Innehållsförteckning för 28 March 2025 från Farmer's Weekly

The Conversation recently published an article titled ‘15 million South Africans don’t get enough to eat every day: 4 solutions’ (see story on page 21). In this article, the three researchers write that more than 1 000 children die of malnutrition in South Africa every year. In all respects, this is a shocking statistic, but it becomes even more so, as the article points out, when you consider that Brazil, a country with more than double South Africa’s population, suffers 350 child deaths from malnutrition every year. South Africa, a net exporter of agricultural commodities, has plenty of food to go around. There certainly isn’t a shortage of food but, as the article says, the problem is not the volume of available food but rather the cost thereof. The seriousness…

The TVL Hunt, Point & Retrieve Field Trial Club is the pioneer of the versatile gun dog movement in South Africa. It was started four decades ago by a group of enthusiasts who wished to develop and improve the natural abilities of the versatile breeds that hunt, point, and retrieve. Since then, the club has grown into the largest gun dog club in South Africa. To celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, the club is inviting all gun dog owners to join them for a special event featuring competitions and activities for those interested in pointing gun dogs and wing shooting. Everyone with a pointing gun dog can participate or come and watch South Africa’s top gun dogs in action. The event will take place during the week of 12…

Although this UK pig breeder might not have marketed as many pigs annually as he would with a three-week weaning system, he found communal rearing more profitable. When nine out of 10 baby-piglet deaths are due to crushing by sows within the first four days of life, why keep mothers and litters in costly individual farrowing stalls after those four hazardous days have passed? An ever-growing number of breeders overseas are now letting these families out of confinement only a few days after birth – without a rise in piglet mortality. You need fewer farrowing pens and equipment than you do if you keep the new mothers locked up for a full three, four weeks or even longer. The new technique is called ‘communal rearing’. Soon after the four-day danger…

In January, a nutritionally-balanced food basket would cost a family of four R3 870 for the month, according to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy’s (BFAP) Thrifty Health Food Basket index. This is 1% (or R37) more expensive than the same basket cost in December 2024, and 3,6% (or R133) more expensive year-on-year (y/y). Food now represented 31,2% of the Consumer Price Index, compared with 30,9% in December 2024. According to BFAP’s Food Inflation Brief, inflation on food and non-alcoholic beverages increased 2,3% y/y. Vegetables saw the highest month-on-month (m/m) inflation from December to January, with an increase of 0,9%, followed by meat with an increase of 0,8%, and oils and fats with an increase of 0,7%. Year-on-year, oil and fat prices increased 2,8%, followed by vegetables with an…

Macadamia prices for the 2025 season have shown double-digit increases, but the industry was far from the recovery needed for long-term stability, according to industry role players. South Africa’s macadamia harvesting season commenced in March amid much optimism regarding improved pricing. Greater demand for kernels had led to price increases of around 45%, depending on the sound kernel recovery (SKR) percentage and crackout style. While the nut-in-shell (NIS) market had proven more lucrative over the past two years, demand had waned as prices rose from the historic lows seen between 2021 and 2023. The 2025 increase was therefore a result of kernel price increases, with the NIS price expected to remain flat. Shane Hartman, CEO of Global Macadamias, told Farmer’s Weekly that strategic marketing efforts, with increased awareness and the…

The South African poultry industry is working hard to ensure the availability of affordable chicken for consumers, despite mounting challenges. This was according to Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA). Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Breitenbach said rising feed and energy costs in the country were having a significant impact on production. “Feed costs account for 70% of the total production cost of a live bird,” he said. He added that farmers also continued to experience electricity interruptions, due to poor municipal maintenance. Additionally, increased costs of securing water access, and the lack of rail transport to transport grains, further undermined the industry’s competitiveness. “These are costs that countries like Brazil do not have to contend with. We urge government to address these infrastructure issues to support…

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NWDARD), in collaboration with North-West University’s (NWU) Mahikeng Campus, recently launched an agricultural hub aimed at improving innovation and research, as well as skills development, in the agriculture sector. At the opening ceremony to commemorate the launch, North West Premier Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi highlighted the agriculture hub’s role in positioning the province as a leading exporter of agricultural products. He said the agriculture hub would serve as a centre of excellence, focusing on strengthening the livestock and crop value chains. In terms of production trends, the agriculture sector’s contribution to the province’s gross domestic profit was 3%, with black farmers playing a minimal role in this regard. The North West ranked between 1st and 5th in the country in terms of…

