FPA’s feeling ‘twitchy’ over this season’s fire risk
Fire Protection Associations in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga are anticipating a challenging fire-fighting season this year.
DAFF denies that OBP vaccines are faulty
Agricultural minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson has left farmers baffled after denying that there was ever a question over the efficacy of Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) vaccines.
To make a profit, first make a plan
The time you spend planning is just as important as the time you spend ploughing, or doing other tasks.
Agriculture jobs creation questioned
The most recent quarterly labour force survey conducted by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) show that employment in agriculture increased by 8,8% over the past year.
Land reform policy likened to socialism
Capitalism in South Africa is under attack by a ruling party that is moving towards socialism and away from private property ownership.
Stockman’s School embraces new farmers
In a first for South Africa, the Aldam Stockman’s School is offering a course for beginner farmers.
Rabies continues to claim human victims in KZN
Three people have now become victims of KwaZulu-Natal’s rabies epidemic.
Vaccines produced by Onderstepoort Biological Products meet set standards
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) wishes to dismiss with contempt the media statement issued by the Democratic Alliance which sought to question the efficacy of the vaccines...
Farmers invited to apply for Nerpo infrastructure improvement loans
The National Emergent Red Meat Producers Organization (Nerpo) has invited smallholder farmers to start applying for the new Nerpo Farm Machinery & Infrastructural Improvement Fund, which Land Bank and the...
Unfriendly labour laws put SA at the bottom of the list
Gauteng MEC for agriculture Nandi Mayethula-Khoza said farmers must identify which labour laws prevent them from creating more jobs on farms.
R155 million earmarked for agricultural projects in NW
North West’s agriculture and rural development MEC Desbo Mohono has earmarked R155 million for the implementation of a number of agricultural projects in her 2012/2013 policy and budget speech.
Land reform could take another 50 years
If the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) doesn’t speed up the land reform process it could take another 50 years or more to reach the target of...
SA trade with Russia set to increase
In December 2011, Russia was finally invited to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It has until 15 June to ratify its membership and, 30 days later, it will become...
Agriculture is losing the battle against mines – BFAP
About 30% of all land cultivated to soya beans in South Africa could be lost to mining in Mpumalanga. This was the finding of a report on mining compiled by...
Going for gold with kiwi fruit
A six-week gap in the European and UK markets for kiwi fruit presents a window of opportunity for South African growers.
Rumours abound about feedlot price fixing
Rumours of price fixing within the feedlot industry have intensified, but a Competition Commission enquiry doesn’t appear to be on the cards.
Government goes all out to stop KZN rabies problem
Government animal health officials have stepped up efforts to bring the deadly rabies disease under control in KwaZulu-Natal.
Climate advisory for the 2012 winter season
Near normal rainfall was experienced in most parts of the country during March. In April rainfall decreased in many areas resulting in below normal over the central and eastern half...
Let’s add value – and jobs
If government is serious about creating jobs in the agricultural sector, it has to do more to encourage value adding.
Export surge for dairy
Dairy exports during March and April 2012 resulted in SA’s dairy industry becoming a net exporter of dairy products for the first time in two-and-a-half years, according to the Milk...
