Researchers create 3D-printed vegan seafood      They Fed Empires. Then the World Forgot Them.      Ankole Cattle in South Africa: A Futureproof African Breed with Rare Genetics and Growing Value      Robotic Vehicles are Driving into the World’s Vineyards      False metric: Government confusing vaccination target with population immunity      El Niño 2026/2027: Why Droughtproofing South African Agriculture Is Now Urgent      90% of plastic polluting our oceans comes from just 10 rivers      The wisdom of the vineyard: why old vines matter in South Africa      VIEWPOINT- South Africa continues to face serious challenges with hunger and food insecurity      PRODUCTION SETBACKS COST BVI KEY SOUTH AFRICAN ORDERS     
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  • WEEKEND-VIEWPOINT- Agricultural pesticides and public health remains a major unresolved challenge

    The tension between agricultural productivity and public health remains one of the most persistent and unresolved challenges in many countries, particularly those where agriculture employs the vast majority of the population.Agrochemicals play a vital role in modern farming.

  • VIEWPOINT-South African Farmers and costs of tractors, farming machinery and other inputs in 2026

    The South African agricultural machinery market is growing steadily.

  • VIEWPOINT- Beyond 30 Years of Challenges – Eskom, Diesel, Electric Trucks, and a System on the Brink

    SouthAfrica’scitizenscontinuetograpplewithdeep-rootedstructuralproblemsthathavepersistedfordecades:highunemployment,inequality,crime,andsloweconomicgrowth.Yetanewandcompoundinglayerofdifficultyhasemerged—theslow-motioncollapseofcriticalinfrastructurethataffectseveryaspectofdailylifeandeconomicactivity.

  • Cattle farmers under pressure as beef prices look set to remain subdued

    High maize prices and a downward spiral of beef prices are putting pressure on cattle farmers and could see many in the beef industry going out of business.

  • Positive developments for South African beef industry

    I am ending this week, not by highlighting an agricultural story that dominated the news headlines – as it is typically the case — but some encouraging developments for the South African beef industry.

  • Steenhuisen Folds Under Legal Pressure to Allow Private Vaccine

    Under legal pressure from two farmer unions and a business lobby group, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has submitted last-minute proposals that could, in practice, open the door to farmers privately sourcing and procuring foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines, subject to veterinary direction.

  • VIEWPOINT- South African Cattle Farmers Navigate a Promising Yet Tough 2025

    South African cattle farmers have had a mixed year in 2025, with glimmers of progress overshadowed by persistent challenges. Better summer rains in 2024 improved grazing conditions and lowered feed costs, creating optimism for the industry. Beef exports also soared, rising 30% from 2023 to 38,657 tonnes in 2024, with 57% fresh and 43% frozen beef. Markets like China, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Mozambique fueled this growth after export bans, triggered by 2023’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks, were lifted in mid-2024.
    Yet, farmers report 2025 as financially taxing. Renewed FMD outbreaks in regions like KwaZulu-Natal and North West led to temporary export market closures to countries such as China and Namibia, disrupting recovery. Coupled with falling weaner prices and subdued domestic demand due to economic pressures, farmers face significant financial strain, with the full impact still unfolding.
    Hope lies in strengthened collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and industry groups. Vaccination efforts, backed by over 900,000 doses and R42 million for procurement through Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), are set to ramp up in late June 2025. For lasting success, the industry must prioritize animal health, domestic vaccine production, and enhanced surveillance. Expanding beyond OBP by leveraging private sector expertise and upgrading state facilities is essential to meet growing needs.
    Through unified efforts among government, private sector, and organized agriculture, South Africa’s cattle industry can build on 2025’s gains, overcome setbacks, and secure a resilient future.
      VIEWPOINT - South African farmers, must not tolerate poor service delivery
    South African farmers are in high spirits as they work tirelessly to bring in what promises to be a bountiful harvest in 2025. Favorable weather, including ample summer rains in 2024, has boosted crop yields and grazing conditions, setting the stage for a robust season. Fertilizer, fuel, and seed prices are expected to increase, driven by global supply chain pressures and local economic factors, potentially squeezing margins despite strong market prices.
    With a great harvest underway and strategic planning for the next season, South Africa’s agricultural sector is poised to strengthen its vital role in the economy, provided it navigates rising costs effectively.

    Maize demand in the Southern African region is expected to remain strong in the 2025-26 marketing year, which commenced in May (this marketing year corresponds with the 2024-25 production season). One of the countries that imported most maize in Southern Africa in the 2024-25 marketing year was Zimbabwe.

    The country accounted for 56% of South Africa's maize exports of 2.3 million tonnes that year. In the 2025-26 marketing year, Zimbabwe's maize demand is expected to be smaller but remain substantial. The previous season presented unique challenges, primarily the mid-summer drought. This led to a 60% decline in Zimbabwe's maize production, leaving the country with only 635,000 tonnes of harvest. This was far below the 2,0 million tonnes Zimbabwe required for its domestic annual consumption. Thus, imports played a crucial role in meeting domestic needs.

