Land Bank appoints new CEO
The Land Bank recently announced that Ayanda Kanana, CEO of the Joburg Market, is due to take up the position as CEO of the Land Bank from 2 March.
Mixed reactions to new minimum wage for farmworkers
Two of South Africa’s national agricultural organisations have expressed opposing views on the new national minimum wage due to come into effect on 1 March.
Lifting of national ban on auctions welcomed
The Minister for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, recently announced that the blanket ban on gatherings of animals, such as at livestock auctions and shows, had been lifted.
How to sustainably manage livestock after a drought
The protracted drought in the western regions of South Africa will not continue forever. Once the drought has been broken, livestock farmers will be faced with many challenges such as sustainably managing grazing, livestock numbers and finances.
SONA 2020: Ramaphosa vows to fix the fundamentals
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that critical action would be taken this year to build a capable state and place South Africa’s economy on a path of inclusive growth.
Tongaat Hulett confirms mothballing of Darnall Sugar Mill
Tongaat Hulett Limited has confirmed that it will be mothballing its Darnall Sugar Mill in an effort to secure the long-term sustainability of the company.
‘Drought resulted in wine imports’
South African wine cellars and traders imported more than 40 million litres of wine during the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons to make up for local shortfalls resulting from the
drought in the Western Cape.
Agri SA calls on Ramaphosa to ‘stop talking and take action’
The agriculture sector has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to focus on the issues that will enable South Africa to bounce back from slow economic recovery and lack of service delivery when he presents his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday.
AFGRI boss off to pursue ‘food security passion’
The long-time CEO of AFGRI Group Holdings, Chris Venter, has indicated that his recent resignation will allow him the opportunity to further pursue his passion of promoting food security.
Tongaat Hulett clawing its way out of financial peril
Tongaat Hulett Limited has made some positive progress in its efforts to dig itself out of the precarious financial position that the company found itself in recent years.
‘Below-normal rainfall could negatively affect summer crops’
The below-normal rainfall expected across South Africa between February and April this year could have a negative impact on the growth of summer crops as well as dam levels, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
Volatile tomato prices ascribed to ‘extreme weather’
The tomato price increased more than 80% week-on-week in the week ending 24 January, and was up more than 57% year-on-year, according to the Absa Fresh Produce Market Trends report.
Rift Valley fever, African armyworm alert for farmers
Livestock producers have been advised to take all possible steps to prevent Rift Valley fever outbreaks in the areas were high rainfall was recorded late last year and early this year.
5 200 weaner calf net R54 million in video sale
What is being described as possibly the largest ever weaner calf sale in the country, has highlighted how a digital sales platform can be used to trade large numbers of cattle quickly and easily.
‘ANC must urgently clarify latest land expropriation proposal’
Land reform experts are calling on the ANC to urgently clarify its recent surprise announcement that it intends to push for expropriation without compensation (EWC) decisions to vest with the South African President and Cabinet instead of the courts.
Fall armyworm outbreaks in Mpumalanga and KZN
Serious damage to grain fields due to fall armyworm (FAW) infestations has to date been reported in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and northern KwaZulu-Natal in the 2019/2020 production season, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, CropLife SA’s operations and stewardship manager.
Low CPI reflects sluggish economy – economist
Consumer price inflation increased slightly from November to December 2019, but still remained at its lowest level in nearly a decade, and was expected to remain low throughout 2020.
SA potato industry to have greater access to Mondial variety
South Africa’s potato production industry is set to gain from a settlement agreement approved recently by the Competition Tribunal (CompTrib).
Concern as Moody’s downgrades Land Bank credit rating
The agriculture sector has reacted with concern to Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) downgrading the Land and Agricultural Development Bank (Land Bank) to sub-investment grade.
Wind and unseasonal rain cause consternation in Western Cape
A Stellenbosch wine estate is faced with thousands of rands’ worth of damages after a strong southeaster wind nearly ruined an entire vineyard block over the weekend.
