New FMD research supports changes to slaughter rules
Pressure is mounting on authorities to revise South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) slaughter regulations, after research from the University of Pretoria (UP) found that current rules are not aligned with scientific evidence and are contributing to losses in the livestock industry.
Gledhow sugar mill back online after R2bn investment
Hundreds of jobs have been secured with the recommissioning of the historic Gledhow Sugar Company mill in KwaDukuza on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
Livestock industry welcomes vaccination scheme, but gaps raise concern
Livestock farmers across South Africa could soon be allowed to vaccinate their own animals against foot-and-mouth disease under a newly proposed government scheme aimed at curbing the spread of the disease.
Nearly half of SA’s wastewater systems in critical state
The proportion of the country’s 848 wastewater systems in a critical state rose from 39% (334) in 2021 to 47% (396) in 2024, according to the recently released 2025 Green Drop Report.
Western Cape livestock farmers to receive R22m in fodder support
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has approved R22 million in risk-reduction relief to provide fodder support to around 1 100 livestock farmers affected by ongoing dry grazing conditions linked to climate variability.
Africa is capturing just 2% of its carbon credit potential
Africa is not living up to its carbon credit potential, despite rapidly growing global demand for emissions offsets. With more projects emerging in South Africa and across the continent, and agriculture uniquely positioned to develop them, carbon markets could unlock billions in investment.
Farmers urged to act now on water risks
Water security is fast becoming one of the biggest threats to South Africa’s fruit industry, with climate change, drought, and flooding already disrupting production. This was the stark warning during a recent Sustainable Water Use Footprint webinar hosted by Hortgro.
Goss’s wilt spreads in SA, industry calls for vigilance not panic
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed a significant expansion in the distribution of Goss’s wilt across South Africa, with a 2025 national survey showing that the bacterial maize disease is now present in eight provinces.
SA agriculture at risk as crises crowd out policy action
The South African agriculture sector risks losing competitiveness as ongoing crisis management at government level undermines long-term planning and effective implementation.
PIC seeks exit as Daybreak Foods struggles to recover from collapse
The Public Investment Corporation is moving to sell a majority stake in poultry producer Daybreak Foods, as the company continues to grapple with the fallout from financial, governance, and animal welfare crises in 2025.
How 100 000 weather stations could change farming in Africa
African farmers could claim capital expenditure from international funding bodies as compensation for climate change, says Prof Guy Midgley, director of Stellenbosch University’s School for Climate Studies.
Pineapples of all shapes and sizes take top honours at Bathurst Show
From perfectly formed fruit to the downright unusual, pineapples of every shape and size were on display at this year’s Bathurst Agricultural Show, where growers gathered to celebrate one of the region’s most distinctive crops.
Lotz bags top prize with 1 221kg pumpkin
A giant pumpkin weighing in at 1 221kg has set a new South African and Southern Hemisphere record at the annual Giant Pumpkin Festival held in Heidelberg over the weekend.
Philippines enjoys first taste of SA’s sweet grapes
Consumers in the Philippines are now enjoying ‘the sweet difference’ from South Africa’s first commercial shipment of table grapes that arrived in that market. Apples and pears from South Africa will follow next as exports to the Philippines.
SANRAL draft policy raises red flags for agriculture
The South African National Roads Agency’s (SANRAL) draft policy on Rest and Service Facilities (RSFs) could erode rural competitiveness and increase transport costs for the agriculture sector if adopted in its current form.
Treasury unveils fuel levy cut to cushion price shock
Government has announced a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy in a bid to blunt steep April fuel price increases driven by global energy volatility, while signalling further support measures for households and key sectors.
Pioneer gives more control to farmers over silage quality
Silage farmers have been given more control over the quality of their silage through practical tools released by Pioneer.
FMD fault lines deepen over ‘private gatekeeper’ dispute
Differences over how to manage foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) are testing the alignment between South Africa’s livestock industry and veterinary leadership.
RPO appeals for ‘voice of reason’ amid FMD vaccination dispute
Legal tensions over South Africa’s proposed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination scheme are intensifying, with the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) urging stakeholders to prioritise facts over fiction and work together to safeguard the livestock industry.
OBP launches Respiclos vaccine
Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) has launched Respiclos, a combination vaccine designed to address two of the most costly and persistent disease challenges in South African cattle: bovine respiratory disease and clostridial infections.
