Innholdsfortegnelse for 21 March 2025 i Farmer's Weekly

There hasn't been a dull moment since Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 46th president of the US in January. Trump has made waves in the US with the appointment of Elon Musk to oversee the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has seen the firing of thousands of employees from organisations like the US Agency for International Development. (DOGE has also uncovered an insane amount of money being spent on some very questionable projects, but that is a discussion for another day.) Trump made headlines recently for his views on the South African government's policies and its alignment with countries like Iran. He also offered Afrikaners refugee status in the US. Further, he has made headlines by imposing tariffs on goods imported from Mexico, Canada, and China. From…

The University of Fort Hare (UFH) in Alice, Eastern Cape, recently announced plans to establish a veterinary science faculty to address the critical shortage of veterinarians in rural South Africa. According to Prof Renuka Vithal, deputy vice-chancellor of UFH, the faculty, which will be situated approximately 4km outside of Alice, will focus on livestock and marine animal health, aligning with the specific needs of the Eastern Cape's agriculture and aquaculture industries. “UFH had first proposed the programme in 2017. Following years of engagement with the Department of Higher Education and Training [DHET], the university has now received in-principle approval. Initially, the faculty will be housed within the Faculty of Science and Agriculture before transitioning into a standalone faculty as it develops further,” Vithal told Farmer's Weekly. According to Vithal, the…

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen recently called for global solidarity at the first G20 Agriculture Working Group meeting in Pretoria. “It is important that G20 nations embrace the South African philosophy of ‘ubuntu’ – the belief that ‘I am because we are’ – as a guiding principle to tackle the global challenges facing agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods,” he said. Steenhuisen spoke about the challenges facing agricultural role players, including the increasing frequency of devastating animal and plant diseases, the worsening impacts of climate change, persistent poverty and high levels of hunger. He said that no country could face these crises alone and called for strengthened global co-operation. “South Africa's G20 presidency has placed ubuntu at the heart of its four agricultural priorities for 2025, reinforcing that only through…

Demand for organic produce has started recovering in the EU after taking a knock due to economic pressure faced by consumers following the COVID-19 pandemic. Projected growth of this segment is, however, expected to slow down from growth rates seen prior to 2020. Katarina von Witzke, agricultural specialist at the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, stated in a report that the EU organic market started recovering in 2023, with estimated sales of US$50,4 billion (about R939 billion). This is an increase of 10,5% from 2022. The EU is the second-largest market for organic produce, after the US. Both markets show a long-term upward trend. “Generally, the EU organics market has a loyal consumer base and remains quite resilient. Germany and France are the largest organic markets in the…

FRANCE Despite being the biggest agricultural producer in the EU, France sees one farmer die by suicide every two days, according to France24.com. In addition, a 2024 European Agency for Safety and Health at Work report found that farming households were twice as likely to live below the poverty line compared with the national average. “There are so many factors that affect the mental health of farmers. Low salaries, no rest, no vacation days, complex administrative tasks […] and now there are environmental consequences brought on by climate change to take into account,” Socialist MP Arnaud Simion said. CHINA China was hitting back after the US's recent doubling of tariffs on its exports. It announced new taxes of as much as 15% on US products like chicken, cotton, soya bean…

South Africa has concluded a positive pecan nut season off the back of stable pricing and increased yields. Locally, pecan nuts are harvested between August and February. Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, Andreas Snyman, GWK's head of nuts and international trading, said that ongoing orchard expansion has meant that the national crop has increased by 10% each year, reaching just over 40 000t during the past season. This is expected to double in the next eight years. Unlike most other nut industries, pecan prices have remained stable since 2013, averaging US$4,30/kg (about R79,20/kg) for in-shell pecans. Alfonso Visser, president of SA Pecans, said that this consistency meant that pecans were a more reliable crop to bank on. He, however, anticipated prices to increase somewhat in future, as demand outstrips supply. “Volumes…

The vast reduction in load-shedding in 2024 and a focus on operational efficiencies has led to RCL Foods declaring a 25,1% increase in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation and impairments. An interim cash dividend of 20 cents per share has also been declared, compared with no dividends declared for 2023. In a statement announcing RCL Foods’ interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2024, the company noted that its grocery and baking segments provided a particularly pleasing performance. “Our focus on managing costs, the absence of load-shedding and some welcome price relief in certain commodities, like wheat, have kept our market shares largely healthy,” said Paul Cruickshank, CEO of RCL Foods. Volume performance over all, however, remained under pressure since consumers were cash strapped. “Positive movements in…

