Farmer's Weekly

I have inherited some problems but also some successes. For one, the department has some amazing, talented people. I intend to deal with the issues as decisively as possible and expand the successes. The legacy I would like to leave is a responsive, well-run department with strong partnerships across the sector and an expanding market for South African agricultural products. As I’ve previously said, I want to support our farmers, small and large, to be viable, sustainable and profitable. - John Steenhuisen MP, Minister of Agriculture. Click the link to read the full interview: https://bit.ly/3YGfein

The Zimbabwean Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) recently announced a number of sustainability measures aimed at minimising the negative impact of tobacco production on the environment. This includes land clearing.

Although Vincent Mhlonitshwa admits that being exposed to communal farming in the Eastern Cape’s former Transkei fuelled his general passion for agriculture, he credits his successful transition to commercial agriculture to the mentorship he received from local commercial farmer Krisjan Kruger, who died suddenly in late 2015. “My success has a lot to do with Krisjan; he was a good man and a good farmer,” says Mhlonitshwa, who today farms more than 300 Simbra-type beef cows and over 500 dual-purpose Dohne Merino ewes, which are supported by a 210ha cropping initiative. “Farming in the communal areas is totally different than on commercial land,” he says. “If you as a communal farmer are not willing to be helped by a mentor, you will not succeed as a commercial farmer.” Mhlonitshwa was born and raised near Mthatha in the former Transkei, where his father, Monde, was a leading communal farmer known for his maize and impressive cattle. However, Mhlonitshwa recalls how challenging farming in a communal area can be. Click the link to read how Mhlonitshwa made the transition from a communal to a successful commercial farmer: https://bit.ly/48fzQB0

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has warned officials to stop diverting drought relief funds meant for struggling farmers.

The Supreme Court of Appeal has put the brakes on the commercial release of Bayer’s drought-tolerant maize variety MON87460, citing that the Department of Agriculture and the Executive Council for Generically Modified Organisms (GMO) did not follow due diligence in their risk assessment when they approved the permit. Click the link preview to read the full article.

The #FarmersWeeklySA is attending the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (SA)'s Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Conference. Key themes that will be covered at the event include: • Infrastructure • Harmonisation (legal & regulatory) • Safety & Security • Skills Development • Technology & Digitalisation • Innovation & Sustainability #ciltsawomenempower

The macadamia industry is at risk of repeating past mistakes by once again becoming overly reliant on the Chinese market, which could lead to further disruptions. In 2015, market disruptions in China caused a sudden shutdown, resulting in a backlog of macadamia nut shipments from South Africa at Chinese ports and significant delays in payments, if they came at all.

The 2024 wildfire season has officially become the worst in South Africa in the past eight years, with the Working on Fire-Kishugu joint venture having responded to an unprecedented 2 304 wildfire incidents by 21 October.

According to Kobus Bester, director of the Livestock Registering Federation, South African red meat producers are at a crossroads. It is of vital importance for them to know what the future direction of the organisation is going to be and to be able to make an informed decision whether they are able to identify with its goals or not.

The agriculture sector in Gauteng faces a potential crisis as water shortages grip the province, worsened by significant leaks in Johannesburg’s water infrastructure. Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, MEC of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has highlighted the serious consequences for farmers relying on municipal water.