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Investing in Better Genetics: Building More Resilient South African Forests
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South African forestry has always been an industry built on innovation. From improved silvicultural practices to mechanised nurseries and precision site management, growers have continually adapted to changing conditions. Today, however, the challenges facing the industry are greater than ever. Increasing climate variability, prolonged dry periods, emerging pests and diseases, and rising input costs mean that selecting the right genetic material is no longer simply about achieving higher yields—it is about protecting the long-term productivity and profitability of every hectare planted.
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| | At Ezigro Seedlings, we believe that genetics are one of the most important investments a grower can make. Working closely with the Hybrid Clone Consortium (HCC) and other major players, we are proud to supply some of South Africa’s most advanced eucalyptus and wattle clonal material as well as pine hybrids, helping growers establish forests that are more productive, more uniform and better suited to today’s challenging environments. The 2026 HCC Clone Guide highlights a growing portfolio of improved eucalyptus and wattle clones developed specifically to address climate variability, emerging pests, disease pressure and changing market requirements. (Please email ant@ezigro.co.za or Jordan@ezigro.co.za for the latest copy of the guide.) |
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The value of improved genetics
The HCC continues to play an incredibly important role in the South African forestry industry. The programme is constantly evaluating, breeding and testing new material that offers improvements over previous generations.
The objective is not simply to produce faster-growing trees, the programme focuses on a combination of characteristics, including:
- Improved growth and yield
- Better stem form and timber recovery
- Greater uniformity across compartments
- Improved tolerance to key pests and diseases
- Better adaptation to different climatic conditions
- Expanded options for difficult or marginal sites
This continual improvement is essential. As new pests emerge and environmental conditions change, growers need access to genetics that evolve alongside these challenges.
New clones for a changing industry
Over the past few seasons, many forestry regions have experienced increasingly variable rainfall. While no tree can eliminate the effects of severe drought, selecting the correct clone for the correct site can significantly improve establishment, survival and long-term performance. |
Site-species matching has never been more important.
The Ezigro clonal program now includes clones suited to a wide range of rainfall zones, temperatures, altitudes and soil conditions, allowing growers to match planting material far more accurately to local conditions, while others provide improved frost tolerance, disease resistance or wood quality depending on the production objective.
Choosing a clone simply because it performed well elsewhere can be an expensive mistake. Every site has unique climatic and soil characteristics, and successful forestry depends on matching those conditions with the appropriate genetics.
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Eucalyptus
The latest generation of eucalyptus hybrids has been developed to address many of the industry’s current challenges. Some newer hybrids have been selected for their ability to perform on more marginal or slightly drier sites, such as GxL 222 and GxC 522. New material is being evaluated not only for productivity but also for resistance to diseases such as Teratosphaeria destructans, Elsinoe species, Leptocybe invasa (gall wasp), and other threats affecting commercial plantations.
Wattle
Similarly, new wattle clones continue to improve rust and frost tolerance, growth and stem form, providing growers with improved options as disease pressure evolves.
Pine
Our Pine hybrids on offer help with improved volume and disease tolerance ensuring survival and a full stand. Planting the hybrid of Pinus elliottii and Pinus caribaea (often referred to as PE × PCH) combines the fast growth of Caribbean pine with the wind-firmness and adaptability of elliottii pine. In subtropical regions like Mpumalanga, this hybrid offers faster rotation times, higher timber yields, and superior disease tolerance compared to traditional pine species. Planting the interspecific hybrid Pinus patula × Pinus tecunumanii (P. pat × P. tec) provides major solutions to pitch canker and climate stress in forestry. This cross merges the superior wood quality of P. patula with the aggressive growth and disease resistance of P. tecunumanii
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| Secure your planting programme early
One of the biggest mistakes growers can make is waiting too long before placing clone orders.
High-performing clonal material cannot simply be produced overnight. Propagation requires careful planning, hedge management, rooting and nursery production well in advance of planting. By placing orders early, growers secure their required volumes and allow sufficient time for production scheduling.
