Caxton Magazines
10% wage increase
The wage discrepancy between rural and urban workers is expected to close this year. Labour minister Membathisi Mdladlana announced that the rural minimum wage is expected to increase to R1 090 a month or R5,59 an hour. The current minimum wage is due for
Muti threatens vultures
The demand for vulture parts in traditional medicine is a significant threat to South African vultures, say Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife and the Birds of Prey working group of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). This threat comes against the backdrop
Land Bank toughs out credit upgrade blunder.
The Land Bank stands by a misleading statement issued last year, suggesting international rating agency Fitch had upgraded its credit status because of steps taken by its board and management to improve performance.
Issue date: 25 January 2008
Issue date: 25 January 2008
“Prove that you can produce maize surpluses”
Agriculture director general Masiphula Mbongwa thinks government might allow the use of maize for biofuels if farmers produce a surplus this season. “If we can show Cabinet that South Africa’s maize farmers can comfortably produce surpluses, we can convin
Stock theft decreases, but only very slightly
According to the latest SAPS crime statistics, reported stock theft cases were down nationally by a marginal 0,7% to 14 057 cases. Stock theft has decreased by 32% since 2001, according to the latest figures, but the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga saw thefts
Eskom advised to buy out ranches for Coega powerlines
The proposed double Gamma-Grassridge 765kW transmission power lines that will service the giant Coega development at Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape could result in Eskom having to buy out entire game ranches and ecotourism operations along the rou
Wool up with stronger rand and Chinese quota decision
The wool market made a turnaround following last week’s poor performance and the prices of most types posted solid gains. Cape Wools’ Merino Indicator subsequently rose 4,8% to close at R60,68/kg (clean). This is up 8% on the opening level, according to s
Negligence, weather contributed to M’langa wildfires
Human negligence, lightning and strong winds caused the wildfires that ravaged Mpumalanga in July and August, according to a team appointed to investigate the fires. The fires destroyed an estimated 63 000ha, including plantations and grazing land in 13 o
Fresh premises for Durban’s platform traders
Platform traders at the Durban Fresh Produce Market will soon be plying their trade from slick, new facilities. new premises are expected to be completed by the end of the year. A bout 50 informal or platform traders will be accommodated. traders currentl
Can Pioneer beat price-fixing rap?
Pioneer Foods’ legal experts are confident that the group has reasonable prospects of successfully defending the charges of bread-price fixing being investigated by the Competition Commission.
Issue Date: 18 January 2008
Issue Date: 18 January 2008
R2m to combat blue-ear disease
The recent Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) or blue-ear disease outbreak in the Western Cape cost SA Pork Producers’ Organisation (Sappo) close to R2 million.
Ailing wine trust thrown R100 million lifeline
The embattled South African Wine Industry Trust (Sawit) ended months of speculation by announcing the refinancing of its loan to Phetogo Investments, KWV’s black empowerment partner. This could see funds flowing again early next year to a range of Sawit’s
International News-18 January 2008
Oz farmers remain headstrong
China acquires a taste for mutton
NZ’s 2007 annual dairy report
China acquires a taste for mutton
NZ’s 2007 annual dairy report
It’s global warming, says Manuel
South Africa’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October, excluding mortgage costs, is 0,6% higher at 7,3% year-on-year compared with September’s 6,7%. With the CPI for food at a record increase of 12,3% year-on year, food is emerging as a strong driver of i
Online booking for SANParks
SANParks launched its real-time online bookings system recently, making it possible for internet users to make reservations 22 hours of the day. The system will relieve pressure on the SANParks call centre. Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Ma
Former board members of Samic pass away
Gerard Braak Sr died last month after a long illness. Braak was an active member of the organised pig industry between 1950 and 1990, inter alia as chairperson of the then Transvaal Pig Development Association, a position he held for many years.
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Good signs for mohair
The average price for the 2007 winter season closed on R65,81 and the average for the year ended on R72,69, slightly down from the average for 2006, according to Mohair South Africa. A lthough the last sale of the 2007 winter season started well, it could
Dismal outlook for Nigerian farmers
Harvests in many parts of northern Nigeria were so poor this year that many farmers may not have the means to plant next season.
Issue Date: 18 January 2008
Issue Date: 18 January 2008
Agri input costs under the spotlight
The National Agricultural Marketing Council last month published its first report on agricultural input costs for the period 1996 to 2006.
Issue Date: 18 January 2008
Issue Date: 18 January 2008
Winter harvest better than expected
The Crop Estimates Committee’s most recent production figures for the 2007 winter crop show a slight increase on previous figures. The fourth production forecast for wheat is 1 757 million tons, up 2,45% from 1 715 million tons. The expected yield is 2,78
