Gary Wium

Finance readiness, seasonal cash flow and lending delays were in focus at #AGDA2026 at Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg. Farmer’s Weekly’s Gary Wium facilitated the discussion with Gilly Dlamini, Dr Langelihle Simela and Sakhumzi May.

During his presentation at the @vslandbou Congress 2026, Dunevax CEO David Gerber explained that while vaccination helps protect animals against severe disease, it does not necessarily prevent infection or stop vaccinated animals from shedding the virus. That means vaccination alone is not enough. Effective foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control also depends on high herd vaccination coverage, booster vaccinations, strict biosecurity, movement control, surveillance and accurate reporting. Gerber said targeted regional vaccination campaigns, where all eligible animals are vaccinated within a short period, offer the best chance of limiting the spread of the disease. Where possible, booster vaccinations should follow three to four weeks later to strengthen immunity. His message to the livestock industry: vaccines are a powerful tool in reducing the impact of FMD, but their success depends on how strategically and consistently they are used.

"Government must work with farmers, not against them." Speaking at the @vslandbou Congress, Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp called for a reset in the relationship between the @DOAgov_ZA and farmers. He said government cannot rebuild the sector alone, but neither can farmers and the private sector be expected to carry every challenge on their own. Instead, the department must become a practical partner that listens, remains accessible and helps remove obstacles to growth. Aucamp said farmers already know how to farm. Government's responsibility is to create an environment that makes their work easier, not harder. For farmers, that means faster decisions, practical support and accountability from the institutions responsible for serving the agriculture sector. #VLKongres2026

#fwagbizafrica China Market Access Priority Listing (assume 5 years) @justchad_cga Pears 2020 Avocado 2025 Mango 2030 Stone fruit 2035 (?) Persimmons 2040 Blueberry 2045 Cherry 2050