Farming is an important economic activity in South Africa, providing an income for large- and small-scale farmers, as well as jobs to thousands of people. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the demand for animal products, such as meat and milk, and the dairy industry has been meeting this demand. The intake of unprocessed milk in South Africa increased 4,8% year-on-year in 2018. While raw milk is considered very desirable in parts of the country, it poses many possible safety hazards, such as a susceptibility to bacterial contamination. For this reason, the dairy industry has improved various technologies to ensure the safety and quality of milk.
A SNAPSHOT OF THE DAIRY MARKET
South Africa’s secondary dairy industry consists of a few large processors operating nationally, a growing number of processors who operate in more than one region, a large number of smaller processors who operate in specific areas, and several milk producers who sell their own produce to retailers and consumers, known as producer-distributors (PDs). The number of PDs decreased by 60% from January 2009 to March 2019, and milk processors decreased 32% over the same period. In South Africa, 98% of the milk produced is sold formally to commercial processors, which is different to the situation in most other African countries, where milk is mostly sold to smaller processors.
In 2018, the South African dairy market was divided into 62% liquid and 38% concentrate products. Pasteurised liquid milk and ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk are the major liquid products, while hard cheese is the main concentrated product.
Denne historien er fra June 19 - 26, 2020-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra June 19 - 26, 2020-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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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
