After experiencing a double-digit decline in August 2018 due to delayed harvest, amongst other factors, South African tractor sales recovered by 11% y/y in September 2018, with 612 units sold (Figure 1). This somewhat signals farmers' readiness for the 2018/19 summer crop production season which commenced this month, although planting activity hasn't progressed much thus far. Broadly speaking, this is an encouraging reading as we continue to monitor the investment path in the South African agricultural sector following a slowdown in the Agribusiness Confidence Index in the third quarter due to continued uncertainty underpinned by the current land policy reform proposal, amongst other issues.  Click here to read the complete article by Wandile Sihlobo.

As Ben Cousins recently argued in Business Day, agriculture can be an important contributor to the creation of jobs in SA through a well-executed land reform programme. But then we need to do it right and learn from South Africa's history, which has a lot to offer. Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz head of Agribusiness Research and Prof. Johann Kirsten, professor at Stellenbosch University and director of the Bureau for Economic Research, provide more insight in an article written for and first published in Business Day. Click here for the complete article.

Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz head of Agribusiness Research, recently met up with an old schoolmate, Nikkie Korsten, who was in town for a conference. Nikkie is a doctoral candidate at Stellenbosch University and they discussed current trends in the South African Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) and the impact it has on both the South African economy and society. He found the subject remarkably interesting and relevant and asked her to write down a few thoughts to share with you. Click here to read Wandile Sihlobo's blogpost. 

On October 5, Zimbabwe's finance minister, Mthuli Ncube, told Reuters News that his country was likely to produce 1.9 million tonnes of maize in 2018/19 production season, up by 12% from last year. Wandile Sihlobo, head of Agribusiness Research at Agbiz, and agricultural economist Dr Tinashe Kapuya provide insight in an article written for and first published on Fin24. Click here to read the article.

Why join Agbiz?

• Agbiz is the only organisation that serves the broader and common over-arching business interests of agribusinesses in South Africa.
• Agbiz addresses the legislative and policy environment on the many fronts that it impacts on the agribusiness environment.
• Agbiz facilitates considerable top-level networking opportunities so that South African agribusinesses can play an active and creative role within the local and international organised business environment.
• Agbiz research provides sector-specific information for informed decision-making.
• Agbiz newsletter publishes members' press releases and member product announcements.

Please visit the Agbiz website for more information