How to Business

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 loved ones. However, studies show that while the justice system receives much of the blame, farmers should be doing more to secure themselves.

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 grudges or posthumously punishing spouses for past indiscretions.

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.

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 of death.

Farmers must spell out to workers what their duties are and regularly review their performance against set goals.

It’s important to learn as much as you can about the marketing of livestock and other agricultural commodities.

Succession planning of the family farm is often taken for granted as the transition to the next generation is assumed to be an uncomplicated process. Little or no thought is given to planning and grooming of a successor.

In South Africa, a testator or testatrix has the freedom to leave their assets to whoever they please. But certain statutory limitations affect the freedom of testation. One is the Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act 70 of 1970.

To increase your profit, you need to know the age and body condition of your animals and what prices to expect from the markets. Remember, a heavier carcass may not mean more money.

With the development of new, customised technology, a smartphone can function as a highly effective crime prevention and safety device.

Estate Duty is a tax which is payable by every person who dies and who was ordinarily resident* in South Africa at the date of death or who was not ordinarily resident but owned assets in South Africa at date of death.

Fresh water is becoming an ever-scarcer resource. This places all forms of agriculture, including livestock farming, under increasing pressure, warns Shane Brody.