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She reassures readers that the June 22 and 29 combined issue of the magazine is currently  available on shelves until the end of the month. The June 5 and 12 combined issue will be available on shelves early next month. 

She focuses on news stories on the magazine's website and highlights some interesting production stories about crops currently  being harvested. The harvesting of guavas usually starts in June and this season farmers are reporting some good quality fruit on the land. There is, however, concern that the peak of the coronavirus in South Africa, in terms of infection numbers which is expected to occur in June to August this year, will coincide with the peak harvest period. Farmers are concerned about labour shortages during this time, but the industry is working on a solution.  

She further  highlights the cotton industry which is also going into its harvest season, but South African farmers have actually benefited from challenges during the Covid-19 national lockdown period with the international cotton price which has taken a knock due to disruptions in trade and lower demand and all sorts of side effects of the pandemic. South African farmers, however, have seen a depreciation of the Rand against the American Dollar in terms of the international price of cotton and local farmers stand to earn a good price for their cotton this season. 

That was Denine Erasmus, editor of Farmer's Weekly, only on the Agri Hour.

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She highlights news stories in the Farmer's Weekly combined issue for the rest of the month with a focus on the wine industry still being one of the industries within the agricultural sector  the most affected by the lock down and its affects on the flow of trade. Wine exports for the most part of April were not allowed and with local sales not allowed in the same month South African wine exports dropped by a massive 73% compared to the same month last year. She says according to the industry it is suffering losses of about R250 million per week due to the ban on local wine sales. There is hope that some form of easing will take place very soon in terms of the trade in alcohol.

In another news story the magazine highlights wheat plantings and the intention to plant as it currently stands. This shows that South Africa will most likely need to import 50% of the wheat needed for local consumption, but this is however in line with what the country usually imports. She says this follows some speculation that during the Covid-19- pandemic there might be some shocks in global wheat markets.

Erasmus says in another story the magazine focuses on the Land Bank, with economists stressing the fact that with the bank going through  financial troubles it is imperative  for the state to look at a support package for the bank.)

PRESENTER OUTRO: That was Denine Erasmus editor of Farmer's Weekly only on the Agri Hour.