2015 Christmas messages

Leaders in South African agriculture take this opportunity in wishing the farming community a joyous Christmas.

Public lend a helping hand to farmers

The current drought is sinking its teeth ever deeper into farmers across South Africa and feed is becoming more scarce by the day.

Input suppliers feel the strain of drought

It is not only primary producers who are struggling to survive the drought.

Senwes develops soccer talent

Soccer talent and prowess were evident at the recent Senwes Inter-provincial Soccer Tournament held in Klerksdorp, according to Senwes spokesperson Japie Fransman.

Lowest wheat harvest in five years expected

The severe drought across the country took its toll on winter crops and it is clear that this year's wheat harvest will be considerably smaller than the harvests of the...

Drought puts strain on grain and oilseed crops

The prolonged drought will continue to have a severe impact on the yield, availability and prices of grain and oilseed crops.

Fighting rabies and saving lives

A new framework to eliminate rabies has been launched by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United...

Alpacas protecting sheep

Since the first alpacas were imported into South Africa 15 years ago, they have become increasingly visible among flocks of sheep in the Zastron district of the southern Free State...

Table grape growers expect juicy harvest

South Africa’s table grape growers are expecting a bumper harvest on the back of favourable weather conditions throughout the current growing season and due to well-developed and healthy vineyards.

Spot checks for firearm licences

Station commanders have been informed that part of their operations this festive season would be to do spot checks on firearm safes, according to a press release by Free State...

Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Limpopo

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been detected in Limpopo, according to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has announced.

Tough times ahead for SA agriculture

Growth in the agricultural industry declined by 12,6% in the third quarter of 2015, and agricultural economists fear the sector will struggle to pull itself out of recession in 2016.

North West looks like a desert

The drought has left large parts of North West so dry that the landscape now resembles a desert.

Innovative methods support wildebeest research

Thanks to infrared video recorders and biotelemetry belts such as those used by athletes, researchers can now know exactly how stressed blue wildebeest can become when they are held in...

Appeal for drought relief donations

Agribusiness company Senwes and Agri SA have established a drought disaster fund to provide assistance to farmers in distress.

Deciduous fruit expert honoured

Prof Karen Theron, horticulturalist and deciduous fruit expert, has received a Stellenbosch University Chancellor's Award for her outstanding service as a researcher in both the academic community and the country's...

Land Bank to cushion farmers hard hit by drought

Land Bank is currently reviewing the production loans of farmers affected by the drought with a view to carrying over debt to the next season.

Western Cape producers donate tons of feed

Producers in the Western Cape have donated approximately 120t of feed to livestock producers experiencing severe grazing shortages after the winter’s below-average rainfall.

Agri Eastern Cape president clarifies drought disaster aid comments

Agri Eastern Cape (Agri EC) president Douglas Stern has clarified his previous statements about government drought disaster aid for the province, which resulted in him coming in for criticism from...

Yellow maize imports exceed SA record

South Africa’s yellow maize imports have surpassed an 11-year record as the country struggles to meet local demand due to the drought.

South Africa