Evaluating your farming business’s economic viability
Here are 5 questions you should ask yourself regularly to ensure that your farming operation remains viable and sustainable.
Managing risk in a tough environment
Agriculture is a riskier business than ever, yet there are still a number of ways for farmers to protect their wealth.
BFAP’s predictions: an overview
The recent BFAP Agricultural Baseline presentation once again provided the agriculture sector with a body of highly useful information.
We can feed Southern Africa…
…but government needs to create an enabling environment for South Africa’s commercial farmers.
Why our farmers should look northwards
Remarkable opportunities have opened up for South African farmers and agribusinesses in the steadily growing sub-Saharan markets.
Brexit – should we be worried?
As more than one local economist has noted, Britain’s exit from the EU is unlikely to have a major impact on SA agriculture, good or bad.
Technology: is too much affecting profit?
Beware of the technology trap! New equipment may help, but not if you’re overspending on it to the detriment of other more affordable methods of boosting profits.
A weaker rand: its effect on farmers
There is no consensus among economists about how farmers will be affected if the rand continues to devalue.
Stress: six signs a farmer should look out for
Farmers live and work under highly stressful conditions and need to safeguard their most precious resource – themselves.
Trophy breeding: 5 warning signs to look out for
Farmers are frequently invited to spend money on high-return investments. Here are the warning signs that you might be getting into trouble.
Why we need to follow India’s example
India’s agriculture has achieved fast growth thanks to a combination of research and development, and forward-thinking policies.
Sluggish global growth depresses prices
The outlook for economic growth in 2016 and 2017 remains subdued.
Time to move up the value chain
Farmers receive a minor part of the consumer rand. So it makes sense to shorten the distance from farm to fork.
Biotechnology: how it can help farmers
Farmers will not be able to feed the world’s growing population unless they are allowed to use biotechnology.
Drought and its effects on the agricultural industry
SA agriculture is currently facing the country’s worst drought since 1904. The entire economy, not just farmers, will feel the effects.
Beef futures contract explained
The Red Meat Producers’ Organisation should be commended for developing and implementing a beef futures market. Let’s hope it gets off the ground.
Slowdown in economic growth
Farmers are advised to spend money cautiously until the SA economy shows some direction.
Rand in freefall
It’s not all bad news. The weak currency is a mixed blessing for South Africa’s farmers.
Drought management: surviving a difficult year
With good planning and careful management, farmers will be able to survive the difficult times created by the current drought.