The 2025 Gauteng Women’s Excellence Awards recently took place at the Anew Hotel in Benoni to coincide with International Women’s Day, which was celebrated on 8 March. The annual event recognises women who have made outstanding contributions across various fields in the province. Among the award recipients for 2025 was Keneilwe Raphesu, who owns Mogalemone, a grain and cattle farming operation. Raphesu was named the second runner-up for the Young Woman Achiever of the Year award, a recognition she described as deeply meaningful in light of the challenges she faced in the past year. “Honestly, it feels amazing to be recognised, especially during such a difficult time [in my career],” Raphesu told Farmer’s Weekly. “Last year, I lost over 80 cows, and my infrastructure was demolished. I went through a…

The Bonsmara was developed in the 1930s with the objective of creating a beef cattle breed that would not only survive but actually thrive under Southern Africa’s tough climatic conditions. It was bred at the Mara and Messina Research Stations under the guidance of Prof Jan Bonsma. Through selective breeding involving Afrikaner, Hereford, and Shorthorn cattle, the Bonsmara was born, characterised by its heat tolerance, adaptability, and superior meat quality. The breed’s success is underpinned by the fact that it is now widespread across Africa and even North and South America. According to Bonsmara SA, the breed’s most famous foundation sire is ‘Mara Edelheer’ (T342), whose dam, L305, was a highly fertile cow – by the time she was 19 years old, she had produced 17 calves. T342’s sire, N406,…

Barley can be strategically used in crop rotations to help manage herbicide-resistant weeds through various mechanisms. Manfred Venter, head of agriculture at AB InBev South Africa, says that barley germinates faster and establishes a dense canopy quicker than wheat, allowing it to outcompete weeds for sunlight, nutrients and water. Its early vigour and shading effect also suppress weed emergence and reduce the overall weed seed bank, thereby reducing the reliance on post-emergence herbicides. Barley also has a different herbicide tolerance to wheat, allowing the use of alternative herbicides that may not be safe for wheat, and enabling the rotation of different herbicide modes of action to delay resistance build-up. Some herbicides that can be used in barley are also not labelled for wheat due to different metabolism and selectivity mechanisms…

ACROSS 3. Byre (7) 8. Seed in a hard shell (6) 9. Humanity (Zulu, Xhosa) (6) 10. _______ farming uses only natural products (7) 11. Sheep’s flesh as food (6) 12. China clay (6) 13. Clot obstructing a blood vessel (7) 15. Domain (5) 18. Scatter (seeds) loosely (5) 21. Grain storehouse (7) 23. The ________ Black Belly is a productive breed of sheep originating in the Caribbean (8) 24. Of the zone 2 590km either side of the equator (8) 26. Newly wealthy or powerful person (7) 27. A grass strongly resembling oats, used for fodder (5) 30. Soiled with mud (5) 33. To entrust a secret to (7) 35. Layers of sedimentary rock (6) 36. Honey from the glands of plants (6) 37. Tree of India, the Middle…

The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer’s Weekly. This article was originally published by The Conversation. To read the original, visit bit.ly/41tAkQZ. Julian May is the director of the NRF-DST Centre of Excellence in Food Security at the University of the Western Cape. Email jmay@uwc.ac.za. Thokozani Simelane is a professor of practice at the Human Sciences Research Council. Visit hsrc.ac.za. “The death in early February of a nineyear-old South African boy, Alti Willard, who drank poison while scavenging for food in rubbish bins with his father, is a tragic reflection of the persistent food insecurity crisis in the country. A child dying while trying to avert starvation is hard to comprehend, given the country’s economic and natural resources. South Africa has the…

A new campaign in South Africa’s food industry is empowering consumers to make more ethical food choices while encouraging businesses to commit to higher animal welfare standards. The Verified Cage-Free Campaign, recently launched by the South African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), recognises businesses that publicly declare their commitment to sourcing only cage-free eggs, including free-range, barn, organic, and pasture-raised. By signing the Verified Cage-Free commitment, businesses make a transparent, public pledge to phase out battery-cage eggs from their supply chains. This campaign also seeks to educate consumers about sustainable and ethical food choices and encourage them to support businesses that align with their values. Zwelisha Shobede, SAFCEI’s cage-free coordinator, says: “Faiths teach us to care for all of creation, and that includes the animals in our food system.” But…

