Bosparadys – A family success story
Business expansion and community development are guiding principles in the Khourie family business. Bosparadys is a thriving dairy concern set to expand despite the tough economic environment dairy farmers operate in.
A woman in the wine industry
In August 2009, Elsa Carstens became the first woman in South Africa to head up two producer wine cellars. Due to financial pressure, these cellars had already opted to amalgamate so they could expand market share. Elsa guided them through this process and launched a successful turnaround. Jacques Claassen reports.
Bucking the bulk wine trend
Bulk wine exports have become the backbone of South Africa’s international wine trade. But to increase profitability and ensure financial sustainability, Riebeek Cellars is instead investing in a rebranding exercise aimed at increasing bottled wine sales. Cellar master Zakkie Bester shared some wine, and insights, with Denene Erasmus.
Collective farming at its best
Despite having limited farmland, Chris Venter is a top pepper supplier to a Gauteng supermarket chain. By contracting six other farmers to share the production, he has spread his risk and minimised that of the farmers of Pepper Valley.
From backyard farmer to commercial producer
Noliqwa Nhlapo, runner-up in the 2013 Eskom Development Foundation Business Investment Competition, was forced to change direction from piggery to egg production due to land constraints. But she never lost sight of the bigger picture. Peter Mashala visited her farm.
Canola: Fields of gold
Canola production has grown in leaps and bounds during the past decade and is set to more than double in the next. With biofuel blending regulations coming into effect in 2015 and positive results achieved in crop rotation, the canola industry is poised for a boom. Lindi van Rooyen reports.
Making the most of the ostrich
This ostrich farm in the Western Cape has diversified into tourism, sport, concerts and other attractions that ensure a constant income stream. Jay Ferreira reports.
Aloes boost tourism for local town
Tapping into KZN’s winter-flowering aloes has given local businesses, tourism and conservation a welcome boost. Robyn Joubert reports.
Economies of scale: how does dairy farming fit in
Dairy farming is changing as smaller farmers fall by the wayside and bigger operations expand. David Beca, director of Australian company Red Sky and CEO of NZ Farming Uruguay, dispels some misconceptions about economies of scale.
From corner supermarket to global dairy business
Federico Boglione, the company president of one of the biggest
dehydrated milk product suppliers in the world, says the main pillars
of success of his Argentinian-based family business, Los Lazos,
are diversification and value-adding. Denene Erasmus reports.
Green tea revival
A once-destitute Seenteko tea farm has received an overhaul that will see a failed sector productive once more. Plandaí Biotechnology will produce green tea extract on the farm. Lindi van Rooyen reports.
Dealing with land claims
The pending reopening of the land claims window for a further five years could see a flood of claims being lodged on South African farms. With more than 7 000 land claims yet to be researched and gazetted by government, farmers are advised to familiarise themselves with the process and their rights. Lindi van Rooyen spoke to Annelize Crosby, legal advisor for Agri SA.