While dairies have limited use for male foals, Jesse Christelis, owner of The Donkey Dairy, has capitalised on the demand for herd protectors, donkeys for petting zoos, and companion animals. The latter are often used by horse owners who have space for only one horse but require another smaller animal to keep it company. This is especially useful for show horses, whose stress levels are reduced when they have an animal companion. Christelis is cautious about whom he sells animals to as he wants to ensure the donkeys go to good homes and are treated well. Improving the genetics of South Africa's donkey herd and expanding rare breeds is a particular passion of his. The farm has Mammoth and Blue-eyed Spotted donkeys. Christelis, however, notes that the limited bloodline in…

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin in the US have developed a new system that can pull potable water from the air using natural materials like food scraps, loose branches, and seashells. The system transforms these natural products into special sorbents known as hydrogels, which absorb liquids. These sorbents can extract water from the air, even under dry circumstances, when they are used in conjunction with mild heat. Thanks to the breakthrough, a variety of natural materials can be converted into effective water collectors, enabling sustainable clean water harvesting. While most other sorbents can generate up to 1,5l of clean water per kilogram of sorbent per day, in field tests, the new system produced 14,19l/kg/day. BIODEGRADABLE AND SCALABLE Unlike synthetic materials, which often use petrochemicals and generally require…

Dear Prof McCrindle, I have found commando worms in my Eragrostis grazing fields. Are they poisonous to sheep? My Dorpers don't want to eat the grass that's been left behind after the worms have fed on it. As well as raising sheep, I harvest Eragrostis and sell the bales. The pest is also affecting some maize lands. Is there a non-toxic way to control it? Worried Farmer, Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng Dear Worried Farmer, The recent warm, wet weather in Gauteng is probably the cause of the outbreak of the pest, which is also known as the African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta), or the kommandowurm in Afrikaans. Outbreaks in South Africa have previously occurred after late summer rain following drought. The worms appear suddenly every few years. According to News24.com, aside from Gauteng, there have…

The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer's Weekly. “Biosecurity is fundamental to South Africa's economic stability, food security and agricultural sustainability. Recent outbreaks, particularly the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis, have highlighted critical gaps in our preparedness, costing farmers millions in lost revenue and leading to trade restrictions. If these challenges are not addressed through a comprehensive and collaborative approach, the country risks long-term economic and food insecurity. THE THREAT TO AGRICULTURE South Africa's agriculture sector is vital to rural economies and international trade, yet it remains highly vulnerable to biosecurity threats. Outbreaks of FMD, African swine fever and avian influenza have resulted in the mass culling of livestock, reduced exports and economic distress among farmers. The most recent FMD outbreak forced a…

The camel thorn (Vachellia erioloba) is an iconic part of the Southern African landscape and flourishes where few other trees can survive. Its ability to extend its roots deep into arid terrain adds markedly to the tree's hardiness and survival under the most taxing conditions. But that's not where its true potential lies. A research team at North-West University (NWU) has discovered that the tree has unexpected benefits for sheep farmers. Prof Upenyu Marume of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at NWU said in a statement that researchers had discovered that supplementing lamb feed with camel thorn leaf meal and ammoniated maize stover significantly enhanced growth performance, improved meat quality, and enriched fatty acid profiles. The study was conducted by Dr Getrude Chelopo and Marume in collaboration with…

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) continues its battle against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with recent test results confirming further cases in the province. The Department of Agriculture (DOA) told Farmer's Weekly that cattle at a dip tank in Mtubatuba tested positive for the disease after displaying clinical symptoms in December. “The virus detected was identified as the SAT1 strain, a variant that has previously been found in the northern parts of the Kruger National Park,” said the DOA. According to a statement, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen emphasised the importance of strict adherence to biosecurity protocols to curb the spread of the disease. “It is critical that all livestock owners comply with the biosecurity measures we have in place. [The DOA] urges farmers to report any suspected cases immediately to veterinary authorities,” Steenhuisen said. STRICT…

Early indications are that the recent floods in Limpopo have caused billions of rands’ worth of damage to the province's agriculture sector. The affected farming communities are in the process of assessing the damage, but vast parts of Limpopo still remain waterlogged. This was according to Henk van de Graaf, TLU spokesperson for Limpopo, who said the damage valuation was bound to take weeks, if not months. He said it was highly likely that a considerable number of farmers in flood-stricken areas would not be able to financially survive the losses they incurred. Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, he said large-scale crop losses had been reported so far. “For instance, one farmer in Maasstroom suffered damage to the value of about R6 million when his cantaloupe harvest rotted on the lands…

