The department says in a statement the programme entails supporting farmers with Risk Management Solution Technology equipment. This equipment include animal tracking devices, and digital security surveillance, and drones. The first group of farmers, who are in a cluster that will receive the equipment, are from farms around Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo, Wepener, as well as from Bainsvlei commercial farms. A total budget of about R ,5 million has been allocated for this programme to support 156 farmers. About 1 706 livestock tracking devices and 32 vehicles will be fitted with the anti-hijack tracking devices to safeguard against livestock theft. This programme was initiated to help mitigate against the ever rising livestock theft cases in the province, which threaten food security and job creation.

Over the last two years, a number of new records have been set for the highest prices ever paid for registered bulls from different breeds sold at auctions. According to Denene Erasmus, editor of Farmer's Weekly, in July this year a Beefmaster stud bull from Bos Blanco in Kroonstad in the Free State, sold for a record price of R1,1million. This, while last year a Boran bull sold for a record price of R1,7million. Erasmus adds that these higher prices were closely correlated with the increase in weaner prices.

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A group of five women from Ladybrand in the Free State is contributing to food security in their area. Mantshopa Mothers Co-operative, which was established in 2003, makes use of netted tunnels to grow vegetables such as green beans and spinach. Lydia Nkhoko, manager and daughter of the founder of the co-operative, says they sell fresh vegetables to shops, their community, as well as donate vegetables to the needy in their area. The provincial Department of Water and Sanitation recently visited the facility to do a Women in Water awareness workshop for the workers.  




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