Farming Basics

Transferring a farming operation amicably to the next generation requires communication and planning, says agri-economist Dr Philip Theunissen.

South African brandy sales decreased from a high of 45 million litres in 1999 to 31 million litres last year. Christelle Reade-Jahn, director of the SA Brandy Foundation, spoke to Denene Erasmus about the value of brandy to the wine industry and plans to regain some of the spirit’s market share.

It’s time to get back on the natural track and keep South Africa’s game herds wild and healthy, says Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, president of the SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association.

More than 30 million people in Southern Africa do not have access to enough food. The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (Stias) is examining ways in which agricultural production can be increased in a sustainable way. Stias fellow Dr Janos Bogardi talks to Glenneis Kriel.

The local game industry was hit hard by the EU’s ban on meat exports, lifted early last year. Now, SA exporters are struggling to regain lost revenue and re-establish markets. Gerhard Uys reports.

With South Africa’s national power supply becoming increasingly unreliable, fruit farmer Kobus van der Westhuizen decided to install a hydro-electric plant on his Western Cape farm. This has greatly reduced his dependence on the grid.

South Africa’s maize crop, the smallest in eight years, will probably fuel inflation in the months to come as the price of maize increases. Jaco Visser spoke to economists as well as an agribusiness about the outlook for food prices, inflation and interest rates.

A more open attitude towards citrus black spot is emerging in the US, and this market should soon open up to SA producers countrywide. Piet Smit, a director of the Western Cape Citrus Producers’ Forum, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the need for a coordinated marketing strategy.

The phasing out of the EU quota system and rising global demand for milk offer export opportunities for the Netherlands. Despite differences in demographics and production circumstances, this country has valuable lessons for SA.

Independent economist Dr Kobus Laubscher talks to Annelie Coleman about the economic benefits of last year’s record maize harvest and the consequences of this year’s vastly reduced harvest.

South Africa is seeing renewed interest in crocodile farming, with skins fetching attractive prices. There is a growing international demand for the product, and SA may be at an advantage.

South Africa’s poultry companies have had a rally in their share prices over the past year as a slump in the maize price boosted confidence in higher profits. Jaco Visser spoke to company officials on the outlook for the poultry industry in South Africa.

Agriculture minister Senzeni Zokwana tells Denene Erasmus that farmers need not fear radical land reform policy changes because the government will never force them to abandon their farms.

Breaching food safety regulations in the dairy industry would not only risk consumer health, but seriously harm the image of the entire dairy value chain. Jompie Burger, managing director of Dairy Standards Agency, spoke to Lloyd Phillips about the importance of monitoring products.

Last year, SA’s major diversified food-processing companies produced a mixed bag of results. Most grew their sales, but struggling consumers meant that profits lagged. Despite this, investors continued to buy shares. Jaco Visser spoke with company officials and studied the figures.

Seed potato production is complex and calls for dedication and perseverance, says Sanette Thiart, managing director of the South African Potato Certification Service.

Why has a wealthy Indian businessman become enamoured of SA’s wine industry? Analjit Singh told Denene Erasmus of his love affair with Franschhoek and his decision to invest in wineries here.

Extreme poverty is still rampant in South Africa’s rural communities, with traditional agricultural practices often unable to solve this problem. Biodiversity manager Greg Martindale explains to Lloyd Phillips how environmental and wildlife conservation can be a better alternative.

Agribusiness OVK has returned more than R320 million to farmer-shareholders in two years through a loyalty scheme, dividends and a high share price.

South African farmers operate in a difficult agricultural and economic environment, and for many it has become imperative to find new ways of generating additional income. In a bid to do this, some have started to embrace tourism. Breedekloof Wine and Tourism CEO, Melody Botha, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the growing interest in agritourism.