Coming cold fronts a fire threat in the Free State
The cold front and accompanying stormy winds expected over the Free State from Wednesday (21 August) poses a serious veld fire threat, and farmers and landowners are warned to remain vigilant, said Thinus Steenkamp, CEO of the Free State Umbrella Fire Association.
Clover expects better financial results
In a voluntary trading statement, Clover said it was finalising its results for the financial year ended 30 June 2013. The results are expected to be released on 17 September.
Pecan industry supports Cape Parrot conservation initiatives
South Africa’s commercial pecan production industry would like to support Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus) conservation efforts.
Rare coffee-coloured Springbok fetches record price
A rare coffee-coloured springbok ram from the Eastern Cape was recently sold for R425 000, almost five times higher than the previous record, at a game auction in the Northern Cape.
No holiday for KZN stock thieves
Instead of spending the National Women’s Day public holiday relaxing, 25 suspected stock thieves in northern KwaZulu-Natal found themselves behind bars instead.
Squatters halt emerging farmer’s dreams
A developing farmer’s dream of farming commercially is under threat as squatters continue to occupy his land.
Addressing skills needs in the agri sector
The agriculture sector needs highly skilled and qualified farm managers and technical staff as well as large numbers of unskilled and semi-skilled workers, says political analyst Theo Venter, of North-West University.
A poultry case study
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has raised R2,58 million of external funding from DAFF and Agri-SETA for skills training in 2012/2013.
Fruit industry has mixed reactions to warmer winter
Citrus, subtropical fruit and tomato producers have expressed mixed reaction to what is generally perceived to have been a warmer-than-usual winter so far.
Record number of entries for SA olive awards
The SA Olive Awards, which is currently in its eighth year, has received a record number of entries for 2013.
White farmers must change perceptions – Thabo Leshilo
White farmers have to take responsibility for educating the media on what they do, especially the black media, Agang’s head of communications Thabo Leshilo told the recent FSA Congress.
Combine harvester sales drop as grain harvesting nears completion
The fact that nationwide harvesting of 2012/2013 summer grain crops is nearly complete was reflected in the 53,1% drop in July 2013 combine harvester sales in comparison to July 2012 sales.
KZN police nab stock theft suspects
In two separate incidents over two consecutive days police in the Newcastle and Ladysmith areas of KwaZulu-Natal arrested five stock theft suspects, recovered a total of 14 allegedly stolen cattle and impounded a truck believed to have been used in one of the crimes.
Consumption of meat and dairy to increase
Over the next decade, SA consumers will continue to increase their consumption of animal protein and dairy products. Meat consumption increases, especially in the case of pork and chicken, will continue to outpace the local production growth.
Milk prices to remain under pressure
Although international milk prices have soared recently, local prices have remained unchanged and would probably stay that way until the end of the year.
Invasive blue tick now in Namibia
The invasive pantropical blue tick, a parasite linked to cattle fever or babesiosis, was recently detected in Namibia.
Communal land to be used as collateral
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) has been formulating legislation to make it easier for farmers on communal land to access finance from commercial banks.
Hundreds of Caprivi vultures poisoned
Elephant poachers in Namibia’s Caprivi Strip are thought to have deliberately poisoned an estimated 600 vultures, although the fallout from the incident could be as high as 1 000 birds.
Dairy cow investors lose millions in lease scheme
Dairy farmers and investors who leased dairy cattle to a farmer in Koppies in the Free State have been dealt a serious financial blow with the mysterious disappearance of their cattle.
South Africa staggers while Africa booms – Schüssler
South Africa’s economy is not growing fast enough to stem the growing tide of unemployment. The ‘new normal’ for the country is 2,5% to 3,5% of GDP growth per year.
