Farmer's Weekly

I recently came across a Canadian news story that warns farmers that cyber attacks on farms is on the increase. The article, published by RFDTV, reported that Canada's National Statistics Agency said that around 20% of all businesses can expect a cyb

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor Janine Ryan, janiner@caxton.co.za Senior designer Louis Kruger Designer Mario Ferlito Copy editors Fanie de Villiers, Yvonne Fontyn and Joel Jacobson Digital editor Sindira Chetty, sindirac@caxton.co.za Office assistant Prenusha

South Africa's agriculture sector faced several challenges in 2023, but we didn't think the overall annual performance would drop sharply. Along with the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), we expected a mild contraction in 2023 because o

Two interrelated issues are found in most political party manifestos: on the one hand we have what is generally known as ‘wicked problems’ and on the other hand we have the paradox of development. Most political parties have prioritised issues such a

The Western Cape recently held the first Indaba of its kind in the province to create a platform through which government and the private sector can work together to tackle challenges associated with climate change. Prof Guy Midgley, from Stellenbosc

The infiltration of biological invaders poses a significant risk to the water security of South Africa, jeopardising sustainable agriculture, intensifying wildfires, and continuously harming the nation's distinctive and globally significant biodivers

The farmers’ protest in Poland is fast becoming known as the most violent agricultural protest in Europe, according to national media. Farmers were joined by supporters in March as they gathered in Sejm when protesters started throwing stones at poli

While most of Asia has left farmers picking up the pieces after prolonged dry spells, Malaysian vegetable and fish farmer associations seem to have exprienced a good period. According to a statement from the Federation of Vegetables Sellers Associati

Hemp4Life and the South African Health Product Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) recently briefed the portfolio committee on small business development on the opportunities, challenges and licensing in the cannabis and hemp industry. The meeting centred

Sheep farmers across the country are saying that they fear a shortage of lamb production due to the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV). The virus apparently causes lambs to be born deformed. The Animal and Plant Health Agency said a vaccine has been developed

The farming industry is vital to the world's food industry and requires the utmost protection from cyberattacks. This is according to Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa, who believes that with the evolution of technology, the digital t

In celebration of its 125th Bananaversary, Dole Food in the US recently established a National Banana Hall of Fame to honour culinary and cultural institutions that have helped to establish bananas as one of the world's most popular and most purchase

Zimbabwe's economic growth potential largely depends on developments in its agriculture sector. The country has 4,13 million hectares of arable land. This was according to a recent report by the United States International Trade Administration (ITA)

Zambia has declared the 2023/24 agriculture season drought an emergency following a prolonged dry spell caused by the El Niño. Government is also calling for co-operating partners to come to the country's aid for food while appealing to debt creditor

The drought in Zambia has led to co-operating partners and other countries offering humanitarian assistance to the Southern African country where over six million people are in dire need of food after a failed harvesting season. Vice president Mutale

The second mohair sale of the 2024 summer season saw 174 419kg on offer, of which 99% was sold. The offering consisted of good-quality mohair, with individual clips achieving excellent results and buyers actively competing, according to Mohair South

Heard this one before? Van produced vegetables on a small plot near town. Someone told the Labour Department that he was not paying minimum wages and despatched an inspector to check on him. “I need a list of your employees and their wages,” demanded

Hemp cultivation has emerged as a promising option for farmers globally in recent years, owing to its variety, sustainability, and potential profitability. However, successful hemp cultivation needs more than simply sowing seeds in the ground. To unl

Goats are known for having twins and triplets and they can become pregnant at a relatively young age. Both these factors can contribute to the older and young ewe experiencing birthing challenges. At the best of times the birthing process is strenuou

A little more than a decade ago, most broiler producers were dependent on modified mainstream machines to collect mature broilers out of poultry houses. Not being specifically designed for the job, these machines were not very efficient. “They always

The more congested environments where pigs are raised are predisposed to the proliferation of diseases such as diarrhoea and respiratory conditions such as pneumonia. This is a particular risk if the farmer isn't proactive in respect of maintaining g

Worldwide pressure has been mounting on cattle farmers due to CO2 emissions and the fines that come with it. The industry that might be feeling the pinch worst in terms of livestock is dairy farmers. With this mounting pressure on the industry, resea

The chaos, anger and heartbreak that was COVID-19 is still so close that every year we mark the breaking news of the early cases and the shock of the first lockdowns. The former environment editor for the UK's Guardian newspaper, Vidal, does a roundu

Dear Prof McCrindle, How common is hoof rot in livestock? What are the causes, prevention and treatment? Is it a highly contagious disease and how can it be controlled? Kind regards, Alice Dear Alice, Foot rot in dairy cows is called digital dermatit

MEDIUM DIFFICULT HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that each row and column, as well as each of the 3 × 3 squares, contains all the digits from 1 to 9. Look out for the answers to this week's Sudoku puzzles in next week's magazine. ■