Court decision awaited in hemp, cannabis dispute
The Gaborone High Court will deliver judgment in a case in which Fresh Standard, a Botswana-based company, is fighting for the right to obtain a licence to grow hemp and cannabis plants for industrial use on Kangwe farms.
Unpredictable year awaits the SA wool industry
The South African wool industry is in uncertain territory, although the country experienced fewer COVID- 19-related challenges in 2021 than in 2020, when the wool market saw a dramatic drop in prices and the Cape Wools SA market indicator fell to R118,58/kg in September 2020.
Pork industry ‘will become more efficient in 2022’
With profit margins under pressure, many smaller pig farmers will leave the industry, while bigger farmers will consolidate and become more efficient, according to Johann Kotzé, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation.
Poultry industry in for a rough ride in 2022
With escalating input costs, consumers’ disposable income under pressure and avian influenza still looming, poultry producers will have an uphill battle to rebuild their flocks in 2022.
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.
Concern about declining water quality in West Coast region
Following three years of drought, borehole water levels in the Sandveld in the Western Cape have risen by an average of 5m thanks to improved climatic conditions over the past two years. Water quality nevertheless has deteriorated.
Damage reported to summer crops after heavy rainfall
Farmers in the eastern and western parts of the summer grain production region have reported damage to grain crops following several weeks of rainfall.
