South Africa

Get the latest agricultural and farming news from South Africa.

Paper over plastic for South Africans

The farming industry is encouraged to choose paper packaging for its environment-friendly benefits, writes Jyothi Laldas.

Ostrich production enters better times

Good rains, in combination with a strong demand and small under-supply, have pushed ostrich production into a more lucrative cycle.

Focused pricing for avocados will sustain the industry

Avocado growers are set to start the new year with a range of new market options as years of negotiations have come to fruition. This is especially prudent since South Africa is expecting an increase in yield in 2024.

Wool growers look forward to a positive 2024

The past year has not treated the South African wool industry as well as initially expected. Wool prices remained on the conservative side while the breeding animals achieved average prices.

Ezemvelo appeals to visitors not to bring firewood into reserves

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is appealing to visitors to refrain from bringing their own firewood to Ezemvelo Reserves.

Acknowledging excellence through scientific innovation

The Agricultural Research Council recently presented its 45th instalment of its annual National Beef Performers Awards, which recognises outstanding achievements across seven categories of beef cattle performance and production. Farmer’s Weekly is the proud sponsor of the National Best Elite Cow category, the winners of which are presented below.

Holiday season rabies alert

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has issued an alert to residents and holiday travellers, particularly in areas where rabies is common including KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as the border between Free State Province and Lesotho.
farm land

The highs and lows of 2023: our farmers speak

The year was characterised by a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows for farmers. We spoke to a group of Farmer’s Weekly readers to get their take on 2023 and the road ahead.

A second case of cattle poisoning reported in North West

Agri North West expressed its concern after a second incidence of livestock being wilfully poisoned, this time in the Tosca area of the province.

Follow these simple steps to keep your farm safe this holiday

The December holidays present a prime opportunity for thieves to take advantage of farms, often left vacant as farmers head out for the festive period. But with a proper security strategy in place, farmers and their assets can remain safe.

Agriculture shows 9,6% decline in third quarter

South Africa’s real gross domestic product (GDP) contracted 0,2% in the third quarter (July to September) of 2023, after two consecutive quarters of growth, with the agri-sector showing a 9,6% decline.

Agribusinesses pessimistic about challenging business conditions

The Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index deteriorated to its lowest level since the second quarter of 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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