Good rains fall in the Free State
Much-needed rain has been recorded in the Free State since the weekend. Bultfontein had showers of 50mm and more, while between 50mm and 60mm fell in the Wesselsbron area.
Farmers in central provinces awarded
Cobus van Coller from Viljoenskroon was honoured as the central branch of Agricultural Writers' SA’s 2014 Free State Farmer of the Year at the organisation's award ceremony in Bloemfontein Friday night.
Conditions on Thandi Modise’s farm have improved
A recent inspection of the farm belonging to National Council of Provinces chairperson Thandi Modise has reportedly revealed improved conditions.
Government’s problems create opportunities for SA farmers
SA's government is in trouble and can't possibly deliver on all the economic promises it made to the electorate over the years, according to independent agricultural economist Dr Kobus Laubscher.
Diesel price to fall in November
The price of diesel will probably decline by as much a 56c/litre at the start of November, according to forecasts by the Automobile Association of SA.
Pigeon fanciers have their feathers ruffled
Pigeon racing will have no significant impact on feral pigeon invasion in the country, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).
Boost for North West subsistence farmers
North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo recently handed over 10 Bonsmara and 10 Brahman stud bulls to 20 farmers in Mahikeng as part of the provincial government’s sire subsidy scheme.
Garmin TT10 helps keep track of dogs
When I was a youngster, my father was in charge of the ‘jackal pack’ – dogs used to control problem animals and eradicate vermin.
Highlights from Afasa’s 3rd AGM
The African Farmers Association of South Africa (Afasa) held its 3rd AGM from 19-21 October in Irene, outside Pretoria.
Nene announces plans to curb government spending and increase tax revenue
Government is running out of money, leaving finance minister Nhlanhla Nene with one of two choices – he either has to increase taxes or cut state expenditure.
Food losses in Sub-Saharan at 100mt/year
Sub-Sahara Africa loses 100 million tons of food every year, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation.
KZN grain farmers hope for good rains
Extensive drought conditions across KwaZulu-Natal are forcing many of the province’s summer grains producers to delay the planting of their crops for the 2014/2015 season.
Family farms crucial to agri production
South Africa’s family farms are part of a global network of 570 million family-owned farms and 56% of all agricultural production came from these businesses, said Harry Prinsloo, chairperson of AgriSA’s policy committee at the Congress on Friday.
SA farmers warned of suing government over land claims
South African farmers have been warned against taking government to court to resolve or stymie land reform.
AgriSA’s Möller calls for land reform guidelines
South African agriculture needs clearer guidelines from the government on land reform, according to AgriSA. The organisation dismissed calls that half of commercial farms be expropriated and given to farmworkers.
SA malting barley production to expand
SAB Miller plans to double its malting capacity in Africa by 2030, to between 900 000t and one million tons, according to Thinus van Schoor, general manager at SAB Maltings and Hops Farms.
SA agriculture welcomes clamp down on illegal water users
Government’s plans to continue clamping down on South Africa’s illegal water users and polluters have been welcomed by national farmers’ union Agri SA.
Stored maize threat to prices
South African maize kept in storage is likely to push already low maize prices further down by December.
World Egg Day raises awareness
Figures from the FAO show that 870 million people suffer from chronic hunger and an estimated 171 million children under five years of age are chronically malnourished.
Weather services warn of fire danger this weekend
The Free State provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development warned livestock owners in the Free State and North West to be on high alert over the weekend as the fire danger rating was extremely high.
