South Africa

Grain SA’s annual Nampo Harvest Day (16-19 May 2023) offers an incomparable opportunity for all players in the agricultural value chain to network, learn about cutting-edge agriculture technology, and do business. This was according to Grain SA chairperson Derek Mathews.

The rand has taken a severe tumble over the past 24 hours, reaching an all-time low at one stage of R19,51/US$1. The currency’s free fall, which has accelerated the downward trend of South Africa’s exchange rate, comes as public speculation mounts over the country’s alleged supplying of weapons to Russia for its war against Ukraine.

The recent announcement by Design Biologix, a vaccine researcher, developer and manufacturer, that it has registered a bluetongue vaccine for South Africa has been welcomed by the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO).

The development of traditional agricultural areas, previously known as reserves, will be a key priority during the coming financial year, according to Minister Thoko Didiza of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. Didiza made the announcement during her budget speech, which was delivered on 9 May.

The 2023 veld fire season could potentially develop into one of the most problematic fire seasons in recent memory. According to a statement issued by the Free State Umbrella Fire Protection Association (FSUFPA), one of the reasons for this was the abundant rain during the past three summers that resulted in a very high moribund biomass fuel load.

Farmers in the Lowveld are facing severe pressure as commodity prices for subtropical crops dip while input costs rise rapidly.

Farmers intend to plant 542 600ha of wheat in the 2023 production season, 4% less than last season’s 566 800ha, according to the latest report by the Crop Estimates Committee.

While the South African government was supposed to be the agriculture sector’s most important partner, it had failed in taking up its responsibility and had left the sector and the country as a whole despondent. This was according to Francois Strydom, chairperson of Agbiz.

Increasing yields and rising local demand have resulted in a good season for dragon fruit farmers. Harvest started in November and will wrap up by May.

The Eskom tariff increase of 18,5%, which kicked in at the start of April, is driving up the cost of intensive layer, broiler and pork production, and making it increasingly difficult for these farmers to remain commercially viable.

There is hope that a new focus on cannabis production in the Free State will boost job creation and economic activity in the province.

Lumpy skin disease has been reported in all provinces since the start of the year, with communal farmers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal being most affected, according to Dr Danie Odendaal, director of the Veterinarian Network.

The ongoing increase in food prices has raised concern over South Africa’s growth outlook, as inflation adds to a basket of factors sending the country towards a recession.

The global streamlining of chemicals allowed on food products will render many crop-protection chemicals illegal by 1 June 2024, heightening risk for farmers already battling pests.

Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, CropLife South Africa’s (CropLife SA) operations and stewardship manager, issued a serious warning against the use of chemical products registered for agricultural purposes in an effort to mitigate the recent massive outbreak of German cockroaches in the country.

SA Wine Industry Information and Systems (SAWIS) recently revised the wine grape harvest estimate downward for the fourth time, making it the smallest harvest in 19 years.

The Sizwe Kupelo Foundation recently handed a petition over to Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, demanding a ban on pit bulls as domestic pets in South Africa.

In the run-up to the 2022/23 summer grain harvesting season, agribusiness NWK recently commenced grading some 1 400km of gravel roads leading to its silos in North West.

The court judgment states that the temporary or permanent transfer of water-use entitlements is supported by the Water Act, contrary to the view held by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Gledhow sugar mill has become the second mill to be placed under business rescue, thereby increasing concerns over the future viability of the sugar cane production industry in South Africa.