Fuel price increase ‘comes at a bad time’ for agri sector
The sharp rise that is expected in the fuel price comes at a bad time for the South African agricultural sector, according to Dawie Maree, head of information and marketing at FNB Agriculture.
Young Farmer of the Year feels lekker about Northern Cape win
Jaco Strauss, a 39-year-old farmer from the Vaalharts area, has been named as the Agri Northern Cape Young Farmer of the Year.
Bird flu reaches 24 outbreaks in SA
Despite efforts by government and the commercial poultry and ostrich industries to control the disease, there were now 24 confirmed outbreaks of the H5N8 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) since late June 2017.
North West’s Naledi aims to shine in 2017 solar challenge
The Faculty of Engineering at North-West University (NWU) launched Naledi, a solar car, which will be competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in early October in Australia.
SA’s top Chenin Blanc wines announced
The winners of the fourth annual Standard Bank/Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge were recently announced at the Delaire Graff Estate outside Stellenbosch.
Convenience shopping a growing trend in fresh produce
Convenience shopping, both in the formal and informal sectors, is becoming a major factor in fresh produce retailing.
Wildfires destroy more than 60 000ha in the Free State
Farmers are still counting the cost of wildfires that killed livestock, and destroyed more than 60 000ha of grazing and 4 500 bales of feed across the Free State in the space of a week, according to Free State Agriculture (FSA).
SAPA wants compensation for ‘bird flu’ farms
With thousands of chickens and other poultry having died or been culled due to the outbreaks of the H5N8 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has stated that government needed to compensate affected producers and agribusinesses.
TAU SA in the fight against farm murders
A Limpopo game farmer and rhino breeder, Piet van Zyl, and his wife, Tilla, were murdered on their farm near Immerpan, Limpopo on Saturday night.
Rhino horn auction to go ahead, but bidding delayed
After a last minute court application to attain a permit, the first ever legal rhino horn sale to be held in South Africa has been delayed until 23 August; however, buyers are able to view the items on sale from today.
Rhino horn auction may be delayed
Farmer’s Weekly previously reported that an online sale of 500kg of rhino horn was being hosted by John Hume and Van’s Auctioneers.
SA honey production on a downward spiral
The decrease in SA honey production would result in increased prices, and a local producer market that was fast facing international competition.
Accolades for top women in agriculture
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ annual Female Entrepreneur Awards (FEA) programme has recognised the role of women in South Africa’s agricultural sector for 17 years.
DAFF confirms 16 avian influenza cases across SA
August has reportedly seen more cases of the H5N8 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in South Africa.
Huge line-up for Aldam Stockmanschool 2017
The Aldam Stockmanschool takes place from 18-20 October 2017 near Winburg in the Free State. The conference will focus on participation in the red meat value chain through improved precision management practices.
Clanwilliam wild flower show cancelled due to drought
The extreme drought in the Western Cape has resulted in the Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show being cancelled this year.
Growing antibiotic resistance an urgent problem
The overuse of antibiotics in animals produced for food could lead to the spread of antimicrobial or antibiotic resistance (AMR) in humans.
Cooperatives can unlock agri-sector potential
Cooperatives could unlock the potential of the agri-sector, said Theo de Jager, president of the South African Confederation of Agricultural Unions.
El Niño no longer predicted for SA
According to Cobus Olivier, prediction scientist at the South Africa Weather Service, the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon was expected to remain in a neutral phase during South Africa’s summer period.
Agri jobs recovery rests on Western Cape rainfall
Although 40 000 jobs were ‘lost’ in the agricultural sector in the second quarter of 2017, this was in line with seasonal norms due to reduced horticultural activity.