With the recent election of a new leader of the Liberal Party in Canada to replace outgoing premier, Justin Trudeau, the rumours of a snap or early election immediately arose in that country. An early election is usually an election that is called before the end of a four- or five-year term is over. The new leader, Mark Carney, will probably do this to consolidate the position of his party. Under Trudeau, the party started to decline and had to form a loose coalition with opposition parties. US President Donald Trump reactivated Canadian politics when he introduced tariffs and referred to Canada as a “51st American state”. Calling a snap-election will probably boost the fortunes of the Liberal Party against the Conservative Party. SOUTH AFRICAN SCENARIOS For the first time…

The dairy industry’s prospects for 2025 are positive amid increased consumer demand, and new market opportunities in China, according to Makoma Makgopa, an agricultural specialist at the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service. In a recent report on South Africa’s dairy industry, Makgopa said that the industry was likely to experience growth in the near future due to improving economic factors. This was despite the industry having suffered many weather- and disease-related challenges over the past five years. “In 2025, unprocessed liquid milk production will likely increase by 2%, spurred on by declining feed costs.” Moreover, he added that the Dairy Protocol, signed in September last year, which provided South African dairy farmers with access to the Chinese market, was expected to result in a 10% increase in South…

There was currently no antivenom available against scorpion stings and spider bites in South Africa, according to Johan Marais, head of the African Snakebite Institute. “South Africa had been producing its own antivenom since 1903, and the country did in earlier years experience shortages, which usually lasted a few weeks at most, but the current challenges pertaining to the lack of antivenom had been ongoing for years. “An alternative antivenom called Pan African Premium is currently being imported under Section 21 of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority from India and it appears to be a good alternative,” he added. PANAF-Premium is a polyvalent antivenom designed to treat envenomation from a range of snake species found in sub-Saharan Africa, and could not be used to treat spider bites or…

The Senepol Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa recently hosted an information day at Blackpool Farm in Cathcart, Eastern Cape, providing farmers with insights into the breed’s origins, genetics, and the benefits of crossbreeding. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Boetie Hattingh, president of the society, said 65 local farmers attended the event, eager to learn more about the breed and how it could contribute to improving their commercial herds. “We are introducing the Senepol breed in this area to help more farmers understand its unique genetic makeup and what it can bring to their herds,” he said. According to Hattingh, the Senepol, originally from the Caribbean, was known for its hardiness, heat tolerance, and superior meat quality. “These traits make the breed particularly suitable for South Africa’s diverse climates and commercial…

The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) recently hosted a hybrid Strategy Dialogue Session at the InvestSA One Stop Shop in East London, Eastern Cape. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Simpiwe Somdyala, CEO of ECRDA, said the key pillars of the agency’s new strategy were grain, fodder, and vegetable crops; livestock commercialisation, particularly focusing on beef, dairy, and poultry; field crops; animal fibre development; horticulture, forestry, and timber processing; and establishing agri-clusters and rural enterprise development hubs. “The ECRDA’s strategy from 2025 to 2030 will focus on commercialising rural agriculture in a way that strengthens economic viability and ensures sustainable food production,” Somdyala said. Somdyala added that smallholder farmers faced numerous financial challenges. “Many rural farmers and enterprises struggle with limited balance sheets and equity, making it difficult to secure adequate…

Elunda Basson, cellar master at Steenberg Vineyards in Tokai, Western Cape, was recently appointed as chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa (Sauvignon Blanc SA), taking over from RJ Botha. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Basson said Sauvignon Blanc was very important to South Africa, as it was the 8th most planted grape variety in the world, and the most exported variety from South Africa in volume terms. According to Wines of South Africa, Sauvignon Blanc exports increased by 5% year-on-year to reach 63,3million litres in 2024, while its price per litre increased by 1% in rand value and 3% in US dollar value. Basson added that consumers were already familiar with Sauvignon Blanc, but primarily in specific price categories, where it was seen as “good value for money”. She also said…

Trade disputes over US tariffs have become a focal point for agricultural markets, and a potential trade war is looming with China, the world’s largest soya bean importer. The upcoming World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report in March is anticipated to highlight possible shifts in supply and demand resulting from these tariffs and the retaliatory measures impacting the US agriculture sector. This will have an affect on price dynamics for Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural commodities. In South Africa, improved weather and good forecasts have raised production sentiments towards summer grains and oilseeds for the current season. MAIZE CBOT maize prices have followed a decreasing trend since mid-February, falling by 5,9% month-on-month (see Graph 1) on the back of improved weather conditions in Argentina at the beginning of…

