East Griqualand farmers ‘thrilled’ by rate re-think

Farmers in the Greater Kokstad Municipality (GKM) in KwaZulu-Natal scored a victory recently when their municipality changed its mind about increasing agricultural land rates by 13%.

Larger Spring Show expected this year

Organisers of The Spring Show at the Tshwane Events Centre (previously the Pretoria show grounds) from 28 August to 1 September are confident that this year’s event will outperform last year’s in terms of breeder, visitor and exhibitor numbers.

Tackling certification for small timber farmers

SA’s timber industry is making headway with introducing a group Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification scheme to community-owned and small-scale timber plantations.

Emerging livestock farmers ask for more support

The agriculture department is making slow progress in developing a support strategy for emerging livestock farmers.

Department not transparent – Wallmansthal community

Allegations have been levelled against officials of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR), of deliberately holding up the settlement of the Wallmansthal land claim for personal gain.

Vaccine shortages problematic

Farmers are apparently struggling to obtain various vaccines that should be manufactured and distributed by government’s Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP).

Heatonville farmer suspected of contracting rabies

An unnamed farmer in the Heatonville area of northern KwaZulu-Natal has reportedly been admitted to a private hospital, after possibly having contracted rabies.

Improve farmer support first – industry

Researchers and other agriculture stakeholders say support services to small-scale farmers and beneficiaries of land reform should be strengthened before government reopens land claims.

Government interference hampers farming – Pringle

The hostile interference of government in agriculture was the main contributor to making the past year one of the most difficult ever for the industry.

Dairy – room for growth

Prices in the dairy sector – one of the fastest-growing industries in the world – are expected to remain flat in 2013, according to Alwyn Kraamwinkel, Sampro CEO. Robyn Joubert reports.

Timber projects tackle unemployment

Poverty and unemployment, especially in rural areas, are some of SA’s main challenges.

Agrico opens mega store in Malmesbury

Agrico, one of South Africa’s oldest and largest agribusinesses has opened a new branch in the heart of the Swartland.

Wolseley wind farm approved

A wind farm planned near Wolseley, west of Ceres in the Western Cape received the go-ahead from the environmental authorities, Cape Times reported.

1913 Land Act legacy still lingers

One of the most distinctive legacies of the Natives Land Act 27 of 1913 is the combination of poverty and inequality in South Africa.

Sugar Act review inches forward

The review of the Sugar Act and Sugar Industry Agreement has been 12 years in the making, with the patience of both millers and growers being stretched to breaking point at times.

Free State Agriculture condemns the 1913 Land Act

Free State Agriculture (FSA) strongly condemned the 1913 Land Act and the effects thereof. In a media statement the organisations said it was indeed a sad day to commemorate.

Meet rising demand with sustainable innovation

Farmers are never too old to try new technology. This is according to Jacqueline Rowarth, agribusiness professor at New Zealand’s Waikato Management School.

DAFF calls for public comment on bill

The Marketing of Agricultural Products Amendment Bill 2013 has been approved for public comment by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

Farmers advised to invest in new machinery

The rand’s recent drop against the US dollar could see local farmers scrambling to buy imported agricultural machinery.

Disagreement on land reform bill

A public consultation recently held in Durban on the proposed Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Bill clearly highlighted the different views of several groups on the issue. Lloyd Phillips reports.

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