Boland fire burns fynbos, vineyards and orchards
Wild fires in the Western Cape’s Boland region have damaged large areas of mountain fynbos, but farmers in the Wemmershoek area near Franschhoek, where the fire originated, reported few losses.
Another brutal farm murder and attack
A farm manager was shot and killed on Monday 28 January 2013 in another farm attack in the Bapsfontein area in Gauteng.
Farmers must take responsibility for own safety
Farmers must increase their own safety and security measures on farm level. This was the message following a meeting between the Graskop Farmers Association in Villiers, Free State Agriculture (FSA) and the SAPS after the spate of farm attacks in the province so far this year.
Contaminated irrigation water a threat to public health and exports
The recently reported discovery of dangerous cholera, salmonella and E. coli bacteria in the floodwaters and soils of Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape has, once again...
African horse sickness
Outbreaks of African horse sickness (AHS) have been reported in various parts of the country and horse breeders have been warned the situation remains critical. Lourens Schoeman reports.
Western Cape farm workers reject unions
At the first public meeting of the new Farm Worker Forum, nearly
1 000 farm workers gathered to condemn the recent violent strikes and the union leaders claiming to represent workers. Denene Erasmus reports.
Seeking solutions for agriculture in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean commercial farmers whose farms were taken under President Robert Mugabe’s controversial land reform programme were seeking dialogue with the government to revive the country’s struggling agricultural sector.
Poultry industry will fight for a fair trading environment
The SA Poultry Association (SAPA) said it will do everything in its power to secure a fair trading environment for the industry, despite the decision by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) not to impose definitive anti-dumping duties on cheap poultry imports from Brazil.
‘Vaccinating against AHS is compulsory’ – DAFF
All South Africa’s equine owners have been reminded that it was compulsory for their horses, donkeys and mules to be vaccinated against the deadly African horse sickness virus.
Fungus warning after heavy rains in Limpopo
Limpopo rains could bring increased incidence of bacterial black spot on fruit, jeopardising quality and consequently farmer profit.
Farm workers end strike and call for Cosatu’s exit
The farm worker strike in the Western Cape is over, but no agreements have been reached regarding a minimum wage.
Farm workers find their voice
Nearly two months after the labour unrest in the Western Cape first erupted farm workers have finally started speaking up for themselves.
KZN grappling with water invaders
Government is reportedly spending R3,1 million annually to control aquatic and riparian alien invasive weed species in KwaZulu-Natal.
Tractor sales slump in December no cause for concern
Despite being 31,6% lower than the previous December’s tractor sales, the December 2012 figure did not prevent total sales for last year being more than 500 units greater than total tractor sales in 2011.
Missed deadline – relief from horn trade now only possible in 2016
The legalisation of the rhino horn trade has been dealt a double blow by the South African and Kenyan governments. Those calling for the...
Free State and North West crops urgently need rain
Sporadic showers have been reported in the Free State and North West between 18 and 20 January 2013 and no significant rain damage or floods occurred.
Drought persists in North West
The situation in the two North West district municipalities, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, has not changed as the municipalities were still experiencing a severe drought.
Emerging farmers hardest hit by wage strikes
Black fruit farmers in the Western Cape say that if the ongoing unrest is not resolved soon, many of them will be ruined. Denene Erasmus reports.
AngloGold Ashanti taken to task for toxins
AngloGold Ashanti admitted to repeated toxic spillages near Stilfontein, and criminal charges have been laid against it. Robyn Joubert reports.
Mapungubwe interpretive centre temporarily closed due to heavy rains
The Mapungubwe Interpretive Centre (MIC) situated within the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site has been temporarily closed due to the heavy rains in the area.
