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Desbo Mohono, formerly human settlement MEC in North West, was appointed the province’s new MEC for agriculture on 4 May 2012. She shared her plans for the next 18 months in office with Peter Mashala.

Advocate Jacques Swanepoel, vice-chairperson of the Red Meat Producers Organisation and chairperson of the RPO’s North West Stock Theft Forum, says indications are that the police are no longer able to control stock theft in the country. He spoke to Annelie Coleman.

Despite vastly divergent opinions on the breeding of colour variant game, everyone agrees on its massive profitability. As demand increases, so does controversy. Dr Gert Dry, president of Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA) contends that colour variants are a natural occurrence. Lindi van Rooyen spoke to him about maintaining biodiversity in the game gene pool.

It was recently announced that a majority share of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope is destined to be built in Africa. Prof Justin Jonas, Associate Director: Science and Engineering at SKA South Africa, spoke to Denene Erasmus about the implications for Karoo farmers.

With the Netherlands being the second largest importer of South African fruit, local farmers need to adapt to the Dutch consumers’ preference for sustainably produced food. Prof Nico Visser, agricultural counsellor at the Dutch embassy in Pretoria, spoke to Jaco Visser.

Nandi Mayethula-Khoza became Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in 2009. She spoke to Peter Mashala about her department’s projects, in particular her plans to increase employment in the province.

Recent charges of animal cruelty brought against a crocodile farmer have placed single-pen farming under the spotlight. Rob Reader, former chairperson of the SA Crocodile Farmers’ Association (SACFA), speaks out about this issue.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO) plays a leading role in assisting governments to grow agricultural sectors and build a food secure foundation. Rosebud Kurwijila, FAO representative for South Africa, spoke to Lindi van Rooyen about skills shortages and uplifting small-scale farmers.

Prof Michael de Jongh, author of Roots and Routes – Karretjie People of the Great Karoo – talks to Roelof Bezuidenhout about his research into the lives of the gypsy-like first people of South Africa who play an integral role in the extensive sheep farming economy of the region.

The Spring Show, held from 1 to 6 September in Pretoria, has undergone numerous name changes in an effort to remain relevant. Now, rebranded as an agricultural show, it is set to regain its reputation as one of the country’s foremost events. Event organiser Robert Walker spoke candidly to Lindi van Rooyen about turning the show around.

Shell recently released a groundwater atlas of the Karoo as part of its ongoing campaign to win approval for shale gas exploration in the Karoo. Prof Maarten de Wit, geologist and director of the Africa Earth Observatory Network (AEON), says we need to do our own research but we lack the expertise. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.

Angus Beef (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of the Angus Society of SA, is determined to add value to nationally produced Angus beef products through its Certified SA Angus Beef initiative. Chairman Hendrik Jacobs explains to Lloyd Phillips what it’s all about.