Agri sector relatively robust, despite challenges, Purchase
At present, the South African agricultural sector is relatively robust and healthy, including the red meat industry.
Western Cape counts the cost of drought and bird flu
More than 35 000 jobs are on the line in the Western Cape’s agricultural sector, with losses expected to run into the billions, as a result of water allocations being capped due to the drought.
Prof Karaan urges commercial farmers to transfer knowledge
South African farmers should become more active in introducing new blood into the farming sector.
World Food Day focuses on migration impact on food security
While Pope Francis used World Food Day (WFD) – 16 October – to call on governments worldwide to address food security, South Africa was able to celebrate an improvement in its own food security.
Small-scale farmer funding: some commercial options
While South Africa’s emerging farmers undoubtedly faced barriers and constraints when seeking finance, and efforts were being made to remove them, these farmers nonetheless had certain opportunities to access funds from commercial banks.
SA improves ranking on Dupont Food Security Index
South Africa has managed to improve its position on the Dupont Food Security Index (GFSI) by three places, despite weathering the worst drought in two decades.
Intermediaries could ensure success of farmer relationships
Independent bodies or third parties could facilitate partnerships between commercial and developing farmers. This was the opinion of ANC presidential candidate, Mathews Phosa, speaking at the 2017 Agri SA congress held in Pretoria recently.
Fresh produce market agents face price-fixing charges
Up to 14 fresh produce market agents and the Institute for Market Agents of South Africa have been charged with price fixing and have been referred to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution.
Experts warn of explosion in plant pest populations
The window to combat the African bollworm outbreak in canola and wheat in the Western Cape’s Swartland has now virtually closed.
Should vaccines be used to curb avian influenza?
There has recently been much debate about whether the poultry industry should use vaccines to curb the avian influenza outbreak.
2017 tractor sales could surpass 6 000 units
Despite the softening of South Africa’s agricultural machinery sales last month, national tractor sales for 2017 could top the 5 855 units of 2016, and even exceed 6 000 units, according to a statement by the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA).
Stable outlook for table grape harvest, despite drought
Despite the drought and more stringent water restriction in the Western Cape, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) expects a good season.
Bird flu kills over 500 wild birds in Johannesburg
An avian influenza outbreak that has been confirmed in Gauteng, has forced the Montecasino Bird Gardens to temporarily close its doors, while biosecurity measures have been taken to protect the bird population at the Johannesburg Zoo.
Dairy farmers work together to prevent strike-led milk losses
The recent strike action by milk collection truck drivers of Dairy Farmers South Africa (DFSA) nearly resulted in potentially crippling losses for dairy farmers in KwaZulu-Natal’s ‘milk bowl’ of Creighton, Ixopo and Donnybrook.
Cattle painkiller found toxic to vultures
Conservationists are urging SA farmers not to feed the carcasses of cattle and other animals containing traces of the painkiller, carprofen to vultures…
Landmark ruling in land claims case
The recent Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that a R300 000 deduction from an Mpumalanga farm’s compensation value, because it was destined for land restitution, was not justifiable, bodes well for property owners in South Africa.
Absa awards SA’s top 10 olive oils
Ten extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) were recently awarded as the best in the country of the 2017 harvest at the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards ceremony, held at Val de Vie Estate outside Paarl in the Western Cape.
Dumping, bird flu, cripples SA poultry and grain producers
Poultry dumping and avian flu losses have severely affected the country’s grain industry, as 70% of poultry production costs were feed costs, said Marthinus Stander, CEO of Country Bird Holdings (CBH).
SA’s oldest apple tree stripped for firewood
South Africa’s oldest apple tree has been stripped of all its branches, presumably to be used as firewood. It is, however, uncertain who was responsible for the damage.
Millions of birds culled in Western Cape
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is devastating the Western Cape poultry industry with millions of birds being culled this week.
