Crops

The Botswana Innovation Hub has numerous advantages for the research and development sectors of the Southern African commercial scene.

Many new farmers lack the money to start up their business. But before applying for a loan, make sure it's really necessary, writes Susan Pletts.

Transporting 1kg tomatoes in a 40t rig from ZZ2 in Polokwane to the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market probably has a smaller carbon footprint than a housewife driving in an SUV to buy the same from her local supermarket. New developments in Barloworld trailer designs will certainly widen the gap. Joe Spencer reports.

It may seem like Bell Equipment is going retro with its new Bell Series III Haulage Tractors, but the company is simply providing for the operating needs of their customers at the lowest cost per ton hauled, reports Joe Spencer.

Overhead costs are like a beard. They're always there, just as the hair you shave grows back. If you want your business to succeed, keep your overheads manageable, writes Susan Pletts.

Like any business, farming is a game. To win, you have to adapt to meet changing circumstances. You also have to help other players - at least those who show promise and a willingness to succeed - or one day there might be no game to play, says strategist, writer and public speaker, Clem Sunter.

You pay interest when you borrow money, so you must know how to negotiate and have a good credit rating, writes Susan Pletts.

The current economic situation remains unstable, but by applying a few common-sense measures we can better weather whatever storms lie ahead.

The current allocation for agriculture accounts for just 0,4% of the national budget. But the real reason why so little money is being sent farmers' way might just surprise some, writes New on the Land editor Peter Mashala.

Manitou Southern Africa, in conjunction with French parent company Manitou, recently hosted a group of South African olive farmers in Spain.

The recent passing away of my farm's former general assistant Beauty Zondi brought home the realities of access to health education and services for farmworkers.

Controversial Zimbabwean rancher Johann Zietsman has championed severe grazing and high-animal impact since 1995. He responds to our recent feature on Allan Savory’s revolutionary approach of combining high stocking rates with veld rehabilitation.

An accurate record of your cash flow is important for your business to succeed. A basic knowledge of addition and subtraction is all you need to draw one up, writes Susan Pletts.

We have to attract more youngsters to farming, but to do this, existing farmers must succeed, writes New on the Land editor Peter Mashala.

'It's time for agriculture to make a concerted effort at unity,' said Prof Mohammed Karaan, dean of the Agri-Sciences faculty at Stellenbosch University, at Kwanalu's 12th Annual Congress in Pietermaritzburg.

Farmworkers say abuse is widespread. Farmers say this isn't true. So where does the truth lie? Possibly on the side of the road near Groblersdal, writes New on the Land editor Peter Mashala.

It's one of Asia's biggest slums, but it's also a business hive where people make a living, proving that the human spirit can triumph over adversity.

Just a short plane trip away from most major southern African cities is the financial paradise that is Botswana, where discretion is valued.

Mascor held its John Deere demonstration on Masonite's Mount Desire farm, attracting almost 100 farmers, many from the Wartburg/Dalton area. Proceedings opened with an address by Prof Peter Lynne from the Sugar Research Institute.

In the past people traded with whatever goods they had. But these days we can't conduct business without money - our income, writes Susan Pletts.