Vegetable prices showed mixed trends in February, influenced by shifting supply dynamics and fluctuations in consumer demand. While some commodities experienced price pressures due to weaker demand, others saw increases driven by lower volumes. CABBAGES Average monthly prices for cabbages were under pressure at the end of February, despite average volumes supplied also declining. The average monthly price for cabbages was R3 356/t, which was 6,2% lower month-on-month (see Graph 1). This was also despite a 3,2% decrease in average monthly volumes supplied, noted at 1 923t. Annual average prices, however, were up by 13,5%, supported by a 4,3% decline in year-onyear (y/y) volumes supplied. The summer harvest season for cabbages usually concludes at the end of February, which often leaves markets in short supply. However, consumer demand was low…

CROWN RUST CAUSED BY: Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae, a fungal pathogen specific to oats. TRANSMISSION: the fungus produces spores that are dispersed by wind, facilitating rapid spread under favourable conditions. SYMPTOMS: characterised by small, round, yellowish-red pustules on both surfaces of the leaf blade. These pustules release spores that can infect neighbouring plants. MANAGEMENT: plant resistant oat varieties. Implement crop rotation and destroy volunteer oat plants to reduce inoculum sources. Fungicide applications may be necessary in severe cases. STEM RUST CAUSED BY: Puccinia graminis f. sp. avenae, a fungal pathogen affecting the stems, leaves, and leaf sheaths of oat plants. TRANSMISSION: the fungus produces spores that are dispersed by wind. SYMPTOMS: presence of elongated, reddish-brown pustules on stems and leaves, which can lead to weakened stems and lodging. MANAGEMENT: grow resistant…

This article showed that applying land-development principles to a poor farm turned it into a model, high-production unit. Rebuilding a piece of land for growing vegetables is not everyone's idea of farming, but with certain types of soil this is the only way a good crop can be produced. When Dennis Peters came to look at a farm on sale at Lanseria, Gauteng, some eight years ago, there was little to attract him. Only a part of the farm was in use for growing vegetables, while a large area comprised stony veld and a quagmire of marsh and reeds. However, there was a good stretch of river frontage and he saw potential for great improvements. So he bought the farm, which is now known as Tanner Estate. He started moving…

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and Ekim Wildlife, through their Centre of Excellence, recently hosted a workshop and stakeholder engagement session at the ARC corporate office in Hatfield, Pretoria, to discuss the commercialisation of South Africa's goat industry. Prof Norman Maiwashe, senior manager of research at the ARC's Animal Production division, highlighted the challenges facing the goat-production industry. “The goat industry is not at the level we want it to be. When compared with other livestock industries, it remains underdeveloped. Despite the demand for goat meat, South Africa still imports goats, which indicates a missed economic opportunity.” Maiwashe said the fragmented value chain had hindered the industry's growth, and that it was therefore important for stakeholders to create a sustainable and structured value chain. “Research has identified key bottlenecks and…

This year, the focus of World Wildlife Day, celebrated on 3 March, was on the financing of conservation. Under the theme ‘Wildlife conservation finance: investing in people and planet’, the objective for 2025 was to highlight the critical role of advanced financing in protecting biodiversity and securing a sustainable future for both nature and humanity. According to conservation organisation Wild Africa, monitored wildlife populations across the world had declined by an average of 76% since 1970. Without immediate investment in conservation, species loss would accelerate, with devastating consequences for nature and the economies that depend on it. Peter Knights, CEO of Wild Africa, added that nobody would survive without nature. “Whether it's countering our carbon footprints, safeguarding our watersheds, or keeping fishing to sustainable levels, investing in conservation in Africa…

McCain Foods, based in Canada, was bolstering its dedication to regenerative agriculture as a means of addressing climate challenges and ensuring the sustainability of potato farming, as reported by FreshPlaza.com. The international company, which manufactures frozen potato and other vegetable products, intended to apply these practices throughout all of its potato-growing farmland by 2030. At present, 71% of its farmers have reached the onboarding phase of the McCain Regenerative Agriculture Framework, which was aimed at facilitating a shift towards sustainable farming practices. Despite ongoing discussions about farming practices, few people are aware of regenerative agriculture. A survey revealed that less than 10% of Americans and Canadians understood the concept of regenerative agriculture. To highlight the role of regenerative agriculture, McCain launched its ‘Taste Good. Feel Good.’ Campaign in February, in…

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) recently held an information session at Tygerhoek Research Farm near Riviersonderend, where farmers had an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the latest trial results and production trends. Piet Lombard, scientific technician at the WCDoA, said summer rainfall on the experimental farm had doubled to around 200mm over the past 50 years, with large volumes of rain falling at a time, resulting in excessive run-off water. Over the same period, average temperatures increased by roughly 1,5°C, though winter temperatures stayed the same. Over the past decade, the region also experienced six of its driest and two of its wettest Aprils and Mays, which are the months when the winter-rainfall planting season starts. “The variation in climate is extreme. I don't know if it is…

