South Africa

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

South Africa’s agriculture sector has registered an increase in international trade despite issues plaguing our ports.

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.

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.

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).

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.