The South African Barley Breeding Institute’s breeding strategy prioritises disease resistance in barley varieties, but an integrated disease management approach is essential for sustainable production. Manfred Venter, head of agriculture at AB InBev South Africa, encourages farmers to implement best practices for disease control, and seek assistance from SA Breweries agronomists to develop effective management strategies when they need guidance. He says there is a big difference between the disease challenges based on whether production is rainfed or under irrigation. Foliar diseases are generally less problematic in irrigated regions due to climatic conditions that are less conducive to fungal infections. Over the past three years, however, Fusarium head blight has emerged as a major concern. The lack of registered fungicides to control the fungus has compounded the problem. “A critical…

Most white storks (Ciconia ciconia) seen in South Africa have migrated from their Northern Hemisphere breeding grounds – especially in central and southern Europe – to spend summer in Southern Africa, a migratory cycle that has defined the species. However, as early as the 1940s, it was discovered that white storks were breeding in South Africa’s Western Cape, the only place in the entire Southern Hemisphere in which these monogamous storks raise their young. SOUTH AFRICA'S BREEDING WHITE STORKS In 1940, renowned South African zoologist Dr Austin Roberts (in whose honour the iconic bird book was named) discovered a white stork nest between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp in the Western Cape. Roberts was so excited about the nest built in a dead eucalyptus tree on IH Ballot’s farm Welbedacht, that he…

Dear Jonno, My family and I have a farm in the Karoo, bordering the Eastern Cape. We want to develop a small game farm, where we can keep some browser and grazer species. There won’t be any predators, as we want the aforementioned browsers and grazers, such as zebra and wildebeest, to breed. We wish to build some self-catering chalets for visitors to stay and enjoy the wildlife. The chalets must be environmentally friendly and cost-effective to build, as we plan to start with six chalets, scattered around a small dam we have constructed. Please send us your best ideas to help make it a success. Kind regards, Martin Dear Martin, It’s so nice to know that you want to preserve the land naturally and let the wildlife breed. Wildlife…

Understanding phenology, or the study of the timing of biological processes, is important if we want to get to know how plants and animals respond to seasonal changes. However, as climate change disrupts natural patterns, scientists are increasingly examining the impact of extreme weather events like droughts and floods on phenological processes. A recent study published in Nature Climate Change by ecologist Daijiang Li and his team at the University of Arizona focuses on how these events affect the flowering time of plants and the flight period of butterflies and moths across the US. While past research has primarily considered long-term climatic trends, Daijiang emphasises that organisms react to immediate environmental stressors rather than gradual climate shifts. His team’s findings highlight that extreme weather events are as influential as average…

Fading Footprints: In Search of South Africa's First People by José Manuel de Prada-Samper (Jonathan Ball, R350) The footprints of the San people, or Bushmen, may be fading, but the research into these fascinating people is not. There is a host of modern scholarly work about South Africa’s First Nation people and no shortage of scholarly articles and books. And, of course, the actual Bushmen are still with us today, as the author discovers, many of whom are living impoverished lives in the most arid parts of the Northern Cape and Karoo. However, what is also fading is their unique culture. So, this book, written by a Spanish folklorist, cannot but assist in the desire, especially in academia, to recognise the importance of these people who were first here in this…

In its 30th year and following its refurbishment, Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa in Somerset West, Western Cape, delivers luxury accommodation set in elegant surroundings and beautifully landscaped gardens. Part of the original 1666 Willem Adriaan van der Stel farm, Erinvale is the only South African hotel included in Historic Hotels Worldwide, a collection of over 360 of the finest historic treasures. The adjacent Erinvale Country & Golf Estate, established in 1995, is a low-density estate with 419 properties built on 284ha of land and an 18-hole Gary Player-designed parkland golf course. Proximity to the golf course is one of the many reasons to stay at Erinvale. Others include its stylish interiors and warm service. Above all, the reimagined Erinvale Spa brings wellness into the centre of the Erinvale experience.…

After 10 years of negotiations, South Africa has finally secured market access for table grape exports to the Philippines. In a statement, Minister John Steenhuisen of the Department of Agriculture said that this development was an important milestone for the industry, as expanding agricultural markets had the potential to lead to increased production and exports, which could boost the sector’s contribution to South Africa’s overall gross domestic product. The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) said that the first consignment of South African table grapes to the Philippines would probably only be shipped during the 2025/26 season, as the current season was nearing its end. SATI said that South Africa’s market access to the Philippines presented farmers and exporters with many opportunities. The organisation added that it would continue to…

