Caxton Magazines
Pecan nut profits
Do the sum for yourself. Take one mature pecan nut tree of eight years old, producing an average of 20kg/year pecans nut at the unshelled price of R25/kg. Multiply this by a few thousand trees and the desktop millions start flowing, writes Heather Dugmore.
Mozambican exports put pressure on local prices
A growing Mozambican banana industry will put pressure on local banana prices in 2011. This will be a turnaround for South Africa's banana production industry, which saw good prices in 2010 due to a crop that was 12% down on 2009's national yield.
Marketing will be the key to better profits
Hunter prices have marginally increased in the past five years and are unlikely to increase much at this stage, said Arthur Rudman, an Eastern Cape representative of Wildlife Ranching SA and the Professional Hunters' Association of SA.
Shortage of wool drives the market
The wool market is bullish, witheveryone on edge, waiting to see when the cycle will turn. The general shortage of accumulated wool stocks in the wool processing pipeline - due to the economic depression - is having a strong positive effect on demand, said Martin Schwellnus, general manager for BKB's fibre trading.
Steady recovery in adult mohair predicted
While 2010 was challenging for mohair producers and buyers, there are many signs that 2011 will be a positive year for the industry. The strategic marketing drives of Mohair South Africa will continue to focus on the unique fibre and drive growth both locally and internationally.
Failing land reform programme threatens litchi industry growth
Numerous failings within South Africa's land reform programme, and the uncertainties this is causing, have resulted in no new investment taking place on existing litchi farms.
Citrus on rocky road to recovery
South Africa's citrus industry experienced a significant recovery in exports during 2010, achieving a record export crop of 99 million cartons of fruit after a tough 2009 season.
Promising year ahead for vegetables
The 2010 FIFA World Cup, the extreme cold snaps and drought in some parts of the country have all had a positive impact on the vegetable industry.
Slow but steady economic recovery expected
Despite "isolated shocks" in certain countries, there's been a slow recovery in the world economy since mid-2009, if the upward trends on the Baltic Dry Index and the oil price are anything to go by.
Slight growth for macadamias
While 2010 was a good year for South African macadamias, a hailstorm toward the end of 2010 could affect the 2011 crop.
Fruit industry poised to enter a growth phase
With UK and Europe prices for pome and stone fruit 16% higher on average, producers are positive about the future as the industry experienced a re-establishment and expansion of orchards over the past two seasons after a number of years of dwindling hectares.
Lower carryover stocks to bring relief for wheat and maize farmers
Lower international carryover stocks for wheat and maize are expected for the 2010/11 season, according to the International Grains Council's 2010 Market Report.
Avocadoes hard hit by hail
Hail storms in Limpopo's avocado-growing areas could affect the availability and, therefore, the prices of avocados in 2011, according to Rudolf Badenhorst, SA Subtropical Fruit Growers Association industry affairs manager.
Dairy farmers could get more cream from their milk
With milk volumes only slightly higher than dairy consumption, and imports at lower levels than last year, the Milk Producers' Organisation (MPO) hopes there might be sufficient impetus to push up the milk price in the first quarter of 2011, according to MPO chairperson Dean Kleynhans.
What will water and mining leaders be dealing with in 2011?
The yearly performances of the mineral resources and water departments have mostly diminished farmers' livelihoods for many years.
Summer will blow hot and cool
Farmers in the summer rainfall areas can expect a relatively cool summer in 2011 with normal to below-normal temperatures, while farmers in the Western Cape's winter rainfall area can expect a very hot summer.
Tough year ahead for agriculture
The AGRICULTURE Department had a rough 2010.
Things to do this year
We all need some goals to work towards, even if it means resolving to have some faith in government's promises to help emerging farmers, writes Phangisile.
The year ahead
Agri SA president Johannes Möller's New Year message to farmers is one of optimism and opportunity.
