Wool softer but prospects still good

Aggressive competition among buyers at the most recent wool auction continued to fuel the positive mood in the local wool industry, according to Ken Craig of BKB. “This is perhaps the single most important intangible factor we have with which to measure the perception of wool buyers as a group.
Issue Date: 12 October 2007

Bush turnaround on Africa food aid

US president George w Bush has announced his country will no longer dump agricultural surpluses produced by highly subsided American farmers in Africa. Instead, money for food aid would be used to buy and distribute produce grown
Issue Date: 12 October 2007

Intimidation forces farmer to sell, but on his terms

An elderly Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal, farmer has decided to throw in the towel and sell his farm, following growing intimidation by members of a neighbouring tribal community.
Issue Date: 12 October 2007

Producers intend to plant more crops

At this early stage, South Africa's grain producers intend to plant about 9,3% more summer crops than last year. On 27 September the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) revealed the producers' area planted and second forecasts for this year's winter crops, as well as planting intentions for the coming summer planting season.
Issue Date: 12 October 2007

Africa News – 12 October 2007

UN helps Lesotho with food security
1,5 million Africans affected by floods

Issue Date: 12 October 2007

Chicken farmers get R18 million boost

Struggling poultry projects in Limpopo have been given a shot in the arm. The provincial agriculture department has spent R18 million to revitalise eight poultry projects in the Greater Tzaneen municipality.
Issue Date: 12 October 2007

Big EC sheep bust turns sour

Livestock farmers in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, have reacted with outrage at the release of members of a stock theft syndicate operating in the region without them ever going to court. Their release followed a state prosecutor's decision that there was insufficient evidence to convict the criminals, despite the thieves being caught red-handed.
Issue Date: 12 October 2007

Wool broker breaks records

Wool broker BKB - nowadays made up of Ltd, BKBLouwid, Van Wyk Lewendehawe and GrainCo - released the best financial results in its history, due to the highest-ever wool prices in US$ terms, and good performance by the livestock and auctioneering divisions. Its other divisions, some in very competitive markets, also fared better than both the previous year and the budget, according to a statement released by in Port Elizabeth.
Issue Date: 12 October 2007

Santam’s umbrella gets bigger

Santam has strengthened its position in the agricultural insurance market by merging its operations with those of Agri Risk Specialists. The single unit will focus on asset and crop insurance.
Issue Date: 12 October 2007

Biofuel strategy to be unveiled soon

Cabinet Should unveil SA'S long- awaited biofuel strategy this month, according to government biofuel task team leader Sandile Tyatya. “We've finalised our position, met with the ministers, incorporated their comments and will forward the document to Cabinet shortly,” he said. “I'm putting my head on the block this time.”
Issue Date: 12 October 2007

Another blue-ear disease outbreak in the Western Cape

Pork production is threatened by another outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), better known as blue-ear disease. Dr Gininda Msiza, chief director of veterinary services in the Western Cape, said this outbreak appeared less virulent than the American strain that caused major financial losses in 2004. Yet pork producers fear the disease might spread and decimate production.
Issue Date: 12 October 2007

New data to aid livestock farmers

The draft policy on the sustainable management of veld and forage resources should be ready soon for further processing and endorsement by Cabinet, according to Victor Musetha of the Department of Agriculture's Directorate of Animal and Aqua Production Systems.
Issue Date: 12 October 2007

Caxton Magazines

Wool softer but prospects still good

Bush turnaround on Africa food aid

Intimidation forces farmer to sell, but on his terms

Producers intend to plant more crops

Africa News – 12 October 2007

Chicken farmers get R18 million boost

Big EC sheep bust turns sour

Wool broker breaks records

Santam’s umbrella gets bigger

Biofuel strategy to be unveiled soon

Another blue-ear disease outbreak in the Western Cape

New data to aid livestock farmers

Tyranny of the trophy record

Food prices soar without affecting demand

Rugby and business – it’s all about management

The joy of Chinese chicken

Jozi market backs the small guys

Huge interest in no-till at KZN conference

When you see these, prepare to spray.

50 years of Steiger tractors: a golden anniversary

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