Nearly 15 million South Africans suffer from food insecurity, according to a recent article published by The Conversation. “This is due to a combination of factors, including unemployment, poverty and inequality. Chronic hunger in the country was evident in child stunting. Stunting in South Africa has flatlined at around 25% since the early 1990s,” the article said. Food shortages were not a cause of hunger in South Africa, according to the article. Instead, the problem was unequal access to food. “While some South Africans live in a world of abundance, with no budget constraints, millions more survive below the food poverty line, unable to afford even a basic nutritious diet for their families,” the report said. The report added that government needed to deliver on people’s constitutional right to food,…

In a recent newsletter to South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke about the need for a diverse and inclusive agriculture sector to support economic growth and ensure food security in South Africa. Ramaphosa added that since South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994, the agriculture sector has more than doubled in value and volume. This growth reflected a combined effort by government and industry to expand market access for South African produce. He credited science-driven advancements, such as improved seed cultivars and genetic innovations, for boosting productivity. “The [agriculture] sector remains ripe for investment because of its recognised growth prospects. In addition, the revenue collected from agriculture enables government to provide services that improve the lives of our citizens,” Ramaphosa said. He added that the sector was also a major…

Farmers need consumers to buy the food and fibre they produce. Various economic factors and trends determine and influence total demand. ECONOMIC FACTORS The International Monetary Fund expects the global economy to grow by 3,3% in 2025 and 2026, respectively. It is optimistic that the South African economy will grow by 1,5% and 1,6% in 2025 and 2026, respectively, after growing by 1,9% in 2022, 0,7% in 2023, and 0,4% in the first three quarters of 2024. There are some positive trends that may result in improved growth in 2025. Higher global commodity prices as the global economy continues to grow, more favourable climatic conditions locally, improved infrastructure and service delivery as the Government of National Unity slowly manages to get government working again, and less load-shedding may help the…

Doornrivier Farm, located in Somerset East in the Eastern Cape, is a shining example of resilience, determination, and the power of collaboration in South Africa’s agriculture sector. Owned and managed by the three Fani brothers – Simphiwe, Thembinkosi, and Linda – the farm has grown from humble beginnings to a prosperous livestock business. Simphiwe says their journey into farming began in their youth. Raised in a rural community, they spent their early years looking after their father’s cattle in communal grazing areas. “We inherited the farming story from our father. The hands-on experience with livestock management instilled in us a deep understanding of farming, even before we acquired formal training,” he adds. Even with their strong agricultural foundation, the brothers had to overcome significant barriers to establish their own farming…

Barley is by no means a silver bullet for the improvement of soil health, but a tool that growers can use within their crop rotations to enhance their farming systems. It does so in the following five ways: 1. Barley helps to enhance soil structure and stability. Manfred Venter, head of agriculture at AB InBev South Africa, explains that barley has an extensive and fibrous root system that enhances soil aggregation, which reduces compaction and increases soil porosity. Root exudates of barley also contain polysaccharides and organic acids that help bind soil particles, forming stable aggregates. In turn, these properties help to improve water infiltration and retention, making soils more resistant to erosion and compaction over time. 2. Barley increases soil organic matter and carbon sequestration. Venter says that barley…

Beer-marinated pork neck SERVES TWO TO FIVE 4 to 5 pork neck chops 5ml pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 sprig rosemary, leaves only, removed and roughly chopped 10ml cumin 3 to 4 sprigs thyme, roughly chopped 80ml beer 60ml extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for frying • Mix all the ingredients together, except the chops. • Place the chops in a sealable bag, then pour in the marinade, seal the bag and shake it up so the chops are evenly coated in the marinade. Leave them in the fridge for at least four hours, but preferably overnight. • Take the bag out of the fridge about an hour before cooking so that the chops can come to room temperature. • Get a pan up to a medium to…

Dear Prof McCrindle, Is there still anthrax is South Africa? Do I need to vaccinate my animals against it, or is it a waste of time? Recently, I heard there was an outbreak in Lesotho; could the same happen in South Africa? Which animals are susceptible? Kind regards, Ficksburg Farmer Dear Ficksburg Farmer, Anthrax is a bacterial disease that can kill humans and animals, and a recent outbreak occurred in sheep and goats in Lesotho. It is highly dangerous, as each rod-shaped bacterial cell can sporulate (produce spores), forming a thick shell around them, allowing them to survive in soil for generations. The recent outbreak may have been caused by heavy rainfall washing soil contaminated with anthrax spores to the surface. Grass seeds were probably in the same soil and…