    DISCLAIMER

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by CRA and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

     

  • WEEKEND-VIEWPOINT- It is time to look after the consumers in South Africa.

    With the sharp increase in fuel prices expected in April 2026, the entire value chain will once again raise their prices because of higher fuel costs.

  • The outsourced official opposition- South Africa

    Under a dysfunctional government, every state function eventually has to be outsourced if it is to keep working. In South Africa, security, health, electricity, water, road and rail, and even criminal prosecutions have, to a significant degree, become the responsibility of private, non-traditional actors.

  • VIEWPOINT-South African Farmers Deserve Better: Time to Stop the Squeeze

    We are heading into another long weekend in South Africa, and the first quarter of 2026 is already behind us.

  • They Knew the Vaccine Didn't Match — And Other Things They Didn't Tell Us.

    My herd has been vaccinated. I did not choose the vaccine. In South Africa, that choice is not yours to make. The state selects the product. The state controls the supply. You take what arrives.

  • WEEKEND-VIEWPOINT- South Africa’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease Crisis going on

    South Africa is still waiting months for critical laboratory results to determine which strains of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) are circulating across the country.

  • VIEWPOINT-The global fertilizer situation has become a major headache for world food production.

    We had another long weekend in South Africa, and the first quarter of 2026 is already behind us.

  • VIEWPOINT- South Africa- Government Water Rules Add Pressure on Citizens and Farmers

    Many South Africans, like you, are frustrated and worried that after years of problems in almost every government department — from poor service delivery and corruption to failing infrastructure — the Department of Water and Sanitation is now turning its attention to ordinary citizens who have enjoyed the outdoors at public dams for decades.

  • Cattle crisis exposes overlooked skills gap -South Africa

    As South Africa confronts a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak severe enough to be declared a national disaster, an often overlooked profession is carrying the weight of the country’s response. Veterinary scientists and veterinarians — largely invisible to the public — are working tirelessly to protect our 14-million cattle, safeguard livelihoods and secure the food supply.

  • VIEWPOINT- South Africa Cannot Borrow Its Way Out of Broken Systems

    The South African government continues to borrow money with the intention of rebuilding and uplifting the country. On paper, this sounds like the right approach — investing in infrastructure, improving services, and supporting economic growth.

  • VIEWPOINT- South Africa goat market

    South Africa leads the world in mohair production, supplying about 75% of premium Angora goat fibre, yet the goat meat and dairy sectors remain largely underdeveloped and informal. The Department of Agriculture recently presented plans to Parliament for commercialisation, including a breeding centre for improved genetics, fixed/mobile slaughter and processing facilities, a meat classification system, and a cold chain in partnership with producers and retailers—though no timelines were given.Official estimates put the national goat herd at ~7.8 million, but experts like Rauri Alcock of the Goat Agribusiness Project suggest over 6 million are in undocumented communal systems, making the industry far larger than recorded.
    South Africa holds 56% of SADC goat stocks but <3% of Africa's due to underreporting; data is outdated and inconsistent.
    The value chain is predominantly informal: live goats and meat are sold cash at taxi ranks or homes, with only ~0.05% reaching formal abattoirs. High demand for live goats (used in ceremonies, especially in KwaZulu-Natal with ~2 million annually and 34% of goat-owning households) drives imports of ~150,000 animals yearly, mainly from Namibia. Goat meat fetches ~40% more per kg than mutton.Previous commercialisation projects (Umzimbuvu, Kgalagadi Dipudi, Kalahari Kid) have failed. Critics note government focuses on large-scale initiatives, overlooking rural "emerging" farmers who don't fit commercial definitions for tenders. Formalising the sector could unlock significant economic potential in rural areas.
    VIEWPOINT- Reconciliation Day in South Africa 2025
    South Africa boasts a diverse goat farming sector, leading globally inmohair production (about 75% of premium supply from Angora goats) while meat and dairy remain largely informal and underdeveloped. The national herd is estimated at ~7.8 million heads, with over 6 million in undocumented communal systems (primarily rural Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo) and ~1.8 million commercial.Commercial breeds dominate structured farming: Boer (top meat breed), Kalahari Red, Savanna (hardy, adaptable meat goats), and Angora (mohair).
    Indigenous veld goats (~65–70% of total) thrive in extensive communal systems, valued for resilience, cultural ceremonies (e.g., ~2 million used annually in KZN), and low-input needs.Production focuses on meat (high informal demand; goat ~40% pricier than mutton), with only ~0.05% slaughtered formally. Annual slaughter ~3 million (mostly informal); imports ~150,000 live goats/year (mainly Namibia) fill gaps. Mohair is processed in Gqeberha for export.
    Challenges include outdated/underreported stats, failed commercialisation projects, disease risks, theft, and government focus on large-scale initiatives overlooking rural "emerging" farmers ineligible for tenders.Opportunities lie in formalising the value chain (breeding centres, processing, classification proposed by Department of Agriculture), cultural/live animal demand, exports (genetics/meat), and niche dairy. Informal sales (cash at taxi ranks/homes) show untapped economic potential for rural livelihoods.The sector blends tradition with commercial potential, supporting food security and rural economies.
    Despite hurdles, goat farming remains a vital, adaptable enterprise supporting food security and rural economies, with cultural significance adding unique demand strength. Many farmers thrive through resilience and informal networks.
    Want to join our popular weekly viewpoint? Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.! You can make your own Viewpoint. - Our Professional civilized approach to your option is respected.
    Every week, our flagship Viewpoint article is now shared with33 international media houses across continents. These partners translate and publish the content in12 international languages, putting South Africa's farming stories, challenges and triumphs in front ofthousands of readers worldwide.
    DISCLAIMER

