Advice on how to start a broiler business
Chicken farming is the only type of animal production that can provide an income in the short as well as the long term.
Tips for running a farm’s finances in tough times
Unfavourable climatic conditions, poor commodity prices and rising production costs are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to stay productive and run profitable enterprises on their farms. Glenneis Kriel asked...
A drought action plan for livestock farmers
Drought seems to have become a permanent part of Southern Africa’s weather patterns, but many farmers are still caught unaware, and suffer accordingly.
Legal advice on fighting false labour tenancy claims
Based on his extensive experience in representing mostly KwaZulu-Natal landowners in labour tenancy claims lodged against them, attorney Rob McCarthy of McCarthy and Associates believes the process is inherently biased...
Wind farms: a massive opportunity for SA’s farmers
Fickle power supply and ever-increasing tariffs are spurring South Africa’s agriculture sector to look at alternative sources of electricity. Jacobus Treurnich, the land rights manager of G7 Renewable Energies, spoke...
Water problems: why SA’s farmers face multiple risks
There are many signs that both the supply and quality of water in South Africa are likely to decrease. This poses a host of challenges for the country’s farmers.
Biosecurity: not an afterthought, but a way of life on the farm
To be truly effective, biosecurity has to be part of the farm’s ‘culture’, so that every employee and visitor is motivated to adhere to the procedures.
Rural development is key to promoting economic development
Investing in an end-to-end employee health, risk and well-being solution can result in considerable savings for the employer, while ensuring that valued staff members are retained.
Why a farmer has to be realistic
A farm can only produce according to its potential and what’s invested in it, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Insurance not covering all your risks? Here’s a solution
Gaps in insurance cover can be addressed by structured risk financing policies that allow for the funding of risks not feasibly covered by traditional policies.
Can your business survive without you?
It is the role of a skilled financial planner to identify potential financial risks that clients are faced with, and provide tailor-made solutions to mitigate its financial impact on the...
The importance of succession planning
Succession planning is a process that occurs over time, which ultimately involves the transfer of the farm business assets. It depends on the needs and wishes of the owner.
Minimising the impact of land development
Development in a natural area should maintain the integrity of the environment and never compromise the proper functioning of the ecosystem within the landscape.
Water management: rainwater harvesting and better storage
The message is clear: in terms of both quantity and quality, water is a declining resource, and dedicated management is required to make the most out of every drop. Dr...
Vital tips for stepping up security on your farm
Despite being continually under the spotlight, rural crime in South Africa continues to plague farmers. Some respond by leaving the sector; others struggle on after having lost property or even...
Include your spouse in your will – for your kids’ sake
For many people, the yearning to spite their spouses by excluding them from their wills is irresistible. They see this as a way this as a way of settling long-standing...
A testator’s last wish – what to expect
When drafting a will, the focus is often only on compliance with the formalities of drafting it, and sometimes we fail to consider the practical aspects involved.
The importance of having a well-drafted, valid will
A will is a legal document that contains the free and independent wishes of the testator regarding the distribution of the assets in his or her estate at the time...
Good communication crucial for achieving profit
Farmers must spell out to workers what their duties are and regularly review their performance against set goals.
Find the right market for your community
It’s important to learn as much as you can about the marketing of livestock and other agricultural commodities.
