Introduction An important message to the person finding out that they are infected is that a healthy, continued life is possible (don’t give up!) Studies point to the enormous difference made by nutrition, basic food safety, adequate sleep and a positive attitude. And ARV medication holds out a lifeline. Farm workers are the most under-serviced […]
Introduction People don’t think of the far-reaching consequences of an action like bringing fruit illegally across the border, or of buying unmarked pigs at an auction. It might be out of innocence and ignorance that biosecurity measures are flouted, but the revenue lost can amount to billions of rand which can bring a whole sector […]
Introduction In a market-orientated system the price of a product is determined by supply and demand. A balance is achieved between what people are prepared to supply at a price and what people are willing to pay for the product. The essence of sound marketing is: find out what the consumer wants supply it at a […]
Introduction A calendar auction auction is held on the same place /auction pens on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or even yearly basis by an agent who advertises the auction in a calendar. The venue for the auction would have been selected and developed over years and its mere survival shows that there is a need for such […]
Introduction Farmers in the 21st Century are greatly influenced by international commodity markets, the exchange rates, and the flow of produce between countries. The domestic price of commodities in most countries is very close to import parity (the landed price of an imported product) as farmers compete with each other for markets. A growth in exports will […]
Introduction Although the South African Futures Exchange (SAFEX) was bought out by the then JSE Securities Exchange in 2001, it is not uncommon to find the trading of commodities still referred to as “SAFEX” in agricultural circles. Agricultural Derivatives from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) provide a platform for price discovery and efficient price risk management for the grains market in […]
Introduction Agricultural shows and events are a time to celebrate the harvest and the achievements in different sectors which make up agriculture. They are a time when people involved in the agricultural value chain meet up again, network and review the latest technologies and trends. A number of these events occur in South Africa, and […]
Introduction There are many different careers in the agricultural industry, from farm workers to scientists. Under the “Careers in agriculture” heading, these careers and relevant academic path of study is set out. There are hundreds of other careers which touch on the world of agriculture which may not be inherently agricultural in and of themselves. […]
Introduction The challenges facing the country include low literacy levels, which hinder the development of agricultural and other basic vocational skills. The skills needed for agricultural production, food security and sustainable rural development include: literacy and numeracy skills basic decision-making and problem-solving technical and vocational skills in agriculture, and land and water management leadership, planning […]
Introduction “Countries that create ideal conditions for [research and development (R&D)] to flourish reap multiple rewards. These range from solutions to health, environmental and social challenges to new discoveries that trigger economic growth and new knowledge … We need investment in R&D to thrive in all of these sectors to improve our national system of […]
