South African maize-belt not in good shape
I received communication from a couple of farmers this morning, informing me that it is less than 20 percent of intended maize hectares planted thus far in the Free State and North West, respectively, due to persistent dryness. This is a concern as these particular provinces are the main white maize producers, typically accounting for more than half of white maize output in any season.
Transkei should be key in agricultural development
Another reason to prioritise the Eastern Cape for agricultural development is its good weather, specifically the Transkei region. Today I drove across the region and it was green and lush. Here is a photo I took it the rural areas of Port St. Johns (see below or...
An unpleasant drive through the South African summer crop regions
Yesterday’s drive from Gauteng to Eastern Cape gave me a sense of how drier weather conditions have affected South Africa’s summer crop production in regions of the country.
High time cannabis sector got legislation framework in South Africa
I did an unusual thing while preparing to write this column. I invited regular readers on Twitter to offer their opinion about key aspects they feel my last column for the year should address. Their responses showed, first of all, that many South Africans are already...