Maize theft in Free State raises serious concern
The large-scale theft of maize in the Free State is being carried out by highly organised crime syndicates, resulting in severe losses for maize producers so far this year. This is according to Dr Jane Buys, Free State Agriculture’s (FSA) safety risk analyst.
Citrus export season shows promising growth
The 2024 citrus export season is underway, and early forecasts indicate a notable uptick in export volumes. The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) unveiled these projections at a recent Citrus Marketing Forum.
Heavy rains bring damage, but also relief
The intense low-pressure system, known as a cut-off low, that resulted in wind damage and flooding in parts of the Western Cape has bought welcome relief to most farmers across the country.
Stellenbosch farmers bear the brunt of the storm
The Western Cape has been struck by disaster as strong winds sent fires blazing, roofs crashing in and wine cellars destroyed over the weekend.
Electricity price hike hits farmers and consumers hard
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved a 12,74% tariff increase, which came into effect on 1 April for direct Eskom customers, to address the financial challenges faced by the power provider.
Why cybersecurity is needed in farming
The farming industry is vital to the world’s food industry and requires the utmost protection from cyberattacks. This is according to Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa, who believes that with the evolution of technology, the digital threat level for farmers has increased in recent years.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Expropriation Bill
Parliament recently approved the Expropriation Bill, which has now been sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa for his assent. While there are no timelines in which the president is required to sign a bill, Annelize Crosby, Agbiz Legal Intelligence, told Farmer’s Weekly that it would probably be signed prior to the elections scheduled for 29 May 2024.
DA urges government to provide drought relief
The drought in South Africa is a societal challenge and not just an agricultural problem, according to Noko Masipa, the DA’s Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
Farmers still feeling the pinch after COVID-19
The effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns are still lingering in the agriculture sector as some businesses have closed permanently while shifts in market demand have influenced the operations of others.
SA citrus to make its way to Vietnam markets
As the South African citrus export season kicks into high gear in the coming weeks, a significant bilateral protocol has been established with the Vietnamese government, paving the way for local oranges to enter the markets of Vietnam.
Lower yields and prices expected for 2024 summer crop harvest
The summer grain crop has again been revised down as the drought takes its toll on South Africa. The size of the expected commercial maize crop has been set at 13,26 million tons – 7,69% or 1,1 million tons less than the previous forecast in February.
Macadamia industry scammed out of R4 million during theft probe
Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC) has been defrauded of R4 million, dealing a further blow to curbing theft in the industry. Macadamia nut theft is rife in South Africa, where both individual criminals and syndicates operate to amass the nuts before they reach processors.
