Locust outbreaks expected to increase this season
Following the first brown locust outbreak in the Northern Cape, there are fears that locust numbers could get out of hand due to vast areas of vacant land in the province.
Consumers switch to chicken as lamb and beef prices rise
The South African poultry industry is expected to recover to pre-COVID-19 levels following increased demand for chicken meat amid higher beef and lamb prices.
Heatwave, blackouts double whammy for Limpopo farmers
The heatwave experienced during the week of 3 October along with Stage 4 rolling blackouts have delivered a double blow to Limpopo’s crop and livestock farmers.
‘High diesel prices will continue to drive up production costs’
The latest increase in diesel prices is a severe blow to grain farmers, according to André Kirsten, vice-chairperson of Grain SA’s Winter Grain working group.
Serious concern about the future of Namibia’s meat export entity
The latest financial woes of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) have raised concerns about the financial future of this state-owned entity. This was according Thinus Pretorius, chairperson of Namibia’s Livestock Producers’ Organisation (LPO).
Switzerland rejects plan to ban ‘factory farming’
Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to ban intensive farming in a referendum held on 25 September to establish whether Switzerland's strict animal welfare legislation needs to be further tightened.
Agri stakeholders express concern about passing of Expropriation Bill
The National Assembly passed the Expropriation Bill as referred to it by the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure without addressing the “serious flaws” in the bill, according to Christo van der Rheede, executive director of Agri SA.
Organised agriculture welcomes progress in Estina Dairy case
Agricultural role players have welcomed the arrest and court appearance of a further three people in the Estina Dairy corruption case. The accused appeared in court on 28 September on charges of fraud, theft, corruption, and money laundering.
R1,9 million allocated to fighting crime in rural areas
The farming community’s safety is directly related to food security in South Africa. Thus, the vulnerability of the country’s farming and rural communities to crime is a problem not only for farmers, but the nation as a whole.
Botswanan citrus farmers join Citrus Growers’ Association
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has welcomed a decision by Botswanan growers to join the association. According to Justin Chadwick, CEO of the CGA, the organisation looked forward to sharing its knowledge and expertise with these growers.
‘Tight margins call for prudent spending by SA’s farmers’
Despite the current high commodity prices, farmers should be prudent when spending money this year.
‘Agri sector outlook cautiously optimistic, despite challenges’
The deterioration in the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) for the third quarter of 2022 was expected, given the spike in fuel prices, rampant food inflation, and the weakening of the rand against the US dollar, among other elements.
Latest interest rate hike expected to dampen agri expansion in SA
The announcement by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Thursday (22 September) that its benchmark lending rate is being increased by 75 basis points to 6,25% will mean that many farmers may have to restructure their debt and curtail expansion plans. This was according to Prof Johann Kirsten, director of the Bureau for Economic Research.
Fertiliser shortage threatens farming, food security in Europe
With international economists predicting that the EU is heading for a “deep recession,” the latest challenge facing the region is a shortage of fertiliser for agricultural production.
Government, industry FMD containment efforts dealt another blow
While over half a million cattle have already been vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) across South Africa, the fight against the disease has been dealt another blow with a recent outbreak being confirmed outside the Free State’s disease management area.
Celebrating global conservation efforts on World Rhino Day
Saving Africa’s rhinos requires a multi-dimensional strategy, with private game reserves and national parks co-operating, and anti-poaching efforts working in tandem with education campaigns. This was according to Joe Cloete, CEO of Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.
‘Rolling blackouts threaten SA’s food security and exports’
The current rolling blackouts experienced across South Africa have dealt a devastating blow to the agricultural industry.
Record wheat harvest expected for Zimbabwe this season
The wheat harvesting season is getting underway in Zimbabwe and indications are that a total harvest of 380 000t will be realised this year.
Nampo Cape going from strength to strength – Agri SA
Following a three-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nampo Cape, which started on Wednesday (14 September) is currently underway in Bredasdorp, and will run until Saturday, 17 September.
Consumer resistance driving down mutton, lamb prices
The current decline in lamb and mutton prices can largely be attributed to the extremely high carcass prices of up to R110/kg, seen a month ago.
