The Free State MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, Benny Malakoane, however says reviving the industry locally is a high priority following a meeting between the department and members of the South African Poultry Association last week. He says the aim of the meeting was to get a better understanding of issues affecting the industry from the various influences that South African trade has on poultry farmers, especially the import of what he classifies as "waste" products consumed locally. Malakoane says chicken brown meat imports from Brazil and the import of eggs, puts poultry farmers under pressure.

He says it is vital that imports of whole chickens or pieces there of - must be stopped in order to grow the local industry. Local small scale or commercial egg producers are also more than capable to deliver. According to Malakoane the meeting was a good informative session.
 
The meeting forms part of the department's program to meet with relevant agriculture stake holders, in the Free State, in aim of establishing close working relationships to leverage available resources and technologies. This to ensure food security and inclusive economic growth.

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Police in the Free State have made great strides in their fight against stock theft. More than 200 stolen stock, mainly cattle and sheep, where recovered in a crime prevention operation in various areas in the province recently. Police spokesperson, Thandi Mbambo, says various crime operations started last Wednesday in a build up to the Provincial Commissioner, Moeketsi Sempe's launch of the "Safer Festive Season Operations", that took place on Friday in Kroonstad. According to Mbambo the build up operations also focuses on Lesotho cross border crimes.

She says, in Phuthaditjhaba a total of 41 stolen cattle and a carcass were recovered by police. Two people where arrested in connection with the incident. In separate incidents in the area, five cattle that were reported missing, were also found while two people were arrested for failure to brand their livestock. Police also had success in the Ficksburg area.

In Thaba Nchu near Bloemfontein six of about 15 stolen sheep were recovered and three notices were issued for failure to brand-mark live stock. In Ladybrand three fines amounting to R7 000 were issued under the Animal Impound Act.  Members of various police units, the South African National Defence Force, Lesotho police, provincial and municipal traffic officers, employees of the Department of Home Affairs and SARS Customs were involved.

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