Agribusiness

South Africa’s maize crop, the smallest in eight years, will probably fuel inflation in the months to come as the price of maize increases. Jaco Visser spoke to economists as well as an agribusiness about the outlook for food prices, inflation and interest rates.

The phasing out of the EU quota system and rising global demand for milk offer export opportunities for the Netherlands. Despite differences in demographics and production circumstances, this country has valuable lessons for SA.

South Africa is seeing renewed interest in crocodile farming, with skins fetching attractive prices. There is a growing international demand for the product, and SA may be at an advantage.

South Africa’s poultry companies have had a rally in their share prices over the past year as a slump in the maize price boosted confidence in higher profits. Jaco Visser spoke to company officials on the outlook for the poultry industry in South Africa.

Last year, SA’s major diversified food-processing companies produced a mixed bag of results. Most grew their sales, but struggling consumers meant that profits lagged. Despite this, investors continued to buy shares. Jaco Visser spoke with company officials and studied the figures.

Why has a wealthy Indian businessman become enamoured of SA’s wine industry? Analjit Singh told Denene Erasmus of his love affair with Franschhoek and his decision to invest in wineries here.

Agribusiness OVK has returned more than R320 million to farmer-shareholders in two years through a loyalty scheme, dividends and a high share price.

Mediation is a low-cost, high-value method of solving disputes and has been underutilised in SA, with complainants favouring expensive litigation instead. Advocate Alan Nelson SC spoke to Denene Erasmus about the important role that mediation can play in resolving disputes in the farming sector.

South Africa’s agriculture sector may often feel isolated in terms of the challenges it faces. However, a recent survey by the German Agricultural Society reveals that farmers in Germany, Poland, France and the UK have similar problems – and anxieties.

Apart from a new generation of winemakers and marketers that is making a name for itself, upcoming industry leaders are embarking on a fresh strategy to ensure the industry’s success. Jacques Claassen reports on these latest developments.

Breeding association Konsortium Merino recently announced a breakthrough strategy to ensure its members’ success over the next decade. This entails new forms of ownership to overcome the growing difficulties associated with smaller farms and the lack of economy of scale.

Zeder Investments recently concluded the largest transaction in its existence, boosting its investments in agriculture to more than R10 billion and proving the company’s positive outlook on the industry. Jaco Visser interviewed CEO Norman Celliers.