South Africa

While some farmers in the Free State have renewed hope for the season after the widespread rain at the beginning of February, those south and west of Bloemfontein are still struggling.

General rains have fallen in many of the summer cropping areas over the past two weeks, said the SA Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) chairperson Callie Human, in a press release.

Members of the public have less than a month to submit comments to government regarding the protection of agricultural products with geographical indicators.

According to the Crop Estimates Committee’s latest figures, an estimated 1 571 500ha white maize had been planted in the 2013/14 season compared to the 2012/13 season’s 1 617 200ha - a 2,83% decrease. An estimated 1 139 000ha of yellow maize had been planted, 2,15% below the previous season’s 1 164 000ha.

Prior to the state of nation address due to take place on 13 February and with political parties gearing up for the general election, Agri SA has released a statement reminding political leaders about the sector’s potential to further contribute towards development. It also highlights areas of vulnerability and offers solutions.

Heavy, widespread rains have been reported in the drought-stricken areas of the North West during the past week.

The Greater Dobsonville Heritage Foundation, representing 2 500 land claimants, has requested that should land claims be opened as mooted by the government, the period for lodging claims should be shortened to expire on 13 June 2014 and not 31 December 2018.

From 1 April, SARS will only accept logbooks as valid evidence of diesel usage. Previously diesel rebates could be applied for by completing a VAT101D application form.

Clover has made a big adjustment in its reported earnings during the second half of last year.

The Competition Commission has approved AgriGroupe’s wholesale takeover of AFGRI, recommending that the Competition Tribunal support the acquisition.

South Africa’s commercial forestry sector has been advised to implement its new minimum wages from 1 March instead of the government-stipulated 1 April date.

Farmers in the drought-stricken areas of the North West have expressed their gratitude for the recent downpour of rain over the past few days, according to Agri North West president Cor Jansen van Vuuren. This is in the . Look at the amount of water in the Maize field.

If South Africa doesn't fix the education system soon, then we will not become the powerhouse of Africa we are hoping to become, according to Prof Johann Kirsten, head of the department of agricultural economics at the University of Pretoria.

Matome Maponya has become the first mine boss in South Africa to be found guilty of a mining-related environmental offence.

South Africa is on the brink of becoming a net importer of food from Europe as growth in the positive trade balance slows down.

Dairy farmers have been offered a measure of price relief, with Clover increasing its producer price of milk on 1 March and Parmalat offering an increase to producers in cheese production areas.

The Mpumalanga Veterinary Services (MVS) is crumbling under the pressure of reduced funding, with piled-up carcasses, stinking fridges, blown-out light fixtures and helpless staff the order of the day at the state-run unit.

A litre of petrol could cost motorists R16 if the rand continues to decline, reported the Automobile Association (AA).

Farmers in Gauteng have been hard hit by floods over the past few days as a result of the heavy rains.

SA conservationists were appalled by news of the alleged killing of four endangered African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in Limpopo.