Promising rainfall prospects for 2016/2017 summer season
Good news for South Africa’s grain producers is that most local and international weather forecasting agencies are consistently predicting more rainfall from mid-summer this year to early autumn next year.
Optimistic agricultural outlook for 2017
Next year could be a good year for agriculture, despite some serious challenges, according to speakers at the Agbiz Agribusiness outlook for 2017, held in Pretoria on Friday.
Robertson Winery reaches wage settlement with workers
The three-month strike involving over 200 workers at the Robertson Winery ended this week after the winery and the Commercial Stevedoring Agricultural and Allied Workers’ Union (CSAAWU), which represented the workers, reached an agreement.
Astral’s profits decline due to poultry imports, drought
The combined impact of large poultry imports and the drought has placed significant pressure on the performance of Southern African poultry producer, Astral Foods Limited.
Western Cape dam levels continue to drop
With little significant rain expected in the Western Cape over the next six months, there is concern over the region’s declining dam levels. The situation has placed already stressed water resources under increasing pressure.
Andrea Mullineux named 2016 Winemaker of The Year
Andrea Mullineux, of Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines in the Swartland, was recently named winemaker of the year by the international magazine, Wine Enthusiast.
Poultry sector protest marches scheduled for major cities
A protest march by the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) has been scheduled for today to demonstrate against jobs losses in the South African poultry industry, as a result of large-scale imports from the EU and the US.
British American Tobacco SA supports over 72000 jobs
For every one job British American Tobacco SA offers, another 32 jobs were created across the wider economy. This is according to Soraya Zoueihid, CEO of BATSA.
Voermol’s 2016 top sheep and cattle farmers
The annual Voermol Best Farmer of the Year awards recently took place in Bloemfontein.
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.
