Contractor eventually appointed for notorious R30 after 11 months
As a result of the terrible condition of the R30 ‘death road’, nearly 25 people have lost their lives in recent months. Although Free State Agriculture (FSA) welcomes the eventual appointment of contractors (who will restore the R30), many lives…
State monopoly on vaccine supply threatens livestock production
Vaccine shortages against Rift Valley Fever, Bluetongue and Horse Sickness can lead to a crisis in the livestock production industry. According to Francois Wilken, President of Free State Agriculture (FSA), the agricultural sector is increasingly struggling to gain timely access…
Government fails crime-ridden Lesotho border farmers
Illegal activities and crimes that adversely affect the safety of every farmer, their families and workers located near the southern Lesotho border area were discussed during Free State Agriculture (FSA)’s visit to the area on 2 November 2022. Emerging as…
Transport month – simply political dazzle
While October is considered by politicians as “transport month” to supposedly focus on the important theme of the country’s progress, numerous agricultural associations in the Free State were once again forced to put their hands in their own pockets to…
Will FS roads be repaired before the coming rainy season?
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is cautiously optimistic about the recent announcement by Mr William Bulwane, Free State MEC for police, roads and transport that ‘millions have been allocated for the repair of battered roads in the Free State’. Francois Wilken,…
Seed theft a growing crime in Free State
It seems as if there is an emerging trend in the Free State, where large quantities of seed are stolen. Dr Jane Buys, safety risk analyst from Free State Agriculture (FSA), mentions that three incidents took place last week in…
Property rights under serious threat – FSA
“Property rights are under threat and the government is still steaming ahead on an ideological path, regardless of all the challenges the country is facing.” Francois Wilken, president of Free State Agriculture (FSA), expressed his organization’s disappointment and concern at…
Load shedding sabotages food production
Francois Wilken, President of Free State Agriculture (FSA) warned today that the increase in load shedding is undermining food production. According to Wilken, the organization’s members are seriously concerned about the impact of load shedding on farmers’ production capacity. “Providing…
Expropriation Bill forging ahead, FSA questions governments intent
Free State Agriculture (FSA) has warned that the adoption of the New Expropriation Bill will pave the way for government overreach and corruption on a scale not yet seen in South Africa. Citizens should ask themselves: What does this government…