Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index Declines in Q2, 2018

Subsequent to an uptick to 58 index points in the first quarter of this year, the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index declined to 54 in the second quarter. With the results still above the neutral 50-point mark, albeit having declined marginally, this means that the agribusiness sector is still optimistic about business conditions in South Africa - Wandile Sihlobo, Head Agbiz Economic Research

18.06.2018 / Agbiz in the news

SA agricultural employment down

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey conducted by Statistics South Africa showed a 3% y/y decline in agricultural employment in the first quarter of this year to 847 000 jobs - Wandile Sihlobo

20.05.2018 / Agbiz in the news

SA agricultural trade surplus shows increased in March 2018

The total agricultural exports and imports for the first two months of 2018 were adjusted downward by R43.01 and R5.05 million respectively in March 2018 - Sifiso Ntombela

20.05.2018 / Agbiz in the news

Fresh Connections: Southern Africa Conference and Trade Show – The event for all in the fresh produce industry

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) will host its 8th annual Fresh Connections: Southern Africa Conference and Trade Show from 15-16 August 2018 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. This event will include an expanded trade show, top conference speakers, industry sessions and the opportunity to network with over 450 decision makers in the local and global fresh produce supply chain.

20.05.2018 / Agbiz in the news

SA’s soybean success story needs to be heard and replicated

Over the past couple of weeks, soybeans hit the headlines in global media, spurred by then rising tensions in US-China trade relations. Coincidentally, the crop dominated agricultural media house headlines here at home as well, but not at a bigger scale and for different reasons. South Africans had learned from the National Crop Estimates Committee’s monthly updates that the country’s soybean harvest could reach 1.4 million tonnes in the 2017/18 production season, which is a record harvest - Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz economist

11.05.2018 / Agbiz in the news

South African tractor sales grew by 15% y/y in April 2018

After experiencing robust growth of 41% y/y in March 2018, driven by government procurement ahead of the end of its financial year, the South African tractor sales grew at a relatively softer pace of 15% y/y in April, with 459 units sold. On average, 22 tractors were sold a day last month, compared to 35 tractors in March 2018 and 19 tractors a day in April 2017 - Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz eonomist

09.05.2018 / Agbiz in the news

Agbiz announces the passing of its Chairman, Mr Schalk Pienaar

“It is with sadness that Agbiz announces the sudden passing of its chairman, Mr Schalk Pienaar, on Sunday, the 6^th of May 2018. Mr Pienaar had been the Chairman of Agbiz since 2010, a role that he fulfilled with true leadership and distinction. He will be sorely missed, not only by Agbiz and its members, but by the whole agriculture and agribusiness fraternity for his wise counsel and constructive contributions over decades of service in various leadership positions in agribusiness”, said Dr John Purchase, CEO of Agbiz, today. 

“Agbiz extends its sincerest condolences to his wife and family, and trusts that they will find consolation and strength in the meaningful and very special life he lived”, Dr Purchase added. At this stage no funeral arrangements have been announced.

07.05.2018 / Agbiz in the news

Some Upswing in South Africa’s Grain Production Estimates

South Africa is in for a fairly good harvest in 2017/18 production season. This was confirmed by the third production forecasts released by the National Crop Estimate Committee this afternoon. All summer crop production estimates were revised up from previous month’s levels, with the exception of dry beans. In the same vein, winter crop farmers intend to increase the area plantings this upcoming season - Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz economist

03.05.2018 / Agbiz in the news

Consumers will benefit from fewer farming pressures

This year promises to be a fairly good one for South African consumers, particularly from a food cost perspective. The deceleration in food inflation that was observed in 2017 could again prevail this year as large grain stocks and the expected good harvest in the current production season continue to underpin the market - Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz economist *This essay first appeared on Business Day on 26 April 2018.

03.05.2018 / Agbiz in the news