Cautious outlook for dry beans
Dry beans are important for crop rotation and make a significant contribution to the country’s economy, as domestically grown beans are also in demand internationally.
FMD case in Eastern Cape highlights communal grazing challenge
The confirmation of a new foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case in Amahlathi Local Municipality in the Amathole district has once again placed the Eastern Cape at the centre of South Africa’s...
Ethical trade still matters when consumers are under pressure
When household budgets tighten, ethical consumption is often the first casualty. Yet in agriculture, periods of economic strain are when fair trading relationships matter most. South Africa’s Fairtrade industry shows...
Flood of imports sour optimistic year for cane growers
A small recovery in local sugar production coincided with a steep drop in the international sugar price, and slow government response to the volatile international market resulted in record sugar...
Anomalies and contrasts ruled SA’s rainfall patterns in 2025
It was a year of extremes for South African weather, with unusually wet conditions in parts of the summer rainfall areas, while winter cropping areas felt the pinch of below-average...
Fruit growers deliver in 2025, but logistics limit exports
South Africa’s fruit exporters had a roller-coaster year, as optimism over record yields and exports was tempered by market jitters over tough tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump’s administration...
Rooiwal wastewater crisis hits farmers hardest
Failing infrastructure upstream of Hammanskraal near Pretoria, Gauteng, continues to undermine livestock welfare, crop production, and farm viability in northern Tshwane.
Against all odds: SA extra-virgin olive oil shines in 2025
South African extra-virgin olive oil producers have earned some of the highest honours at major international competitions over the past year, despite the local industry accounting for just 0,99% of...
Farmers could see cash flow relief if diesel prices fall
South African farmers are set to receive modest but welcome cost relief in January 2026, as a projected diesel price cut eases pressure during peak operations, particularly harvesting and land...
Fiery weekend devastates Paarl wine estate, strains fire crews
A hot, windy weekend kept Western Cape fire crews busy on the last weekend before Christmas, with a fire at Laborie Wine Estate in Paarl and disruptions in a number...
Steenhuisen unveils the FMD vaccination plan for the national herd
After Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announced that South Africa’s entire national herd would be vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease, scepticism quickly surfaced among farmers and industry role players. Questions were...
Feed donation brings hope to struggling Southern Cape farmers
For many in the Western Cape, the severe drought of 2017/18 is a distant memory, but on the Mossel Bay Vlakte the drought never really ended.
Foot-and-mouth disease crisis under spotlight at industry workshop
Farmers, veterinarians and industry experts met in Potchefstroom, North West, on 12 December to discuss practical ways to manage the growing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis affecting livestock across South Africa.
Meat prices hit eight-year high ahead of festive season
While annual consumer price inflation eased month-on-month in November, surging meat prices are putting a damper on December braais.
Western Cape FMD outbreak remains contained as control measures set in place
The foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) situation in the Western Cape remains stable, with no further spread detected beyond the original index farm near Gouda, according to Agri Western Cape (AWC) and...
Kleiheuwel Trust sets national superfine wool record at 14,1 microns
Kleiheuwel Trust, a 4 700ha mixed farming operation in the Western Cape, achieved a record R306/kg for 14,1-micron Merino wool at the BKB Live Wool Auction on 3 December in...
Wheat crisis deepens as government stalls
It has been more than a year since Grain SA and the South African Cereals and Oilseeds Trade Association formally requested a revision of the wheat import tariff formula.
Little joy for fresh produce farmers this festive season
High volumes of fresh produce have coincided with cash-strapped consumers, bringing a halt to festive season pricing. Farmers are therefore unlikely to see the higher prices for their produce that...
Poisonous shrub behind sudden livestock deaths
Farmers across South Africa’s Highveld region are being urged to look out for a fast-spreading poisonous shrub called Cestrum parqui, which has already caused cattle deaths in several areas.
Workplace transformation key to future of SA agriculture
At the Agbiz Media Day held recently in Pretoria, Thapelo Machaba, Agbiz agricultural economist and policy analyst, outlined a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring the local agricultural value chain...
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