Latest articles
Shell’s ‘tactics’ anger Karoo farmers
Many farmers in the Middelburg, Graaff-Reinet, Nieu Bethesda and Cradock districts of the Karoo are upset by energy company Shell’s attempts to contact them individually and speak of ‘divide and rule tactics’.
Possible maize shortage in 2014
South Africa could face a shortage of maize next year, according Grain SA chairperson Louw Steytler.
Female agricultural graduates on the increase in NW
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Desbo Mohono is pleased with the rising number of young females qualifying as professionals in the field of agriculture this year.
Settling more than land claims
Re-opening the land claims process could lead to much strife among community members.
Talks on retirement savings for farm workers
The South African agricultural sector is working to ensure that farm workers are financially provided for in retirement.
Improving food security in KZN: too little, too slow
A recent study conducted by the universities of Stellenbosch (SU) and Ghent, and published in Development Southern Africa, has cast doubt on the efficacy of the Empowerment for Food Security Programme (EFSP) run by the KwaZulu-Natal department of agriculture in co-operation with the Flemish Development Corporation.
Alpacas beaten to death with a steel pipe
More than six months after the incident, Free State alpaca breeder Jandre Boshoff is still shocked by the senseless bludgeoning to death of five male alpacas in his 120-strong herd.
SA set to remain a food basket for sub-Saharan Africa
“As South Africa looks forward to the Festive Season, the coming year will be eventful and mostly positive.” This was the message that Jan van Zyl, FNB’s head of agric information and marketing brought to sugarcane farmers in Eston and Noodsberg in KwaZulu-Natal, during a recent farmers’ day.
Farmers need more than good soil to thrive
A farmer’s ability to reach the yield potential of their farm has less to do with climate and soil and more with an enabling environment.
North West drought now critical
Good rain has fallen over the grain production areas of the western Free State and most of the grain producers have started planting.
A storm brewing over statutory levies for macadamia industry
Resistance is mounting in the macadamia nut industry over levies payable to the Southern African Macadamia Growers’ Association (Samac).
Stricter meat labels due next year
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has set 25 April 2014 as the date by which all preserved, processed, dried and packaged meat products must adhere to the deparment’s new labelling regulations.
EU bans SA citrus for the rest of the year
The EU has banned most imports of SA citrus for the remainder of this year following fears that citrus black spot (CBS), a fungal disease found in dozens of shipments, could spread to the 28-nation bloc, Reuters reported.
Mohair season set to end well
The mohair market maintained its current high levels at the second-last sale of the winter season.
Relief for drought stricken NW farmers
Some 14 000 bags of fodder weighing 50kg each have been distributed to 23 346 farmers who applied for drought relief in the North West since Monday, 18 November 2013.
Omnia signals good agri growth
Omnia’s revenue for the six months ending September 2013 is up 25,7% to R7,5 billion and basic earnings per share are up 16,7% to 637c/share.
Abuse of funds: talk or action?
Will Minister Gordhan’s ploy to stop officials from misspending taxpayers’ monies go beyond elections?
KWV reports quarterly loss
Liquor group KWV reported a nearly R20 million loss for the six months to end-September 2013.
‘Trade competitiveness must be beefed up’
South Africa’s negative trade balance could be improved if better systems were in place to aid exports.
