Looking back at the end of 2016, the year was certainly a momentous one. There were many developments during the year on a wide front, both locally and overseas, that will challenge us from the outset in the new year. The list is long, but maybe it is good to be reminded of some major events, both positive and negative. Find Agbiz Chairperson, Mr Schalk Pienaar's New Year's message linked»
Policy and legislation
BUSA appoints Tanya Cohen as new CEO
BUSA yesterday announced the appointment of Tanya Cohen as the new CEO of BUSA for a three-year term of office. She brings to BUSA a wealth of expertise in the policy arena and a track record of hard work on behalf of organised business, according to thelinked media release»
Economic and agribusiness intelligence
South Africa's food inflation decelerates
Recent Consumer Price Index data shows that food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation decelerated to 11.6% year-on-year (y/y) in November 2016 from 11.7% in October 2016. The overall decline was driven by milk, eggs, and cheese; oils and fats; vegetables and other foods. Agbiz economist, Wandile Sihlobo provides more information in thelinked update»
Preliminary estimates from the Central Energy Fund suggest that petrol (95 ULP Inland) and diesel (0.05% Wholesale Inland) prices could increase by 20 cents per litre (c/l) and 18 c/l, respectively, on 4th January 2017. This could bring the retail price of petrol up to R13.05 per litre from the current level of R12.85 per litre. At the same time, diesel price could reach R11.20 per litre from the current level of R11.02 per litre. Agbiz economist, Wandile Sihlobo provides more information in thelinked document»
Recent agricultural machinery sales data indicates that in November 2016, tractor sales were up by 0.2% when compared to November 2015, with 453 units sold. However, this was 20% lower than the previous month's sales. Agbiz economist, Wandile Sihlobo provides an update in the linked document»
Daily view on commodity markets
Find linked Agbiz' final morning note for 2016. The next note will be on the 9th of January 2017. Daily commentaries on agricultural commodity markets and macro-economic trends are available on the Agbiz website www.agbiz.co.za
Members' news
NWK positive about new season
After four seasons of drought that hit the western summer production areas sequentially, NWK could nonetheless succeed in ending the first six months to 31 October at a moderate profit. After thorough evaluation, the board believes that NWK is a going concern. Throughout the group strong emphasis is placed on consolidation, effective use of resources and the management of risks, Heinrich Krüger, NWK chairman, said. Media release»
Weed control after late rains - Monsanto
Find linked information (in Afrikaans) about effective weed control.
Pinotage Youth Development Academy news
Find linked news from the Pinotage Youth Development Academy. Absa AgriBusiness and VinPro are closely involved in some of the projects.
Christmas holidays closing dates
This is the last newsletter for 2016 and we'd like to thank everyone for their support.
Our offices will be closed over the Christmas - New Year period from Monday, 26th December through to Monday, 2nd January 2017.
Follow Agbiz on Facebook and Twitter
Be sure to follow Agbiz on Twitter and Facebook for the latest industry news and events.
Looking back at the end of 2016, the year was certainly a momentous one. 
Recent Consumer Price Index data shows that food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation decelerated to 11.6% year-on-year (y/y) in November 2016 from 11.7% in October 2016
Preliminary estimates from the Central Energy Fund suggest that petrol (95 ULP Inland) and diesel (0.05% Wholesale Inland) prices could increase by 20 cents per litre (c/l) and 18 c/l, respectively, on 4th January 2017. This could bring the retail price of petrol up to R13.05 per litre from the current level of R12.85 per
Recent agricultural machinery sales data indicates that in November 2016, tractor sales were up by 0.2% when compared to November 2015, with 453 units sold. However, this was 20% lower than the previous month's sales. 