Hundreds of state-owned farms to be leased to the public
Almost 900 farms will be advertised by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (agriculture department) for release to the public.
Farmers upbeat about spring rain despite low dam levels
The average level of many public and farm dams may currently be declining across much of South Africa’s summer rainfall region, but agriculture role players in these areas remain hopeful that forecasts for average to above-average rainfall during the 2020/2021 summer will replenish freshwater resources.
Agriculture sheds 66 000 jobs in the second quarter
The positive growth trend in agricultural GDP so far this year, has failed to translate into an increase in employment in the sector.
WWF partnership to support SA wines’ ‘green’ credibility
The demand for sustainable agricultural products is increasing around the world. Now, a partnership between the South African wine industry and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has the potential to improve the local wine industry’s green credential, in order to meet this growing demand.
Retailers must explain high margins on fresh produce
The higher margins made by retailers on fresh produce during the COVID-19 pandemic require an explanation, according to the ‘Essential Food Price Monitoring’ report by South Africa’s Competition Commission (CompCom).
Influx of new entrants puts pressure on SA honeybush producers
Demand for honeybush tea has declined dramatically since the introduction of the COVID-19-related lockdown regulations, with an influx of new entrants to the industry adding to price pressure.
Theft of beehives spikes as demand for pollinators increases
Beekeeping has offered a lifeline to many rural communities, as this essential service allowed them to generate an income during the COVID-19-related lockdown.
Eastern Cape to launch stock theft prevention forum
Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, has called for the establishment of a provincial stock theft prevention forum by mid-October, following a meeting with the National Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (NERPO), during which the problem was highlighted.
Management shuffle at Agri SA ‘will address SA’s agri risks’
South Africa’s largest commercial farmers’ organisation, Agri SA, has announced changes to its executive leadership, which will see Christo van der Rheede, deputy executive director at Agri SA, replace Omri van Zyl as the new executive director, while Van Zyl will take up the role of CEO for the budding business unit, Agri SA Enterprises.
Man detained after violent protest at Fairview Racecourse
A 49-year-old man has been detained on charges of public violence following the protest action at Fairview Racecourse near Port Elizabeth on Thursday, 17 September.
‘Exceptional’ Boer goat ram sells for record R375 000
A Boer goat ram from the Lukas Burger Boer Goat Stud near Griekwastad has been sold for a record price of R375 000 during the stud’s 22nd production sale, which took place at GWK auction pens in Kimberly on Wednesday, 16 September.
Attack on horses at the Fairview racecourse condemned
An incident at Fairview Racecourse in Port Elizabeth, in which a race horse has reportedly been slaughtered by protestors, is a “sad, sad situation”.
Flower industry struggling to recover from COVID-19 fallout
The production and marketing of South Africa’s cut flowers are struggling to recover from the negative impact of the COVID-19-related national and international lockdowns.
Over half of SA’s wastewater treatment works are failing
It is hoped that a recent High Court judgement will ensure that municipal wastewater treatment works cease polluting nearby freshwater and land resources.
Macadamia prices hold firm amid smaller crop
The global 2020 macadamia crop suffered a blow as yields dropped 3% amid unfavourable weather conditions. Although sales have, for the most part, held firm over the past few months, this reduction in supply could serve to benefit farmers in terms of prices paid for the nuts.
Grain research project to unlock SA plant breeding capacity
The Grain Research Programme has been established to directly engage with grain stakeholders in an attempt to initiate research that will support the sector by identifying future challenges and exploring solutions, including extension and disease/pest diagnostic services.
Bumper blueberry harvest hits a snag with high export costs
South Africa is expecting a bumper blueberry harvest this season, but difficulties with air freighting are posing a challenge for exporters.
GDP figures worst in SA’s history – economist
South Africa's economy took a not unexpected nosedive during the second quarter of 2020, a period that contained the lion’s share of the country’s five-week long hard lockdown which brought a halt to most economic activity.
Rooibos prices fall sharply this season
The price of rooibos has fallen from an all-time record of R67/kg in 2018, to the lowest in years this season, due to supply and demand being out of sync.
Largest crop in a decade will cause drop in SA wheat imports
The 2020/2021 production forecast for winter grains is looking promising, with bumper crops expected after difficult production conditions during the previous season.
