There is a lot of good going for the South African agricultural industry, which often gets overshadowed by policy discussions.

SA poultry farmers must raise their efficiency to compete, says Ted McKinney, undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs in the US agriculture department.

Improving animal welfare and employee safety—that’s the top two goals driving the creation of the industry’s first robotic cattle mover.

South Africa’s pet food industry has in recent months defied constrained economic growth, a volatile local currency, declining but stable grains sector and muted political uncertainty to post growth and even attract investment from key manufacturers in the country.

The sheep farming area of Beaufort West is suffering from extreme water shortages, and the government and agricultural experts have warned that the price of red meat is set to soar.

Summer weather could encourage more braaiing, supporting prices. Internationally, record levels of animal protein weighs on the poultry and beef markets, whilst demand from China for lamb and pork remains strong.