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.
Unilever investigates water management challenges
Unilever recently brought together leading water experts to investigate SA’s looming water crisis.
Swartland winery in new partnership
Based in Riebeek Kasteel, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines (formerly Mullineux Family Wines), was started in 2007 by husband-and-wife winemaking duo, Andrea and Chris Mullineux, together with business partners Keith Prothero and Peter Dart.
Tru-Cape Fruit MD retires
Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing’s managing director Charles J Hughes (60) recently announced his retirement.
Fire working group established
Forestry SA (FSA) facilitated the first industry fire working group in Pietermaritzburg on 4 November.
Protecting Karoo Lamb
According to the Government Gazette of 1 November, the Karoo Development Foundation Trust has requested that the name ‘Karoo Lamb’ be only used in connection with lamb produced and slaughtered in the Karoo region.
Boshof Agri urges farmers to keep careful records
Commercial farmers are committed to the training and development of new farmers and farm workers to ensure long-term sustainability of agriculture in South Africa.
Skilled jobs fall first
Of the 6 000 jobs shed in agriculture from the second to the third quarter of 2013 (Q3 2013), 4 000 were higher-paying skilled jobs, according to Statistics SA’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey.
DAFF seeks to regain industry trust
DAFF chief veterinary officer Dr Mike Modisane spoke candidly to Lloyd Phillips about the broken trust between his department and organised agriculture.
