South Africa

Zastron and Bethlehem in the Free State were declared official disaster areas following the 2014 veld fire season in which more than 400 000ha was destroyed, said Dr Jack Armour, operational manager of Free State Agriculture.

South Africa’s deputy agriculture minister, Bheki Cele, has asked people with access to food to give to those that are in dire need.

The demand and prices for ostrich leather and feathers is experiencing some reluctance in the market after a strong run with very good prices to farmers last year.

Although the use of genetically engineered (GE) feedstuff has caused regulatory shake-ups, trade-disruptions and an escalation in non-GE and organic feed prices in many countries, a new study has found there is no difference in the health or performance of animals receiving GE feed or the nutritional make-up of the meat, milk, eggs or other products derived from these animals.

Only one out of about 300 traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal allocated land to women, said Sizani Ngubane, founder of the Rural Women’s Movement (RWM).

A convoy of trucks carrying equipment and spares is to leave from Grootvlei bound for Niari province in the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) tomorrow, 1 October.

About 5 500ha was lost to veld fires near Verkykerskop in the north-eastern Free State this weekend.

Producer price inflation (PPI), which represents inflation at the factory gate, for manufactured goods slowed to 7,2% in August, according to Statistics SA.

Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal are in desperate need of rain before the end of October.

Farmers in the Western Cape have been asked to help speed up land reform in the province by participating in the establishment of district land reform committees.

A 10-member rhino poaching syndicate that operated in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal is expected to appear in court on 29 September.

The widespread adoption of conservation agriculture practices is being encouraged by South Africa’s minister of agriculture, Senzeni Zokwana.

Six people have so far died during the veld fires that destroyed an estimated 45 000ha in Harrismith.

Today people across the planet will come together to highlight the plight of rhinos on World Rhino Day.

Fire-fighting teams, farmers and landowners in Harrismith remain on high alert after yesterday’s devastating veld fire in which three lives were lost and 40 000ha was destroyed.

The deciduous fruit industry awarded stakeholders who have contributed significantly to the success of the industry at a gala event recently.

The Free State Umbrella Fire Association has created a special fund to assist people who were injured during the veld fires that have occurred in the province so far this year.

After being accused of dragging its heels in responding to the scene of a double farm murder in KwaZulu-Natal’s Paulpietersburg area earlier this month, the SAPS has responded with quick arrests.

A land reform proposal suggesting that 50% of all commercial farms be given to farm workers “was not practical”.

In preparation for the reefer peak season, which commences between October and March, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) in Cape Town will increase the terminals carrier fleet from eight to 12.