It has not been a great start to the year for farmers, and not only in South Africa.
Apart from their inflation and interest rate woes, farmers in Europe and the UK are angry with their governments about a rash of new environmental regulations affecting their operations, increased taxes, subsidy cuts and bans on pesticides.
British farmers and their families are in a state of deep depression about the future. A recent article in the Guardian newspaper, headlined ‘Farming is a dirty word now’, makes for disturbing reading. (shorturl.at/QSY19).
They’ve adopted some of the more tame methods, pioneered by South Africans, to express their displeasure with government: marching to government offices (with their cows, in the case of Irish farmers), blocking roads and dumping manure on the city streets. (They’ve still some way to go to match our standard toyi-toying, violence and destruction of property!)
COMMON PROBLEMS
Our farmers share all these problems, with a few others thrown in that pose infinitely more serious shortterm threats to their businesses, such as electricity blackouts, poor road, rail and port services, and a lack of maintenance of law and order.
However, South Africa’s farmers are a tough bunch, and have shown themselves highly resilient to adversity. While there is anger and frustration, I have yet to see any of the deep depression that seems to be taking hold among farmers in Britain.
As for spending time and effort protesting against government inefficiency and corruption by blocking roads and dumping manure on the streets, they’re all far too busy solving their problems and ‘state-proofing’ their businesses!
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の February 16, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の February 16, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
The oxwagon: a symbol of work, endurance and innovation
The oxwagon has become synonymous with the Great Trek, but few people know that the oxen bartered by the Khoikhoi were actually well-trained animals that responded to voice commands. Lucille Davie reports.
How to treat horses suffering from piroplasmosis
Babesia equi in horses is a notifiable disease in parts of the US, but not in South Africa. It causes fatal anaemia, warns Dr Mac.
All-electric 'Jaecoo's Jimny' is coming to SA!
This cute all-electric off-roader is on its way to South Africa and we've had a quick drive. Here's all you need to know about the Jaecoo J6.
Practical guidelines to prevent stock theft
Laurence Palmer, a security consultant, lists some practical advice that farmers can follow to prevent stock theft.
Understanding the economics of aquaponics.
Leslie Ter Morshuizen explains the economics of aquaponics production and best-grown crops.
Mondi Zimele develops farmers
KZN business uses farming for economic development of province
Township agriculture, rabies campaign launched
In a push to ensure food security in communities, the KwaZuluNatal (KZN) government has implemented a comprehensive agricultural programme designed to stimulate township economies.
Demand for Australian lamb grows
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has said that American demand for Australian lamb has risen significantly since December.
KwaZulu-Natal gains 180 agriculture graduates
Joy could be seen throughout the Olive Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), as 180 students, the class of 2023, achieved a significant milestone at a joint graduation ceremony.
Farmers warned not to plant GM maize in Zimbabwe
Vangelis Haritatos, Zimbabwe's deputy minister of lands, agriculture, fisheries, water and rural development, has issued a stern warning to the country's maize growers that no imported genetically modified (GM) maize may be used as seeds.