Bumper global soya crop depress prices
The price of local soya bean-based food products and animal feed may decline due to bumper soya bean crops in Brazil and Argentina, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Lions get comfortable in new home
The first four lions reintroduced into the uMkhuze section of KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park after a 44 year absence of the carnivore there, are reportedly doing well.
A website to create pig profitability
JSR Genetics, a UK company that provides pig producers worldwide with a range of products and services, including top-quality breeding stock and semen, has an easy-to-use online meat/ton of feed (MTF) calculator at www.jsrgenetics.com
Biofuel draft policy released
The long-awaited draft paper on biofuel pricing rules and regulations has been released for comment by the Department of Energy, Business Day reported.
South Africa’s economic freedom declines
South Africa’s level of ‘economic freedom’ has declined over the past decade. SA is now ranked 75 out of 178 countries in the 2014 Index of Economic Freedom, published by the US think tank Heritage Foundation.
Businesses warned against fake SADC document
Businesses exporting to Tanzania have been scammed into obtaining certificates of ownership for the products before these can enter the country.
Lack of funds as Zimbabweans go hungry
With an estimated two million Zimbabweans facing severe food shortages, the Mugabe government has admitted to not having money to buy food, reported by www.newzimbabwe.com.
Our farmers deserve honour
Throughout the drought and challenges they faced during the year, our farmers kept ploughing on.
DA report card fails Tina
Minister of agriculture Tina Joemat-Pettersson has been rated one of the worst performers in the 2013 Cabinet Report Card compiled by the DA.
DAFF replies to public protector regarding irregular tender
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has released a statement in response to the public protector’s 2013 report on allegations of an irregular awarding of a tender to Sekunjalo Marine Services Consortium.
SA wine exports set new record
The South African wine industry set an exceptional export record of nearly 526 million litres last year.
Northern Cape rains not benefitting dry areas
A recent cloud-burst over Garies, in Namaqualand, in the southern part of the Northern Cape, caused major flooding on a few farms in the vicinity.
DA again calls for Tina’s dismissal
The Democratic Alliance has called on President Zuma to clarify what actions he intends on taking against agriculture minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, following the controversial awarding of an R800 million fisheries patrol tender last year.
Freezing weather could disrupt US wheat production
The coldest weather to hit the central USA in two decades has disrupted grain and livestock shipments and threatened to damage the dormant wheat crop, Reuters reported.
Fisheries welcomes investigation
The Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has welcomed an investigation by the Public Protector into the fishing rights allocation process, as requested by the DA earlier this week.
Western Cape rains cause massive financial losses
Rain and hail have caused havoc in the Western Cape over the past week with farms being cut off, crops washed away and electricity supply interrupted.
Consultation on reopening of claims continues
The countrywide public consultation process on the Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Bill will continue next week (13 January).
Farmer gets protection order against land grabbers
A farmer in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, has been granted a protection order against land grabbers.
Mala Mala claim settled
SAnews.gov.za reported that the Mala Mala land claim was settled at the beginning of January at an amount of just over R939 million – or R71 250/ha.
Sales of immature avos prohibited
Avocado growers have been warned to ensure that avocados are properly matured before harvesting, as the sale of immature avocados is now prohibited, said the Subtropical Growers Association (Subtrop).
