Bayer increases offer for Monsanto
Bayer AG has upped its takeover offer for Monsanto to about US$65 billion in a bid to overcome the US seed company’s resistance to the deal.
SA lawyer develops world’s first illustrated contract for farmworkers
Clemengold mandarin supplier and packer, Indigo Fruit Growers, has introduced a ‘picture’ contract to help fruit pickers better understand the terms of their employment contracts, thereby improving communication between farmworkers and their employers.
Solar power to energise KZN agriculture
Developing farmers in northern KZN’s uMkhanyakude District Municipality are soon going to be harnessing solar energy to boost their agricultural production.
Maluti Fruit plant apple trees at Bethlehem school for Mandela Day
As part of Mandela Day celebrations, Maluti Fruits, an apple and cherry pack house in Bethlehem, planted six apple trees at Bethlehem Comprehensive Secondary School.
SA white maize harvest delayed
The 2016 white maize harvest has been delayed because of late plantings and the fact that crops are taking longer to dry off because of the shorter days and lower temperatures, according to Grain SA.
Humane, eco-friendly cultured meat products
A company called, SuperMeat, is aiming to revolutionise the meat industry with a system it has developed to produce cultured meat on a small-scale, in collaboration with Yaakov Nahmias, a biomedical engineer and a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Rooibos shortage may cause 90% price surge
It seems as if South Africa’s 30,9 million-strong tea-drinking population is opting for the home-grown choice.
Poor yields reported across SA’s summer crop production region
The majority of lands planted to sunflower in the summer grain production areas have been harvested, according to Grain SA economist Petru Fourie.
Increasing resilience of Africa’s smallholder farmers vital
With factors such as climate change, sustainability, and difficult access to markets putting pressure on Africa’s millions of smallholder farmers, efforts were needed to help increase the resilience of such farmers.
Agribusiness entrepreneur named one of SA’s most notable young people
Agribusiness entrepreneur Leeko Mokoena has been named one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans (a list of notable South Africans under the age of 35) for 2016.
No square watermelons for SA
In 2014, Japan started exporting rare, cube-shaped watermelons produced in Zentsuji, Kagawa Prefecture. Currently, the fruit, which is intended to be used as ornaments, sell for 10 000 yen (about R1 500) each.
Top Merino genetics for Eastern Cape communal farmers
The South African National Wool Growers’ Association (NWGA) has made 2 973 top quality commercial Merino rams available to communal farming communities in the Eastern Cape so far this year.
Farmers adopt ‘wait and see’ approach on tractor purchases
South Africa’s farmers are reportedly being cautious about deciding on whether or not to buy new tractors ahead of the forthcoming summer planting season.
Pome fruit doing well in spite of drought
Despite suffering the worst drought in decades, South Africa’s pome fruit industry fared relatively well compared with initial expectations, according to Hortgro, the organisation which represents South Africa's deciduous fruit industry.
Growing demand for lemons internationally
The demand for lemons is growing significantly in domestic and international markets. Eben Kruger of citrus production and export company, GOGO Fruit, in Marble Hall, told Farmer’s Weekly that there was a global shortage of lemons due to increased demand.
Increased demand for lamb in China
Demand for lamb and mutton in China has increased amidst soaring pork prices, with imports in May increasing 18% to achieve a total of 27 000t.
Africa needs to reduce independence on imported food
Africa needed to reduce its dependence on imported and value-added food and fibre products, according to experts at Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value (CSV) Forum 2016, held in June in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Farm attacks on the rise – TAU SA
Farm attacks and murders in South Africa are on the increase, according to the latest statistics on violent crime on farms released by TAU SA.
New commission to audit land ownership in Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwean government has gazetted a Land Commission Bill according to which a land commission will be established to conduct regular land ownership and land use audits on farms seized from white farmers since 2000.
Pretoria Wimpy outlets support drought relief
A total of 23 Wimpy outlets in Pretoria East have pledged support to the Funky Cappuccino promotion aimed at raising funds for Agri SA’s drought relief fund, initiated in 2015 to support farmers and communities in need.
