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
SA Boerperd not just a horse owned by a farmer
SA Boerperd Breed Society council member Petro Grove there is a common misconception that an SA Boerperd is any horse owned by a farmer. She says the SA Boerperd is actually a specific, registered breed:
Sapa embarks on the “real” journey to transformation
SA Poultry Association (Sapa) CEO Kevin Lovell says they are making huge strides in transformation after Achmat Brinkhuis was this week elected as the first black Chairperson of the association:
Broiler industry very important agribusiness sub-sector
Farmer’s Weekly journalist Wilma den Hartig is attending Avi Africa 2016. In this report she explains that Tracy Davids from the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy said it is very important for SA to ensure that the broiler industry remains sustainable.
Being a refugee in South Africa
The 16th annual World Refugee Day, that reflects the plight of refugees and asylum seekers across the world, was commemorated on Monday. This in the light of an unprecedented increase in asylum seekers and refugees resulting in the degeneration of the global refugee system and the worsening humanitarian crisis around…
Poultry imports blamed for job losses
SA Poultry Association (Sapa) senior executive Dr Charlotte Nkuna spoke briefy to OFM News from the annual Avi Africa conference and exhibition under way in Johannesburg this week. She says they are already seeing the negative impact of poultry imports on the sector:
Policy critical in shaping agro-processing and food security
Agbiz CEO Dr John Purchase, Agbiz CEO Dr John Purchase, who is currently in Denmark to participate in the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (Ifama) world conference, says opening speaker, Phil Hogan, the commissioner for agriculture at the European Union, stressed the importance of policy in shaping an agro-foods…
Spesiale verslag: Moedertaalonderrig
Moedertaalonderrig is die middelpunt van die geveg in die hooggeregshof, tussen minderheidsregtekampvegters, Afriforum, en die Universiteit van die Vrystaat. Afriforum wil die behoud van Afrikaans by die UV sien. Regoor die wêreld word dié tipe onderrig as krities beskou in die vroeë onderrig van kinders, en die vorming van hul…
Farmers warned not to sell sick pigs
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana says it is irresponsible for any farmer to sell diseased animals or meat from sick animals, such as pigs with African Swine Fever (ASF).
DWS spokesperson says water resources remain under pressure
The spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Sputnik Ratau, is urging water users to behave responsibly as the country’s water resources remain under pressure
Hundreds of pigs dead or destroyed in North West
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana says the outbreak has affected 20 to 25 owners. He adds that the virus seems to have originated in a neighbouring country.
Traceability about ensuring compliance and good management
Agricultural economist Dr Kobus Laubscher says traceability is about being able to say that the farm at which something is produced adheres to certain standards. This includes things like disease control, use of growth hormones and anything that can have an impact on the product.
SA lagging in terms of traceability practices
Agricultural economist Dr Kobus Laubscher says in a country like Namibia, for example, you can trace every cut of meat you purchase on the shelf back to the carcass and even further.
Feature: MeerKAT attracting international interest
The scientific community recently showed much anticipated excitement over the projection of the MeerKAT’s telescope’s first images. The image from a test observation done with the only four functional MeerKAT dishes thus far, shows stars in our own Milky Way Galaxy. Moeketsi Mogotsi spoke to the Chief Scientist in charge…
Youth Day, 40 years later
This year marks the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the June 16 1976 Soweto Uprising. OFM’s Moeketsi Mogotsi and Mark Steenbok spoke to the class of 1976 and 2016 respectively to compare the respective challenges of each generation.
Feature: Implications of drought at FS healthcare facilities
Water scarcity in the Free State Province still remains a serious problem, especially at healthcare facilities as some hospitals cannot conduct surgeries and have to refer patients to nearby hospitals. South Africa’s current water supply across the country is at critical levels and the drought's impact in the province is…
New Free State RPO chair upbeat despite challenges
The newly elected Chairperson of the Free State Red Meat Producer’s Organisation, Nelius Ferreira, says the drought has resulted in numerous interrelated challenges:
Feature: Setsoto Municipality’s Water Crisis
In September 2015, the Premier of the Free State, Ace Magashule, declared the province as a disaster-stricken area. The Setsoto Local Municipality was among municipalities that suffered from serious drought effects with water levels being dried up due to the lack of rain and this led to water supply being…
Drought declaration will unlock funding, prioritisation channels
Agri SA Executive Director Omri van Zyl says if the drought is declared a national disaster, it will pave the way for a better, more holistic response.
Nafu feedlot to cater for weaner market around Zastron
Head of the agri business section of the National African Farmer’s Union (Nafu), Reverand Otto Mbangula, says they have big plans to empower emerging and commercial farmers in the vicinity of Zastron in the Free State.
Concern over pending Orange River restrictions
Agri Northern Cape water representative Hoffie Joubert, says while they understand there are water problems, it is unfair that the people using water legally are the ones being punished while illegal water users continue as they please.