Finance for Farmers

Understanding an income statement can help smallholder farmers assess their farm’s true profitability, manage costs and make better financial decisions. From depreciation to profit margins, knowing how to interpret financial records is an important step towards building a commercially viable farming business.

This Farmer’s Weekly column by Cobus du Plessis explores the crucial transition from smallholder to commercial farming, guiding skilled producers to shift their mindset from survival-based production toward disciplined business systems and sustainable profitability.

Diesel prices could rise again in November, adding further pressure on farmers and their transport providers. An October comparison shows what a potential increase would mean for a 1 000ha maize farm.