Farmer's Weekly 15 October 2021
Farmer’s Weekly is an agricultural magazine based in South Africa, targeting the whole of Southern Africa. The magazine is committed to advancing the interests of the region’s farmers and its agricultural industry by serving as a mouthpiece for the industry and by keeping its readers informed of the latest developments in the agricultural sector.
in this issue
what a load of rubbish!
There are few things that make my blood boil more than seeing someone casually toss rubbish out of their car window. Travelling through parts of Gauteng, the Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape over the past few weeks, I often thought to myself that the scenes around me were so beautiful, but for the fact that they were spoiled by trash littered all over the place. On the scenic, mountainous route between Kokstad and Lusikisiki, there were many rubbish heaps next to the road where trash had been unceremoniously dumped. The flatlands of the eastern Free State are dotted with plastic bags, beverage cans and other rubbish that had been scattered about by the wind. I drove past sheep, goats and cattle that were chewing on plastic bottles as…
social protection for sustainable food systems
The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer’s Weekly. This article is an edited excerpt from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa report titled, ‘Africa Agriculture Status Report 2021. A Decade of Action: Building Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems in Africa’. To download the full report, visit agra.org/resource-library/africa-agriculture-status-report. “Over the past 20 years, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has seen 4,3% growth in annual agricultural output, the highest of any region in the world. Most of this growth has come from area expansion, not input intensification or increased productivity. Despite this growth, 73 million people remain acutely food-insecure. There is an urgent need to support sustainable agricultural intensification across a wide segment of the rural farm population, while at the same time enabling rural dwellers to…
producing feed & food
The theme of the Animal Feed Manufacturers’ Association Symposium this year is ‘Embracing the new normal’. As such, the symposium aims to provide delegates with knowledge and tools to adapt to an everchanging environment, particularly with regards to technology. The symposium will also focus on various scientific developments in the sustainable production of feed and food. To register for the symposium, visit afmasymposium.co.za. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND EXPOS 21 TO 22 OCTOBER Africa Strategy Execution Conference (online). Visit africastrategy.co.za. 11 TO 12 NOVEMBER 4IR Agritech Conference, Protea Hotel, Stellenbosch (can be attended online). Email Connie Mamabolo at connie@mathematraining.co.za, or phone her on 011 862 4001. COURSES AND TRAINING 11 TO 14 OCTOBER Introductory Course in Pig Production, ARC Irene Campus, Pretoria. Email Mpho Makhanya at makhanyam@arc.agric.za. 11 TO 15 OCTOBER Tractor Maintenance and Operation, Buhle Campus, Delmas. Visit buhle.org.za. 19 OCTOBER Subtropical and Minor…
beef export and the improvement of the land
The author of this article, Temple L. Fyvie, spoke of the essentials for establishing a policy regarding beef export and the improvement of South Africa’s land that would lead to permanent farming stability in the country. As one of the original prime movers concerning meat export, an article right now from my pen may not be out of place. I actively pushed this project 25 years ago; in the press, at public meetings and private letters to our then prime minister, the late General Louis Botha. Much enthusiasm was roused during the early stages, and an organisation initiated by myself was successfully launched, but things did not run smoothly, and those in power were only halfhearted. Then followed a long period when I was about the only person who stuck to his…
recognition of women in olive industry
When local olive producers were awarded bronze, silver and gold medals for their remarkable extra virgin olive oils at the recent 2021 SA Olive Awards, two exceptional young women were jointly awarded the SA Olive Worker of the Year Award. This award was established as part of an ongoing commitment to promote excellence and recognise the growth of individuals in the olive industry. Out of all the nominations received for this year’s award, Lee Ann Swarts from Olyfberg and Carmelita Brink from Oakhurst Olives stood out. They were awarded a joint floating trophy made by John Scrimgeour, former chairperson of SA Olive. With 12 years’ experience at Olyfberg, Swarts was the obvious choice to be nominated by her team. Her calm and honest attitude towards her work has enabled her to reach…
praise for farmer’s weekly
I am so fond of Farmer‘s Weekly – I always look forward to each Saturday when I receive a new issue from my daughter. I read your magazine from front to back and fully appreciate the South African farming community‘s exceptional hard work. Our silos are full and our markets serve us with quality grains, fruits and vegetables, and we also enjoy many treats, such as sweets and ice cream. We owe it all to the incredible work our farmers put in all around our country. Farmer‘s Weekly, keep us updated with all the good news from our beautiful country. I pray regularly for many more blessings for a prosperous future for South Africa. Marthina Blom (pictured), 92 years old…
