Free State Records No New Foot-and-Mouth Disease Cases as Vaccination Programme Reaches 1.76 Million Cattle
The Free State has recorded no new cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) during the past week, offering a positive development in the province's ongoing efforts to control the outbreak. The cumulative number of confirmed cases remains at 804, according to the Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs. Of these cases, 799 have been successfully resolved after…
South African Maize Farmers Urged to Improve Refuge Planting to Protect Bt Technology
South African maize farmers have been urged to improve compliance with refuge planting requirements to slow the development of insect resistance and protect the long-term effectiveness of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize technology. The warning comes as emerging resistance in maize stem borer populations highlights the importance of responsible pest management and careful use of genetically modified (GM) maize. Agricultural entomologist…
Limpopo Prepares for 2026/2027 Summer Planting Season Through Traditional Leadership Engagement and Farmer Support
Agriculture remains central to food security, rural development and poverty reduction in Limpopo, where many households depend on farming for food, income and economic opportunities. As the province prepares for the 2026/2027 Provincial Summer Planting Season, the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is strengthening engagement with traditional leadership and preparing support interventions aimed at helping communities participate in…
