Farmer's Weekly reports the scourge was being compounded by poor reporting of incidences of stock theft, poor policing, and a failing judicial system in the province. However, according to Sarel Pretorius, chairperson of the Agri North West Livestock Prevention Forum, the effective and pro-active action of organised agriculture farm watch members had made a marked difference in curbing this crime during the past year. He called on livestock producers to implement all possible measures in the fight against stock theft. Pretorius also stressed the importance of adhering to legal requirements in terms of any changes in the ownership of livestock, and the transportation of livestock.

The MEC of Agriculture in the Free State, William Bulwane, visited the Kruidfontein Farm in the Soutpan area in the Free State. Bulwane’s visit stems from calls from a local farmer, 84-year-old Frieda Vorster, to help restore a wall which is situated in the Modder River in order to prevent it from collapsing. Many farmers in the area might experience a water shortage if this were to happen. Bulwane noted that the system used to build the wall is dated and could therefore, with persistent heavy rainfall, collapse. He added that if this happens farmers who are dependent on this structure will no longer have water for their irrigation systems. The MEC says he was there to observe the situation in order to determine what the Provincial Department of Agriculture and the Department of Water and Sanitation can do to preserve this vital wall. OFM News recently reported Vorster stated that years ago, when a damage assessment was conducted, the estimated costs to fix the dam was about R3.5 million.

AND

Entries for this year's South African Dairy Championships closes on Monday, February 1. Large, medium and small dairy producers are encouraged to enter the competition. According to Isabeau Botha, spokesperson for Agri-Expo, this competition is the largest, oldest and most prestigious dairy event in the country. Botha says the championships attract about 900 entries annually from manufacturers across South Africa. She explains that these dairy products compete for the prestigious titles of SA Champion, the Qualité Brand of Quality, and the Product of the Year, which is awarded at the prestigious South African Dairy Awards. The sole purpose of the championships is to promote and recognise excellence in the dairy industry. Along with that, Botha shares that there are more than ten categories consisting of more than 100 classes. These categories include cheese, yogurt, milk, cream, ice cream and butter.

OFM News