SA needs national strategy to better monitor soil pollution

Pollution poses a major threat to the world’s soils and jeopardises the provision of key soil ecosystem services, including the provision of safe and nutritious food, the availability of clean water, and the existence and conservation of soil biodiversity.

Concern about declining water quality in West Coast region

Following three years of drought, borehole water levels in the Sandveld in the Western Cape have risen by an average of 5m thanks to improved climatic conditions over the past two years. Water quality nevertheless has deteriorated.

Damage reported to summer crops after heavy rainfall

Farmers in the eastern and western parts of the summer grain production region have reported damage to grain crops following several weeks of rainfall.

‘Pass the potato’ and help to feed the hungry this December

A donation of more than 2t of potatoes to feed the hungry this festive season is typical of farmers and the agricultural value chain’s commitment to local communities and the less fortunate.

Pig farmers urged to reduce antibiotic use

There will probably never be a time when pork producers will be able to completely eliminate the use of antibiotics, but they are urged to stop using growth promoters and reduce the use of antibiotics.

‘Vinpro liquor ban challenge ruling a blow to the industry’

The South African government’s blunt approach towards liquor sales bans has caused irreversible damage to the wine and tourism industry.

Low prices force farmers to let watermelons go to waste

A sharp drop in market prices have forced several watermelon farmers to plough unharvested fruit back into the lands, or find alternative markets in their local areas.

Agri-Expo celebrates 190th anniversary

Agri-Expo, one of the oldest agricultural societies in South Africa, recently honoured prominent agricultural role players and announced new initiatives at its 190th anniversary celebration held at Cavalli Estate near Stellenbosch.

Locust swarms decimate recuperating Northern Cape veld

The current brown locust (Locustana pardalina) outbreak in the Northern Cape is by far surpassing the infestations witnessed earlier in the year as well as last year.

Failed Amendment Bill not the end for SA expropriation law

Many farmers will be relieved about the outcome of Tuesday, 7 December’s parliamentary vote on the Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill, according to Annelize Crosby, Agri SA’s head of land affairs.

Agriculture’s third quarter GDP decline a ‘temporary hiccup’

Economists agree that the agriculture sector is not in trouble, despite the latest GDP figures released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) showing that the sector’s GDP contracted 13,6% quarter-on-quarter.

Early start for summer grains after good spring rain

Grain and oilseed plantings in the summer grain production region of South Africa is well underway after the good rainfall that occurred in November and December.

Accused in Paarl fruit theft murder case released on bail

Two Western Cape farmers, JT Basson and John Woest, both in their sixties, accused of murdering an alleged illegal fruit vendor, Chatwell Rogers on 30 November, have been released on R5 000 bail each.

Large grain harvest, good prices bolster Senwes results

The Senwes Group has increased its turnover by 47,8% to R5,2 billion, according to its interim results for the six months ended 31 October 2021.

ARC honours top beef cattle breeders

South Africa’s top cattle farmers were honoured during the Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) recent virtual annual National Beef Performer of the Year Awards.

Farewell to a stalwart of fresh produce

We at Farmer’s Weekly are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of columnist Michael Cordes, who passed away on 3 December at the age of 79.

Mixed reaction to upswing in agribusiness confidence

While the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) showed that agricultural businesses’ confidence is at its second highest level in 20 years, this positive sentiment is not shared by all stakeholders.

Potato farmers set to benefit from mobile data sharing app

The potato industry is investing in various technologies to improve its sustainability, and is currently in the process of developing a mobile app to improve communication with members.

Magoebaskloof boasts tallest planted tree in the world

South Africa now holds the records for the highest tree in Africa and the highest planted tree in the world.

Decline in 3rd quarter farming jobs ‘purely seasonal’

The third quarter of each year is typically not a busy period for agriculture, hence employment figures in the third quarter of 2021 showed an almost 4% decline from the second quarter figures.

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