South Africa

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

Theft rampant in timber industry

Theft of equipment and timber in the industry is rampant – and escalating. The theft of chainsaws in Mpumalanga alone amounted to more than R10 million in the past two years.

A dry start to Western Cape wheat season

Many parts of the Swartland region have yet to receive significant winter rain, so an average wheat harvest is expected, according to Koos Blanckenberg, a grain farmer from Philadelphia and Grain SA’s representative for the Swartland areas in the Western Cape.

Biggest wine grape crop ever

Final intake figures show the 2013 harvest season will see the biggest wine grape crop ever produced in SA, while wine exports have also rebounded to reach an all-time high.

On-farm silos mean greater profits

The age of on-farm silos has dawned and manufacturers are having a hard time keeping up with demand.

Does Pieter Mulder harm SA farmers’ public image?

The impact of having a deputy minister of agriculture representing a “rightwing political party” could have a detrimental effect on perceptions about commercial farmers.

Bees in the EU given two-year breather

The European Commission’s decision to impose a two-year restriction on the use of pesticides linked to declining bee populations has been praised by South African beekeepers.

Updated database of farm attacks released

People older than 50 and living in rural Gauteng are more vulnerable than any others of being victims of farm attacks, according to Solidarity.

Kruger National Park confirmed as haven for amphibians

A study by the Water Research Commission (WRC) has confirmed that South Africa’s Kruger National Park (KNP) is a biodiversity haven for the country’s most important amphibians.

Pushing ahead to change the face of potatoes

Plans are being formulated to get players in the potato value chain more invested in the success of black growers, Potatoes SA (PSA) CEO André Jooste said at the organisation’s recent transformation symposium at Cedara in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

Rare breeds should keep value

Colour variant game animals – currently in high demand – will soon be in oversupply, pushing prices down. This is according to leaders in the industry who attended the recent Trophy Breeders Seminar in Pretoria.

New Holland hits the road for baby rhinos

New Holland planned to traverse 3 000km in a tractor to raise funds to build a rhino orphanage.

‘SA farmers are not getting their money’s worth’

South Africans pay more than four months’ salary a year to fund government. While those living in cities receive their money’s worth – more or less – farmers get the short end of the stick.

Pigeons and doves pose a threat to grains

Speckled pigeons, red-eyed and Cape turtle doves are becoming a serious problem in the summer grain production region of South Africa.

Plans to help emerging game farmers in Limpopo

Emerging game ranchers in Limpopo will receive assistance from the private sector and government following the recent signing of an agreement between Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA) and the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Dedet).

Biggest ever wine grape crop expected

The 2013 harvest season exceeded the expectations of the wine industry and final intake figures show that this was the biggest wine grape crop ever produced in South Africa.

Citrus exports delayed at Durban port

Citrus exporters have been frustrated by congestion at Durban Port over the past two weeks, which during its peak saw up to 200 trucks waiting two days to offload.

Competition Commission takes Sasol on again

After previously being fined R250 million for anti-competitive practices in South Africa’s chemical fertiliser market, Sasol is now facing fresh charges of excessive pricing for its polymer products.

KZN police arrest 3 suspected rhino poachers

KwaZulu-Natal SAPS suspect that the three men that they arrested recently near Jozini Dam in northern Zululand may be linked to previous rhino poaching attempts or incidents.

NAMPO grows!

This year sees nine more stands added to Nampo Harvest Day’s outdoor area, meaning more space for more innovative new equipment.

Agricultural jobs increasing – for now

Employment in the agricultural sector increased by nearly 8% during the first quarter of this year compared with the last quarter of 2012.
- ADVERTISEMENT -

MUST READS

- ADVERTISEMENT -
- ADVERTISEMENT -
Send this to a friend