Sabrina Dean
Multimedia journalist active in print, radio and online platforms.
Nampo Park abuzz ahead of largest agri sector showcase
The organisers of Nampo, one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in South Africa, say the premises near Bothaville in the Free State are already a hive of activity as exhibitors begin setting up for the annual show, which runs from May 15 to 18.
DAFF DG Mike Mlengana back at work
Mike Mlengana said he could not wait to get back to work after a high court ruling found his suspension as Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) to be unlawful.
Public Protector to reopen Vrede dairy investigation
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services has welcomed a commitment by Public Protector (PP) Busisiwe Mkwhebane to take a closer look at the involvement of politicians in the Vrede dairy farm scandal.
Northern Cape farmers get share of R433-million in drought aid
Northern Cape farmers in drought affected districts of the province were overjoyed to finally start receiving financial aid from government to help them weather the dry times.
Africa blocks SA processed meat products due to listeriosis
Fifteen African countries have recalled certain processed meat products as a result of the listeriosis outbreak in South Africa.
DRDLR gives Harrismith farmers access to mechanisation
A farmer-led committee in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District in the Free State has pledged to ensure that seven new Case tractors handed over by government to local developing farmers on March 23 would be utilised effectively.
Eastern Cape urban agri projects to be rejuvenated
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has announced plans to establish a trust that would be tasked with revitalising several urban farming initiatives that had become unsustainable over the years.
Drought declared a national disaster
Government this week formally declared the drought as a “national state of disaster”.
Strong opposition to expropriation at Grain SA congress
Emotions ran high on day one of Grain SA’s annual congress at Nampo Park, Bothaville, Wednesday, as members reacted to a motion dealing with expropriation without compensation (EWC).
FAW: farmers urged to stay vigilant, but not panic
An advisory about the possible detection of fall armyworm (FAW) on sunflowers in Mpumalanga was a precautionary measure and should not be a cause for panic, according to Grain SA.
Recognition for top Free State beef breeders
Top-performing beef cattle stud breeders from the Free State and parts of the Northern Cape were recognised for their achievements during an awards ceremony held in Bloemfontein recently.
SONA 2018, Agri leaders speak out
Although several role players in organised agriculture have welcomed the appointment of Cyril Ramaphosa as president of South Africa, and were positive about the main thrust of his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), concern has been raised about his statements concerning land expropriation without compensation.
Agriculture jobs decline 8% from 2016
Despite a slight uptick in the number of agriculture jobs created in the fourth quarter of 2017, the sector recorded the second-highest number of jobs lost on a year-to-year basis.
Another two ARC execs resign
Two more executives have resigned from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). The ARC confirmed this in response to a follow-up query by Farmer’s Weekly.
Free State Agriculture promises to listen to farmers’ needs
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is determined to give a voice to the province’s farmers, according to Francois Wilken, president of the organisation.
Reduced summer grain planting ‘not a surprise’
In its latest estimate for 2017/2018, the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) has reduced the area planted to commercial maize in South Africa.
DRDLR advertises for new DG
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) has confirmed that it has started advertising for a new director-general (DG).
Frankel colt fetches R4 million at Cape Yearling Sales
A total of R111 million was spent on yearling racehorse prospects at the Cape Premier Yearling Sales at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 21 and 22 January.
Milk price hits four-year high
The producer price for milk reached R5,10/ℓ to R5,20/ℓ in December, its highest level since 2014, according to the Milk Producer’s Organisation (MPO).
Grain SA chairperson: a passionate but practical farmer
It takes a fine balancing act for Grain SA chairperson, Jaco Minnaar, to serve the interests of members while still leaving enough time to pursue his true passion – being a farmer. Sabrina Dean visited him recently on his family farm near Hennenman in the Free State.
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