Kgalagadi butchers back FMD slaughter suspensions but warn that prolonged curbs could bankrupt them — the tension between disease control and livelihood
Section
Farming
Biosecurity Lapses Trigger FMD Outbreak at AI Centre
Minister Dikoloti links an FMD outbreak at Ramatlabama AI Training Centre to human biosecurity lapses, forcing BMC abattoir closures — and testing EU beef
Authorities Clarify FMD Controls: Dairy and Aggregates Exempt
Botswana’s FMD coordinator Dr Mbeha clarifies that UHT and pasteurised milk, firewood and aggregates are exempt from movement curbs — what it means for
Molopo Farmers Pool Funds for a 200km FMD Barrier
Molopo River farmers pooled funds in late January 2026 for a 200km FMD barrier fence to block disease from South Africa and protect Botswana’s EU beef markets.
FMD Response Shifts from Culling to Vaccination in Zone 6b
Botswana’s early-2026 choice to vaccinate rather than cull Zone 6b cattle against FMD eases farmer losses while protecting premium beef export access.
Confidence Dips: How FMD and Price Slumps Knocked SA Agribusiness Sentiment
The Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index fell to 45 in Q2 2026 as FMD, weak sugar and wheat prices and El Niño risk pushed capital investment to a 2006 low.
Last-Minute Lifeline: How an IDC-Vision Deal Keeps Tongaat Hulett Afloat
An IDC and Vision Group funding deal keeps Tongaat Hulett operating to September 2026, preserving jobs and protecting KwaZulu-Natal’s rural sugar economy.
Bigger Vintage: How Favourable Weather Lifts SA’s 2026 Wine Harvest
Favourable weather lifts South Africa’s 2026 wine-grape harvest, with Vinpro citing better clusters and quality, but careful supply management is the real test.
Diesel Crunch: How Fuel Shortages Threaten SA’s Citrus Export Season
The Citrus Growers’ Association warned on 31 March 2026 that diesel shortages and price hikes threaten SA’s citrus export season — 95% of fruit moves by road.