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Farming advice you can use today

Short, practical guides from extension officers, vets and agri-finance experts.

Markets · 4 min read

Tracing the roots of farming income

By Statistics South Africa

Stats SA’s Agricultural Survey 2024 shows which products earn South African farms the most income, and how much of the industry is driven by small, medium and micro farmers.

Key tips

  • Horticulture earned the largest share of farm sales income at 27%, ahead of field crops (24%), animals (23%) and animal products (20%).
  • Maize, cattle and fruit (excluding grapes) were the leading individual sources of income.
  • SMMEs generated just over a third of commercial farming income and employed just over half of the workforce: 425,684 of 840,407 workers.
  • Commercial agriculture added 25,614 jobs between 2023 and 2024, a 3.1% increase. The Western Cape contributed the most to sales and employment.
Source: Statistics South Africa, 12 December 2025(opens in a new tab)

Markets · 7 min read

Selling to fresh produce markets

By Market Access Desk

How national fresh produce markets work, what agents charge, and how to grade and pack for better prices.

Key tips

  • Register with a market agent before your first delivery.
  • Grade produce by size and quality; mixed loads fetch lower prices.
  • Use clean, standard packaging that buyers recognise.
  • Check daily market prices before deciding when to send stock.
Source: Joburg Market(opens in a new tab)