Early predictions all positive for SA’s 2021 wheat harvest
Production conditions for wheat are currently very good and should they continue, an excellent 2021/2022 South African wheat crop can be expected.
Fires destroy vast tracks of Northern Cape, North West
Farmers in the Northern Cape and North West have suffered severe losses since Friday, 6 August, due to extensive wildfires.
‘Limited data is stunting organic fruit farming’
A lack of relevant farming information is keeping South African fruit farmers from capitalising on the growing global demand for organic fruit, according to Hein Coetzee, CEO of TopFruit.
Decline in stock theft prevents R100 million in losses
This year, South Africa has seen a decline in livestock theft across all provinces for the first time, which has resulted in a cumulative ‘saving’ of about R100 million for the period.
KZN farmers donate food aid despite suffering hardship
The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) and Agri SA have distributed food donations to the value of more than R5 million in an attempt to return order and stability to the deep rural parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) following last month’s civil unrest.
Good harvests, low interest spur 27% rise in tractor sales
Following two exceptional seasons of good rainfall across South Africa, the current lower interest rates have now prompted the replacement and replenishment of agricultural machinery and equipment.
Fuel price hike will erode recent gains in farming sector
The fuel price increase that comes into effect on Wednesday, 4 August as announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, will wipe out any gains made from earlier lower prices.
‘Uncertified venison could hurt the industry’
The future growth of the game meat industry is being hindered by meat sales that do not meet legal specifications and health regulations.
Farmers told to prepare for delays in fertiliser deliveries
The cyber-attack on Transnet’s IT systems, along with the destruction caused by the recent civil unrest, could severely affect the availability of fertiliser for the current cropping season, according to Dr Pieter Haumann, CEO of the Fertilizer Association of South Africa (Fertasa).
Farming bodies join hands to supply food aid after unrest
Following the recent civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng that left many communities without access to basic staple food items, several agricultural organisations have joined forces to donate tons of food items to those in need.
Prohibitive cannabis legislation costing SA opportunities
A lot has been happening behind the scenes to facilitate the legalisation of hemp production, with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (agriculture department) set to start issuing manufacturing and production permits by October.
Cold weather heightens threat of fires and livestock losses
Apart from possible livestock losses, the widespread cold weather experienced across South Africa has also increased the risk of wildfires.
Two million chickens stolen from farms during looting
During the recent riots in KwaZulu-Natal, looters stormed 10 farms and stole about two million birds. This was according to Izaak Breytenbach, general manager of the Broiler Organisation of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA).
Transnet cyber-attack blocks SA’s agricultural exports
Disruptions in Transnet’s IT applications following a cyber-attack has brought agricultural imports and exports to a standstill, according to role players in the industry.
Expiration of anti-dumping tariffs a risk for SA potatoes
Anti-dumping tariffs on frozen French fries imported from the Netherlands and Germany have expired, leaving the South African potato industry vulnerable to ‘dumping’.
Support streams in for KZN towns ‘destroyed’ during riots
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) farming community has lauded the way in which South Africans have come together to support people affected by the recent rioting and looting in this province and in Gauteng.
Painful fuel price increases will ‘dent’ farm profit margins
Fuel prices are set for another increase in August, with the diesel price expected to increase 58c/l. This was according to the Automobile Association (AA).
EU Green Deal could slash SA food exports to Europe
The EU’s Green Deal could see a drastic reduction in food imports to the region, which would heavily affect South Africa’s fresh produce industry.
Agri department’s extension officer recruitment drive stalls
An ambitious plan to bolster agricultural extension services announced earlier in the year during the tabling of the National Budget seems to be going nowhere slowly.
Farmers cautioned against panic buying of agrochemicals
The impact of the recent widespread unrest and rioting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng on the distribution of imported agricultural chemicals and fertiliser was extremely worrying, said Corné Louw, economist at Grain SA.
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