Pieter Dempsey
New record canola harvest predicted for South Africa
South Africa is on track to produce a record volume of canola, according to the first production forecast for winter grains released by the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) this week.
Good harvests lead to 9% increase in farm jobs
In the second quarter of 2021 (Q2) South Africa’s official unemployment rate increased to its highest level since Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) started publishing its Quarterly Labour Force Survey in 2008.
Rising price of meat adds to monthly CPI jump in July
South Africa’s annual consumer price inflation (CPI) softened further in July to 4,6%, down from 4,9% in June and 5,2% in May.
Protea exports set to increase, despite COVID-19 challenges
Although the recent travel and trade restrictions that resulted from the third wave of COVID-19 infections exacerbated the export challenges faced by the cut flower industry, it is expected that protea and fynbos exports will increase by more than 18% in the 2020/2021 season.
Good harvests, low interest spur 27% rise in tractor sales
Following two exceptional seasons of good rainfall across South Africa, the current lower interest rates have now prompted the replacement and replenishment of agricultural machinery and equipment.
Superior goats and award-winning cheeses
Rina Belcher runs Belnori Boutique Cheesery, a Saanen goat-breeding and cheesemaking operation near Bapsfontein in Gauteng. Pieter Dempsey spoke to her about raising her animals and creating a diverse range of products, including soft and hard cheeses, a number of which have garnered prestigious awards.
Striving for optimal maize yields
Bernard Rabé of Rabé Boerdery in the Fochville area in North West runs a grain-focused operation on dryland. He aims to achieve the highest possible yield by following variable fertiliser and seed application rates according to the yield potential analysis of the soil. He also maintains a high plant density.
Snails: an industry filled to the brim with opportunities
Snail-breeding enterprise CSC Heliculture began as a small-scale operation, but now business is booming thanks to growth in the market. Co-owner Christiaan Jooste spoke to Pieter Dempsey about the company’s success.
Farming bodies join hands to supply food aid after unrest
Following the recent civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng that left many communities without access to basic staple food items, several agricultural organisations have joined forces to donate tons of food items to those in need.
Painful fuel price increases will ‘dent’ farm profit margins
Fuel prices are set for another increase in August, with the diesel price expected to increase 58c/l. This was according to the Automobile Association (AA).
Free State wildfires destroy 60 000ha of veld
Farmers in the southwestern Free State are counting the cost of wildfires that occurred in the region earlier this week and raged across an area of over 82km, destroying about 60 000ha along with infrastructure and livestock.
Crisis deepens for KZN sugar farmers as unrest lingers
Fires being set to sugar cane lands as part of the ongoing unrest in KwaZulu-Natal is resulting in severe damage amounting to hundreds of millions of rand.
KZN small-scale farmers set to benefit from new egg hub
With the Cottonlands Egg Hub in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal nearing completion and preparing to start full operation later this month, egg producers in eThekwini are urged to register their businesses on the eThekwini Municipality’s agribusiness department database to access market opportunities.
Farming sector braces for double digit fuel price increase
The expected increase in the fuel price for July will have a negative impact on a number of value chains in the agriculture sector that are currently active, such as producers completing the harvesting and planting processes for summer and winter grains, as well as oilseeds.
Award-winning mango producer says 100t/ha is possible
Jaco Fivaz, farm manager of Mohlatsi farm in Limpopo, is a pioneer of high-density mango orchards, which achieve a greater yield per hectare than conventional orchards. Pieter Dempsey visited this award-winning grower to find out more about his passion for experimentation, and how he manages a diverse mango business.
‘Downturn in agri GDP contribution a temporary blip’
Despite an increase in South Africa’s GDP of 1,1%, translating into an annualised growth rate of 4,6%, in the first quarter of this year, the agriculture sector saw a downturn in GDP contribution to -3,2% (seasonally adjusted and annualised), according to Statistics South Africa.
EFF’s and ANC’s new proposals on land met with scepticism
Several farmers’ organisations have voiced grave concern about controversial additional proposals regarding the expropriation of land without compensation that have been presented to the Ad Hoc Committee on the Amendment of Section 25 of the Constitution.
Aviation fuel production could help lift SA sugar outlook
With the local sugar industry under severe pressure, the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) would give South African farmers a better alternative than the oversupplied global sugar market, where farmers were selling sugar at a loss.
Specialised reefer vessels to speed up SA’s citrus exports
The MV Cool Eagle refrigerated cargo ship, which recently arrived in the Port of Durban, is able to accommodate 60% more fruit than older vessels.
More food price increases not benefitting all farmers
With COVID-19 related lockdowns around the world resulting in increased demand for basic food items due to more home-cooking, food manufacturers saw it as an opportunity to slightly increase the prices of these items.
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