Large yields, high input prices forecast for grain

Despite South Africa exporting substantial volumes of maize, ending stocks as a proportion of local usage are projected to remain above 20% for both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.

‘Red meat exports must be prioritised in 2022’

South Africa’s red meat industry benefited from the steady increase in the producer prices of beef, mutton and lamb in 2021, but exports of carcasses and live animals now need to increase.

Stable outlook for SA’s potato farmers in 2022

Various factors will influence potato production in 2022, according to Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes South Africa.

Agri department officials confident SA has enough animal vaccines

South Africa has enough of the necessary vaccines to combat all crucial livestock diseases.

SA-grown pears can now be exported to China

After many years of hard work and negotiations, South Africa has finally been given permission to export pears to China.

Concern over locust threat on unoccupied farms

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (agriculture department) have once again urged farmers and other landowners to report locust swarms, especially those seen on unoccupied farms.

Heavy rainfall raises risk of crop failure, disease outbreak

Above average rainfall across parts of South Africa’s summer rainfall region has resulted in some farmers having to delay planting of crops such as maize, soya bean and sunflower.

Good outlook for wine grapes after ‘excellent winter’

The 2022 wine grape harvest is expected to amount 1,42 million tons, which is 80 000t above the industry’s five-year average of 1,34 million tons, and 2,2% smaller than the 2020 harvest, which came in at 1,45 million tons. This is according to the first crop estimate.

SA and Australia renew mutual recognition agreement for vets

South African livestock producers can be assured that the veterinarians who care for their herds are amongst the best in the world. This was according to Dr Sarah Ewing, education officer at the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC).

New MPO CEO wants to ensure dairy farmers are heard

Gerhard Kriel (56) was recently appointed new CEO of the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO), and will take office on 3 January 2022.

New board of directors for Land Bank

Cabinet has endorsed the appointment of new members on the Land Bank board to steer it out of its financial woes.

Mandatory vaccination on the cards to re-open events and shows

Various organisations are considering taking steps to reduce the chances of their events turning into COVID-19 super spreaders.

Call for investigation into spiking US fertiliser prices

US farmer group, the Family Farm Action Alliance, has alleged in a letter sent to the US Department of Justice that fertiliser companies in that country are increasing the prices of fertiliser products in response to high commodity prices.

SA needs national strategy to better monitor soil pollution

Pollution poses a major threat to the world’s soils and jeopardises the provision of key soil ecosystem services, including the provision of safe and nutritious food, the availability of clean water, and the existence and conservation of soil biodiversity.