There would be no extension for the late submission of applications for small businesses beyond the 28 February 2025 deadline, according to Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa. According to a report by IOL News, Hlabisa broke the news to informal traders who were submitting their applications at the City of Tshwane's registration centre on 27 February. Farmer's Weekly reported on 18 November 2024 (see bit.ly/40RGD2c) that President Cyril Ramaphosa had announced that all spaza shops and food-handling facilities were required to register with their respective municipalities by no later than 28 February 2025 in an effort to address the recurring issue of food poisoning and related deaths. By September 2024, South Africa had documented 890 reported cases of alleged foodborne illness and poisoning, with at least…

Engen, in partnership with Green Arch Innovations, launched an aquaponics project at Khanyisa Special School in Cala, Eastern Cape, on 26 February. Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, Luvo Gugwana, founder of Green Arch Innovations, said this sustainable, climate-smart food production system was aimed at equipping the learners with practical skills in agriculture, while addressing local food security. “We have a system housed in a greenhouse, consisting of fish tanks and grow beds. There are four fish tanks, each with a capacity of 1 000 fish, making a total of 4 000 fish in the system. Alongside these, there are 800 crops grown using hydroponics,” he said. Gugwana added that the aquaponics system had been specifically designed to address various challenges in farming. “The system is flexible and can be set up…

Teacher Joe Shabangu was frustrated, as his Grade 11 learners were performing abysmally. Test scores were poor, the pupils lacked motivation and enthusiasm, barely participated in discussions, and struggled with self-confidence. Looking into the background of some members of the class, Shabangu discovered that many of them had been repeatedly told by teachers, peers, and even their parents that they were just not smart enough to succeed. One evening at home, pondering the problems with the class, Shabangu fortuitously picked up a book he had recently been given, which lay unread on his desk. It was titled Humankind: A Hopeful History, written by Rutger Bregman. Absent-mindedly flicking through the pages, his eyes landed on the term ‘Pygmalion effect’. It rang bells in his mind. He recalled the concept from his…

I remember a time when just about every town in South Africa hosted an annual livestock show, but they have generally declined over time. Why has this happened? Elmarie Prinsloo (EP): The challenging part of agricultural shows is the financial impact and maintenance of facilities. It makes little sense to use a showground facility only once a year, as the maintenance cost is just too high. Apart from that, it just became very expensive to get livestock ‘show ready’, and the cost of transport also had an enormous effect on the decline in shows. Since 2021 the threat caused by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) became a harsh reality for any event, show, or auction where livestock played a large role, and that also added to a reduction in the number of…

A desire to be self-sustaining in his food supply led Jesse Christelis to buy a smallholding in Randfontein, Gauteng, in 2011, to farm sheep, chickens and vegetables. But stray dogs and jackals soon got the better of his sheep. Seeking a solution that didn't entail shooting the predators led him to purchasing two donkeys. “Donkeys have a fight response when faced with predators, and they proved very successful in keeping the sheep safe,” says Christelis. Beyond being useful, the two donkeys, Betsie and Saartjie, stole Christelis's heart and he soon found himself rescuing donkeys who were destined for slaughter, or old working donkeys that no longer had a purpose. But with a rising feed bill, a solution was required to have the donkeys fund their own accommodation. “I didn't want…

Strategies for building soil health will differ from one farm to another, depending on the crop produced, climate, soil type, business strategy, availability of land, and so forth. However, the principles remain the same. Sheila Storey identifies these principles as follows: • Cover your soil. This can be done with compost, mulch, cover crops, or by retaining stubble to prevent the soil from drying out and baking in the sun. • Minimum disturbance. Use minimum to no tillage, and drive on the same tracks to prevent compaction. The less the soil is disturbed, the more stable the habitat for the microbes is. • Living roots. Farmers should ideally have living roots in their soil throughout the year, but this isn't always possible in warm, dry regions. In this case, farmers…

Our Long Walk to Economic Freedom by Johan Fourie (Tafelberg, R360) Fourie's taking a very long view in this second edition of his best-selling survey of economic history from an African perspective. He begins at Blombos Cave on the Western Cape shore in 70 000 BCE. Throughout, he emphasises there are significant differences in Africa affecting income levels across the continent, from historic eras into the present. He points out that, half a millennium ago, almost everyone in the world “was what we would today consider to be impoverished”. A headline from London's Economist magazine in 2000 damned Africa as “the hopeless continent”, but statistically, people emerge from extreme poverty every day, Fourie argues. His analysis of the forces of history, economics, and geography – including agriculture – makes this…