SA’s wildlife industry: the bubble that burst
The spectacular growth and subsequent drop in game prices demonstrate all the properties of an economic ‘bubble’.
Living in, and surviving, disruptive times
Never mind dwindling terms of trade. Our farmers also have to deal with a steady flow of disrupters. But good management can lead to better profits.
Why size really does matter
The facts and figures are clear. If you want to stay in business as a farmer, it is essential to steadily expand your operation.
To be sustainable, innovate. But not too soon!
The correct use of new technology can help a farmer become more profitable. However, being an early adopter of new technology holds risks that must be managed.
DIY security: the only way to ensure your safety
Farmers living under the constant threat of farm attacks do not have the luxury of discussing this issue in academic terms.
No transformation without training
Without proper education and mentorship, transformation projects are doomed to fail.
Biological farming: a great idea, but can you afford it?
Sustainable farming means taking care of the environment and making a profit. Farmers should be highly suspicious of advice that does not take this into account.
Eskom is pricing itself out of the market
South Africa’s power utility, under enormous financial pressure, is desperately increasing tariffs to survive. This, in turn, is worsening its woes as more and more consumers switch off.
Farmers, forget about price!
Farmers have little or no control over producer prices. They should therefore focus on production and marketing efficiencies.
Farming without government support
In many countries, farmers are supported in various ways by government. South Africa’s real competition lies not in these largely inefficient farming systems, but in other unsubsidised countries such as...
How income and price changes affect demand
Higher income leads to increased demand for agricultural products. But in South Africa, demand growth is currently limited by the sharp increase in non-food prices due to lower supply.
Welcome to the brave new DIY future
The future will probably be one where farmers, individually and through their organisations, will have to fend for themselves.
What about collusion in the retail sector?
Large supermarket chains hold more than 70% of the market share nationally. They thus have the buying power to control pricing and trading conditions, yet they’re ignored by the Competition...
Uncertain times, dangerous days for farmers
As if crime isn’t bad enough, South Africa’s commercial farmers face huge political uncertainty every day.
Sustainability equals profitability
Mention ‘sustainable farming’, and your listener will invariably think you’re referring to the environment. The fact that profitability is a prerequisite is often entirely disregarded.
The difficulties posed by a minimum wage
The National Minimum Wage panel has stressed the pros of a minimum wage. Now for the cons.
Are we really better off without control?
Farmers frequently complain that they are exploited and ‘things were much better’ in the old days. Are they right?
Why farmers can look forward to a positive 2017
Despite weak growth and bad political decisions, it seems as if the current outlook for agriculture is more positive.
Weaker international outlook expected
Slow global economic growth will result in depressed demand, especially in developed economies.
So ARC has a vision for 2050? How about one for next year?
Long-range strategic workshops have become fashionable in government. Commercial farmers simply want the government to play its proper role today!
