By Invitation

Emerging beef cattle farmers in sub-Saharan Africa struggle with low fertility and high mortality in their herds. Yet the situation could be improved if farmers were taught the importance of diligent measuring and recording, says Prof Michiel Scholtz of ARC’s Animal Production Department.

Our country is facing a bleak future ahead, unless economic stability and growth are achieved and maintained. Poverty and unemployment are some of the factors contributing to this, according to Bennie van Zyl, TAU SA general manager.

When it comes to genetically modified crops, ignorance isn’t bliss, it’s downright dangerous, making the public prey to scaremongers and hampering food security, warns Dr Charlie Reinhardt.

The booming game industry has had an unintentional spin-off – animals escaping onto neighbouring, unfenced properties. Whom do these animals belong to now? The answer is not as simple as it seems, and farmers who shoot first and ask questions later could be in trouble with the law.

Maintaining and managing SA’s scarce water resources have become highly contentious issues, especially in rural areas, says Gert Nel, partner and principal geohydrologist in SRK Consulting, East London.

Impending land reform legislation threatens food security and the rural economy. Dr Frans Cronje, CEO of the SA Institute of Race Relations, believes it is crucial to fight now for property rights.

Taking pictures might sound more civilised to some people, but hunting remains the driving force behind wildlife and habitat protection under most conditions, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.

South Africa should engage urgently in a national debate on food production, and farmers should take heed of global food requirements in order to embrace production opportunities, says Prof Louise Fresco of the University of Amsterdam.

In a country of naysayers and prophets of doom, Grain SA members are positive about the future and dedicated to transformation, says Grain SA CEO Jannie de Villiers.

Government’s new regulations for the importation of cattle, sheep and goats are misguided and unrealistic, says Mecki Schneider, chairperson of the Namibian Livestock Producers’ Organisation.

Although South Africa’s electricity prices are low by international standards, they are set to increase annually by 8% over five years. Gregor Kuepper, managing director of SolarWorld Africa, believes that solar energy will be crucial to meeting our energy needs.

The Department of Science and Technology’s recently released Bio-Economy Strategy outlines research and development initiatives for South African agriculture. A summary follows.