Latest News & Developments
livestock farming
Why the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak matters to humans
The livestock farming community is on high alert following a confirmed Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, prompting quarantines and rising export prices.
Red tape and climate change stifle indigenous farming in South Africa
Lack of funding, land, and climate resilience challenges South Africa’s traditional and small-scale farmers.
Groot Phesantekraal’s André Brink named Farmer of the Year for 2024
Celebrating innovation in farming, André Brink of Groot Phesantekraal secures the 2024 Farmer of the Year title, showcasing how tradition meets sustainability.
38 percent of global tree species face extinction, IUCN report warns
The latest IUCN Red List assessment has painted a stark picture for global tree conservation, revealing that 38% of tree species are threatened with extinction. Experts call for urgent action to address deforestation, climate change, and other critical threats.
Stock thieves strike, taking two young calves and four cattle in Mankweng
All six missing cattle are red and bear a brand mark on their left thigh, with an estimated value of R78,000.
New training programme empowers small-scale livestock farmers
Small-scale farmers in South Africa face numerous challenges, but a new skills development project by the University of Pretoria is providing them with essential tools and knowledge to improve their livestock farming and contribute to the national Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan.
SA to resume EU export of thoroughbred horses
“The first direct shipment to the EU in 14 years has been completed, a pertinent and potentially beneficial turning point for horse racing and breeding in our country. It’s a game changer. ”
Ducks in a row - Vergenoegd Löw expands sustainable farming with Indian Runner duck donation
Vergenoegd Löw is helping to spread sustainable farming methods by donating their renowned Indian Runner ducks to local vineyards, encouraging natural pest management and reducing chemical use.
New report exposes big meat, dairy’s climate obstruction tactics
The Changing Markets Foundation's latest report uncovers the deceptive practices of the meat and dairy industry in obstructing climate action and misleading consumers.
Mpumalanga man for stock theft worth R232,000
Police said they found the 80 sheep in a kraal not far from where they were stolen.
Poultry Foundation launches free training modules on safe chicken farming
In an effort to help Africa’s small-scale poultry farmers improve their farming methods and incomes, the World Poultry Foundation (WPF) has launched a free training module to help build low-cost and effective shelters for their chickens.
Sugar industry facing significant threats from changing climate
The agriculture sector is facing an unprecedented crisis as climate change continues to escalate, bringing with it severe and multifaceted challenges, climate change expert Professor Debra Roberts said.
Working with nature: The ‘knitty’ gritty of regenerative wool farming in the Karoo
A comprehensive study conducted by Holly Kane at the University of Cape Town sheds light on the motivations and challenges surrounding the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices within the wool value chain in the Karoo region of South Africa.
KZN crime blitz nets 9,500 suspects in March
More than 9,500 suspects were caught in one month.
Seven hundred tons of poop a day — the ethics of livestock carriers
In the wake of the cattle ship Al Kuwait’s visit to Cape Town and past tragic incidents involving livestock carriers, the debate over the ethics and necessity of transporting live animals across oceans has reached a fever pitch.
Western Cape agriculture department confirms African Swine Flu outbreak in pigs in George
The public is urged to know that pigs slaughtered at abattoirs have undergone meat inspection and pork products found in supermarkets are safe for human consumption.
Indian police fire tear gas as protesting farmers march to capital
Farmers in India, were bombarded by police with teargas on Tuesday, as they marched on the capital in New Delhi following foiled talks with the government over crop prices.
Father and son in court for stealing sheep and goats worth over R50,000
The father and son were found to be in possession of 42 sheep and seven goats with an estimated value of R50,400.
China holds central rural work conference
To advance Chinese modernisation, the country must make unremitting efforts to strengthen the foundation of the agricultural sector and advance rural revitalisation across the board, Chinese President Xi Jinping said.
Operation Corona: Livestock theft, stolen vehicles part of SANDF’s successes at Maseru borderline; zama-zamas remain a concern
Illegal miners “zama zamas” remain a concern for the SANDF.
Livestock theft threatens food security
It is discouraging to listen to small-scale and commercial farmers narrating their ordeals about how their livestock is being taken away from them by armed criminals.
Run on numbers: African buffalo have been a concern globally
The motivations behind illegal wildlife trade can include financial gain.
Northern Cape police seize illicit cigarettes worth R10 million in Kimberley
Police in the Northern Cape seized illicit cigarettes at a storage facility in Kimberley.
Rapper-cum-farmer Mo Molemi says Malema is irresponsible for ‘Kill the Boer’ chants
Rapper-cum-farmer Motlapele ‘Mo Molemi’ Morule says EFF leader Julius Malema’s continued chants of 'Kill the Boer' are irresponsible, and there is no space for it in a country not at war.
North West police recover suspected stolen goats, cattle, sheep
North West police recovered 54 suspected stolen livestock in a two-day operation.