Agriculture has evolved significantly over the last few years. The developments have impacted on productivity, profitability, and resilience of family-owned farm businesses.

That could be a positive thing, or it may have been more negative. The outcome will depend on what a farmer might have done about it. Very few things are certain in farming. The factors that upset the status quo are seldom easy to predict, but you can anticipate at least three of them:

• There will be another drought.
• There will be market volatility.
• Input prices will rise.

There is value is learning how to “inoculate” a farm enterprise and a farm business against the negative impact that these certainties represent. There is value in knowing what the appropriate response will be, and then managing with a quick response, rather than hoping for the best.

You can learn how to do the inoculation.

The opportunity to minimise the risks represented by weather variability, market price volatility and rising input prices is always right now, as the changes happen. The opportunity to improve profitability and build resilience is always right now. Change necessitates change. No need for change if nothing changes and there is no risk.

The time to make the transition from knowledge to implementation is now.

Dwarsvlei Farm is making the transition to a better way of doing things. Improving grazing, crop and livestock management, improving business profitability and minimising risk. Building resilience, evolving with the change in things that we cannot control.

We offer a full range of farm enterprise and farm business management courses. The farm enterprise management courses encompass a wide array of skills and practices aimed at optimising production.

Farm business management extends beyond the veld and the fields — it encompasses the entire agribusiness operation.

In an ever-changing world, learning, or continuing to learn, about farm management and farm business management is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. This is “professional development for farmers”.

Whether you’re a small-scale farmer or part of a large agribusiness, these skills empower you to adapt, innovate, and thrive. As we face global challenges like climate change and population growth, investing in agricultural education ensures a resilient and prosperous future for farm family and farm community generations to come.

There is value in learning about Farm Management and Farm Business Management.

• Agriculture Evolution: Agriculture has significantly evolved, impacting productivity, profitability, and resilience of family-owned farm businesses.
• Management Matters: Learning about both farm enterprise and farm business management is crucial. While enterprise management leads to production, business management leads to profit (or loss).
• Minimising Risks: Weather variability, market price volatility, and rising input prices pose risks. Timely management decisions can minimise these risks.
• Professional Development: Farm management education is essential for adapting, innovating, and thriving in an ever-changing world.

Remember, the transition from knowledge to implementation is critical. Explore farm enterprise and business management courses to enhance your skills and ensure a prosperous future for your farm and your community.

Courses running in April – May 2024:

Planned Grazing and Livestock Management – Veld Livestock Inventories.

Middleburg, E.Cape on these dates:

April 29 – 1 May

13-15 May

20-22 May

27-29 May

Three-day workshop examining principles and practice of veld management and animal management methods that improve soil health and water cycle (increasing grazing capacity), and the profitability of the livestock enterprise. Practical considerations for planning infrastructure development, graze and rest period, managing variations in weather and changes in season.

Turning Veld Inventory and Livestock Inventory into Profitable Cashflow – Regardless of the Weather and Prices. Livestock Marketing, the “Sell/Buy” Method.

Middleburg, E Cape on these dates:

16-17 May

23-24 May

30-31 May

Profitable livestock production depends on effective management of three inventories:

• Animals – Apply the Planned Grazing principles to manage your grazing inventory.
• Grass (veld) – Apply the Planned Grazing principles to manage your grazing inventory.
• Cashflow

“Cattle marketing is a continuum of inventory liquidation and replacement, generating cashflow and profit”. The sell liquidates inventory and generates cashflow, the buy replaces inventory and generates profit. The profit is made on the buy, not the sell. Speculating that you will buy and then make a profit on the sell would be breaking the marketing rules.

Sell livestock first, then buy back at a profit to replenish inventory. You can do this in the same day. This eliminates a good part of the risk in marketing the livestock.

Enquire about course fees and discount for spouses, and about accommodation and catering. (Course requires groups of six or more, smaller groups on different dates may be combined).

WhatsApp 083 781 3441

Email: Info@rcssa.co.za.