South Africa

Explore South African farming insights, including crop production, livestock, agribusiness, and sustainability tips for profitable agriculture.

South Africans spend majority of income on living costs, survey shows

South African households spend roughly R76 out of every R100 on housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, food and non-alcoholic beverages, transportation and insurance, according to Statistics South Africa...

Eskom price hike set to cost farmers an extra R1,27 billion in 2025

From 1 April this year, consumers will be paying more for electricity, thanks to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) recently granting Eskom permission to hike prices by...

Agri role players’ wish lists for SONA 2025

Farmer’s Weekly asked leading agricultural role players about their expectations for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 6 February, as well as their views on government's progress...

Interest rate cut brings welcome relief to farmers

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has cut interest rates by 25 basis points, taking the repo rate down to 7,5% and the prime lending rate down to 11%.

Fly outbreaks in South Africa due to “unhygienic conditions”

The current fly outbreak in Gauteng is not an isolated incident, and outbreaks have been reported across all parts of South Africa, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship...

Eastern Cape small-scale farmers receive Nguni bulls to improve production

Nonceba Kontsiwe, Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, called on farmers to expand their operations and venture into the entire red meat value chain to make a meaningful impact on the...

Future-proofing the wine industry

Speakers highlighted ways to improve farmer resilience in a bid to future-proof the wine industry at the recent Vinpro Nedbank Producer Day 2025, entitled ‘Navigating Climate Chaos’.

Extreme weather and conflict dominate Global Risks Report

The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report shows that respondents are concerned about extreme weather and conflict in the present, short and long terms.

Expropriation Bill sparks concerns on land reform, food security

The Expropriation Bill has reignited discussions on land reform and its potential impacts on food security, property rights, and agricultural productivity. This follows its signing into law by President Cyril...

Botswana suspends imports of certain SA commodities

Due to outbreaks of Goss’s bacterial wilt (Clovibacter michiganensis subsp. Nebraskensis) and bud rot of palms (Phytophthora palmivora) in South Africa, Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture (MLA) recently suspended...

Agritourism on the rise as consumers remain under pressure

South Africa’s agritourism sector saw rising interest from the youth, city dwellers and families over the past festive season, according to Jacqui Taylor, CEO and founder of Agritourism Africa.

Lack of financing hampers regenerative agriculture

Financing for and investment in regenerative agriculture in South Africa are currently lagging behind what is happening in the rest of the world.

SA’s first white maize shipment since 2017 arrives at Port of Durban

The African Baza, a bulk carrier sailing under the Bahamas flag, last week offloaded 23 700t of white maize produced in the US at the Port of Durban.

Ramokgopa launches tree-planting drive at Gauteng schools

Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, accompanied by the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang launched a tree-planting initiative on Wednesday.

African countries adopt a strategy to unlock agricultural potential

Government and private sector will have to work together to get real results from the recently signed the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan.

Market inquiry: retailers (mostly) cleared

The Competition Commission released its final report on the Fresh Produce Market Inquiry (FPMI). Retailers have, for the most part, been cleared of any wrongdoing regarding price gouging or keeping...

Raisin production forecast looking positive

Despite some temperature variability during spring 2024, conditions have stabilised, resulting in a positive outlook for raisin production.

Farmers urged to plan carefully for the next ostrich season

Ostrich production is expected to increase by roughly 7% from 140 000 birds slaughtered in the 2023/24 season to 150 000 in the 2024/25 season.

Red meat industry report offers key insights on global, domestic trends

The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has released its first-ever Red Meat Industry Report, providing a detailed analysis of the trends shaping supply, demand, and prices.

Heavy rainfall in Gauteng and KZN raise flood warnings

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, with the potential for severe flooding, property damage, and disruption of essential services....
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