South Africa

Explore South African farming insights, including crop production, livestock, agribusiness, and sustainability tips for profitable agriculture.

Farmer gets protection order against land grabbers

A farmer in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, has been granted a protection order against land grabbers.

Mala Mala claim settled

SAnews.gov.za reported that the Mala Mala land claim was settled at the beginning of January at an amount of just over R939 million – or R71 250/ha.

Sales of immature avos prohibited

Avocado growers have been warned to ensure that avocados are properly matured before harvesting, as the sale of immature avocados is now prohibited, said the Subtropical Growers Association (Subtrop).

DAFF publishes new poultry brining levels

After a year of debate, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has published new brining regulations, setting the maximum amount of flavoured water, salts and/or colorants that may...

Dirty pond water found in Chinese meat

South African chicken processors regularly come under fire for injecting brine into chicken pieces, but those who object to this process should know things could be worse!

Heavy rains hit Western Cape

Western Cape farmers are bracing themselves for more rain as the unseasonal downpours continue in the province.

KZN police arrest escaped farm murder suspect

KwaZulu-Natal police have been praised for swiftly recapturing Sthembiso Shabalala (34), charged with the August 2012 murder of Richmond farmer Rob Anderson (39).

Fishing rights questioned

The DA has queried the lawfulness of the fishing rights allocation process after thousands of applicants were unsuccessful and subsequently without a source of income.

Ostrich industry set for recovery

The ostrich industry’s challenge for 2014 is to successfully establish heat-treated ostrich meat products as mainstream commodities in European markets.

Economic challenges and opportunities in 2014

The election will play a big role in the economy this year.

Tough year ahead for sugar

The sugarcane industry experienced tight financial conditions in 2013 and these were likely to continue into 2014.

Cotton production set to double

Cotton production is expected to double this year, amid higher prices due to a weaker rand.

Red meat producers are cautiously optimistic

Large-scale red meat exports from Namibia and Botswana have scaled down, which is likely to push weaner prices up.

SA grain value chain positive about 2014

Current decreases in global prices for both maize and soya bean are being offset by the weakening of the rand and increased production volumes locally, promising the grain value chain...

A year of extraordinary weather

It has been a year of unusual weather in many parts of South Africa. The SA Weather Service in June predicted unusual temperatures and rainfall across SA for the winter.

Agriculture in 2013: Stock farmers losing millions to theft

On 22 February, Farmer’s Weekly reported that a farmers’ union in the Eastern Cape requested a government subsidy, as they could not afford to pay for a branding certificate to...

Agriculture in 2013: Meat scandal leads to improved labelling

It started in Europe. At the end of February, European retailer Ikea withdrew meatballs in 14 European countries after Czech Republic tests found traces of horse meat in a batch...

Agriculture in 2013: Drought devastates large summer rainfall regions

The previous summer’s drought in the eastern parts of Limpopo was said to be one of the worst since 1983.

Record maize harvest for US

The US Grains Council reported a record maize harvest of 355.3 million metric tons for the 2013/2014 season.

Agriculture in 2013: Poultry – an industry in distress

At the beginning of the year, the SA Poultry Association (Sapa) was disappointed with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) decision not to impose definitive anti-dumping duties on cheap...
Send this to a friend