Unlock the power

The lazy man’s budget is ‘last year plus’ and it’s pretty useless. Here’s how to do it right.

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.

Contesting a will’s validity

Someone can change their last will and testament right up to the date of their death and disputing a will’s validity can be an extremely tough task.

Putting on a brave face

Finance minister Pravin Gordhan’s budget speech was upbeat in tone, despite the uncertain economic outlook. Below are some of the aspects that are relevant to farmers.

The changing face of agriculture

Small farmers facing the price-cost squeeze need to join forces to survive.

Let there be light

Learn the language of finance and you’ll be able to participate in business at an entirely new level.

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.

The difference between success and failure

What’s the difference between a successful company and one that battles? I searched my files to find enterprises that fall into both categories.

Looking beyond the jargon

Over the past 500 years, accountants seem to have turned the simple task of keeping track of a set of figures into a black art, understood by few.

Creating a successful partnership

Partnerships are highly risky, or so we're told. But two horses pulling together can produce more pulling power than one horse.

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.

Scorecards – no laughing matter

Being financially illiterate is akin to playing a game without knowing how to keep the score. Who would want to do that?

Better safe than sorry

Every farmer has to be vigilant and watch out for changes that could adversely affect their farming operation.

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?

Stealing land

The Green Paper on Land Reform has been widely criticised in the media. However, quite apart from the mainstream� arguments that focus on the substantive issues it raises, my objection to the Green Paper relates to the tone, or language, used.

Don’t take risks on the maize price

Once again, the grain situation shows the importance of Safex for hedging against price uncertainty.

Are you making a mess of donations?

"You need a set of criteria against which to judge all requests for donations and s system to deal with them."

The Green Paper on Land Reform

This discussion document recently issued by the government doesn't make for pleasant reading, especially if you're a farmer

Beware those downside risks

Although the world economy remains uncertain, global food supply and demand are favourable, so farmers can expect product prices at current or higher levels in the coming year.

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Tax & Management