Farming Basics

Robertson Winery runs one of a few successful transformation projects in the industry. Cellar master Bowen Botha and shareholder Martha Fielies share their story with Denene Erasmus.

Leah Molatseli, an associate at Phatshoane Henney Attorneys who specialises in labour legislation, spells out the current legal requirements of farm worker employment contracts.

The Farm Workers’ Forum was initiated in the Western Cape to offer alternative representation for workers. One of the founding members, Rita Andreas, spoke to Denene Erasmus.

The Cape Women’s Agricultural Association turns 85 this year, making it one of the oldest women’s organisations in SA. The president, Erika Lubbe, talks to Roelof Bezuidenhout about the CWAA’s role in modern country life.

One of South Africa’s most renowned agricultural economics’ researchers, Prof Nick Vink of the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University, was named the 2013 Agricultural Writers’ Agriculturalist of the Year. He spoke to Denene Erasmus about the state of agriculture and land reform in South Africa.

Russia joined the World Trade Organisation in August 2012. As the largest country on the planet, it holds significant trading potential for South Africa, and the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ Directorate for International Trade is trying to find more ways to exploit this business opportunity. Susan Botes explores the potential of the partnership.

South Africa’s trade agreements have come under the spotlight recently, with government cancelling many bilateral investment treaties with countries abroad. John Purchase, CEO of Agbiz, spoke to Lindi van Rooyen about the changes and what they mean for local producers.

Dutch processing technology is being used to solve the problem of transporting perishable cassava roots over long distances in Africa.

Eikenhof Poultry Farms, part of the Free Range Chicken Company, is amongst South Africa’s oldest producers of free-range eggs. The company has taken the lead in offering free-range liquid egg products to retailers and food manufacturers. Denene Erasmus spoke to managing director Dr David Allwright.

Global warming can be slowed if governments agree to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says Dr Bob Scholes, ecologist at the CSIR’s Natural Resources and Environment Division.

Business expansion and community development are guiding principles in the Khourie family business. Bosparadys is a thriving dairy concern set to expand despite the tough economic environment dairy farmers operate in.

In August 2009, Elsa Carstens became the first woman in South Africa to head up two producer wine cellars. Due to financial pressure, these cellars had already opted to amalgamate so they could expand market share. Elsa guided them through this process and launched a successful turnaround. Jacques Claassen reports.

Bulk wine exports have become the backbone of South Africa’s international wine trade. But to increase profitability and ensure financial sustainability, Riebeek Cellars is instead investing in a rebranding exercise aimed at increasing bottled wine sales. Cellar master Zakkie Bester shared some wine, and insights, with Denene Erasmus.

Despite having limited farmland, Chris Venter is a top pepper supplier to a Gauteng supermarket chain. By contracting six other farmers to share the production, he has spread his risk and minimised that of the farmers of Pepper Valley.

As trends in agriculture change, so too do issues surrounding agricultural finance. Lindi van Rooyen spoke to the newly appointed head of Standard Bank Agribusiness, Nico Groenewald, about working around tenure security and the complexity of financing emerging farmers.

Noliqwa Nhlapo, runner-up in the 2013 Eskom Development Foundation Business Investment Competition, was forced to change direction from piggery to egg production due to land constraints. But she never lost sight of the bigger picture. Peter Mashala visited her farm.

Canola production has grown in leaps and bounds during the past decade and is set to more than double in the next. With biofuel blending regulations coming into effect in 2015 and positive results achieved in crop rotation, the canola industry is poised for a boom. Lindi van Rooyen reports.

Only 40% of SA’s groundwater is utilised, yet this figure could be much higher, says Department of Water Affairs’ scientific manager, Fanus Fourie. He spoke at the recent Groundwater Conference in Durban. Robyn Joubert attended the event.

This ostrich farm in the Western Cape has diversified into tourism, sport, concerts and other attractions that ensure a constant income stream. Jay Ferreira reports.

In his 23-year career in the South African apple and pear industry, Tru-Cape managing director Charles Hughes has turned a simple commodity into a preferred brand name. He spoke to Denene Erasmus about how the industry has developed and continues to evolve.