Business

While many farmers try to grow their enterprises as big as possible, this goat cheese business is staying small – and it’s thriving, thanks to its location. Robyn Joubert reports.

Jasmyn in Hartbeespoort has grown from a double garage-size farm stall to a farmers’ market of choice for fresh food lovers in the Gauteng area. The farm and shop are run side-by-side, ensuring that customers gets the freshest produce, and the absence of a middleman ensures greater profits.

Tabi Diphoko of Dobsonville, Soweto, has faced many challenges in his farming career, including the loss of his wife, which nearly caused him to give up. But at 77, this remarkable man is determined to grow his piggery bigger than ever. Peter Mashala spoke to him.

An effective labour management system is one of the most important investments 2011 Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year Gog van der Colff made in his grape and raisin enterprise. It afforded every worker the opportunity to take responsibility in this major enterprise and resulted in better production. Annelie Coleman reports.

Once one of South Africa's top agricultural high schools, Settlers is today a shadow of its former self. Its farming facilities have deteriorated, sponsorship has dried up, and many of the pupils don't take agricultural subjects. But there are big plans afoot to refocus the school on agriculture. For the sake of tomorrow's farmers, let's hope they succeed, says Peter Mashala. Read more in the 9 December 2011 issue.

Since 2007, a family-run citrus business near Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape has partnered with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to empower emerging citrus farmers in the former Ciskei.

In the final part of this series, Peter Hittersay offers advice on how to drive and operate a tractor safely, as well as keep it clean and in good condition.

Mojalefa Molefe moved from Soweto to Mokgwaneng, Limpopo, to take care of the family's cattle herd after his father's death. In seeking to adopt more modern - and profitable - farming methods, he has made plenty of mistakes, but has learned a great deal too. Peter Mashala visited him.

The natural beauty isn't the only reason why many agri-investors are eyeing Georgia. During a whirlwind tour as guest of the State Ministry on Diaspora Issues, Farmer's Weekly editor Alita van der Walt was introduced to the reforms stimulating economic growth and encouraging foreign investment.

For five years, Lesotho's royal farm in Matsieng has showcased a sustainable farming approach for local lowland farmers. This "sufficiency model" originates in Thailand, and its diversified use of land holds much promise. Tjonane Matla and Peter Mashala investigated.

As the economic crisis in Europe closes doors to agri-exporters, markets in other parts of the globe are opening. Robyn Joubert reports on export opportunities in Iran, Australia and Vietnam

In the second-last part of this series, Peter Hittersay looks at fuel conservation, storage and refuelling, as well as safety standards.