Consumers buy the bulk of their food from supermarkets belonging to one of the four major retail chain stores – and these stores control prices. How, then, can we speak...
By avoiding these basic errors, new farmers can increase their chances of success.
Lower grain and higher meat prices imply improved profitability for livestock producers globally. With some provisos, this is also true for South Africa.
Global growth will accelerate in 2015, but the South African outlook remains subdued.
Employment growth in agriculture is only possible if government starts working with the farming sector to limit unfair competition and re-affirm property rights.
Exciting opportunities for South Africans are opening up in neighbouring countries.
There are many factors that farmers need to take into account when deciding whether or not to plant maize this season.
Consumers invariably blame farmers when food prices rise. The reality is very different.
In the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 maize marketing years, maize farmers suffered large losses by ignoring the Safex futures market. What about 2014/2015?
The 50% land to farm worker proposal is impractical and has dangerous ramifications.
Supply and demand remain in tight balance and highly volatile. However, international prices will probably remain near to current levels.
The spectre of global warming provides interesting opportunities for farmers to boost profits.
Large-scale commercial farming is as environmentally friendly and socially responsible as any other type of farming. It is our duty to explain this to the consumer.
A nation can only be fed by supporting commercial agriculture and growing the economy.
Maize prices are currently at record levels, while future prices are much lower, creating uncertainty amongst maize producers and maize users.
The joy at recovering our FMD-free status must not overshadow the need to prevent FMD and other diseases from striking again.
Global economic conditions are improving, but in South Africa, both consumers and farmers will continue struggling to make ends meet.
Theoretically, trade agreements benefit all trading partners – but currently, this is patently untrue in the case of South Africa.
Why the recent WTO gathering in Bali proved disappointing from a farming perspective.
Our farmers have the ability to provide food for sub-Saharan Africa. But government has to make conditions for farmers more attractive. Retaining our skilled producers is crucial for food security.