Early planning also provides the opportunity to discuss site conditions, rainfall expectations and management objectives before clone selection is finalised, ensuring the best possible match between genetics and site.
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Ezigro role
At Ezigro Seedlings, our role extends far beyond producing quality plants.
Our experienced technical team works closely with growers to recommend the most appropriate planting material for each site. We assist with site-species matching, clone selection and establishment planning to maximise plantation performance from the very beginning.
With production facilities and technical support located throughout South Africa, Ezigro supplies growers nationwide. Whether establishing new forestry compartments or expanding existing operations, our teams are available to provide practical advice backed by years of nursery and forestry experience.
Our mechanised nursery systems, strict quality control and modern propagation techniques ensure every plant leaving our nurseries is produced to the highest standard, giving growers confidence that their investment begins with healthy, vigorous planting stock.
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Investing in the future
As the forestry industry continues to face increasing pressure from climate change, pests and diseases, improved genetics will remain one of the most powerful tools available to growers.
The work being undertaken by the Hybrid Clone Consortium is helping ensure that South African forestry remains competitive by continually developing better-performing, more resilient planting material. Ezigro is proud to partner with the HCC and other major players in making these improved genetics available to growers across the country.
The forests planted today will determine the productivity of tomorrow. Selecting the right genetics, matched to the right site, is one of the smartest investments a grower can make—and with careful planning, early ordering and the support of experienced nursery professionals, growers can establish plantations that are better equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
Ezigro Seedlings delivers quality forestry planting stock nationwide, supported by experienced technical teams who can assist with clone selection, site-species matching and plantation establishment. We encourage growers to engage with us early to secure volumes and ensure the best genetic material is available for their next planting programme.
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| Established Sawmill Business & Property For Sale |
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Established Magoebaskloof Sawmill Operation Presents Rare Acquisition Opportunity
A unique opportunity has become available to acquire an established and fully operational sawmilling and timber processing facility located in the heart of one of South Africa’s recognised timber-growing regions.
This going concern offers an ideal opportunity for an existing sawmiller looking to expand capacity, an industry investor seeking an established timber processing operation, or an entrepreneur wanting to enter the timber sector with the benefit of existing infrastructure, experienced employees, and an established market presence.
The sawmill is strategically located in the Magoebaskloof area of Limpopo, where commercial timber farming is well established. The availability of locally grown timber provides a significant operational advantage, ensuring access to raw material with reduced transport distances and associated logistics costs.
Operating from a fully developed 17.0448-hectare industrial property, the facility has been designed to support ongoing sawmilling activities, with comprehensive production infrastructure, supporting workshops, administrative facilities, and employee accommodation already in place.
The operation manufactures timber products, including roof timber and structural timber supplied into the building industry, with an established customer base and the infrastructure required to continue production.
For more details and a comprehensive valuation report CLICK HERE
CONTACT
Pieter Human Real Estate
Pieter Human
Cell: 082 553 5887
Tel: (015) 307 2755
Email: pieter.human@realty.net.za |
| ACT 36 Developments, Glyphosate Discussions And What It Means For Forestry |
Big changes are coming for pesticide regulation in South Africa. The recent DoA meeting revealed plans to modernise Act 36 with a new framework expected by 2027, meaning greater oversight, enhanced traceability, and a potential shift to ingredient based regulation for forestry.
read more |
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| Volvo Trucks Scores Five Stars In Euro NCAP’s Safety Test Of Regional Distribution Trucks |
| Volvo Trucks has done it again with another five star Euro NCAP safety rating. The Volvo FM regional distribution truck joins six other models earning the maximum score, proving safety remains non negotiable. Seven trucks and counting with zero compromises... read more |
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| Steady Recovery, New Beginnings and a Look Ahead to the SSA AGM |
Sawmilling South Africa mourns the loss of Louis du Plessis while celebrating lumber sales edging upward in 2026. The SSA AGM on 10 June at the University of Pretoria promises investment and innovation, and the PG Bison and MTO merger gets the green light for the Southern Cape...
