Officials said South Africa’s phytosanitary and biosecurity requirements are world class and the department is awaiting bilateral trade agreements to be resolved to begin exports of beef

Frequent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza and African swine fever suggest weakness in biosecurity controls and the effect of climate change

For South Africa to maintain its current access to red meat, wool and other livestock products, it must continue to strengthen its biosecurity and revive vaccine manufacturing

This could be good for consumers as prices drop.

While the recent rains caused damage to infrastructure and in communities, it does more good than bad in agriculture

The weather event is predicted to bring above-normal rainfall in January before easing up, but the northeast may remain dry

Severe drought brought a farming village to its knees, but unresolved conflict is its biggest threat

South Africa must remain vigilant to prevent outbreaks which are costly to farmers and harm the export market

Cows on a ship in Cape Town in a horrible situation lead to more calls for it to end

We are in for another good agricultural season, especially if January and February present favourable rainfall

There are weaknesses in the country’s biosecurity system, including the measures in place to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases