Crops

Government policies, failed policies and issues surrounding policies were explored at this year’s Nation in Conversation dialogue at Nampo.

This superb side-dish is a cinch to make. Baked in the oven, it leaves the rest of the kitchen free for whatever delights you are planning to add to the menu. Like an inch-thick sirloin steak per diner, for example. Alternatively, served on its own, it makes a tasty, satisfying light meal for four.

South Africa’s farmers, through the country’s network of fresh produce markets, should be supplying more vegetables to countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

It is vital for South African farmers to take ownership of transformation in agriculture, according to Prof Piet Croucamp, political analyst and columnist.

Veteran agricultural writer and industry stalwart, Hans Lombard, passed away last night in his sleep. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

Poor economic growth in China, coupled with general poor economic performance in the rest of the world, had resulted in a decline in global commodity prices, according to Wessel Lemmer, senior agricultural economist at Absa.

Approximately 70% of farmers in the Swartland had finished planting wheat towards the middle of May 2016.

The widespread reports stating that frozen chicken portions will become more expensive with the new brine cap, is untrue, according to Scott Pittman, managing director of the consumer division at RCL Foods.

This week the strengthening rand lost momentum when the local currency weakened by 0,13% against the US dollar.

Speaking at Nampo’s Nation in Conversation about successful empowerment projects, Phillip Retief, CEO of Van Loveren wines said initiators of projects must become involved because they want to be involved, not because they have to be involved.

New brining regulations, which cap the amount of brine in whole chicken at 10% and 15% for portions, could result in rising food costs, said Kevin Lovell, CEO of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA)

With the recent announcement that Elanco Animal Health would be selling its interests in the manufacture and marketing of the potent large game capture drug, M99, in South Africa, Wildlife Ranching SA (WRSA) is hoping that supply of this drug will be improved.

Industry organisation, Potatoes SA, would like to see more potatoes produced by black-owned farming enterprises on South Africa’s fresh produce markets.

Whether you’re in a co-op or just one of a few farmers getting together to buy inputs at a better price, knowing how to run a meeting will contribute to your project’s success.

Don’t assume that everyone on your farm knows his or her job. Try this exercise, and you will be surprised.

While Grain SA economist, Wandile Sihlobo, understands that South Africa is experiencing severe financial constraints, he believes that the government needs to prioritise, and increase, funding to its drought-stricken agriculture sector. He writes here in his personal capacity.

The Breede Valley fire department and the Disaster Management Centre in the Western Cape have launched a project to evaluate the effectiveness of smoke detectors to combat losses during fire outbreaks.

The KWV Group, one of the world’s most renowned brandy and wine brands, is to be sold for R1,15 billion to a leading consumer focused investment group.

Security is being beefed up at this year’s Nampo Harvest Day, courtesy of members of the public.

The South African Macadamia Growers’ Association (SAMAC) has released an updated crop forecast, which anticipates the 2016 season to yield 39 000t of nuts in shell (NIS), with a kernel moisture content of 1,5%.