Gerhard Uys
Gerhard Uys grew up as a real city lad, but spends his free time hiking and visiting family farms. He learnt the journalism trade as a freelance writer and photographer in the lifestyle industry, but having decided that he will be a cattle farmer by the age of 45 he now indulges his passion for farming by writing about agriculture.
He feels Farmer’s Weekly is a platform for both developed and emerging farmers to learn additional farming skills and therefore takes the job of relaying practical information seriously.
Organised macadamia theft a growing ‘business’ in SA
It is estimated that between 8% and 15% of South Africa’s macadamia crop is stolen from nut producers, according to Alex Whyte, sales and marketing manager for Europe, Africa and the Middle East at Green Farms Nut Company (GFNC).
First fracking exploration rights approved in KZN
The first rights to explore for oil and gas have been approved in KwaZulu-Natal.
Food inflation remains at 6,9%
Increased meat prices kept food inflation stable at 6,9% year-on-year (y/y).
Planned salary strike for ARC staff
On 13 July, a strike is expected to begin at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) as a result of a salary negotiation deadlock with labour union, the National Health Education and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU).
More to land reform than title deeds, Derek Hanekom
Speaking at the Farmer’s Weekly’s Agribusiness Africa Conference held at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, this week, Derek Hanekom, former minister of tourism and current Member of Parliament gave a brief overview of his take on land reform.
Animal health crucial to improve Africa’s protein production
The correct use of vaccines and medicines is crucial to increase food security and improve animal protein production in Africa, said Dr Riaan du Preez, manager for Afrivet’s sub-Sahara Africa export and product development unit.
Trends in Africa affecting agriculture
Countries in Africa were still South Africa’s largest trade partner, and local agribusinesses needed to take note of megatrends affecting these African markets.
Black Boerboel breed recognised again
The black Boerboel is now, again, officially accepted as part of the Boerboel breed, and can again be sold and advertised as such.
Registration now compulsory for live chicken traders
Anyone buying and selling more than five live chickens for any purpose other than direct slaughter at a registered abattoir will in future have to register with the Poultry Disease Management Agency (PDMA).
Food labels can con and confuse consumers
Concerns around trustworthy information on food labels were raised at the 111th AVI Africa poultry conference this week at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in SA
A single outbreak of H5N8, a subtype of avian influenza, has been isolated on a farm near Villiers which is situated on the border between Mpumalanga and the Free State.
Change in thinking needed to save the poultry industry
Treasury’s instruction to all state institutions to only procure locally produced poultry meat, cannot in itself save the South African poultry industry.
Low-input dairy production in Ireland
In Ireland, low-input dairy production on pasture with limited labour resources can be viable. On a recent visit to Ireland, Gerhard Uys spoke to farmer Pat Hennessy about how thorough infrastructure planning, good pastures and the correct breed can ensure success.
Bank loans: advice for smaller producers
Commercial banks lend only to businesses that show returns and have the potential to succeed.
Lack of government support for poultry industry
The SA Poultry Association has urged a ‘partnership approach’ with government to save failing farms…
Keep accurate records for maximum economic impact
Derick le Roux and his father, Carl, own the only 5-Star Breedplan accredited stud in South Africa. Derick explains to Gerhard Uys how record-keeping can optimise profit in any production environment.
Meat companies raided following price collusion allegations
The Competition Commission (CompCom) has conducted simultaneous search and seizure operations at 13 premises belonging to seven meat suppliers in three provinces, following allegations of price collusion, according to a statement by Comp Com.
Theo de Jager to lead World Farmers’ Organisation
South African avocado, Boer goat, macadamia, and litchi farmer, Dr Theo de Jager, has been chosen as president of the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) in Helsinki, Finland. He is the first South African to head the organisation.
DAFF report indicates farmers received drought aid too late
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) recently supplied Farmer’s Weekly with its report, Draft 2016/17 Drought Scheme, which showed that a large portion of the R212 million allocated for drought assistance did reach farmers, but often too late.
Sponsored
New Holland set to open direct branch in SA
New Holland has announced it will be handling its own imports, distribution and part supplies in South Africa by opening a direct branch.
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