Eskom to cut municipal power supply in the Free State
Free State municipalities are more than R1 billion in arrears in electricity charges.
Maize crop to exceed 14 million tons
The Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) released its sixth production forecast for summer crops, with commercial maize set at 14,017 million tons.
Teamwork takes aim at tackling runaway fires
Fed up with having to watch helplessly as runaway fires destroyed their crops, grazing and property every year, a KwaZulu-Natal rural community has now teamed up with a local forestry company to stop fires as soon as they start.
New legislation for SA wildlife ranching called for
Wildlife Ranching SA (WRSA) past president and Vaalwater game farmer, Gert Dry, strongly advocated changes in the SA’s current National Environmental Management: Biodiversity (NEMBA) legislation at the 2014 Grassland Society of Southern Africa congress in Bloemfontein.
Grain SA provides maize to struggling Rustenburg communities
A consignment consisting of 2 400 5kg pre-packed bags of maize was recently delivered to distribution points for people affected by the miners’ strike in Rustenberg, North West.
SA’s inflation remains at 6,6%
South Africa’s consumer inflation held steady at 6,6% year-on-year in June, the same as in May, as inflation remained above the Reserve Bank’s target of 3% to 6%.
Agbiz withdraws from ASUF
The Agricultural Business Chamber (AgBiz) has withdrawn from Agri-Sector Unity Forum (ASUF) but will continue to co-operate with it.
SA’s rooibos and honeybush names to be protected
The SA rooibos and honeybush tea industry has welcomed news that its products are to be given geographic indication (GI) status on world markets.
Peak veld fire season for Free State and North West farmers
The window period to prepare fire breaks expires on 31 July 2014, and farmers have been warned that the risk of strong winds makes it hazardous to continue making firebreaks in August.
SA to sign CAADP compact in November
SA will in November this year join 40 other countries that have signed the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme compact.
DAFF pledges support for smallholder farmers to promote food security
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Senzeni Zokwana promised much support to smallholder farmers in his budget vote address.
Cele to plough for 67 minutes
In celebration of Mandela Day on 18 July, deputy agriculture minister Bheki Cele, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for agriculture and rural development Cyril Xaba and other government officials will pledge 67 minutes of their time ploughing vegetable gardens at Mazwendoda Senior Secondary School in Pietermaritzburg on the day.
