Pieter Dempsey
KZN protesters loot R500 000 in meat from delivery trucks
Meat to the value of almost R500 000 was looted from three trucks belonging to Vryheid Meatmasters on Monday (6 July), after the company’s vehicles got caught-up in the middle of protest action near Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal.
Small-scale pig farmer implements commercial practices
Buti Malinga, a small-scale pig farmer near Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng, has built up his business, Vukani Piggery, from nothing. Intent on progress, he aims to become a fully fledged commercial farmer in the near future.
SA posts healthy agri trade surplus despite COVID-19 crisis
The South African agriculture sector has increased its trade surplus by 16% in the first quarter of 2020, with minimal disruptions experienced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Dairy farmers urged to ‘be cautious’ and ‘not chase volumes’
The South African market is currently able to absorb the volumes of unprocessed milk being produced across the country, despite the lockdown restrictions and high feed prices, which has had a negative impact on producers.
South Africa’s tobacco value chain hits back at cigarette ban
Fightback from major role players in South Africa’s tobacco value chain, together with some civil rights organisations, against government’s ongoing ban on the legal trade in tobacco products is rapidly gaining momentum.
Big fall in SA mango harvest due to drought
Ongoing drought conditions in the main production regions resulted in a more than 20% decline in South Africa’s 2019/2020 mango harvest.
Poor winter rainfall forecast amid ongoing drought
Severe drought conditions still dominated large parts of the Northern Cape, and was prevalent in “smaller patches” of the Eastern Cape, according to agricultural meteorologist, Johan van Den Berg.
Wool auction delays and shortage of shearers due to COVID-19
Due to disruptions across the entire wool supply chain, as a result of the restrictions to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, there was not enough wool available to hold a scheduled auction on 13 May this week.
Flower producers suffer losses amid confusion over trade
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a severe impact on the South African horticulture sector, due to confusion about which industries were allowed to resume normal trade.
African Swine Fever outbreak reported in the Eastern Cape
An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been reported in the Amathole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape, after authorities investigated the cause of death in 50 pigs from the area.
A high-yield indoor farming system ideal for the city
As prolonged droughts occur more frequently in South Africa, some entrepreneurs are investing in and developing new technology and farming methods, such as indoor growing systems, that ensure consistent, high-quality food production. Juan-Griffith Pollard, CEO of Urban Cultivation International, spoke to Pieter Dempsey about his scaleable hydroponic farming system.
Craft brewing may take years to recover from lockdown
It is expected that it will take years for South Africa’s craft distillers and brewers to recover from the nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and resultant prohibition on the sale of alcohol.
Mitigating impact of COVID-19 on Africa regional trade
There has been a slight uptick in trade on the African continent as some restrictions on the movement of food products have been lifted.
Mixed medium-term outlook for SA’s red meat industry
Due to panic-buying by consumers prior to the national lockdown aimed at containing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, South Africa’s red meat industry saw some short-term gains.
Virtual awards ceremony for South Africa’s top dairy products
South Africa’s top dairy products were recently honoured at the Agri-Expo Qualité Awards, which this year took the form of a virtual ceremony held as part of the South African Dairy Championships.
Drinks companies switch to alcohol production for sanitisers
In an effort to contribute in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic, various industries around the world are now producing alcohol for use in hand sanitisers at their production facilities.
SA farmers to benefit from lower interest rates
Following the recent announcement of a cut in South Africa’s repo rate, the agriculture sector can look forward to some relief on loan repayments.
Good harvest hopes result in combine harvester sales uptick
The higher crop production forecast for the coming season has resulted in a rise in combine harvester sales during February, which could mean farmers are preparing for a good harvesting season.
Lower fuel prices bring some relief for farmers this season
The drop in fuel prices that came into effect on Wednesday as a result of lower Brent crude oil prices, on the back of the fast-spreading coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak across the world, will provide some relief for farmers.
GM maize export potential as Zimbabwe lifts ban
The decision by the Zimbabwean government to lift the ban on genetically modified (GM) maize imports to increase supplies after a poor local harvest season, could benefit South African farmers.
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