Business

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.

Zabion de Wee graduated from the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute last year and is doing an internship with the National Wool Growers' Association. An ambitious young man, he has plans to one day farm Angoras in the Free State. He spoke to Heather Dugmore.

In Mauritius, the sugar industry co-generates a significant proportion of the country's electricity needs, using bagasse as feedstock.

Due to poor management, many agricultural co-ops across the country are struggling. Zivuseni Agricultural Co-operative outside Nigel in the East Rand is an exception. Thanks to good discipline, the business is thriving - and mixed farming makes the co-op's prospects even brighter. Peter Mashala reports.

Farmers in Beaufort West are taxed R3 104 (R2 500 after rebates) per annum for each R1 million their farm is worth, while farmers under the adjoining Baviaans municipality are paying about R95 per R1 million. This indicates problems in the application of the new Municipal Property Rates Act, which farmers need to be aware of.

André Cloete, an apple, pear and sheep farmer from the Overberg, is this year’s recipient of the fruit industry’s Novice Award. Thanks to hard work and attention to detail, André supplies apples and pears for export through Tru-Cape and Two-a-Day and achieves high yields. But he’s reluctant to invest too much in the farm because government has been slow to grant him a long-term lease, as Denene Erasmus found out.