DAFF publishes new poultry brining levels
After a year of debate, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has published new brining regulations, setting the maximum amount of flavoured water, salts and/or colorants that may be injected into individual poultry portions at 15%.
Dirty pond water found in Chinese meat
South African chicken processors regularly come under fire for injecting brine into chicken pieces, but those who object to this process should know things could be worse!
Heavy rains hit Western Cape
Western Cape farmers are bracing themselves for more rain as the unseasonal downpours continue in the province.
KZN police arrest escaped farm murder suspect
KwaZulu-Natal police have been praised for swiftly recapturing Sthembiso Shabalala (34), charged with the August 2012 murder of Richmond farmer Rob Anderson (39).
Fishing rights questioned
The DA has queried the lawfulness of the fishing rights allocation process after thousands of applicants were unsuccessful and subsequently without a source of income.
Computerised livestock weighing
Electronic identification and auto-drafting makes livestock management easier, says Greg Miles.
Ostrich industry set for recovery
The ostrich industry’s challenge for 2014 is to successfully establish heat-treated ostrich meat products as mainstream commodities in European markets.
Economic challenges and opportunities in 2014
The election will play a big role in the economy this year.
Tough year ahead for sugar
The sugarcane industry experienced tight financial conditions in 2013 and these were likely to continue into 2014.
Cotton production set to double
Cotton production is expected to double this year, amid higher prices due to a weaker rand.
Red meat producers are cautiously optimistic
Large-scale red meat exports from Namibia and Botswana have scaled down, which is likely to push weaner prices up.
Councils: where is the democracy?
Traditional councils will never change until the government actively urges communities to vote.
SA grain value chain positive about 2014
Current decreases in global prices for both maize and soya bean are being offset by the weakening of the rand and increased production volumes locally, promising the grain value chain another good year, according to Standard Bank’s head of Agribusiness, Nico Groenewald.
Predicting beef prices
Try this site for strategies to improve your overall profitability, says Greg Miles.
A year of extraordinary weather
It has been a year of unusual weather in many parts of South Africa. The SA Weather Service in June predicted unusual temperatures and rainfall across SA for the winter.
Agriculture in 2013: Stock farmers losing millions to theft
On 22 February, Farmer’s Weekly reported that a farmers’ union in the Eastern Cape requested a government subsidy, as they could not afford to pay for a branding certificate to mark their animals.
Agriculture in 2013: Meat scandal leads to improved labelling
It started in Europe. At the end of February, European retailer Ikea withdrew meatballs in 14 European countries after Czech Republic tests found traces of horse meat in a batch made in Sweden.
Agriculture in 2013: Drought devastates large summer rainfall regions
The previous summer’s drought in the eastern parts of Limpopo was said to be one of the worst since 1983.
Record maize harvest for US
The US Grains Council reported a record maize harvest of 355.3 million metric tons for the 2013/2014 season.
Competing is vital for young farmers
Competitions are not only about prizes. They’re extremely useful as teaching tools for young farmers. We need more sponsorships to attract more entrants.
