South Africa's black farmers and the 'Karan merger'
Farmer's Weekly|Farmer's Weekly 3 February 2023
If all parties, including government, do what they're supposed to, Karan Beef's merger with SK Caine should open up lucrative opportunities for black farmers in the beef value chain, says Dr Sifiso Ntombela.
Dr Sifiso Ntombela
South Africa's black farmers and the 'Karan merger'

The Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) identified beef as one of the local industries with a huge potential to unlock investment and economic growth in rural areas.

Of the country's cattle herd of roughly 12,8 million head, about 41% is produced and owned by black farmers.

In 2021, the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) estimated that an additional 750 000 weaners could be supplied by black farmers on land-reform farms and in rural areas, provided their herd productivity was improved.

This would require investment in rural infrastructure such as dipping tanks, fencing of grazing fields, and better-yielding cattle breeds.

Moreover, the BAFP noted that improvements in herd productivity, coupled with government's efforts to regain South Africa's foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free status, could potentially increase the share of beef exports from the current 5% to 25% of domestic production in the medium-to-long term.

Effectively, this means that better herd productivity and stronger biosecurity measures will add R15 billion to beef gross production value over and above the business-as-usual scenario by 2028.

PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVES

Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin Farmer's Weekly 3 February 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin Farmer's Weekly 3 February 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

FARMER'S WEEKLY DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
When short-term rentals make sense
Farmer's Weekly

When short-term rentals make sense

Bianca Smit, national operations manager at CFAO Equipment SA, outlines factors to consider when choosing a rental equipment partner.

time-read
2 dak  |
February 21, 2025
The timing of onion sowing is critical
Farmer's Weekly

The timing of onion sowing is critical

Each onion variety has a different resistance to bolting, thus growers need experience and knowledge to guide them,

time-read
2 dak  |
February 21, 2025
Understanding cannabis and hemp regulations in South Africa
Farmer's Weekly

Understanding cannabis and hemp regulations in South Africa

South Africa's cannabis and hemp regulations remain a topic of debate and uncertainty, particularly when it comes to commercial use and small-scale production. Cannabis experts Shaad Vayej and Trenton Birch spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the challenges that small-scale cannabis and hemp farmers face.

time-read
10 dak  |
February 21, 2025
European seed's influence on the US cannabis market
Farmer's Weekly

European seed's influence on the US cannabis market

The expansion of European cannabis seed onto the US market is not just about economic growth; it’s also about enriching the landscape of US cannabis with diversity, innovation and education,

time-read
3 dak  |
February 21, 2025
'It's important to get the right tool for the job'
Farmer's Weekly

'It's important to get the right tool for the job'

The adoption of technology is crucial to sustaining efficiency gains and beating the cost-price squeeze in the agriculture sector.

time-read
1 min  |
February 21, 2025
A brilliant bushveld break between Bela-Bela and Modimolle
Farmer's Weekly

A brilliant bushveld break between Bela-Bela and Modimolle

The distinctive touch, diligence, and 24/7 customer care are just a few of the reasons you should visit four-star Tourism Council-graded Pumula Game Farm,

time-read
4 dak  |
February 21, 2025
John Deere: elevating performance and efficiency in modern farming
Farmer's Weekly

John Deere: elevating performance and efficiency in modern farming

In the fast-paced world of farming, the right tools make all the difference.

time-read
2 dak  |
February 21, 2025
The naval disaster Winston Churchill tried to hide
Farmer's Weekly

The naval disaster Winston Churchill tried to hide

Three British warships were sunk by German naval gunfire on a dark day early in World War II, but the heroes who fought back received only muted recognition, possibly to avoid bad publicity,

time-read
3 dak  |
February 21, 2025
Breaking down the principles of regenerative farming
Farmer's Weekly

Breaking down the principles of regenerative farming

Jean Hugo, a post-graduate student at the Tshwane University of Technology, and Leon Hugo, author on environmental matters and former professor of geography at the University of Pretoria, write about the importance of regenerative agriculture for small-scale farmers, and the challenges related to making the shift.

time-read
4 dak  |
February 21, 2025
Ectoparasite control: more tips for livestock farmers
Farmer's Weekly

Ectoparasite control: more tips for livestock farmers

To reduce the mayhem that uncontrolled ectoparasites can create for communal farmers, it’s best to adopt a holistic approach in conjunction with veterinary remedies,

time-read
3 dak  |
February 21, 2025