Farmer's Weekly

Ministers from African governments recently attended the International Parliamentary Conference in Russia, where President Vladimir Putin agreed to the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative to allow Ukraine to export grain via the Black Sea for another 60 days (see page 19). This was in contrast to the UN's call for a 120-day extension, and in order for the deal to be renewed once more after the 60 days have expired, Putin has ordered that the majority of Ukraine's grain and fertiliser exports be shipped to African countries. "We insist on the package nature of this deal - above all, in the interests of African and other developing countries, considering that they need large amounts of food. We insist on full compliance with Russia's key requirements, first of all, as I…

“The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has placed South Africa on a list of countries under increased monitoring, commonly known as the greylist, after it failed to address all of the shortcomings on money laundering and the financing of terrorism that the task force identified in its 2019 evaluation of the country. The decision has serious implications for the country, more specifically its financial services sector, as well as its ability to attract investment. The Conversation Africa's political editor, Thabo Leshilo, spoke to Philippe Burger, an economics professor and the dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State about what the greylisting means for South Africa. The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer's Weekly. This article was…

29 May to 2 June, Delmas, Mpumalanga The Introduction to Layer Management course serves to acquaint participants with the most important aspects of managing a layer hen unit. Topics covered include housing, bird health, egg collection, record-keeping, and marketing. Visit buhle.org.za. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND EXPOS 15 TO 16 APRIL International Conference on Advanced Dairy Science and Technology, Cape Town. Visit bit.ly/31yQfN4. 3 TO 5 MAY Africa International Sustainable Agriculture production, Biotechnology and Engineering Conference, Cape Town Convention Centre. Email at charity@federatedmi.co.za. 25 MAY Subtrop Transformation Summit, Fairview FFotel, Spa and Golf Resort, Tzaneen. Register at events. subtrop.co.za/event/2023-subtroptransformation-summit. COURSES AND TRAINING 1 APRIL Easy Buzzing Bee Beginner Course, Midrand. Email buzz@beeware.co.za. 4 APRIL TO 23 MAY Introduction to Agribusiness (online). Visit agricolleges.com/introduction-to-agribusiness. 10 TO 14 APRIL Introduction to Piggery Management, Delmas. Apply online at learn.buhle.org.za/learn, or visit buhle.org.za. 14 APRIL Beef Cattle Farmers' Day, FM Bonsma Auditorium, Irene. Email Frans Jordaan at fransj@arc.agric.za. 16…

SA Harvest's Ali Conn has been awarded the prestigious accolade of being among Africa's 100 Brightest Young Minds. This initiative is endorsed and supported by the African contingent of the UN World Food Programme, which underscores the significance and impact of BYM in Africa and around the world. Brightest Young Minds (BYM), a prestigious awards organisation, aims to identify and honour young individuals who are making a positive impact in their fields and communities, and to provide them with a platform to showcase their work and achievements. The organisation is committed to supporting the growth and development of young talent in Africa and creating a brighter future for all. CONTRIBUTION TO HUNGER RELIEF As a recipient of this award, Conn has been recognised for his exceptional contribution to food-rescue and hunger-relief organisation SA Harvest. The…

Gauteng farmers have been dealt a double whammy this year as they must deal with the disastrous impact of load-shedding and the devastating effects of African swine fever (ASF). ASF is not to be confused with swine flu, and residents do not need to be alarmed because this is not a zoonotic disease. ASF is caused by a devastating haemorrhagic virus, and there is no cure for it. The most recent cases of ASF were discovered on a large pig farm in Gauteng in February. As there is no cure for the disease, wherever the virus is found, all the pigs need to be killed. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has engaged with the South African Pork Producers' Organisation (SAPPO) regarding the current ASF outbreak in the province. SAPPO has assured the…

MOST POPULAR ON FARMERSWEEKLY.CO.ZA DESPITE THE EASING OF ZIMBABWE'S FOOD PRICE INFLATION, IT REMAINS THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD Food price pressures that have beset Zimbabwe have persisted, giving the Southern African country the unenviable position of having the world's worst inflation, despite some slight moderation, a recent report by the World Bank showed. Read the full article at bit.ly/3G7KltB, or scan here. Posted: 20 March 2023. Follow us at @FarmersWeeklySA FROM FACEBOOK @FarmersWeeklySA When we posted a link to an article titled, 'Ramaphosa defends Expropriation Bill amid criticism', some of our followers shared their feelings on the matter. Posted: 17 March 2023. READERS' COMMENTS Nico Theunissen: "They are going to push [the Bill], as they know their backs are against the wall and they need something to gain votes next year." Montjane Karabo: "If [the Bill] passes, let's hope the land goes…