Congress discusses improving mental health in veterinary industry
The importance of mental health and ways to build resilience among veterinary practitioners were key topics at the World Veterinary Association Congress, held from 16 to 18 April in Cape Town.
Maize theft in Free State raises serious concern
The large-scale theft of maize in the Free State is being carried out by highly organised crime syndicates, resulting in severe losses for maize producers so far this year. This is according to Dr Jane Buys, Free State Agriculture’s (FSA) safety risk analyst.
‘Milking process’ suspected of spreading bird flu to cattle
Newly released research has found that the milking process could be a factor in the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza to dairy cows in the US.
Citrus export season shows promising growth
The 2024 citrus export season is underway, and early forecasts indicate a notable uptick in export volumes. The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) unveiled these projections at a recent Citrus Marketing Forum.
Heavy rains bring damage, but also relief
The intense low-pressure system, known as a cut-off low, that resulted in wind damage and flooding in parts of the Western Cape has bought welcome relief to most farmers across the country.
UN pledges R37 billion towards Zimbabwe’s drought crisis
The UN has pledged to support Zimbabwe’s call to mobilise more than R37 billion after President Emmerson Mnangagwa recent declaration of a national State of Disaster following the devastating El Niño-induced drought.
Stellenbosch farmers bear the brunt of the storm
The Western Cape has been struck by disaster as strong winds sent fires blazing, roofs crashing in and wine cellars destroyed over the weekend.
Chocolate prices expected to continue rising as cocoa crisis deepens
A perfect storm of widespread illegal gold mining, climate change, mismanagement of the industry, and rapidly spreading disease are contributing to a potentially disastrous cocoa bean harvest in West Africa this season.
Electricity price hike hits farmers and consumers hard
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved a 12,74% tariff increase, which came into effect on 1 April for direct Eskom customers, to address the financial challenges faced by the power provider.
Why cybersecurity is needed in farming
The farming industry is vital to the world’s food industry and requires the utmost protection from cyberattacks. This is according to Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa, who believes that with the evolution of technology, the digital threat level for farmers has increased in recent years.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Expropriation Bill
Parliament recently approved the Expropriation Bill, which has now been sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa for his assent. While there are no timelines in which the president is required to sign a bill, Annelize Crosby, Agbiz Legal Intelligence, told Farmer’s Weekly that it would probably be signed prior to the elections scheduled for 29 May 2024.
DA urges government to provide drought relief
The drought in South Africa is a societal challenge and not just an agricultural problem, according to Noko Masipa, the DA’s Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
Farmers still feeling the pinch after COVID-19
The effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns are still lingering in the agriculture sector as some businesses have closed permanently while shifts in market demand have influenced the operations of others.
SA citrus to make its way to Vietnam markets
As the South African citrus export season kicks into high gear in the coming weeks, a significant bilateral protocol has been established with the Vietnamese government, paving the way for local oranges to enter the markets of Vietnam.
Lower yields and prices expected for 2024 summer crop harvest
The summer grain crop has again been revised down as the drought takes its toll on South Africa. The size of the expected commercial maize crop has been set at 13,26 million tons – 7,69% or 1,1 million tons less than the previous forecast in February.
Macadamia industry scammed out of R4 million during theft probe
Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC) has been defrauded of R4 million, dealing a further blow to curbing theft in the industry. Macadamia nut theft is rife in South Africa, where both individual criminals and syndicates operate to amass the nuts before they reach processors.
Agribusiness confidence expected to remain low in 2024
Agribusiness confidence remained downbeat in the first quarter of 2024 and will probably stay that way in the second quarter.
Zimbabwe sees decline in crop production due to drought
El Niño continues its severe impact on Zimbabwe, with a marked decline in crop production. The total area planted to crops in Zimbabwe in the 2023/24 season declined 6% when compared to the previous season, that of cereals declined 6% and maize grain declined 12%.
Protectionism and shipping disruptions threaten agri trade
Solid business partnerships will become increasingly important to navigate market threats, according to Absa’s recently released AgriTrends Autumn 2024.
Department of agriculture under scrutiny for mismanaged funds
Fruitless and wasteful expenditure has increased almost a thousand-fold, from R33 000 in 2021/22 to over R30 million during the 2022/23 fiscal year, according to the recently released budget review and recommendations report of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
