Voermol’s 2016 top sheep and cattle farmers

The annual Voermol Best Farmer of the Year awards recently took place in Bloemfontein.

stock theft on the increase during festive season

Rise in stock theft this festive season – be vigilant

Free State Agriculture (FSA) and the VKB/FSA Safety Desk have urged farmers to become more vigilant in the run-up to the festive season, as livestock theft is on the rise.

Cautious optimism despite drought, political uncertainty

The latest Agribusiness Confidence Index for the fourth quarter of 2016 shows that agribusinesses still hold a relatively optimistic view about business conditions in South Africa.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park defends estuary management plan

Management of northern KwaZulu-Natal’s 332 000ha World Heritage Site iSimangaliso Wetland Park has strenuously defended itself against criticism from the likes of well-known conservationist Wally Menne, as well as from residents living in and around iSimangaliso.

SA imports less poultry from the US than expected

South Africa has thus far imported lower volumes of poultry from the US than anticipated under the Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) agreement.

Hope leaves a legacy for other rhinos

The seven-year-old white rhino, who survived a brutal attack in the Eastern Cape in April 2015, passed away this week.

Corruption will not be tolerated – Mlengana

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) will not tolerate fraud or corruption. This was according to DAFF’s director-general, Mike Mlengana, who was speaking at the recent launch of DAFF’s annual report for the 2015/2016 financial year.

Fuel price decrease expected in December

Agbiz economist, Wandile Sihlobo, said the price of petrol could fall by 45c/l, while the price of diesel could drop by 39c/l on 7 December.

Sound grazing management crucial after the first rains

Grazing should be managed carefully after the good rains that were recently reported in the summer rainfall region, according to George le Roux, Senwes rangeland specialist.

DAFF encourages use of Marketing Information Systems

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has encouraged individuals to use its web-based information tool, Marketing Information Systems (MIS).

Rain and hail causes damage to crops in the Free State

Heavy hail and rain caused serious damage to farms in the Gothenburg area of the Heilbron district, with the area reportedly receiving 260mm of rain within 24 hours.

Intensified rabies vaccination campaign in Krugersdorp

Gauteng’s state and private veterinarians have united in an effort to eradicate rabies in Krugersdorp West by offering free rabies inoculations throughout November.

Concern about declining Western Cape dam levels

The Western Cape government and Agri Western Cape have expressed concern about the province’s dam levels falling to below 60%, while farm dam levels were on average 30% lower than the same time last year. Dam levels were at 69,5 % for the corresponding period last year.