South Africa

Initial indications are that the citrus industry in the Eastern Cape lost at least R50 million to labour unrest and consequent damage to packing facilities and infrastructure, according to Hannes de Waal, chairman of the Citrus Producers’ Forum in the Sunday's River Valley.

Co-operatives could be a magic wand for smallholders, said the president of the World Farmers’ Organisation, Dr Theo de Jager.

The latest 87c/ℓ increase in the wholesale price of diesel will have a significant knock-on effect on the South African grain value chain, according to Corné Louw, a senior economist at Grain SA.

A drop of more than 24% in the output of agriculture, forestry and fisheries was the main contributor to a 2,2% quarter-on-quarter decrease in South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to Statistics SA.

In its current form, Section 25 of the South African Constitution does not pose an obstacle to successful land reform.

The Southern African Macadamia Growers’ Association’s (SAMAC) 2018 yield forecast is 20% higher than last year, which totalled 44 610t, This is according to Barry Christie, SAMAC’s operations manager.

‘Approaching potato farming as a successful business venture’ is the theme for the 5th Potatoes South Africa Transformation Symposium taking place on 7 June 2018 at the Saint George Hotel in Gauteng.

An outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) has been reported in the Springbok area of the Northern Cape, according to a statement by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

An analysis of the South African Police Service (SAPS) statistics on farm murders and attacks shows farm murders are at its lowest level since 1996, with farm attacks increasing since 2012/13, says Agri SA.

The Woolworths Farming for the Future programme, which was established in 2011 with 14 farmer members, has shown a significant increase, with 196 farmers currently participating in the programme, according to Feroz Koor, group head of sustainability at the retailer, speaking at the Africa Shared Value Summit in Johannesburg recently.

The effects of a violent hailstorm in the Lowveld on 27 May will be felt by fruit and macadamia farmers for a long time to come, according to Barend van Rensburg, Agri Mpumalanga representative in the Nelspruit area.

Dapples, marble, spots and streaks were the order of the day at the recent indigenous veld goat (IVG) regional auction in Bloemfontein.

Farmers in Mpumalanga’s Onderberg region are still assessing the damage after the devastating hail storm that hit Malelane, Komatipoort and the southern part of the Kruger National Park on Sunday night (27 May).

Congratulations to George Nicholas, who is celebrating his 100th birthday today! George has 72 years of service to the agricultural industry in South Africa.

Wiaan van Rensburg, Orange River Agricultural Union’s (ORLU) president, praised the organisation’s members for their support and active involvement in 13 new farmer development projects that had been established on 2 261ha in the union’s irrigation area.

A book titled Wingerdwortels (‘Vineyard roots’) was launched at the recent Winetech/Vinpro information day held in Stellenbosch.

Tiger Brands’ revenue, gross profit, operating income and profit before tax have continued to decline, according to the group’s financial results for the six months ended 31 March 2018.

There are currently 24 successful producers who can be deemed sustainable black commercial farmers in the grain and oilseeds industry in South Africa.

Organisers are celebrating yet another record-breaking event after visitor numbers to Nampo Harvest Day 2018 increased for the sixth consecutive year.

Nationwide tractor sales continued their positive monthly trend with the 459 units sold in April 2018 a 15,3% increase on the 398 units sold in April 2017.