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| Pro-Treat Intelligence Catches Errors Before They Happen |
| Dolphin Bay's new AI-powered feature alerts operators when wood preservative values fall outside set parameters, catching typos and wrong numbers in real time. Think of it as "ChatGPT for Pro-Treat" it learns from every query, reducing errors and waste while boosting accuracy. Operators are already seeing fewer mistakes and better results... read more |
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| Forests And The Economy: Planting The Seeds Of A Circular Future |
| South Africa's forestry sector proves green growth works. Using just 5% of agricultural water while generating over 20% of agricultural GDP, forestry produces renewable, recyclable and carbon-neutral feedstock. With nearly a quarter of land dedicated to conservation and hundreds of thousands of rural livelihoods supported, this is sustainability that pays economically, socially and environmentally... read more |
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| No Easy Fix To The Fuel Price Problem |
| Since the US-Israel attack on Iran began on 28 February, global oil prices have surged 40%, hammering South Africa's timber trade. Diesel jumped 40% by April, with transport costs eating up to half of delivered timber costs. Add a weaker rand and the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and there's no quick relief in sight for the industry... read more |
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| Message From The FSA Executive Director's Desk |
| Despite a turbulent start to 2026, the forestry sector saw real wins: a landmark High Court ruling on PCO regulations, a new diesel rebate system saving R150m annually, and tangible progress on timber rail migration. However, concerns persist over DFFE's slow Masterplan delivery, the SA-China trade offer, and fuel price volatility... read more |
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| New Report: Global Softwood Timber Outlook - 1. North America |
| North America supplies roughly one-third of the world's softwood, but growth ahead will be uneven. The US South offers the most flexible supply potential, while Canada's harvests have declined sharply and the US Northwest faces environmental constraints. A new report from Global Wood Trends and O'Kelly Acumen examines regional dynamics, costs, and supply projections to 2035... read more |
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| State Forestry Company Troubled by Timber Theft and Illegal Mining in Its Mpumalanga Plantations |
| State forestry company SAFCOL is losing nearly R20 million annually to organised timber syndicates in its Mpumalanga plantations. Illegal mining in its nature reserves has forced trail closures due to security risks. SAFCOL has called for timber theft to be declared a priority crime and tighter mining licence regulations on forestry land... read more |
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| FSC Launches Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for Natural Forests in South Africa |
| The Forest Stewardship Council has released a new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for natural forests in South Africa, covering SLIMFs and NTFPs. The standard provides a clear certification pathway for the AIP management sector and beyond, supporting green jobs, rural development, and South Africa's... read more |
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| ATSE Presents Seppi All Terrain Mulchers |
ATSE showcases the full SEPPI range of all terrain mulchers and attachments — from compact flail mulchers for orchards to high-performance forestry mulchers handling wood up to 60 cm in diameter. The lineup includes rotary mowers, stone crushers, stump grinders, excavator-mounted mulchers, and tracked tool carriers. Contact ATSE for a free quote...
