Buffalo bull with 56-inch horns sells for R22 million

Magic, a buffalo bull with 56-inch horns, was recently sold for R22 million at the Piet du Toit Wildlife Auction in North West. The bull was sold to four buyers.

Steenhuisen hits back at allegations made against him and government

Minister John Steenhuisen of the Department of Agriculture called a media briefing at Parliament in Cape Town on Tuesday to address what he said was ‘misinformation being peddled by certain...

Prioritise roads and ports in Budget 2025 – Wine SA

With Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana set to deliver the Budget Speech 2025 on 19 February, Christo Conradie, stakeholder engagement, market access and policy manager at South Africa Wine, said he...

Agri sector needs to focus on how budget allocation is spent – RPO

Over the past few years, the broader South African agriculture sector has been disappointed by the National Budget, according to Dr Frikkie Maré, CEO of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation.

Grain SA calls for sorghum VAT exemption in upcoming budget speech

Grain SA CEO Dr Tobias Doyer hopes the Budget Speechwill drive economic growth but says agriculture is often overlooked. He urges VAT exemption for sorghum to support the industry.

EU insect protein market in ‘financial turmoil’

The insect protein industry in the EU is coming under increasing pressure, with many role players calling for an overhaul of regulations.

Budget Speech should focus on infrastructure to support fresh produce sector

This year’s Budget Speech comes on the heels of the finalisation of the Fresh Produce Market Inquiry, which contains a host of recommendations to improve transformation, supply and cost of...

Hold off on increasing sugar tax to help industry, says SASA

With the Budget Speech set to be delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 19 February, the Health Promotion Levy, or sugar tax, and sugar cane master plan have again...

Limpopo farmers struggle with failing road infrastructure despite promised repairs

Despite years of engagement with authorities, many roads in Limpopo still remain in disrepair. This was according to Deidre Carter, CEO of Agri Limpopo.

Small farmers need title deeds for sector to grow, says Steenhuisen

The imbalances in the South African economy must be addressed as a matter of urgency, and particularly so in the agriculture sector, according to John Steenhuisen, minister of the Department...

Role players voice concerns over promises made during SONA 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2025 highlighted key interventions aimed at strengthening South Africa's agriculture sector.

Expert insights on the Expropriation Act

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed the Expropriation Bill into law, concluding a five-year process. The amended Expropriation Act has sparked widespread debate, with some strongly opposing it while others view...

Good season ahead for apples and pears

Apple and pear exports are expected to increase this year on the back of new orchards coming into production, improved varieties and favourable weather.

Namibia’s vegetable ban on South Africa a struggle for local farmers

South Africa's agricultural trade with its neighbouring countries has faced significant challenges over the past few years, particularly with import restrictions imposed on the country by Namibia and Botswana.

South Africans spend majority of income on living costs, survey shows

South African households spend roughly R76 out of every R100 on housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, food and non-alcoholic beverages, transportation and insurance, according to Statistics South Africa...

Eskom price hike set to cost farmers an extra R1,27 billion in 2025

From 1 April this year, consumers will be paying more for electricity, thanks to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) recently granting Eskom permission to hike prices by...

Agri role players’ wish lists for SONA 2025

Farmer’s Weekly asked leading agricultural role players about their expectations for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 6 February, as well as their views on government's progress...

Interest rate cut brings welcome relief to farmers

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has cut interest rates by 25 basis points, taking the repo rate down to 7,5% and the prime lending rate down to 11%.

Fly outbreaks in South Africa due to “unhygienic conditions”

The current fly outbreak in Gauteng is not an isolated incident, and outbreaks have been reported across all parts of South Africa, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship...

Eastern Cape small-scale farmers receive Nguni bulls to improve production

Nonceba Kontsiwe, Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, called on farmers to expand their operations and venture into the entire red meat value chain to make a meaningful impact on the...

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