Farmer's Weekly 27 May 2022

I was invited to attend a conference recently held by the International Fresh Produce Association as the moderator for the panel discussion that took place during the event. The panel comprised various industry experts, including Prof Philippe Burger, head of the department of economics at the University of the Free State; Dr Johan van Deventer, a veteran known to everyone in the fresh produce industry; Fhumulani Ratshitanga, CEO of Fruit South Africa; and Wayne Mudge, CEO of Cape Five. The panel discussion mostly revolved around the challenges holding back the fresh produce industry in South Africa, including collapsing infrastructure, such as roads and a non-existent railway system, failing infrastructure at South Africa’s ports, high input costs, and market access. Burger was the keynote speaker, and spoke about the current state of the…

“South Africa’s agriculture sector is vital to the country’s continued growth and development, and is an important source of job creation, GDP, food security and even tourism. The International Trade Administration in the US describes the commercial agriculture sector in South Africa as the backbone of the agricultural economy, noting that in 2020 agriculture had the best growth rate of all economic sectors at 13,1%. Unfortunately, energy-related challenges pose a significant obstacle to the sector’s continued growth. In recent months, farmers have faced a 9,6% hike in Eskom tariffs, an increase in the price of diesel to R21.47/l due to Russia-Ukraine war, and ongoing load-shedding. The lack of affordable, reliable, resilient energy sources can wreak havoc on commercial farms’ productivity, profits and ability to scale. Emerging energy-storage technology offers an optimal solution…

27 May, Pietermaritzburg The Royal Show is back this year after a two-year hiatus. The show is one of Africa’s largest mixed agricultural shows, and also boasts an extensive entertainment programme and a broad mix of public-interest exhibits. Visitors can look forward to a range of demonstrations, as well as the prestigious carcass competition. Visit royalshow.co.za. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND EXPOS 25 TO 27 MAY Irrigation, Drainage and Water Management Summit, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cape Town. Email Charity Wockelmann at charity@irrigationfmi.co.za. 1 TO 3 JUNE Pump Operation and Maintenance Workshop, Protea Hotel, Sandton. Email Mathema Conferencing and Training at info@mathema.co.za. 16 JUNE Delheim Estate Wild Mushroom Foraging, Stellenbosch. Email Delheim Estate at marketing@delheim. 21 TO 22 JULY Precision Farming and Technology, Protea Hotel, Sea Point, Cape Town. Visit mathematraining.co.za/upcoming-events-bookings. COURSES AND TRAINING 23 TO 25 MAY Tractor Operation and Maintenance, Delmas. Phone the Buhle Farmers’ Academy…

– South African Breweries (SAB), in partnership with the SAB Foundation, has established the SAB Sharp Awards. These awards target social entrepreneurs and enterprises, institutions, students and researchers with innovative ideas or prototypes that empower women in at-risk communities, either by assisting them to become economically independent or by addressing issues associated with foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or gender-based violence. Applicants with new solutions that seek to develop or enhance an existing social innovation are also strongly encouraged to apply. The prizes range from R250 000 to R500 000 in grant funding, and each winner also qualifies to receive tailored business coaching, mentorship and technical support. This programme is flexible and adjusted to the needs of each awardee, as mutually agreed upon by both awardee and mentor. “We are excited to work with the…

Dear Farmer’s Weekly, At 81 years of age, it is my wish and privilege to write this letter to your staff and readers. I finished studying at Grootfontein Agricultural College in 1960 and then completed a diploma in agricultural extension through the department of agriculture. Following that, I worked in several state departments as an extension officer. Since 1980, I have run a business that specialises in the sale of farms and smallholdings. For many years, I have been reading Farmer’s Weekly every evening. Now in my later years, this is my way of relaxing before going to bed. I read and absorb just about every page of the magazine, and I find it an easy and friendly read. You cover all sectors of farming, from commercial producers to emerging farmers, experts from across…

MOST POPULAR ON FARMERSWEEKLY.CO.ZA SIXTY NEW BURSARIES FOR VETERINARY SCIENCE STUDENTS IN SA In an attempt to address the critical shortage of veterinarians and para-veterinarians in South Africa’s rural areas, 60 new bursaries will be made available to rural learners who would like to pursue careers in these fields. Read the full article at bit.ly/3FFi9gc, or scan here: Posted: 10 May 2022. Follow us at @FarmersWeeklySA FROM FACEBOOK @FarmersWeeklySA We posted a link to an article titled ‘20% of SA farmers expected to exit industry in the next decade’, and some of our followers shared their thoughts on the issue. Posted: 7 May 2022. READERS’ COMMENTS Koki Gojela: “[It] would be interesting to know how many new farmers are joining the industry each year versus [the number of] those leaving.” Vanzylx Jozi: “The younger generation is not interested in agriculture; they…