South Africa

While the matric class of 2023 has much to celebrate in the increased pass rate, the agriculture sector has more reason for optimism with the increase in interest in agricultural subjects.

The devastating flooding across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has not spared farmers, who are counting the losses of their crops, livestock and infrastructure.

The number of farm units sold in South Africa remained relatively stable at roughly 4 270 in 2023 compared with 2022, but is expected to increase in 2024 as farmers take advantage of the impact of good rains in the summer rainfall area on production, according to Johann Bornman, chairperson of Agri Development Solutions.

Government has welcomed a decision by the People’s Republic of China to substantially reduce tariff rates on imports of South African rooibos.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN has declared 2024, International Year of Camelids, to shed light on the crucial role camelids play in the livelihoods of millions of households. The focus is particularly on indigenous people and local communities.

South Africa’s growing avocado crop received a boost late last year when Japan lifted its ban on Hass avocados from this country.

Although stock theft remained rife in the Free State over the 2023 Christmas season, without the involvement and attentiveness of farming and local communities the situation would have been much worse.

The festive season in Mpumalanga was characterised by severe weather that resulted in floods, strong winds and hail. The province received uncharacteristically high amounts of rainfall.

Agritourism is growing in popularity in South Africa, and this past December saw an influx of holiday goers seeking adventures on farms.

The largest relocation of vultures ever undertaken reached an important landmark when approval was granted by the Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment to move 158 birds to a new home in the Eastern Cape.

The recent decline in fuel prices will benefit South African farmers and agribusinesses. The rising cost of fuel during 2023 dealt a major blow to the agriculture sector, not only in terms of transport, but also due to the inordinate bouts of load-shedding requiring farmers to use fuel to power their generators.

The new year’s budget blues are set to increase for poultry consumers as prices remain high after last year’s devastating bird flu outbreak in South Africa.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.