From the left are: Mr Dannhauser, Prof. Willemse and Mr Strydom at the first agricultural prospects workshop of 2010. Photo: Lize du Plessis

The Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently presented an agricultural prospects workshop for mainly agri-businesses and producers on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

The workshop, which has been presented quarterly since 2005, focused on providing farmers the opportunity to share their strategies with one another. They also received advice from agri-businesses such as co-operations, input producers, merchants and banks. Mr Dries Dannhauser, owner of Sharex, who speculates with commodities and shares, advised farmers struggling with mealie sales. He explained how to lower risks with South African Futures Exchange (SAFEX).

Prof. Johan Willemse, Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the UFS and Mr Dirk Strydom also presented lectures about, among others, market trends. The workshop will be presented again on 4 May, 18 August and 27 October this year in the CR Swart Auditorium on the Main Campus.