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by CRA and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

  • WEEKEND-VIEWPOINT- Foot-and-Mouth Disease is still a huge problem-

    Foot-and-Mouth Disease is still a huge problem- .

  • VIEWPOINT- South African citizens and farmers are facing difficult times amid rising costs

    South Africa has serious governance and economic challenges, and many state-owned enterprises have struggled over the past decades with issues like mismanagement, financial losses, infrastructure failures, corruption.

  • VIEWPOINT- South Africa continues to face serious challenges with hunger and food insecurity

    The South African government has expanded social grants significantly to support millions of vulnerable citizens, but many recipients say they cannot survive on the amounts they receive. With widespread hunger persisting, critics argue that large-scale corruption and the lavish lifestyles of some politically connected individuals are undermining efforts to fight poverty.Social grants now reach more than half of South African households and serve as the main source of income for millions.
    However, the amounts remain well below the food poverty line. The Child Support Grant, for example, sits around R580 per month, while the Social Relief of Distress grant is only about R370 — far short of what is needed for basic nutrition. As a result, many families still face serious food shortages despite receiving assistance.High unemployment, currently above 32%, and rising food prices make the situation worse. Grants provide some relief and help prevent the worst forms of hunger, but they are not enough for people to live decently. Low-income households are often forced to underspend on nutritious food, leading to poorer health, especially for children and women.
    At the same time, public frustration is growing over corruption. Billions of rands have been lost through state capture and tender irregularities in past years, money that could have been used to strengthen social support, create jobs, or invest in rural development. While many ordinary South Africans struggle to put food on the table, reports of politically connected cadres living in luxury continue to fuel anger and distrust in the system.The core problem is structural. South Africa has one of the highest inequality rates in the world.
    Relying heavily on grants without faster economic growth and job creation creates long-term dependency. Experts and affected communities argue that real solutions require better governance, reduced corruption, land access for small-scale farming, support for food gardens, and policies that grow the economy so people can earn sustainable incomes rather than just survive on limited grants.Until corruption is tackled more effectively and economic opportunities expand, many citizens will continue to feel that the government is trying to feed its followers with one hand while losing resources through the other.
    Hunger in South Africa is not just about insufficient grants — it is also about how public money is managed and where real opportunities are created.

     HUNGER IN SA: ONE IN TEN CHILDREN STILL GOES TO BED HUNGRY – BUT HOPE IS RISING

    South Africa continues to face serious challenges with hunger and food insecurity. A major inquiry into the country’s food systems has highlighted deep concerns over food affordability, the high concentration of power in food production and distribution, and unequal access to land.The inquiry has raised issues affecting farm dwellers and informal settlements, as well as the impact of climate change and environmental pressures on vulnerable communities.

    It also points to the link between food insecurity, human dignity, and broader socio-economic exclusion.Recommendations include strengthening access to land, improving accountability among major players in the food system, and addressing the dominance of large commercial operators in production and retail networks.There is growing worry that traditional and small-scale farming practices, along with indigenous knowledge and local seed systems, are being pushed aside by large-scale industrial farming that relies heavily on imported seeds, chemical pesticides, and monoculture crops. This shift is seen as harmful to food quality, nutrition, community resilience, and the ability of ordinary people to control their own food production.

    Hunger in the country cannot be separated from wider problems such as high unemployment, rising food prices, spatial inequality, historical land dispossession, and increasing climate risks. These structural issues make it difficult for many households to access sufficient nutritious food.A recent household food affordability report shows that low-income families are forced to underspend on basic nutrition by at least 17%, leading to poorer health and deeper food crises in homes.

    As economic pressures increase, the gap between what families can afford and what they need for proper nutrition continues to widen.To fight food insecurity, greater emphasis is needed on food gardening, especially in schools where children can learn these skills from a young age. Access to land remains critical — particularly releasing suitable rural land for communities to grow food.Overall, the situation calls for a more equitable and resilient food system that supports both commercial production and small-scale, community-based farming to ensure South Africans have reliable access to affordable, nutritious food.

    Want to join our popular weekly viewpoint? Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.! You can make your own Viewpoint. - Our Professional civilized approach to your option is respected.

    Every week, our flagship Viewpoint article is now shared with33 international media houses across continents. These partners translate and publish the content in12 international languages, putting South Africa's farming stories, challenges and triumphs in front ofthousands of readers worldwide.
    DISCLAIMER

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by CRA and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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