Government policies explored at Nation in Conversation
Government policies, failed policies and issues surrounding policies were explored at this year’s Nation in Conversation dialogue at Nampo.
SA farmers not selling enough fresh produce in Africa
South Africa’s farmers, through the country’s network of fresh produce markets, should be supplying more vegetables to countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Farmers must take responsibility for transformation
It is vital for South African farmers to take ownership of transformation in agriculture, according to Prof Piet Croucamp, political analyst and columnist.
Agricultural stalwart Hans Lombard passes away
Veteran agricultural writer and industry stalwart, Hans Lombard, passed away last night in his sleep. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday.
International commodity prices on the decline
Poor economic growth in China, coupled with general poor economic performance in the rest of the world, had resulted in a decline in global commodity prices, according to Wessel Lemmer, senior agricultural economist at Absa.
Promising start to the wheat season
Approximately 70% of farmers in the Swartland had finished planting wheat towards the middle of May 2016.
New brine cap to increase chicken prices untrue
The widespread reports stating that frozen chicken portions will become more expensive with the new brine cap, is untrue, according to Scott Pittman, managing director of the consumer division at RCL Foods.
Rand volatility stunts SA’s economic recovery
This week the strengthening rand lost momentum when the local currency weakened by 0,13% against the US dollar.
Successfully building the emerging farmer sector
Speaking at Nampo’s Nation in Conversation about successful empowerment projects, Phillip Retief, CEO of Van Loveren wines said initiators of projects must become involved because they want to be involved, not because they have to be involved.
Brining regulations: chicken to become expensive
New brining regulations, which cap the amount of brine in whole chicken at 10% and 15% for portions, could result in rising food costs, said Kevin Lovell, CEO of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA)
SA wildlife industry hopes for improved M99 supplies
With the recent announcement that Elanco Animal Health would be selling its interests in the manufacture and marketing of the potent large game capture drug, M99, in South Africa, Wildlife Ranching SA (WRSA) is hoping that supply of this drug will be improved.
Mycotoxin contamination a global food safety threat
More than 25% of the world’s crops are contaminated with poisonous moulds and fungi known as mycotoxins.
SA needs more black commercial potato farmers
Industry organisation, Potatoes SA, would like to see more potatoes produced by black-owned farming enterprises on South Africa’s fresh produce markets.
Smoke detectors promises to save lives
The Breede Valley fire department and the Disaster Management Centre in the Western Cape have launched a project to evaluate the effectiveness of smoke detectors to combat losses during fire outbreaks.
Vasari buys renowned KWV Group
The KWV Group, one of the world’s most renowned brandy and wine brands, is to be sold for R1,15 billion to a leading consumer focused investment group.
150 volunteers assist with security during Nampo
Security is being beefed up at this year’s Nampo Harvest Day, courtesy of members of the public.
Macadamia Crop Estimates lower than expected
The South African Macadamia Growers’ Association (SAMAC) has released an updated crop forecast, which anticipates the 2016 season to yield 39 000t of nuts in shell (NIS), with a kernel moisture content of 1,5%.
Downward trend continues for SA agricultural machinery sales
Uncertainty surrounding a number of factors has continued to put downward pressure on the national sales of new tractors and combine harvesters.
Nampo a huge money-spinner for small town of Bothaville
With an expected 70 000 people attending this year’s Nampo Harvest Day, Bothaville and surrounds will be packed.
SA agricultural training in Denmark proving successful
South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Senzeni Zokwana, visited Denmark in mid-April 2016 to cement agricultural business relations with that country.
