National Assembly approves Expropriation Bill
The National Assembly in Parliament has approved the Expropriation Bill and it is now awaiting assent from President Jacob Zuma.
Drought-related grazing shortages take toll on animals
Drought-related issues dominated this month’s Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa (RuVASA) disease report.
SA fruit industry not ready for new international container weight regulations
South African fruit exporters have just over a month left to prepare themselves for a new international requirement concerning the weighing of shipping containers.
Next grain crop estimate will impact on import decisions
The National Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) will release its fifth production forecast on Thursday 26 May.
Local Rhino horn trade ban lifted
South Africa’s ban on the trade in rhino horn has been lifted, despite a Supreme Court of Appeal application against the ruling by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).
Engen donates R1 million to Drought Relief Fund
The manager of commercial fuels at Engen, Mike Stead, presented the Agri SA Drought Relief Fund with a cheque for R1 million at the recent 2016 Nampo Harvest Day, to assist farmers in areas that have been affected by the drought.
SA’s leading Shiraz wines announced
The results of the 4th Shiraz SA Wine Challenge were recently announced during an award ceremony held at Rhebokskloof in Paarl.
2017 could be a good year for maize, despite current drought
Through innovation, producers were better-able to survive the current drought than previous droughts. This was according to Wessel Lemmer, senior agricultural economist at Absa, who spoke to Farmer’s Weekly at the Nampo Harvest Day.
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.
