Drought in the Northern Cape

The central and eastern parts of the Northern Cape as well as the Bushmanland are desperately dry, having experienced extreme temperatures coupled with strong westerly winds.

Farm murder in the Free State

Free State Agriculture (FSA) has condemned the murder of a female farmer from Theunissen on Monday, 12 January.

Economy, not politics, may decide land reform model

The government may be experiencing a growing sense of reality regarding the fact that real impediments to land reform were not necessarily the farmers.

Matriculants should study agriculture – IFP

KwaZulu-Natal matriculants who achieved good results should consider a career in agriculture, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said in a statement on Tuesday.

Four farm residents murdered so far in 2015

At least three farmers or residents on farms were murdered in the first six days of 2015, with a fourth possible murder still to be confirmed.

Weaker rand to prop up interest rates

South Africa’s economic growth is estimated to accelerate as mines and manufacturing reached their normal production capacity.

High-value breeders’ prospects continue to look good

The prospects for the breeding of high-value game species will remain positive in the near future, according to Flippie Cloete of the North-West University.

Aquaculture aims to grow

South Africa’s R600-million and 6 000t-a-year commercial aquaculture industry is aiming to grow in leaps and splashes, thanks to the presidential initiative, Operation Phakisa.

Demand for wool still outstrips supply

The continuing producer confidence in the future of quality wool was likely to further stimulate investment in wool sheep farming during 2015, according to Louis de Beer, CEO of Cape Wools.

KZN’s FMD control fence well under way – DAFF

Construction of the 108km fence line separating northern Zululand’s foot-and mouth disease (FMD) control zone from the FMD-free parts of South Africa was reportedly under way and on track, according to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ (DAFF) animal health division.

Mohair price ends year 11% higher

The final mohair sale of the year saw 101 512kg sold in a stable market, at an average price of R188,34/kg.

Climate change: a clear and present danger

The impact climate change will have on the planet cannot be precisely described, but according to a NASA report the damage will be significant, expensive and will increase over time.

De Jager new PAFO president

Dr Theo de Jager, a South African farmer, was elected president of the Pan African Farmers’ Organisation (Pafo) in Cotenou, Benin at Pafo’s annual general meeting earlier this month.

Tractor girl reaches the South Pole

A decade-long dream to drive a tractor to the South Pole came true for Dutch actress and adventurer Manon ‘Tractor Girl’ Ossevoort on Tuesday, 9 December.

New Land Bank CEO appointed

Cabinet on Wednesday approved the appointments of Tshokolo Petrus Nchocho as the new CEO of the Land Bank and Mabotha Arthur Moloto as chairperson of the bank’s board.

Agri SA says ‘no’ to blanket minimum wage

The potential implementation of a national minimum wage “drastically exceeding those currently prevailing in certain sectors, like agriculture” would have a number of profound negative impacts. This was the view of Agri SA president Johannes Möller.

Decrease in maize supply above pipeline expected

Grain SA's latest supply and demand projections for maize indicate an 11,8% reduction in the surplus above the pipeline by the end of April 2015.

Spirit of conservationist Ian Player lives on

Dr Ian Player, (89) well-known and respected conservationist, died at his home in the Karkloof (KZN) last week after a short illness.

Celebrating soil

In 2002 the UN named 5 December as World Soil Day, a day to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of soil in food production.

Bird flu fears in Europe could boost SA ostrich meat exports

The recent occurrence of the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in Europe’s poultry flocks could open the door for increased exports of locally produced, heat-treated ostrich meat.

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