...
ECRDA partnership to transform Eastern Cape crop and food output
The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency recently signed a memorandum of understanding with African Seeds Group and HelloChoice to boost crop and food production by improving input access, market connectivity,...
Nampo Alfa 2025: celebrating cattle, tech, and outdoor adventure
The air at Nampo Park near Bothaville in the Free State was filled with the sounds of livestock and the buzz of activity as competitions and demonstrations took centre stage...
Research projects aimed at improving grain farmer profitability
At a meeting of the Conservation Agriculture Research Forum on 9 October held in Pretoria, delegates discussed key results from Maize Trust-funded research projects and other conservation agriculture studies managed...
Collaboration in focus during Nampo Alfa 2025 panel discussion
Far too many conversations about agriculture still happen behind closed doors or on social media, and that’s not the ideal way to solve the sector’s problems, says Dewald Olivier, CEO...
Hennie Jonker’s love of lamb earns him the Lamb Champs national title
The Lamb Champs 2025 National Champion trophy is a symbol of hard work and passion, and it lays the foundation for an exciting future, says winner Hennie Jonker.
Stellenbosch University confirms student suffocated sheep
Stellenbosch University will soon institute mandatory ethical animal research training, part of its measures to prevent a repeat of the needless mistreatment of sheep that occurred during a feed study...
OBP reports financial decline, seeks efficiency with new freeze-drier
Onderstepoort Biological Products recently briefed the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture on its financial and operational performance, highlighting significant shortfalls and promising improvements in production efficiency.
New pivot for Stellenbosch University boosts agriscience offering
Research and student training at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of AgriSciences received a major boost earlier this month with the donation of a Lindsay Zimmatic 9500P centre pivot irrigation system, valued...
Ramaphosa admits Expropriation Act has legal flaws
Several organisations want the Expropriation Act of 2024 returned to Parliament after President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged some provisions were unconstitutional.
Imvaba Cooperative fund strengthens rural livelihoods in the Eastern Cape
Last week in Willowvale, Eastern Cape, the Imvaba Cooperative Fund delivered 20 heifers and farming equipment to the Nqabarha Cooperative. The fund is run by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation...
Experts acknowledge challenges in the hemp industry
Since the legalisation of hemp production in 2021, new markets, job creation, and rural growth have not materialised. Of over 1 000 permits issued, few producers are operational, but the...
North West farm attack suspect to appear in court again this week
Malandela George Mbela will appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court in North West on Wednesday after allegedly attacking and robbing an elderly couple and their daughter on their farm in...
Boxer Farmers’ Day supports Ndwedwe growers with training, mentorship
Boxer Superstores hosted a farmers’ day in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, drawing close to 300 farmers from the area for a full day of practical training, mentorship, and empowerment.
North West, Free State seed crime syndicates at it again
Planting season is here, and unfortunately, so are the seed crime syndicates that are particularly active in North West and the Free State.
Agri SA charts a pragmatic path for resilient, inclusive growth
The AgriSA Atlas Congress, held in Pretoria, set the stage for renewed focus on resilience, collaboration and practical solutions to South Africa’s most pressing agricultural challenges.
South Africa signs landmark stone fruit trade deal with China
South African Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen on Wednesday announced a major win for South Africa’s fruit sector as he signed a one-of-a-kind stone fruit trade protocol with China.
Agriculture sector steps up as state falters
The agriculture sector has again proven its resilience this year, tackling the challenges of government failure and finding opportunity in adversity, a theme highlighted at the Agri SA Atlas congress...
