SA and Australia work on Russian wheat aphid research

The outbreak of Russian wheat aphid (RWA) in Australia earlier this year could have caused a severe decline in wheat production and completely destroyed barley production.

Use the FAMACHA system to control parasites

This FAMACHA system was developed in South Africa to measure anaemia levels in smallstock.

Clover shows good financial results

South Africa-headquartered consumer goods and beverages group Clover Industries reported it was able to overcome challenging market conditions to record “excellent” financial results for its financial year ended 30 June.

Market agent checklist for farmers

Some small-scale farmers have little knowledge of market dynamics, therefore it is important for both producers and market agents to understand their mutually dependent relationship, says Agricultural Produce Agents Council...

Land Bank continues to fund distressed farmers

The Land Bank entered the financial year under review amidst significant financial market changes.

Fresh genetics introduced into uMkhuze lion pride

Three male lions from Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the Northern Cape have been relocated to the uMkhuze section of the world heritage site iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal.

Two farm attacks in the Free State

Two farm attacks were reported in Bothaville and Smithfield, Free State, on Wednesday.

Fuel prices likely to increase in October

Hopes for a continued decline in petrol and diesel prices have been dashed.

Five facts about South Africa’s maize industry

Summer grain prices reached record levels as a result of the second consecutive year of drought as well as sharp currency depreciation.

New guide for the management of indoor pests

CropLife South Africa (CLSA) recently announced a new guide for the responsible management of indoor pests.

How to guard against internal parasites

Infestations can lead to considerable financial loss. Better management is the only solution.

Record temperatures shrink potato yields but demand remains high

The latest statistics from Potatoes South Africa (PSA) show dryland and irrigation potato farmers are still dealing with the consequences of the high temperatures accompanying the drought.

Agri in recession but industry performance will improve

The agricultural industry is in recession as a result of the drought, but the sector’s performance will improve again when the drought comes to an end.

No reason to declare drought a national disaster, says govt task team

Despite challenging times ahead as well as long range forecasts showing below normal expected rainfall for South Africa, the drought will still not be declared a national disaster.

Tractor sales for 2016 continue to decline

National tractor sales continued to decline, with total tractor sales for August at 460 units. This was 22% down on the 589 units sold in August last year.

Land ownership needed for financial assistance

Farmers can only gain financial assistance through land ownership.

South Africa’s GDP up, but agriculture still in recession

The 2016 second quarter gross domestic product (GDP) figures, released by Statistics South Africa, show that the economy grew by a seasonally adjusted annualised rate of 3,3% quarter-on-quarter.

Brucellosis crisis: ‘Not all raw milk is dangerous’

The impression that might have been created amongst some consumers that all raw, unpasteurised milk is infected with brucellosis was not accurate.

South Africa has started trade talks with UK following Brexit

South Africa’s trade relationship with the UK following its decision to withdraw from the EU was debated at a seminar in Johannesburg on Tuesday morning.

Know your goat breeds: The Toggenburg

Producing milk and a variety of soft and hard cheeses, this breed performs best in cool conditions.

South Africa