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.
Senwes reports encouraging interim results
According to Christo van der Rheede, adjunct professor at the University of the Free State’s Business School, the interim results recently published by Senwes is testament to the resilience of the South African agribusiness sector and the far-sightedness of its leaders.
Live Christmas trees: easy money? Not quite!
Many South Africans driving past pine forest plantations in South Africa would have asked themselves why the forestry sector is not capitalising on live Christmas tree sales with their ample forests.
Agri exports up, but hard work lies ahead
South Africa’s agriculture sector has registered an increase in international trade despite issues plaguing our ports.
Court rules Tongaat Hulett must pay
In spite of Tongaat Hulett's legal efforts, the company remains responsible for its financial obligations in the sugar industry, as ruled by the High Court of South Africa, Durban Local Division.
Conservation farming key to a sustainable future
The theme for this year’s World Soil Day, which is celebrated on 5 December, is ‘Soil and water: A source of life’, and aims to raise awareness about the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.
Rise in poultry prices on the horizon
As the festive season approaches, there may be a looming challenge on the horizon: potential increases in poultry prices. This was according to the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters of Southern Africa (AMIE).
Access to health care on farms reduces HIV infection
South Africa’s agriculture sector has reason to celebrate World Aids Day today, rather than just commemorate it. HIV-positive cases have declined over the last few years as a result of awareness campaigns and access to treatment on farms.
Watch out for snakes this summer!
Summer is in full swing in South Africa with rising temperatures and rain showers. This make for ideal conditions for snakes to become more active, according to Johan Marais, CEO of the African Snakebite Institute.
Joburg market’s R32 million generator leaves fresh produce rotting
Thousands of tons of fresh produce worth an estimated R10 million is rotting on the Johannesburg Fresh Market floor as the premises has been without electricity since Saturday.
Pilot project aims to prevent whale entanglement
Vodacom South Africa and the World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF SA) recently teamed up to pilot the use of a technology to safeguard marine mammals against entanglement.
Unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential
For years, people have been talking about Africa’s potential to improve global food security. Various role-players at the Africa Agri Investment Indaba, recently held in Cape Town, talked about how this can be achieved.
No cause for alarm over fowl pox
A few isolated cases of fowl pox have been reported in South Africa over the past few weeks. However, authorities say there is no need for panic as the virus was not likely to spread and could be managed through vaccination and good hygiene.
Agri department says no need to panic, buy eggs
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is urging consumers not to resort to panic buying eggs.
Record price for Kalahari Red buck in Botswana
The Kalahari Red sire ‘Sta Soft’ (777-20-051), bred and sold by Bushra Stud in Botswana, recently fetched a record price of R165 000 (BWP120 000) at the annual Trifecta Elite Sale held at the National Agriculture Showground in Sebele.
SA’s Soil Science Society turns 70
The Soil Science Society of South Africa (SSSSA) celebrates its platinum jubilee this year, making it one of the oldest soil science societies in the world.
