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In this week’s issue, high cube containers are taken under the loop. 

Farmer’s Weekly  takes a look at how the government’s inaction to extend the moratorium on high cube containers, which means that fruit destined for the export market are being transported illegally in South Africa.

According to Ryan, Regulation 224(b) of the National Road Traffic Act of 1996, states that the use of high cube containers is prohibited due to the combined height of the containers and the trucks moving them. She further adds that these containers are a global norm and are particularly important for the agribusiness sector. This, as refrigerated containers are used for the transporting of agricultural products that fall within this category.

Another news story takes a look at the 2021/22 wine grape season which is described as good, but expensive. Conrad Schutte of Vinpro, says production was expected to be lower than last season’s 1,46 million tons, but higher than the five-year average of 1,34 million tons. The exact figure for the 2021/22 season is yet to be announced.

Furthermore, a wireworm strain that is found to be resistant to all active dewormers, has been reported in eight of South Africa’s nine provinces during December 2021. The Northern Cape was the only province that did not report any outbreaks. Ryan explains that the pest is growing resistant to dewormers and is a pressing concern for the small stock industry. Farmers are urged to be careful when examining their herds and to also report problems with persistent wireworms to their local or state veterinarian.

Also, farmers across the country have reported cases of African and Asiatic redwater, heartwater, and anaplasmosis, amongst other animal diseases. Ryan adds that current climatic weather is ideal for tick numbers to increase. This means that farmers have to be extra vigilant in ensuring that their animals are free of ticks.

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