Challenges show the resilience of SA farmers
Neo Masithela, chairperson, African Farmers’ Association of South Africa
On behalf of the African Farmers’ Association of South
Africa (AFASA), I would like to wish all farmers and farmworkers a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2022.
Farmers and farmworkers have worked hard for the country, and their contribution cannot go unnoticed. Thank you for sacrificing so much of your time, including time spent with your family, to produce food and contribute to South Africa’s GDP. You did all of this while confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks of animal diseases, and drought. Without you, this country would not survive. Without you, food security, employment creation and economic growth would not be attained.
Take a well-deserved break and come back next year feeling revived. Be safe!
Throughout 2021 and before, AFASA and others have done all we could in terms of transformation, and are now leaving other partners, such as government, to help contribute to more inclusive agricultural development. To all AFASA leaders and members, thank you for your valuable input on the Agriculture and AgroProcessing Master Plan.
Make 2022 a year of action
Dr Theo de Jager, president, World Farmers’ Organisation
COVID-19-related lockdowns caused disruption of value chains and linkages to markets, and resulted in changing consumer preferences. These forced many farmers to restrategise and restructure their enterprises to survive and thrive.
Denne historien er fra December 24 - 31, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra December 24 - 31, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.
