North West Business 2017 edition

OVERVIEW
20%. The total yield in 2014 was
14.2 million tons, an exceptionally
good return, but then the
drought brought yields down.
Fully 31% more maize was
planted for the 2017 harvest than
had been possible in 2016. This
amounted to 2.54-million hectares
and represents good news
for consumers. The very bad
national drought had resulted
in maize having to be imported
which caused food prices to
rise; the better planting should
improve things. However, at the
time of going to print there were
concerns about an armyworm
which had been detected in several
parts of South Africa. Early
detection may head off threats to
the crop. The South African market
consumes about 10.5-million
tons of maize.
Other crops
When it comes to sunflower seed,
North West is responsible for 33%
of South Africa’s stock, and 23% of
the nation’s groundnuts.
The North West supplies 5.4% of
South Africa’s potatoes, but parts of
the Kalahari are ideally suited to the
cultivation of seed potatoes.
The province produces about
11% of South Africa’s cotton harvest,
which has been getting
smaller for many years. There are
plans to grow the sector again,
particularly in small-scale farming
sector. There are cotton operations
near Sun City in the north
of the province and in the Taung
district in the far south.
The Taung Irrigation Scheme
covers about 36 000 hectares, and
companies like McCain (potatoes), South African Breweries (barley) and
Cotton South Africa (cotton) have standing orders with small-scale
farmers. This water supply will also allow for the cultivation of highyield
crops such as pecan nuts, paprika and olives.
Livestock
The western reaches of the province are sometimes called “South
Africa’s Texas” with extensive cattle herds roaming on big farms.
The North West has approximately 1.6-million beef cattle, representing
12% of South Africa’s herd. Major breeds include Simmental,
Brahman, Bonsmara and Simbra, a cross between the Brahman and
Simmental breeds.
Auctioneers Proveld Bonsmara achieved an average price of
R34 000 for bulls at its November 2016 auction. One prize bull was sold
for R90 000. A national initiative is promoting Nguni cattle. Vryburg is
the centre of the beef-cattle breeding industry.
Kalahari Red and Boerbok goats are found in large numbers in the
dry west. The goats numbers for the province is estimated at 701 587
which is 12% of South Africa’s total goats. There are estimated to be
318 843 pigs, which is 20% of South Africa’s total drove.
Companies
One of South Africa’s biggest agricultural companies is Senwes. The
company specialises in the storage and handling of grains and oilseeds.
Its extensive silo infrastructure extends across the interior. Its
headquarters are in Klerksdorp. Despite very challenging conditions,
the Senwes Group had a turnover for 2015/16 of R9.2-billion.
Suidwes is based south of Klerksdorp in Leeudoringstad. More than
90% of the shares in the company are held by farmers. Grain handling
is the main business and there are divisions for retail (17 outlets and
one animal-feed depot), mechanisation, finance and research and
agricultural economics (Terratek).
Brits is the location of the headquarters of the MGK Group, formerly
Magaliesberg Graan Kooperasie. Tau company runs five divisions and a
plant that makes fullfat soy, a component in animal feed.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Agricultural Research Council: www.arc.agric.za
National Department of Agriculture and Forestry: www.daff.gov.za
North West Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment
and Rural Development: www.nwpg.gov.za/agriculture
35 NORTH WEST BUSINESS 2017