Farmer's Weekly 20 May 2022

At the beginning of May, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announced another increase in the price of diesel. This is the third consecutive month in which diesel prices have increased, and if you live inland, you can now expect to pay over R23/£. This is particularly bad news for winter-crop producers, who are currently planting. There is little comfort in the fact that this is not an experience unique to South Africa. Indeed, diesel prices around the world have been climbing on the back of increased demand and limited supply, largely due to sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of that country’s invasion of Ukraine. Moreover, analysts predict that the run in the diesel price is likely only just beginning, and that prices will continue to increase over…

“Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an insect that can cause an unprecedented impact on plants, particularly maize, sorghum, rice and other agricultural crops. The introduction and spread of this pest should therefore be prevented where still possible. It is important to note that, to date, none of the more than 70 countries in which fall armyworm (FAW) has been detected has been able to eradicate this pest, and significant pest populations have established in affected countries. MANAGING AN OUTBREAK The response plan should set out the phytosanitary measures that are to be applied to contain or limit the spread of FAW once the pest is officially detected and confirmed. These include delimiting surveys, preventive measures, phytosanitary measures, and measures to suppress the pest population and its spread. The response plan should be implemented…

27 May, Royal Show, Pietermaritzburg Farmer’s Weekly will be hosting an Avocado Information Day at the Royal Show this year. The day will feature various speakers, including experts in the industry, as well as producers. Delegates will have a chance to interact and engage with the speakers about the challenges and opportunities ahead for this blossoming industry in South Africa. Email Prenusha Moodley at farmersweekly@caxton.co.za, or visit farmersweekly.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…

Yes, olives are delicious, but do you know how good they are for your health? Here are the top five health benefits of olives, and why you should eat more of them every day: 1. TRUST YOUR GUT Not only are olives jam-packed with dietary fibre, they are also rich in gutfriendly Lactobacillus bacteria. Adding beneficial bacteria and enzymes to your intestinal flora is important for maintaining digestive health and boosting that of your gut microbiome. In turn, all of this may also enhance your immune function. 2. LET IT GLOW The fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins E and A found in olives help to nourish and hydrate both the skin and hair. Vitamin E helps to increase blood flow to your scalp by aiding the formation of new capillaries, while vitamin A balances the…

Dear Shane Brody, Thank you for your informative articles on growing Smuts finger grass for livestock (see FW, 18 March and 1 April 2022). I am still learning about livestock farming and have yet to enter the sector, so the question I need to ask is from the perspective of someone who has a passion for agriculture, but has had no exposure to it. In the 1 April issue of Farmer’s Weekly, you spoke of the planting process of Smuts finger grass. You mention the tilling of the land (step one), using a roller to level and break clumps (step two), and then sowing the seed (step three), all of which I understand. However, later in the article you mention “applying a 2cm layer of kraal manure to the soil before planting”. This is…

MOST POPULAR ON FARMERSWEEKLY.CO.ZA COTTON VOLUMES EXPECTED TO BE 13% LOWER IN 2022 While global demand for local cotton is increasing, declining volumes remain a problem in South Africa. According to the latest national cotton crop estimate, the cotton crop would be about 13% smaller in 2022 than in the previous season. Read the full article at bit.ly/3seNkJE, or scan here: Posted: 2 May 2022. Follow us at @FarmersWeeklySA FROM FACEBOOK @FarmersWeeklySA FW posted an article titled ‘SA heading for third consecutive record diesel price increase’ and some of our followers had the following comments to share: Posted: 1 May 2022. READERS’ COMMENTS Irshaad Patel: Are we paying for Eskom’s diesel usage? Dan Motaung Dan: A lot of farmers, businesses and those running small operations are going to suffer even more. This might result in food prices increasing to cover…