News

The most devasting outbreak of avian influenza in recent years has finally seen a decline in infections and the price of poultry is already dropping. However, South African farmers are still awaiting the approval of the avian influenza vaccine.

While the matric class of 2023 has much to celebrate in the increased pass rate, the agriculture sector has more reason for optimism with the increase in interest in agricultural subjects.

The strict regulations introduced by the Namibian government on the importation of animal feed from South Africa pose a serious challenge for livestock producers in the southern region of the country, according to Rina Hough, commodity analyst of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU).

Following fears that the week-long protest by about 10 000 farmers in Berlin, Germany, could turn violent, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner had a more conciliatory tone when he took to the stage to address a crowd on Monday, 15 January.

The devastating flooding across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has not spared farmers, who are counting the losses of their crops, livestock and infrastructure.

The number of farm units sold in South Africa remained relatively stable at roughly 4 270 in 2023 compared with 2022, but is expected to increase in 2024 as farmers take advantage of the impact of good rains in the summer rainfall area on production, according to Johann Bornman, chairperson of Agri Development Solutions.

Government has welcomed a decision by the People’s Republic of China to substantially reduce tariff rates on imports of South African rooibos.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN has declared 2024, International Year of Camelids, to shed light on the crucial role camelids play in the livelihoods of millions of households. The focus is particularly on indigenous people and local communities.

South Africa’s growing avocado crop received a boost late last year when Japan lifted its ban on Hass avocados from this country.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) overall Food Price Index for 2023 showed a 13,7% overall decline year-on-year, according to a FAO report released on 5 January.

Although stock theft remained rife in the Free State over the 2023 Christmas season, without the involvement and attentiveness of farming and local communities the situation would have been much worse.

The festive season in Mpumalanga was characterised by severe weather that resulted in floods, strong winds and hail. The province received uncharacteristically high amounts of rainfall.

Agritourism is growing in popularity in South Africa, and this past December saw an influx of holiday goers seeking adventures on farms.

The largest relocation of vultures ever undertaken reached an important landmark when approval was granted by the Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment to move 158 birds to a new home in the Eastern Cape.

The recent decline in fuel prices will benefit South African farmers and agribusinesses. The rising cost of fuel during 2023 dealt a major blow to the agriculture sector, not only in terms of transport, but also due to the inordinate bouts of load-shedding requiring farmers to use fuel to power their generators.

An agritech company in Egypt has introduced a soilless solution to the water shortage that has affected farmers across the country.

The new year’s budget blues are set to increase for poultry consumers as prices remain high after last year’s devastating bird flu outbreak in South Africa.

The farming industry is encouraged to choose paper packaging for its environment-friendly benefits, writes Jyothi Laldas.

Good rains, in combination with a strong demand and small under-supply, have pushed ostrich production into a more lucrative cycle.

Avocado growers are set to start the new year with a range of new market options as years of negotiations have come to fruition. This is especially prudent since South Africa is expecting an increase in yield in 2024.