Protea exports set to increase, despite COVID-19 challenges
Although the recent travel and trade restrictions that resulted from the third wave of COVID-19 infections exacerbated the export challenges faced by the cut flower industry, it is expected that protea and fynbos exports will increase by more than 18% in the 2020/2021 season.
Negligence blamed for wildfires in Namibia
At least half of the recent wildfires that have been destroying thousands of hectares of grazing in Namibia have been caused by negligence, according to Piet Gous, Namibian Agricultural Union president.
North West red meat abattoir tender cancelled
The North West Department of Agriculture has cancelled a tender for a low throughput red meat abattoir at its training facility at the Kgora Farmer Training Centre in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.
Early predictions all positive for SA’s 2021 wheat harvest
Production conditions for wheat are currently very good and should they continue, an excellent 2021/2022 South African wheat crop can be expected.
Fires destroy vast tracks of Northern Cape, North West
Farmers in the Northern Cape and North West have suffered severe losses since Friday, 6 August, due to extensive wildfires.
‘Limited data is stunting organic fruit farming’
A lack of relevant farming information is keeping South African fruit farmers from capitalising on the growing global demand for organic fruit, according to Hein Coetzee, CEO of TopFruit.
Decline in stock theft prevents R100 million in losses
This year, South Africa has seen a decline in livestock theft across all provinces for the first time, which has resulted in a cumulative ‘saving’ of about R100 million for the period.
KZN farmers donate food aid despite suffering hardship
The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) and Agri SA have distributed food donations to the value of more than R5 million in an attempt to return order and stability to the deep rural parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) following last month’s civil unrest.
Textile industry hits back at global warming critics
A new UN project suggests that the impact of livestock’s contribution to global warming is being overstated.
Good harvests, low interest spur 27% rise in tractor sales
Following two exceptional seasons of good rainfall across South Africa, the current lower interest rates have now prompted the replacement and replenishment of agricultural machinery and equipment.
Jams and preserves: From two pots on a stove to a national supplier
When Ina Lessing started her home-made jams and preserves business 25 years ago, she had no idea that she would one day be supplying outlets across South Africa.
Fuel price hike will erode recent gains in farming sector
The fuel price increase that comes into effect on Wednesday, 4 August as announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, will wipe out any gains made from earlier lower prices.
‘Uncertified venison could hurt the industry’
The future growth of the game meat industry is being hindered by meat sales that do not meet legal specifications and health regulations.
Adverse global weather creates potent bull market for wheat
The agriculture sector in Europe is frantically assessing the damage to crops following the recent devastating floods that wreaked havoc in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, in particular.
Farmers told to prepare for delays in fertiliser deliveries
The cyber-attack on Transnet’s IT systems, along with the destruction caused by the recent civil unrest, could severely affect the availability of fertiliser for the current cropping season, according to Dr Pieter Haumann, CEO of the Fertilizer Association of South Africa (Fertasa).
Farming bodies join hands to supply food aid after unrest
Following the recent civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng that left many communities without access to basic staple food items, several agricultural organisations have joined forces to donate tons of food items to those in need.
Prohibitive cannabis legislation costing SA opportunities
A lot has been happening behind the scenes to facilitate the legalisation of hemp production, with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (agriculture department) set to start issuing manufacturing and production permits by October.
Cold weather heightens threat of fires and livestock losses
Apart from possible livestock losses, the widespread cold weather experienced across South Africa has also increased the risk of wildfires.
Two million chickens stolen from farms during looting
During the recent riots in KwaZulu-Natal, looters stormed 10 farms and stole about two million birds. This was according to Izaak Breytenbach, general manager of the Broiler Organisation of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA).
Transnet cyber-attack blocks SA’s agricultural exports
Disruptions in Transnet’s IT applications following a cyber-attack has brought agricultural imports and exports to a standstill, according to role players in the industry.
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