Sabrina Dean
Multimedia journalist active in print, radio and online platforms.
‘Cost of South Africa’s FMD outbreak could reach R10 billion’
It has been estimated that the recent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in South Africa could cost the red meat value chain as much as R10 billion.
SA’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak officially over
South Africa is currently engaging with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about declaring a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) containment zone.
Award-winning Brangus breeder’s formula for success
Christopher Sparks can be counted as one of the top cattle stud producers in South Africa after having claimed two prestigious national titles last year. Sabrina Dean visited him at his Mount Olive Brangus Stud in the Free State to find out what it is he is doing right.
Con Court appeal on the cards in Vrede Dairy report case
Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane intends appealing the High Court ruling that declared the report into the Vrede Dairy Project “unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid”.
Extending artificial insemination to beef cattle
One of the reproductive tools for the beef industry discussed in depth at the 10th annual Aldam Stockman School last year was the use of fixed-time artificial insemination. Sabrina Dean explores the concept as explained by three international speakers at the event.
‘Many factors impact vegetable price fluctuations’
The Fresh Produce Market Trends report released in the first week of May by Absa senior agricultural economist, Wessel Lemmer, indicated that potato volumes increased 102% from the previous week, with onion volumes also up more than 60%.
‘Voter apathy does not bode well for SA’s democracy’
The most worrying trend in this general election was the poor voter turnout, which was just over 65%, said political risk analyst and associate professor at the Wits Business School, Mzukusi Qobo.
Suspects in ‘significant’ stock theft case seek bail
Five suspects were expected to appear in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court for a second time on Friday after being charged with stock theft involving 334 head of cattle estimated at a value of R3,1 million. The suspects were seeking bail.
Upset in SA national sheep shearing championship
South Africans will now have to pin their hopes on two new blade shearers, Fickson Maqhosha and Bonile Rebela, to defend the country’s title at the Golden Shears World Championship in Le Dorat, France later this year.
Shearers sharpen their blades to secure a spot in SA team
Sheep shearers from across South Africa are gathering in Bloemfontein this weekend to try and secure their place in the national team heading to the Golden Shears World Championship in Le Dorat, France, in July.
Swift action contains swine fever outbreak
The SA Pork Producer’s Organisation (SAPPO) has commended the swift reaction by state veterinary officials in dealing with a case of African Swine Fever (ASF) on a game farm near the controlled zone in North West.¬¬¬
Mixed farming: a successful synergy of citrus and dairy
Huguenot Farms in the Sundays River Valley is implementing a long-term, mixed farming strategy that will see its ‘beautiful soils’ produce to their full potential. Sabrina Dean visited the farm, where the Marais family has established a profitable combined dairy-citrus operation.
Farmers urged to be vigilant for crop pest infestations
Grain SA has urged farmers to continue scouting for crop pests such as caterpillars on their lands. The commodity organisation said in a statement released on Thursday that delayed plantings of maize across much of the western and central maize belt in South Africa had been a major concern for growers this season.
Meeting the beef demand of a growing global market
The highly competitive nature of the global beef export market was among the key trends highlighted during the SA Feedlot Association’s Cattleman’s Conference in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
Prior learning recognition ‘to bring dignity and hope’
The Glen College of Agriculture near Bloemfontein has welcomed the first group of students to register for a 12-month diploma access programme at its newly launched Recognition of Prior Learning Centre.
Frontier Bonsmaras’ strategy for sold-out auctions
Due to its insistence on uncompromising quality, Frontier Bonsmaras in the Eastern Cape has sold every one of the bulls on offer at its annual sale over the past 12 years. Sabrina Dean joined the group on its pre-sale tour to find out how this event fits into Frontier’s formula for success.
Grain SA initiative to help farmers get financing
Grain SA (GSA) recently announced that it will dedicate R5 million to serve as collateral to help black potential commercial farmers unlock financing.
How a small farmer became SA’s biggest pineapple producer
A unique microclimate in the southern Eastern Cape has given rise to a niche cropping industry that requires intensive precision production over a five- to seven-year cycle. Sabrina Dean paid a visit to large pineapple producer Mark Harris to find out more.
New family farming organisation for SA
A new organisation aimed at protecting and promoting the rights, values, ideals and needs of family farmers in the primary production sector in South Africa was officially launched in Pretoria on Thursday.
SA frozen chicken meat imports hit record levels last year
South Africa set a new record for the amount of frozen broiler meat that was brought into the country last year, importing R6 billion worth of chicken.
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