SA experiences worst African armyworm infestation on record
The current African armyworm outbreak has reached historic proportions since first reported in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal on 15 February, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship manager of...
Soil health improves, but yields lag in regenerative agriculture trial
A regenerative agriculture trial at Tygerhoek Experimental Farm near Riviersonderend in the Western Cape is yielding promising results in terms of soil health, according to Lisa Smorenburg, scientific technician at...
Vaccination urgently needed to avert bird flu crisis
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has warned that South Africa may face catastrophic consequences without the vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Rooibos exports keeping the industry going
Despite slightly lower rooibos tea crop expectations in 2025, the rooibos export market remains on an upward trend.
Load-shedding remains a challenge for agriculture
While the agriculture sector has become more prepared, the reintroduction of load-shedding on Saturday is driving up production costs.
Eastern Cape farmers receive 300 sheep to improve flock genetics
The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture recently donated more than 300 sheep, including rams and ewes, to wool growers’ associations in the OR Tambo District as part of efforts to...
African armyworm detected on farms in three provinces
An outbreak of the African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) has been reported in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, according to Roger Price, research team manager at the Agricultural Research Council, and Dr...
Budget postponement over VAT dispute could affect grants, frontline services
In a first for democratic South Africa, the national budget speech was cancelled moments after it was due to be tabled in parliament by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on Wednesday...
Buffalo bull with 56-inch horns sells for R22 million
Magic, a buffalo bull with 56-inch horns, was recently sold for R22 million at the Piet du Toit Wildlife Auction in North West. The bull was sold to four buyers.
Steenhuisen hits back at allegations made against him and government
Minister John Steenhuisen of the Department of Agriculture called a media briefing at Parliament in Cape Town on Tuesday to address what he said was ‘misinformation being peddled by certain...
Prioritise roads and ports in Budget 2025 – Wine SA
With Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana set to deliver the Budget Speech 2025 on 19 February, Christo Conradie, stakeholder engagement, market access and policy manager at South Africa Wine, said he...
Agri sector needs to focus on how budget allocation is spent – RPO
Over the past few years, the broader South African agriculture sector has been disappointed by the National Budget, according to Dr Frikkie Maré, CEO of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation.
Grain SA calls for sorghum VAT exemption in upcoming budget speech
Grain SA CEO Dr Tobias Doyer hopes the Budget Speechwill drive economic growth but says agriculture is often overlooked. He urges VAT exemption for sorghum to support the industry.
Budget Speech should focus on infrastructure to support fresh produce sector
This year’s Budget Speech comes on the heels of the finalisation of the Fresh Produce Market Inquiry, which contains a host of recommendations to improve transformation, supply and cost of...
Hold off on increasing sugar tax to help industry, says SASA
With the Budget Speech set to be delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 19 February, the Health Promotion Levy, or sugar tax, and sugar cane master plan have again...
Limpopo farmers struggle with failing road infrastructure despite promised repairs
Despite years of engagement with authorities, many roads in Limpopo still remain in disrepair. This was according to Deidre Carter, CEO of Agri Limpopo.
Small farmers need title deeds for sector to grow, says Steenhuisen
The imbalances in the South African economy must be addressed as a matter of urgency, and particularly so in the agriculture sector, according to John Steenhuisen, minister of the Department...
Role players voice concerns over promises made during SONA 2025
President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2025 highlighted key interventions aimed at strengthening South Africa's agriculture sector.
Expert insights on the Expropriation Act
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed the Expropriation Bill into law, concluding a five-year process. The amended Expropriation Act has sparked widespread debate, with some strongly opposing it while others view...
Good season ahead for apples and pears
Apple and pear exports are expected to increase this year on the back of new orchards coming into production, improved varieties and favourable weather.
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