Unhelpful Government Threatens Food Security, say Farmers
The lockdown measures to combat the Covid-19 pandemic make excessive demands on security forces and yet the government has not availed itself of the support offered by organised agriculture in terms of the Rural Safety Strategy.
Cigarettes are Non-Essential, but Tobacco can Still Help the Fight against Covid-19
Banning the sale of tobacco during the lockdown against coronavirus is controversial. But what does tobacco have to offer us in this time of Covid-19?
Off-take agreements with Emerging Livestock Farmers of R30–R90 million announced by Al Mawashi
Emerging farmers to access between R30 Million – R90 Million over next three years in first-round of off-take agreements.
Founding of Agricultural Development Agency “A New Landmark in SA History”
The launch of the Agricultural Development Agency (AGDA) at the three-day Africa Agri Tech Conference and Expo in Pretoria this week has been heralded as a landmark in the history of South Africa by bringing together the various role players in the agricultural environment to be part of a powerful initiative led by passionate people.
Minister Thoko Didiza to deliver keynote address at the AGDA launch
The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza will deliver the keynote address at the official launch of the much-anticipated Agriculture Development Agency. This take place on 18 February 2020 at the Africa Agri Tech Conference and Expo (AAT), to be held at the Maslow Hotel, Times Square, Menlyn Main in Pretoria.
Agbiz comments on the compulsory installation of water metres and monthly reporting of water used for commercial irrigation
The Acting Director General of the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation has published a notice in the Government Gazette requiring all irrigators to install water meters and report their monthly consumption. This notice specifically relates to those water users who do not form part of a Water User Association nor an Irrigation Board.
Outsourcing builds a resilient operation
Abattoirs rank among the most utility-heavy operations in the agricultural industry, with electricity, water, cooling and heat being in high demand throughout the year to keep these facilities running. The sprawling operation belonging to Meyerton-based pork products supplier, Lynca Meats, is a notable case in point, where finding the most effective means of containing operational costs remains a top priority.
Opportunities in the South African market: A view for U.S. agro-food exporters
The USDA GAINS (Global Agricultural Information Network) report this week included an Exporter Guide with its overview of the South African market, and naturally curious, we opened it.
Four steps to weatherproofing your livestock farm
As an Eagles music fan, I knew the surname Meisner (Randy Meisner, the bass guitarist, was a favourite!) When our team met livestock scientist Dr Heinz Meissner at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC)’s Irene campus years ago, it was a name I would remember.
A Community owning its water
Rain has been falling across the country this month (there is nothing better than falling asleep to this sound!) The heart responds with gratitude but also with concern when remembering places in the country where it hasn’t rained for more than four years.