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| 300,000 Hectares and Counting: How South Africa's Forestry Sector Is Quietly Preserving Biodiversity |
| Forestry South Africa reveals that its members collectively preserve over 300,000 hectares of natural ecosystems within forestry landholdings — more than 20% of the total area. From critically endangered Hewitt's Ghost Frog habitats to fynbos, wetlands, and indigenous forests, the sector demonstrates how productive landscapes and biodiversity... read more |
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| Volvo Trucks’ All-New Combustion Engine Platform: Superior Fuel Efficiency and Ready For A Wide Range of Alternative Fuels |
| Volvo Trucks has unveiled its most fuel efficient engines ever, two all new 13 liter platforms delivering up to 4 percent lower fuel consumption. The D13 and G13 engines are ready for biodiesel, HVO, biogas and future green hydrogen. With higher torque and a refined I Shift transmission, sales... read more |
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| JUST IN: USNR Catech XT-4 Edger Optimizer - Incoming Stock! |
| USNR Catech XT 4 Edger Optimiser arriving at Pinnacle Systems Automation. Renowned for high speed transverse scanning and superior recovery rates, the XT 4 combines advanced optimisation software with proven USNR reliability to minimise waste and maximise board value. A precision solution for mills looking to get the most from every board... read more |
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| Volvo Trucks Announces Global Product Launch |
| Volvo Trucks has announced a multi billion SEK investment in new powertrains to accelerate decarbonization. A new 13 litre combustion engine platform ready for renewable fuels including future hydrogen applications joins second generation electric drivelines with ranges up to 700 kilometres. The three path strategy of battery electric, fuel cell electric and renewable fuel combustion engines supports... read more |
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| FSC Africa And ASTRAcademy Sign Agreement To Promote Responsible Forestry |
| FSC Africa and ASTRAcademy have signed a partnership to promote responsible forest management across the continent. The agreement focuses on training and capacity building, strengthening auditing and certification capacity, technical collaboration, and knowledge sharing. The partnership supports FSC Africa's ambition to bring 30 million... read more |
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| The world's leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry will take place from 10 to 14 May 2027 at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds. All leading companies have confirmed participation with over 80 percent of exhibition space already booked. Key themes include timber construction, automation and robotics, digital integration, data driven production and AI... read more |
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| Reflecting On the Past and Looking Ahead |
| Sunshine Seedlings thanks clients for their support and reports improved production after switching certain wattle clone orders to Unigro plugs, boosting rooting success. Expanded capacity includes a new tunnel with 88,000 wattle ramets and 280,000 additional ramets at a sister nursery. Committed to quality and timely deliveries, they urge growers to order early and review planting techniques... read more |
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| Ellepot Award: The Highest Credit Rating |
| Ellepot A/S has been awarded the highest credit rating by Dun & Bradstreet, placing it among the top 2% of Danish companies. The recognition reflects strong financial stability and delivery security. In a recent customer service survey, Ellepot also achieved an average rating of 4.8 out of 5... read more |
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| Certificate Holder Training Workshops In Cameroon and Gabon |
FSC recently delivered training workshops for Certificate Holders in Douala, Cameroon and Libreville, Gabon. Sessions covered the FSC system, Chain of Custody, trademark and labelling revisions, EUDR tools, Zámba Heritage, ecosystem services, tropical timber communication, and upcoming trade shows...
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| Ellepot Welcomes New Partner in Honduras: Becamo S.A., Unión de Exportadores de Café de Honduras, San Pedro Sula, City of San Pedro Sula, Department of Cortes, Honduras. They have officially joined the Ellepot family as our esteemed partner, marking a significant step forward in expanding our presence in Central America within the coffee industry... read more |
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MTO’s Commitment to High-Quality Timber Manufacturing
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| MTO highlights its commitment to high-quality timber manufacturing, from its own sustainably managed plantations to advanced processing at George Sawmill (established 1935) and Longmore Sawmill, which uses 3D-scanning technology. Strategic distribution through the Retreat DC in Cape Town, specialised pole treatment at Pull Scar in White River, and a circular energy system powering ... read more |
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| ENTRY LEVEL to EXECUTIVE... |
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Talking Timber webinar: Fire & Timber |
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She Is Forestry SA Annual Webinar
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The 9th International Scientific Conference on Hardwood Products |
Date: 8-11 September 2026
Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa
read more |
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2026 Forestry Science Symposium |
Date: 24 – 26 November 2026
Location: Stellenbosch University
read more |
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The 9th International Scientific Conference on Hardwood Products |
Date: 10-14 May 2027
Location: Hannover Exhibition Grounds
read more |
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| Thank you to the following companies who renewed their advertising across our platforms in June: |
- Surejoy Industries
Surejoy Industries is a family-run sustainable forestry, sawmilling, and wooden products business based in Harding, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Six generations deep, they produce FSC-certified timber, CCA-treated poles, and free-range beef with a strong conservation ethic.
