Get your facts straight, say hunting associations
A photograph posted on Facebook showing a smiling Mellissa Bachman with her trophy lion has elicited severe criticism, “as if this lion is the last nail in the coffin” of the species, said the SA Predator Association in a recent media statement. The outcry, it added, is “utter nonsense”.
Botswana approves fracking
Botswana has reportedly allocated concessions for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for methane gas in three nature reserves, without much public consultation.
‘Stop politicising boer’
The diverse political connotations attached to the term boer is detrimental to the agricultural industry.
Western Cape farmers count their losses after flooding
Many areas of the Western Cape experienced unseasonal flooding during the weekend of 16 and 17 November that affected thousands of people across the province.
SA to give R100m to dry Namibia while North West suffers
President Jacob Zuma pledged a drought relief package worth R100 million to Namibia during his state visit there on 6 and 7 November.
Legal strike action delayed till next year
Cosatu has brought a Section 77 application against the agricultural value chain, because of a lack of transformation in the industry.
SA to get warmer by 2050
Temperatures in South Africa could increase by as much as 6°C by 2050 as a result of global warming.
Weak rand boosts milk exports
The weaker rand and higher international milk prices have resulted in increased milk exports.
Farmers focussing on precision farming and mechanisation – Standard Bank
A new combination of market factors is triggering a shift in farmers’ operational focus as the agriculture sector as a whole demonstrates greater agility.
Mohair records broken, again
The mohair market performed well on the fifth sale of the winter season in Port Elizabeth, when 96,6% of the 129 591kg on offer was sold.
Sugar operations under pressure
Operating profit from Tongaat Hulett’s various sugar operations dropped to R684 million from R967 million in the half-year to September, weighed down by increased sugar imports into Southern Africa and lower international sugar prices.
Astral posts 43% drop in operating profit
Astral Foods posted group revenue of R8,5 billion for the year ended 30 September – a slim 4% improvement on 2012.
Platter’s announces record number of five stars
In a banner year for the SA wine industry, Platter's South African Wine Guide has chosen a remarkable 80 wines to be awarded the highest honour of five stars in its 34th edition – up from 62 in the last edition.
SA counted among top renewable energy investors
South Africa is one of the world’s most promising renewable energy (RE) markets, ranking in the top 10 countries to invest in RE in 2012.
‘Developing farmers’ are both black and white
The agricultural industry remains an economic cornerstone in South Africa, but still does not receive the credit it deserves. This was according to Standard Bank Free State agricultural manager, Danie Retief.
Rain needed to freshen SA tractor sales
National tractor sales, currently 5,7% down compared to last year, will likely remain depressed if the rains don’t arrive soon in the dry western parts of South Africa’s grain production regions, said Jaco du Preez, national sales manager for New Holland Agriculture.
The digital-paper debate
A French TV advert uses humour to illustrate the debate between 'all digital' and the die-hard paper users.
Australia stays open for SA canned fruit
South African canned fruit will not have import duties imposed on it in Australia.
German company challenges EU pesticide ban
German chemicals group BASF has launched a legal challenge against the European Commission's ban of its insecticide fipronil, reported Reuters.
Smarter aerial fire-fighting needed – expert
South Africa has about 74 aircraft operating during the fire season:18 spotters, 35 fixed-wing bombers and 21 helicopters, as well as a number of smaller aircraft.
