Favourable outlook for summer and winter field crops

Farmers intend to plant 542 600ha of wheat in the 2023 production season, 4% less than last season’s 566 800ha, according to the latest report by the Crop Estimates Committee.

Russian export ban could scupper Black Sea grain deal, G7 warned

There are renewed fears that the deal brokered by the UN and Turkey in July 2022, which guarantees safe passage for grain trapped in Ukraine’s Black Sea ports due to that country’s conflict with Russia, will collapse.

‘Government is failing SA’s agri sector’ – Agbiz

While the South African government was supposed to be the agriculture sector’s most important partner, it had failed in taking up its responsibility and had left the sector and the country as a whole despondent. This was according to Francois Strydom, chairperson of Agbiz.

Zambia fights damaging cassava root rot outbreak

This virus threatens to cause widespread hunger as it devastates cassava plantations in Zambia.

Dragon fruit yields and sales on an upward curve

Increasing yields and rising local demand have resulted in a good season for dragon fruit farmers. Harvest started in November and will wrap up by May.

Intensive livestock production under threat as Eskom tariff hike bites

The Eskom tariff increase of 18,5%, which kicked in at the start of April, is driving up the cost of intensive layer, broiler and pork production, and making it increasingly difficult for these farmers to remain commercially viable.

Free State MEC promises ‘millions’ to ramp up cannabis production

There is hope that a new focus on cannabis production in the Free State will boost job creation and economic activity in the province.

Vaccinate animals against lumpy skin disease, farmers warned

Lumpy skin disease has been reported in all provinces since the start of the year, with communal farmers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal being most affected, according to Dr Danie Odendaal, director of the Veterinarian Network.

Increasing inflation sparks fear of recession

The ongoing increase in food prices has raised concern over South Africa’s growth outlook, as inflation adds to a basket of factors sending the country towards a recession.

‘Pesticide-reduction laws will increase resistance’

The global streamlining of chemicals allowed on food products will render many crop-protection chemicals illegal by 1 June 2024, heightening risk for farmers already battling pests.

Massive cockroach outbreak in South Africa

Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, CropLife South Africa’s (CropLife SA) operations and stewardship manager, issued a serious warning against the use of chemical products registered for agricultural purposes in an effort to mitigate the recent massive outbreak of German cockroaches in the country.

Wine grape harvest set to be smallest in 19 years

SA Wine Industry Information and Systems (SAWIS) recently revised the wine grape harvest estimate downward for the fourth time, making it the smallest harvest in 19 years.

US orange harvest expected to reach 86-year low this season

The 2022/23 orange crop in the US is forecast to be the smallest since 1937, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Foundation demands the banning of pit bulls in South Africa

The Sizwe Kupelo Foundation recently handed a petition over to Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, demanding a ban on pit bulls as domestic pets in South Africa.

NWK spends millions on upgrading gravel roads

In the run-up to the 2022/23 summer grain harvesting season, agribusiness NWK recently commenced grading some 1 400km of gravel roads leading to its silos in North West.

Constitutional Court hands down a major breakthrough for water rights

The court judgment states that the temporary or permanent transfer of water-use entitlements is supported by the Water Act, contrary to the view held by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Another sugar mill enters business rescue

Gledhow sugar mill has become the second mill to be placed under business rescue, thereby increasing concerns over the future viability of the sugar cane production industry in South Africa.

African horse sickness cases reportedly rising amid vaccine shortage

African horse sickness (AHS) cases are increasing in Gauteng while vaccines have been unavailable since last year, according to reports. Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), which is responsible for manufacturing the vaccines, has allegedly been without stock for several months.

‘Communal land reform lacks tenure security’

Industry stakeholders have expressed concern over the lack of tenure security provided for in a new bill on communal land.

Macadamia prices continue to fall amid oversupply

South Africa is set to deliver another bumper crop of macadamia nuts this year, surpassing last year’s total yield of 68 840t dry-nut-in-shell at 1,5% moisture, to reach nearly 78 000t.

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