By Invitation

Eskom is currently seeking further potentially crippling electricity price increases. Trade union Solidarity argues that new power provider entrants should be allowed to deal directly with consumers and have the opportunity to offer more competitive pricing.

Ron Thomson, conservationist, hunter, former game warden and author, takes aim at the Kruger’s no-cull elephant management strategy. The plan, he argues, is not only inhumane, but a sure way to destroy the park’s biodiversity.

Violent strikes. Hostility towards private enterprise. Corruption and ineptitude. Our country seems to be on a slippery slope. Yet the SAIRR’s Frans Cronje is bullish about South Africa.

A report compiled by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, under the leadership of Dr Ferdi Meyer, argues that recent labour unrest in the farming sector is not about minimum wages, but unemployment and rural poverty in South Africa.

Drawing on his own experience, as well as the work of agri writer Simon Fiske, top rose farmer Ludwig Taschner offers an interesting take on why land reform projects fail.

2012 has brought many challenges to the farming community and many of the problems will continue into 2013. Some agricultural union presidents share their messages of hope for farmers.

The National Development Plan (Vision 2030) presents a way forward for agriculture, recognising the importance of commercial and smallholder farming and advocating a pragmatic, engaged approach, explains John Purchase, CEO of Agbiz.

Atholl Trollip, DA spokesperson for rural development, believes that President Jacob Zuma might be using the Masibambisane initiative to garner support for his upcoming party leadership battle.

Management consultant, experienced farmer and regular Farmer’s Weekly columnist Peter Hughes stresses the importance of building good relationships with one’s employees and paying fair wages.

The negative consequences of the widespread, and sometimes indiscriminate, use of antibiotics in livestock production are of growing concern as it could lead to antibiotic resistance. Dr Hans-Joachim Götz, president of the Federal Association of Practising Veterinarians (BPT) spoke at EuroTier in Hanover, Germany on the wise use of antibiotics.

There is a great need for change in a society where the gap between rich and poor grows ever wider. Luke Metelerkamp looks at possible reasons behind the recent destructive, angry outburst in De Doorns in the Western Cape.

Uncertainty over land reform prevails while government dithers. Gerrit van Rensburg, Western Cape’s agriculture minister, says that instead of formulating more plans, government must stick to what works.