OFM News
OFM News, in touch with your world. Covering local and national news focusing on the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and the Vaal. See more: https://www.ofm.co.za/News
Nature of the farmer is to look to the future
Agri North West CEO Boete du Toit says farmers are realistic about the challenges they face, but despite this they are already taking a more positive view for the future:
Rural safety: "Somebody has to do it"
A farmer in the Bainsvlei area, Ben van den Bergh, says while it can be dangerous to participate in white/blue light patrols, it is important for rural residents to take responsibility for their own safety:
Consumers forced to adapt diets as meat/chicken prices surge
Agricultural economist Dr Kobus Laubscher says according to data released by the National Agricultural Marketing Council, consumers paid just under R610 for the 23 items in the basic food basket in June this year. He says certain goods showed even more dramatic increases:
Farmers take safety into own hands
A police officer involved in this week’s white/blue light operation says cooperation between police, farmers and rural residents is critical:
Feature: Anti-Racism Feature
OFM News, in touch with your world. Covering local and national news focusing on the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and the Vaal. See more: https://www.ofm.co.za/News
Economist predicts bumper 2017 for agri sector
Agricultural economist Wessel Lemmer says they are expecting improved prospects for the agriculture sector over the next three years. He says 2017 in particular is expected to be much more favourable for producers:
Weaker Rand can protect producers from overseas competition
Agricultural economist Wessel Lemmer says exchange rates have a big impact on the agriculture sector but adds that the weaker Rand can also protect producers:
Aussies draw on local research expertise to combat wheat aphid
According the ARC’s Dr Vickie Tolmay, South African researchers have been studying the Russian Wheat Aphid, or RWA, since the late 1970s when it first appeared here. She says RWA appeared in South Australia and Victoria in June this year for the first time and was this month found to…
Workshop to explore exchange rate impacts for planting season
Agricultural economist Professor Johan Willemse says exchange rates are one of the key drivers that will come under discussion during the next quarterly agricultural markets forecast workshop.
FS Bonsmara breeder scoops national herd improvement award
Nick Serfontein of Sernick Bonsmaras says he feels honoured after being announced as the national winner of the Beef Cattle Improvement Herd of the Year at the Agricultural Research Council’s National Beef Awards in Pretoria last week.
Feature: Anti-rape march
OFM News, in touch with your world. Covering local and national news focusing on the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and the Vaal. See more: https://www.ofm.co.za/News
Feature: Award winning Free State DJ shares advice for the youth
OFM News, in touch with your world. Covering local and national news focusing on the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and the Vaal. See more: https://www.ofm.co.za/News
Small things can interfere with SKA project
SKA SA Managing Director Dr Rob Adam says the integrity of the project cannot be guaranteed if farmers continue to operate. He says small things like microwaves or transponders can mess with the science:
Karoo farmers share heartache over SKA land issue
Fanie Dippenaar shared the viewpoint of farmers from the Kareeberg area who are facing the prospect of having to sell their land to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. He says the fairy tale has now turned into a nightmare:
OFM Women's Month Special Feature: Dr Vicki Tolmay
As we celebrate women this women’s month, OFM News' agri editor Sabrina Dean found a field full of inspiration during a conversation with agricultural scientist, Dr Vicki Tolmay. She is passionate about what she does and says a job in agricultural science is about doing your bit to ensure people…
Wheat tariff not to blame for higher bread price says Grain SA
Grain SA CEO Jannie de Villiers says the bread price did not come down prior to tariff implementation, meaning the milling industry benefitted to the tune of R180-million from cheaper international wheat prices.
Drought an eye-opener for Agri SA President
Agri SA President Johannes Moller told delegates at Agri Northern Cape’s 37th annual Congress in Kimberley that one thing the drought has done is to open his eyes:
Land issue should be removed from ideological environment
Agri SA President Johannes Moller told delegates at Agri Northern Cape’s 37th annual Congress in Kimberley that land reform it needs to be removed from the political, ideological environment:
Farmers urged to pay attention to worker welfare
Agri SA’s Deputy Executive Director Christo van der Rheede addressed congress on socio-economic issues. He highlighted issues ranging from unemployment, the big concern over rural de-population and the impact of moral degeneration in rural areas:
OFM Women's Month Special Feature: Mimie Jacobs
OFM continues to pay tribute to Central South African changemakers this Women’s Month. Today’ shero is farmer Mimie Jacobs, who was this month announced as the overall winner in the Free State leg of the Female Entrepreneur Awards. OFM News’ agri editor Sabrina Dean spoke to her about the achievement.