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.
Public comment invited on game meat regulations
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Senzeni Zokwana has invited public comment on the new draft Game Meat Regulations, set out in terms of section 12 of the Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act No. 40 of 2000).
Makro increases its solar energy harvesting capacity
Warehouse-based retail chain, Makro, is growing its installation and utilisation of environmentally-friendly technologies by installing 1 720 photovoltaic (PV) solar energy panels at its Woodmead store in Gauteng.
Trump’s presidency could be bad for SA agriculture
Some bad surprises might be in store for exporters of agricultural products from South Africa to the US if the president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, makes good on campaign promises to implement more protectionist trade policies.
DAFF minister settles horse mackerel court case
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) Senzeni Zokwana has reportedly decided to settle in a legal matter brought by the South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA) and its supporters against his department.
Malema ‘land grab’ case postponed
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, appeared briefly in the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing two charges of contravening the Riotous Assemblies Act of 1956, brought by Civil rights group AfriForum.
Western Cape announces Agri Worker of the Year 2016
“Agriculture is more than a job, it is a lifestyle,” said this year’s Prestige Agri Worker Anton Alexander during his acceptance speech at a gala ceremony at the Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl.
Sernick Group receives FSSC 22000 food safety certification
Sernick Feedlot and Sernick Feeds recently received FSSC 22000 certification from the international Foundation for Food Safety Certification, aimed at controlling and minimising food safety hazards of companies in the food industry.
National minimum wage negotiations nearing completion
Significant progress has been made thus far by the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) partners in reaching an agreement on a national minimum wage.
SA dam levels could take years to recover
It could take South African dams between three and five years to fully replenish after the drought. This was according to a statement released by Cabinet Ministers after a two-day meeting.
Latest maize supply and demand estimates for 2016/2017
The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) estimate for South Africa’s total maize supply in the 2016/2017 marketing season currently stands at just over 12,4 million tons.
Fruit South Africa and China sign MOU
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between Fruit SA and the Chinese Quarantine and Inspection Association (CIQA).
Money wasted on implementation agents in the Free State
The employment of ‘agricultural implementation agents’ has allegedly cost the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development millions of rands, with very little to show for it.
Land dispute possibly behind mass cattle poisoning
An unresolved land dispute might be what led to the recent alleged poisoning of 91 beef cattle belonging to a Mpumalanga farmer.
SA could become a net exporter of maize in 2017
If the National Crop Estimates Committee’s (CEC) production estimates are accurate, there is a strong possibility that South Africa could again become a net exporter of maize in 2017.
Farmers worried about yet another prospecting application
Farmers in Mpumalanga are highly concerned following recent news that yet another application to explore their province for fossil energy reserves had been submitted to government.
Rewilding of iSimangaliso well on track
The rewilding of world heritage site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, in KwaZulu-Natal, is reportedly well on track. Several thousand head of game and a number of predator species have been reintroduced since 2000.
Agri Writers SA announce Free State & Northern Cape winners
The Free State and Northern Cape nominees for the 2016 Agricultural Writers’ Association’s Farmer and Agronomist of the Year awards represented the highest standards.
Farmer’s Weekly agri-tour to SIMA Paris 2017
Farmer’s Weekly will be your host at SIMA – the Paris International Agribusiness Show, a multifaceted, global agriculture and livestock week.
Rainfall forecast for summer 2016/2017
Concern has been expressed that time is running out for planting. No rain fell over the eastern summer crop production areas at the beginning of October.
