How to Business

Starting a beekeeping enterprise is less about buying the right equipment than learning to understand the colony. South African beekeeping development specialist Sidwell Banne says beginners should spend their first year learning to read bees, understand their environment, and know when to intervene, or when to leave the colony alone.

A farm auction might sound like an old-fashioned world: a fast-talking auctioneer, an excited crowd, and a raised paddle indicating the highest bid. But modern farm auctions are highly structured, professional processes driven by transparency, market forces, and precise time management. Vleissentraal Properties explains through a Q&A.

Selling a farm is both emotional and strategic. For many farmers, it marks the end of a lifelong relationship with the land, yet it also requires careful financial consideration. In this Q&A, Vleissentraal Properties addresses the key questions every seller should consider.

Supplemental lighting in hydroponic greenhouse systems can contribute significantly to the quality of produce grown in such systems, but it has to be utilised optimally as it adds significantly to the capital outlay and running expense of such a facility.

Biogas promises farmers lower energy costs, improved waste management, and protection against load-shedding, but results have been mixed. Mauro Delle Donne, owner of Zandam Cheese and Piggery, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the challenges he’s faced and how he plans to make it work in future.

South African farmers have embraced both mechanisation and staffing solutions to improve farm level efficiency. Sabrina Dean investigated the pros and cons of both and filed this report.

South Africa’s Diesel Refund Scheme has been fundamentally restructured, with a 100% rebate and stricter compliance rules now in place. Freek van Rooyen, a partner at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys, and Mona Appalsamy, a senior associate at the firm, explain what claimants need to prepare for under the new system.

While arts and crafts markets in big centres and along major roads can be successful, empty promises about the scope for the curios and tourism trade in more remote, less travelled areas can cause heartache, even resentment. Often, the crafters cannot even earn the extra few hundred rands that would make life more bearable for them.

The agriculture sector is notoriously volatile, but producers can find stability using financial derivative tools. This article clearly defines and differentiates between two key instruments: forward contracts and futures contracts.

Budgeting isn’t reserved for accountants. In South African agriculture, where margins are under pressure from volatile input costs, unpredictable weather, and fluctuating commodity prices, it is an important management tool that helps farmers plan for profitability, resilience, and long-term sustainability.

A farm is purchased with capital, but cash flow keeps it running. From maintenance to insurance, the cost of ownership is often higher than new buyers expect. Andreas Greeff, managing director of Vleissentraal Eiendomme, shares advice for sustainable farm management.

If you painstakingly choose your wine to pair perfectly with your food or you can name at least five major winemakers in the country, then maybe you have what it takes to be a good sommelier. Erica Taylor, vice-chairperson of the South African Sommeliers’ Association, spoke to Nichelle Steyn.

Buying a farm is a financial strategy. From bank loans to investor partnerships, farm financing requires long-term planning and realistic calculations. Andreas Greeff, managing director of Vleissentraal Eiendomme, explains the options and the potential pitfalls.

A solid contract underpins any successful rental relationship. With more producers choosing to rent rather than buy, contract fine print is more important than ever. Andreas Greeff, managing director of Vleissentraal Eiendomme, explains how to avoid legal pitfalls.

With rural crime on the rise and police resources stretched thin, farm watches across South Africa are stepping up to protect farming communities. These volunteer-led safety networks are preventing millions in losses, deterring criminal activity and helping police solve major crimes, proving that when farmers unite, the benefits ripple far beyond the farm gate.

When buying or selling a farm, one factor can make or break the deal: value. Emotion skews judgement, with sellers overestimating their land and buyers underbidding. In a market driven by production potential, location, and demand, independent valuators are crucial.

Dairy flavour profiles are often overlooked. Many factors can affect how milk looks, smells, and tastes. Rina Belcher, co-owner of Belnori Boutique Cheesery in Bapsfontein, Gauteng, explains how goat’s milk characteristics change with the animals’ living conditions.

Farm security measures enforced by farmers and supporting organisations play a crucial role in preventing attacks and livestock theft. Farmers are also adopting tools to discourage criminal activity and strengthen prevention.

Farming is a risky business that’s not for the faint-hearted, says Paul du Plessis, manager of Hollard Agri. He adds that although we are made to toil the earth and enjoy the fruit thereof, thistles and thorns are part of the package.

With climate change intensifying the risk of droughts, and urban development putting pressure on already scarce water supplies, farmers are under increasing pressure to make every drop count.