South Africa

Speaking in fluent Afrikaans, billionaire mining magnate, Patrice Motsepe, said in his address at the recent Agri SA annual congress in Pretoria, that he was confident that when South Africans looked back at 2018 in 10 years’ time, they would speak about how they overcame the great challenges the country faced.

Unlike other legumes, the pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) has been largely neglected by science. This was according to Dr Alina Mofokeng, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) - Grain Crops in Potchefstroom.

An agreement to boost local procurement will boost demand for local products, according to a statement issued by Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) during the recent Jobs Summit convened by National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) in Midrand.

Farmers face constant uncertainty: weather, politics and market fluctuations are all factors out of their control. Clinical psychologist Adri Prinsloo spoke to Lindi Botha about how this, combined with relative isolation, contributes to worrying levels of depression and suicide.

South Africa’s dam levels are currently at “comfortable” levels but uncertainty over the impact of El Niño on summer rainfall patterns means that water has to be used wisely.

Seven out of 10 South African commercial farmers experienced crime in one form or another last year. The total direct cost of these crimes for the year amounted to more than R7,7 billion.

Despite the debate about expropriation without compensation and the economic impact thereof on the agriculture sector, there is still demand for agricultural land in South Africa, according to Karl Markram, CEO of Farm Expert Properties and Auctioneers.

Commercial maize production during the 2017/2018 season will total 12,93 million tons, 2,09% down from the previous estimate, according to the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC).

Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana has decried the squandering of resources by retaining officials in the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) at inflated salaries.

There has been a decline in the number of rhinos being poached in South Africa, with 508 falling victim to poachers in the year ending 31 August 2018, compared with 691 killed during the preceding period, according to the latest figures released by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).

Two recent court rulings on commonages have outlined the rights of those using the areas, as well as the responsibilities of official custodians.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government has reprioritised funding towards an economic stimulus package that would focus on agriculture, among other sectors.

Fire officials in the Free State expressed hope that the forecast of rain for the weekend could bring some relief for those battling fires across the province, which had already claimed one life.

Following an almost 15 year legal battle between Omnia Fertilizer and South Africa’s Competition Commission (CompCom), the fertiliser company has agreed to pay a R30 million “administrative penalty” for engaging in anti-competitive practices.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has formally requested the Department of Health and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to consider the necessary legislative amendments to allow for the commercialisation of hemp in South Africa.

The Automobile Association of South Africa is forecasting record increase in fuel prices for October, including a possible R1,38/litre increase in the wholesale diesel price.

Heinrich Kruger, chairman of the agri NWK board, ascribes the company’s positive financial results to its staff’s dedication and hard work.

The East-Asian polyphagous shot hole borer (Euwallacea sp. nr fornicates) has been discovered in pecan trees in Hartswater, Northern Cape, according to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

Nation in Conversation, an agricultural discussion platform, will broadcast live from the first-ever Nampo Cape event at Bredasdorp Park, Overberg from 12-14 September 2018.

The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) have agreed on the need to relook how milk is consumed in the province and South Africa as a whole.