Stable outlook for SA’s potato farmers in 2022
Various factors will influence potato production in 2022, according to Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes South Africa.
Agri department officials confident SA has enough animal vaccines
South Africa has enough of the necessary vaccines to combat all crucial livestock diseases.
SA-grown pears can now be exported to China
After many years of hard work and negotiations, South Africa has finally been given permission to export pears to China.
Concern over locust threat on unoccupied farms
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (agriculture department) have once again urged farmers and other landowners to report locust swarms, especially those seen on unoccupied farms.
Heavy rainfall raises risk of crop failure, disease outbreak
Above average rainfall across parts of South Africa’s summer rainfall region has resulted in some farmers having to delay planting of crops such as maize, soya bean and sunflower.
Good outlook for wine grapes after ‘excellent winter’
The 2022 wine grape harvest is expected to amount 1,42 million tons, which is 80 000t above the industry’s five-year average of 1,34 million tons, and 2,2% smaller than the 2020 harvest, which came in at 1,45 million tons. This is according to the first crop estimate.
SA and Australia renew mutual recognition agreement for vets
South African livestock producers can be assured that the veterinarians who care for their herds are amongst the best in the world. This was according to Dr Sarah Ewing, education officer at the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC).
New MPO CEO wants to ensure dairy farmers are heard
Gerhard Kriel (56) was recently appointed new CEO of the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO), and will take office on 3 January 2022.
New board of directors for Land Bank
Cabinet has endorsed the appointment of new members on the Land Bank board to steer it out of its financial woes.
Mandatory vaccination on the cards to re-open events and shows
Various organisations are considering taking steps to reduce the chances of their events turning into COVID-19 super spreaders.
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.
