Pieter Dempsey
Lifting of national ban on auctions welcomed
The Minister for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, recently announced that the blanket ban on gatherings of animals, such as at livestock auctions and shows, had been lifted.
No-till expertise from Argentina
Several Argentinian implements were showcased at a farmers’ day that focused on no-till and conservation farming.
GWM Steed 5: Affordable reliability and power
Chinese car manufacturer Great Wall Motors released a new version of its Steed 5 bakkie late last year. Pieter Dempsey put the vehicle through its paces on tar and dirt.
Load-shedding fallout for South African agriculture
More than 25% of South Africa’s food is produced by irrigation-reliant and energy-intensive sectors of the agriculture industry, which have all been severely affected by the load-shedding implemented by Eskom during the past week.
Agribusiness confidence drops for sixth consecutive quarter
The Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) has dropped from 46 points in the third quarter on 2019 to 44 points in the last quarter of the year.
Heatwave warning for much of South Africa
The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has warned that severe heatwave conditions would prevail over most of South Africa for the rest of the week and into the weekend.
The science of producing good silage
Leading Boran stud breeder Hurwitz Farming in Mpumalanga operates a number of enterprises, the latest of which is a silage contracting business. Pieter Dempsey interviewed Jarren Hurwitz to find out more about the new technology in silage that is making their operation different.
Lucerne shortage and high prices weigh on farmers
The ongoing drought has resulted in a shortage of lucerne across the country, with increased prices making it unaffordable for many producers.
Slight reprieve for farmers as fuel price falls
The decrease of 16c/ℓ in the price of diesel that came into effect on Wednesday could assist farmers with their cash flow and profit margins.
Lower dam levels not yet cause for concern – economists
Rainfall prospects to replenish the water levels of some of South Africa’s dams, which have been dipping below the levels recorded at the same time last year, are not looking promising at least until the end of November.
‘Negligent municipalities will be held to task’ – minister
Sustainable water use, access to water, and transformation were some of the main challenges facing the water sector, according to Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation.
Global food price index up 3,3% year to year
September’s global Food Price Index remained unchanged from August at nearly 170 points, but was 3,3% higher than the corresponding period in 2018.
‘No clarity on gun licences for the foreseeable future’
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police has referred the draft notice declaring an amnesty on firearms back to Police Minister Bheki Cele for reconsideration.
SA consumers set to face further food price pressure
Food inflation is set to increase in the short term due to various macro-economic indicators, which means that South African consumers can expect further food price increases.
New on-site medical care for Grabouw fruit company workers
Two-a-Day, a fruit growing, packing and marketing company in Grabouw, recently launched a wellness programme and day clinic for its employees, which will enable them to receive medical treatment and minor surgery on the premises.
SA winter fire season in full swing
The fire season is in full swing for the majority of South Africa, with dry conditions prevalent throughout the country.
Agricultural role players’ wish list for SONA
In his second State of the Nation Address this year, to be delivered in Parliament on Thursday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa it is expected to present a plan to address South Africans needs for the year ahead.
Addressing air pollution on World Environment Day
A large proportion of the air pollution that plagues many parts of the world is the result of intensive agricultural operations such as livestock farming.
SA farmers urged to be vigilant against anthrax
An outbreak of anthrax has been reported in Qeme in Lesotho following the hospitalisation of more than 50 people in the area.
International accolade for Farmer’s Weekly editor
Farmer’s Weekly editor Denene Erasmus has been awarded the inaugural Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism from the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ).
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