Budget focusses on support for smallholder and subsistence farmers

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan promised much support for agriculture when delivering the 2014 budget speech, but most of that is directed at smallholder and subsistence farmers.

Opening of land claims passed by National Assembly

The bill allowing for the reopening of the land claims process has been passed by the National Assembly.

Drought conditions still prevalent in the Free State

While most of the Free State has experienced substantial amounts of rain, easing the drought burden, some farmers in the Luckhoff area have been less fortunate and are still in need of drought relief in the form of feed.

SA economy grows at 1,9% in 2013

South Africa’s real annual gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 1,9% in 2013, following an increase of 2,5% in 2012, according to Statistics South Africa.

KZN SAPS appeal for information regarding two farm attacks

Police in KwaZulu-Natal are appealing to the general public for any information that could possibly lead to the apprehension of suspects involved in two farm attacks only days apart in the Camperdown area.

Armyworm outbreak alert

Farmers are advised to inspect their lands for armyworm infestations after an outbreak was reported in the Klipdrif area of the Potchefstroom district.

Clover targets maas market

Since re-entering the maas market a year ago, Clover has captured an estimated 5% of the market and plans to take a significantly larger piece of the pie, the company said at the recent opening of its expanded facility in Queensburgh, Durban.

Chinese dairy in KZN ruffles feathers

A Chinese company wanting to invest in dairy production in KwaZulu-Natal has come under fire from milk processors who fear the increase in demand could push up prices and lead to local milk shortages.

Government’s agri message confusing – Agri SA

Agri SA has spoken out against contradicting messages from government over agriculture.

Deltamune opens Malmesbury laboratory

Deltamune has extended its footprint in the Western Cape by acquiring the Agrilab laboratory in Malmesbury.

Vitamin A enhanced sorghum close to completion

Fortified sorghum is one step closer to becoming a reality after Du Pont Pioneer overcame a critical obstacle in the development phase by enhancing pro-vitamin A stability in the grain.

Clover expands distribution facility

The expansion of Clover’s Queensburgh production and distribution facility in KwaZulu-Natal will signal a greater demand for milk from farmers.

New land reform and investment bills ‘scary’ – SAIRR

Two pieces of pending legislation could together result in the expropriation of commercial farming operations with zero compensation.

IFAMA world forum to be hosted in Africa for the first time

The International Food and Agribusiness Management Forum (IFAMA) World Forum will be held held at the Cape Town Convention Centre in Cape Town from 17-19 June 2014.

Farm workers injured in Wellington

At around 8.30pm on 19 February, a truck carrying workers from the farm High Fountain to Wellington crashed on Haaskraalpad. One person died on the scene.

Price pressures hamper new potato plantings

Price pressures over the past five years have hampered new plantings of potato crops, resulting in a decrease of 1 200ha during the 2014 production season.

AfriForum receives #RAK nomination and challenges Water Affairs

AfriForum has challenged the minister of water affairs, Edna Molewa, to appoint a Blue Scorpion task team to assist it in its criminal case in which the Madibeng Municipality is accused of negligent water management.

Wine auction for education

A wine auction in aid of education will be held in Cape Town from 14-15 March.

MPO appalled by failed Vrede dairy project

The Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) is concerned over the negative publicity the dairy industry was receiving as a result of the failed R570-million Free State dairy project.

Water woes for poultry industry

The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has revealed that several poultry abattoirs have at one time or another been negatively affected by municipal water supply or quality problems.

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