Expect a rough ride
The global economic outlook has worsened and the risks of a meltdown are high – so now is not the time for high-risk ventures.
Stop misleading the consumer
Agriculture has largely relied on retailers to inform consumers. Unfortunately this has created serious misconceptions about farming and food production.
Helping the consumer
Higher food prices are on the way, but government can do a lot to mitigate their effect on consumers.
Food price concerns
Despite what some believe, farmers don’t create food inflation – often they actually absorb price increases.
Another perfect storm brewing?
Maybe it’s time government provided unused tribal and state-owned land for commercial farmers to produce food.
Keep consumers informed
Farmers are frequently blamed for high food prices, and this is just one of several misconceptions that have to be urgently addressed.
Weakening terms of trade
The ratio between input prices and the price farmers receive for their products is steadily narrowing. Farmers must take this into account in future plans.
Changed maize market outlook
The probability of producer prices remaining at current levels, or even increasing somewhat in the next year, remains strong.
African markets key for SA farmers
If the euro weakens, South African farmers may see lower prices, but they mustn’t forget the vast potential of other developing countries in Africa.
Will you share in the riches?
All indicators point to a long-term agricultural boom. There are ways farmers can benefit from this.
We need answers!
It’s high time the department of agriculture drops the rhetoric and gives us a few straight answers to questions about our animal bio-security.
More research, more food
Some 27 countries in Africa will need help with food security in 2012. To meet this demand we need more government-funded research in SA.
World food prices drop slightly
What goes up, must come down, but farmers must be careful not to make long-term decisions based on the current short-term drop in world food prices.
Is there a future for DAIRY FARMERS?
Dairy farmers, hard-hit by high input prices can expect better conditions in 2012 and beyond. Koos Coetzee explains.
Beating the cost-price squeeze
Input prices increase faster than product prices, but farmers can do much to limit the effect of the cost-price squeeze on their businesses.
The changing face of agriculture
Small farmers facing the price-cost squeeze need to join forces to survive.
Legislation out of step with SA’s free market
Real or perceived fears about competition legislation in South Africa inhibit the free flow of information and limit interaction within industries. This affects competition in the marketplace.
Is sustainability really sustainable?
Sustainable agriculture encompasses much more than environmental protection. It depends on a profitable agricultural sector operating in a stable and well-regulated environment where everyone does their job.
Chicken, Beef or lamb?
Beef and lamb prices have increased substantially since 2008, while poultry prices have stagnated. What’s the future outlook for these products?
Don’t take risks on the maize price
Once again, the grain situation shows the importance of Safex for hedging against price uncertainty.
