Is Zuma trading land for votes?
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.
De Doorns: will we heed the lessons?
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.
Focus on animal health to reduce antibiotic use in livestock
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.
Reflections on De Doorns
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.
Land reform: it’s time to act
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.
Radical new land reform plan: the president’s address
President Jacob Zuma, in his keynote address at the recent Afasa AGM, emphasised that ongoing engagement between government and farmers would help to develop government’s vision for agriculture. He also put forward a district-based proposal on transferring land to black farmers.
Co-operation: key to success
Agriculture holds promise – provided that all ages and races are brought into the sector. Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson told the Agri SA Congress that co-operation was vital for sustainability and stability.
Rethink required for agricultural success
The government and farmers need to shift their paradigm to achieve the objectives of a stable, food secure and safe future for all South Africans. In delivering his presidential address at the Agri SA conference, Johannes Möller pinpointed some areas that need rethinking.
The value of valuers
The SA Institute of Valuers (SAIV) agrees with Tshepo Diale (24 February) and Andrew Emslie (8 June) that the current land reform process leaves much to be desired.
Farmers must lobby govt, now
With the current global financial turmoil and concern over food security, it’s time to press government for support, Kwanalu president Brian Aitken said at the union’s congress in Pietermaritzburg on 13 September.
Boosting the biofuels industry
The energy minister recently gazetted the mandatory blending of biofuels at minimum concentrations of 5% for biodiesel and 2% to 10% for bio-ethanol. Once outstanding issues are resolved, this should kick-start investment in biofuels, says biofuels agricultural advisor Fanie Brink.
Who’s educating consumers?
Ill-informed consumers who demand less crop protection chemicals and have irrational fears of genetically modified food are a risk to farmer’s survival. Who is taking responsibility to ensure that the truth about food is getting to the consumer, asks Lindi van Rooyen.
