Free State drought officially declared a disaster
A state of disaster was declared in five district municipalities in the Free State by the province’s premier Ace Magashule following the past year’s drought.
SA cotton production doubles
The local cotton crop was estimated to double year-on-year while world cotton demand was projected to exceed production in 2015/2016, as world cotton stocks contract for the first time in six seasons.
South Africa’s best livestock breeders announced
The winners of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) 2015 National Beef Recording and Improvement Scheme have been announced.
No abuses at game farm where driven hunt took place – environmental department
The Limpopo environment department has found no wrong-doing at a Polokwane game farm where a controversial driven hunt took place on 7 September.
Agri Mega Week preview
The upcoming Agri Mega Week in the Western Cape town of Bredasdorp will serve as a forerunner for hosting an annual international African agricultural expo in conjunction with the African World Trade Centre in Botswana.
Hostile environment for agriculture
“Policy issues in South Africa influence agriculture,” said Dr Johnny van der Merwe from North-West University at the recent TAU SA Congress.
Poultry vets gather in Cape Town
Almost a thousand poultry health care professionals from about 80 countries have gathered in Cape Town for the 19th congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA).
Special stamps mark forestry congress
The SA Post Office has launched a set of five limited-edition stamps to commemorate the World Forestry Congress, held in Durban from 7 to 11 September.
Ramaphosa praises SA firefighters
Firefighters from government’s Working on Fire (WoF) programme took centre stage at the opening of the XIV World Forestry Congress 2015 in Durban, presenting the national anthem and raising the UN and SA flags.
Farm attacks not only aimed at white farmers – FSA
Farm violence and murders were not aimed at white farmers only, according to Dr Jane Buys, Free State Agriculture (FSA) safety analyst. FSA and AfriForum surveys showed that farm workers are increasingly being targeted by criminals.
Classes suspended at Grootfontein agricultural college
The Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute campus has been closed after concern was expressed by parents that violence may break out on campus.
Zimbabwe’s FMD could spread to Botswana
Not only is Zimbabwe currently battling a food crisis compounded by a serious drought, there has now been an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Plumtree district, which could spread to as far as north-eastern Botswana, according to Botswana’s Mmegi Online.
