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While issues like climate change are crucial, seeds – the foundation of most of the food value chain – deserve attention, writes Dr Lukeshni Chetty, general manager of the South African National Seed Organization.

In August Troy Gayler, the owner of Paradise Boran Stud in southern Queensland, Australia, bought a pregnant heifer, Haylee (BH 21-404) for an African record price of R1,8 million at the Hurwitz Farming 10th Production Auction. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his interest in Boran cattle.

Transformation in the fresh produce sector faces a significant challenge in that small-scale producers are unable to stay the course. Lindi Botha reports on how overwhelming obstacles, such as defunct government infrastructure and the high cost of food safety compliance, are shattering these farmers’ prospects for success.

Daneel Rossouw, head of sales for agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, explores how conservation agriculture (CA) could significantly improve the sustainability of South African agriculture.

Dian Landman, winner of the Eastern Cape Toyota Young Farmer of the Year award and runner-up in the Milk Producers’ Organisation’s Nedbank Stewardship Awards in 2023, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he balances growth and sustainability on his dairy farm.

South Africa's agriculture sector may see some relief as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) eased to 4,4% in August, its lowest level since April 2021. This dip, down from 4,6% in July, was driven by lower transport and housing costs, with energy and fuel prices being key contributors.

After dropping to a 15-year low in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) showed a notable improvement in Q3, rising by 10 points to reach 48. However, the index remains below the neutral 50-point threshold, reflecting persistent concerns within the sector.

The Agricultural Writers SA National Farmer of the Year 2023, Dewald te Water, runs a diversified agriculture and construction business in Mpumalanga. Growing the business from scratch, he has proved the value of hard work, perseverance, and not being afraid to take risks.

Retail sales of agricultural machinery in South Africa experienced a notable decline in August 2024, reflecting broader challenges faced by the agriculture sector.

The largest part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region could expect normal to above-normal rainfall between October and December 2024, according to a recent statement by the 29th Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-29). The forum members met from 26 to 28 August in Harare, Zimbabwe.

As the name suggests, Blitz is a fertiliser that speedily boosts the germination, emergence and early growth phase of plants.

Speaking at the recent annual Kulumba Traditional Ceremony of the Chewa people of Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia, held in Zambia, Malawian Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda said climate change posed a serious threat to his country and its people.