Agriculture department intensifies focus on transformation
More than 20 years into South Africa’s democracy, the agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors have remained relatively untransformed.
Alert issued for Rift Valley fever
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF) has advised farmers to vaccinate their livestock against Rift Valley fever.
The danger of policy uncertainty
Policy certainty formed the root of successful land reform. This was according to Simba Makoni, who had been the minister of finance and economic development in former President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe’s cabinet from 2000 to 2002.
Extension of comments on land expropriation welcomed
Major organised agricultural bodies in South Africa have welcomed recent news that the window period for written submissions on the National Assembly’s proposal to amend Section 25 of the Constitution to allow for land expropriation without compensation has been extended.
Use these routes to travel to Nampo
Organisers of Nampo are recommending that motorists avoid certain routes when heading to Nampo Park from 15 to 18 May due to construction work taking place on many roads in the region.
Rainfall predictions for Western Cape still bleak
Although there are a few cold fronts predicted for the Western Cape this winter, there should be no high hopes that it will be enough to break the continuing drought.
Official farm attack statistics welcomed
The leader of the Freedom Front +, Dr Pieter Groenewald, has welcomed the recent release of official statistics on farm attacks and murders saying it would ensure a better understanding of how to address rural safety in South Africa.
XTractor Expedition close to 6 000km goal
The ambitious 2018 XTractor Expedition aims to drive four McCormick X7 and X8 series tractors, on 16 BKT tyres, over 6 000km across South Africa.
Arson suspected in citrus packhouse fire
Arson is suspected of being the cause of a raging inferno that gutted an Eastern Cape citrus packhouse on Monday, 7 May.
Meat Price Index an insight into global meat prices
A study comparing the cost of meat in more than 50 countries and the number of hours at minimum wage to be worked to afford various cuts in each location, showed South African beef per kilogram was about 40% cheaper than the world average.
Food Lover’s Market takes up fight against hunger in May
In an effort to address the problem of hunger and malnutrition faced by many, Food Lover's Market has launched a month-long in-store campaign through which they want to provide one million meals to vulnerable South Africans.
Nampo Park abuzz ahead of largest agri sector showcase
The organisers of Nampo, one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in South Africa, say the premises near Bothaville in the Free State are already a hive of activity as exhibitors begin setting up for the annual show, which runs from May 15 to 18.
TISA concerned about ‘extreme tobacco legislation’
The South African government should first tackle the illicit trade in tobacco products before considering implementing legislation intended to severely restrict the marketing and use of legitimate tobacco products in the country, says the Tobacco Institute of Southern Africa (TISA).
Free State soil acidity levels worryingly high
High soil acidity in parts of the Free State are a concern, according to attendees at the recent Fertiliser Association of Southern Africa (FERTASA) annual congress.
Bigger maize harvest expected for SA
Farmers will likely harvest 12,82 million tons of maize in 2018, which is nearly 3% higher than the previous estimate, released in March.
Commodity organisations assist with transformation
Part of the solution to land reform and transformation lay with agricultural commodity organisations, Agri SA president Dan Kriek said at the recent launch of the Agri SA 2018 Transformation Report in Pretoria.
DAFF DG Mike Mlengana back at work
Mike Mlengana said he could not wait to get back to work after a high court ruling found his suspension as Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) to be unlawful.
R610 000 raised for Free State Agriculture’s VKB Safety Desk
The R610 000 that was raised at the annual VKB agribusiness Annual Golf Day was vital to ensure the Free State Agriculture (FSA) VKB Safety Desk could continue to offer ongoing service to the province’s agricultural sector.
Feed problems for Western Cape livestock producers
Livestock producers in the Western Cape are facing numerous challenges around fodder flow, say industry experts.
China’s demand for macadamias boosts local production
South Africa is regarded as the leading macadamia nut producer in the world, producing 44 610t nut in shell (NIS) in 2017.
