South Africa

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 the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, whom was offering an update on the project at the farm.

The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has warned that South Africa may face catastrophic consequences without the vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Despite slightly lower rooibos tea crop expectations in 2025, the rooibos export market remains on an upward trend.

While the agriculture sector has become more prepared, the reintroduction of load-shedding on Saturday is driving up production costs.

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 improve wool production and support farmers affected by recent disasters.

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 Godfrey Kgatle, research co-ordinator at Grain SA. The African armyworm feeds predominantly on grasses, but may also feed on grains, such as maize and millet.

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 19 February.

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.

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 parties’.

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 hoped government would announce plans to strengthen and build on the momentum gained in restoring infrastructure.

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 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.