UK project aims to reduce methane emissions in sheep

The sheep industry in the UK is hoping to use genetic engineering to reduce methane emissions without negatively affecting important traits such as grazing ability.

Local problems more of a threat to SA than losing AGOA

While the potential loss of international trade agreements could disrupt South Africa’s trade balance, domestic issues are in fact far more serious, according to Dr Mmatlou Kalaba, commodity market analyst at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy.

World Zoonosis Day highlights the fight against zoonotic diseases

The World Health Organization estimated that there are over 200 known types of zoonoses, with these diseases comprising a large percentage of new and existing diseases in humans.

More red meat exports needed to stabilise market

Exports of beef could be increased from the current 4% of local production to 20%, according to Koning Scholtz, newly elected chairperson of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation Northern Cape (RPO Northern Cape).

Court rules Zimbabwean permit termination unlawful

Zimbabwean exemption permit holders can breathe a little easier for the next 12 months, thanks to the Gauteng High Court finding the minister of Home Affairs’ decision to terminate these permits unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid.

‘Legalise trade in rhino horn to save populations’

South Africa has to legalise the trade in rhino horn to save rhino populations from poaching, according to Pelham Jones, chairperson for the Private Rhino Owners’ Association.

SA Mutton Merino ram sets record-high price of R255 000

A new South African record price was recently achieved when R255 000 was paid for the SA Mutton Merino ram 1038 TOP. The sale of the ram underlined that demand for the breed was significantly on the rise, according to Jan Vosloo, president of the SA Mutton Merino Breeders’ Society of South Africa.

Nearly 2 million layer hens culled in Mpumalanga as bird flu hits

The highly pathogenic H7 bird flu has spread to Mpumalanga over the last week, necessitating the culling of 1,8 million layer hens. The virus is believed to be contained but fears that wild birds will continue to spread the virus remain.

Higher maize yield boosts production figures

The latest crop production forecast shows an increase in maize yield, mostly attributed to favourable weather conditions that boosted the crop towards the end of summer.

KZN tornado’s impact on agriculture still to be determined

In yet another devastating blow for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), a tornado ripped through parts of Durban on the afternoon of 27 June, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

SA’s food inflation rate cools down

The recent sharp decline in food inflation is obviously good news for cash-strapped consumers, but bad news for the agriculture sector.

Carryover stocks ease concerns over Zambia’s lower maize crop

Zambia’s 2022/23 maize harvest is expected to be 25,2% lower than last year’s. The crop has been forecast at 2,7 million tons, compared with 3,62 million tons recorded in 2021/2022.

Fruit and vegetable shortages loom for Ireland

Growers and industry specialists are warning that consumers in Ireland can expect a shortage of fruit and vegetables for the rest of 2023.

‘Farmers have to take charge of rural safety’

Farmers are being called on to work together to build safer communities, rather than wait for government to act.

Agribusiness confidence sinks in second quarter

The latest Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) shows that agribusiness has significant apprehension about business conditions in South Africa.

Heavy rains continue in Western Cape

While the extent of damage is still unclear, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture is estimating losses caused by flooding in the province at between R750 million and R1 billion.