- Guy payn sawmills
Guy Payn Sawmills, based in Harding, KwaZulu-Natal, is a BEE Level 6 pine sawmilling operation run by Joshua Payn. Part of the Surejoy Industries group, they supply kiln-dried, rough-sawn timber for crating and industrial use across South Africa.
- BCC SA
BCC (BCC Plant the Planet) is a global supplier of complete, customized solutions for forest nurseries and seed centers. From growing containers and irrigation systems to full turnkey nursery setups, they support reforestation and commercial forestry worldwide.
- Yonder Lea Timber
Yonder Lea Timber is a pine sawmilling business based in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape. They supply rough sawn timber for crating and mill run use, are proudly FSC certified, and offer CCA pole treatment through SATAS accreditation. A trusted, family rooted name in sustainable timber.
- Pallet Supply Co
Pallet Supply Company is based in Blackheath, Cape Town, and takes real care in crafting custom pallets, crates, shelving, and more. They balance strength, durability, and cost for each customer's unique needs, offering new and recycled pallets, plastic options, and export ready kits.
- White River Sawmills
White River Sawmills has supplied quality timber from Mpumalanga since 1989. They are FSC certified and produce 88000 cubic metres of sawn board and laminated products annually across two mills. A reliable, established name in sustainable sawmilling.
- C & C Teerpale
C & C Teerpale is a South African timber treatment and supply company based in Zeerust, North West province. Established in 1985, they specialize in SABS-approved, creosote and CCA pressure-treated gum poles, lathes, and droppers for building and fencing. Their tagline is "Quality & Service Guaranteed!" and they emphasize quality at reasonable prices.
- Ledinek
Ledinek is a Slovenian manufacturer of wood processing machinery, founded in 1947 and based in Šentrupert. They specialize in planing, profiling, finger-jointing, and complete production lines for the timber industry, with well-known series like Stratoplan and Superplan. The company serves sawmills and wood manufacturers worldwide through subsidiaries and partners.
- Stihl
STIHL is a German manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, founded in 1926. The South African site offers their full range including chainsaws, trimmers, mowers, blowers, and cutoff machines in petrol, battery, and electric options, along with accessories, parts, and a dealer locator.
- Richter Scale
Richter Scale is a South African supplier of industrial weighing solutions, based in Pretoria and operating since 1972. Their product range includes weighbridges, platform scales, floor scales, crane scales, livestock scales, load cells, axle weighing systems, forklift scales, and test weights, along with software and custom built solutions.
- SAFTC
SAFTC stands for the South African Forestry Training College. They provide onsite and online skills training focused on health, safety, and forestry. The college aims to deliver quality training to remote learners across South Africa, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to enter the forestry job market as competent individuals. Their tagline is "Tried, Trusted and Preferred."
- Ecoguard
Ecoguard Biosciences is a South African research company offering environmentally compatible vegetation management products. They provide selective solutions for invasive plant control, forestry and bush control, aquatic weed control, turfgrass management, and arid region management, along with adjuvants, dyes, and equipment, supported by qualified field staff.
- Sika Forest Solutions
Sika Forest Solutions is a South African forestry and natural resource management provider. They offer silviculture, timber harvesting, weed control, pruning, and various forestry-related training services, backed by experienced professionals committed to sustainable environmental management.
- SA Bandsaw Co
Located in Paarl, SA Bandsaw Company manufactures, supplies and sharpens sawmill blades. SA Bandsaw was founded in 1968 and specializes in manufacturing bandsaw blades, sharpening of saw blades & sales of cutting tool. They Supply, Manufacture and Sharpen for the Sawmill, Woodwork, Meat & associated Industries.
- Dulini Sawmill
Dulini Sawmill CC is a sawmilling operation based in Paulpietersburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, specializing in kiln-dried pine timber. They supply rough-sawn timber in non-structural grades including crating, industrial, furniture grade, clears, and finger-jointing stock.
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