Farmer’s Weekly is an agricultural magazine based in South Africa, targeting the whole of Southern Africa. The magazine is committed to advancing the interests of the region’s farmers and its agricultural industry by serving as a mouthpiece for the industry and by keeping its readers informed of the latest developments in the agricultural sector.

Use 2021 to prepare for tougher years to come

Farmer's Weekly

Water scarcity: already a grim reality for billions worldwide • The State of Food and Agriculture 2020 report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations presents new estimates on the pervasiveness of water scarcity in irrigated agriculture and water shortages in dryland agriculture, as well as the number of people affected.

22 TO 25 FEBRUARY 2021 Seed science • THIS COURSE WILL PROVIDE DELEGATES WITH A GOOD WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF SEED PHYSIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY (INCLUDING SEED VIGOUR, DORMANCY, STORAGE AND ENHANCEMENT).

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Reviving the Van Stadens River System

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Commodity expectations for 2021 • Although the agriculture sector did not remain unscathed by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the outlook for crop and livestock production seems much more favourable this year.

High expectations for South African oilseeds in 2021

Red meat sector pins hope on greater export opportunities • Although stronger producer and retail prices during 2020 were welcomed by South Africa’s red meat producers, they are working to spread their risk during 2021 by hopefully securing more export opportunities for their products. Lloyd Phillips reports.

‘Consumer spending will determine poultry sector’s fortunes’

Good prospects for rooibos production, despite challenges

Avocados remain buoyant amid ‘insatiable demand’

Cautious optimism for global wool market in 2021

A boom in cherry production and a return to normal for stone fruit • Deciduous and pome fruit production is expected to increase in general, thanks to favourable climatic conditions in most of the production regions, except for parts of the Klein Karoo that are still plagued by drought. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Table grapes yet to experience full impact of COVID-19

Steady increase in demand for mohair, despite challenges

Nut markets take a tumble • Nut markets around the world have taken a hit due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global economies. Lindi Botha reports.

Slight increase in South Africa’s mango and litchi production

Olive oil surplus expected for the 2020/2021 season

Good wheat year, but climate uncertainty still prevails • The 2020/2021 season appears to be a year of records for South Africa’s wheat industry. Jeandré van der Walt reports.

Spotlight on world trade • Trade and political tensions between the world’s super powers inevitably have an impact on trade in other countries. Janine Ryan looks at a few trade disputes that will continue throughout 2021.

Do you deal in hope? • Leadership inspires. Management gets the job done. They are different skills, but closely related. Let’s reflect on the way we carry out our jobs and make sure that in 2021 we strike the right balance between managing and leading, says Peter Hughes.

Getting ready for summer • If you’re planning to plough and plant at this time of year, you need to ensure that your tractor and other equipment have been properly serviced. Remember, too, that there will be an increase in livestock diseases, advises Shane Brody.

It’s time to take the long-term view • South Africa faces the dual challenge of saving lives from the deadly COVID-19 virus while sustaining livelihoods in a frail economy, says Dr Sifiso Ntombela.

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