Agricultural marketing includes the performance of all business activities in the supply of products - from the start of production to having the end-product on the consumer's table - "from the farm to the fork' - as they say. These activities are interlinked with the agricultural supply chain and include harvesting, packaging, storing, transporting, marketing and selling of agricultural produce. Disruptions in agricultural marketing ultimately affect the efficiency of the right quantities and quality reaching consumers. The appearance of the El Nino weather phenomenon in the earliest stages of the 2015-2016 agricultural season is a case in point and was described by the FAO as one of the worst in 50 years - driving intense droughts in southern Africa causing successive harvest failures and widespread livestock deaths. El Nino negatively affected agricultural marketing activities and threatened food security across the whole region.

Many developing countries have established agricultural marketing information services under the public sector to strengthen their agricultural marketing processes. Unfortunately, in most cases, the existing services only provide information on prices and market arrivals - used mostly by the government agencies and research institutions to act upon price stabilizations, policies and programs. Marketing information should be fully integrated and should cover areas relevant to small-scale farmers and traders in particular, to ensure and manage food security programs. It should also assist farmers and traders with production and business planning. In South Africa, this information is available to government extension practitioners through Extension Suite Online and AgriSuite Online to share with farmers in their quest to learn more about agricultural marketing and food security.

Make the most of the holiday season and stay connected with us as we continue to provide you with quick and easy solutions to optimise your agricultural enterprise. From us @ManstratAIS, we wish you a safe and joyous holiday.

Progress in the ongoing quest for food insecurity across the globe has been steady. According to Stats SA's latest General Household Survey Report; the percentage of South Africans that are vulnerable to hunger fell from 29,3% in 2002 to 13,1% in 2015.

At the same time, the agriculture and food security landscape in South Africa has undergone significant changes in recent years. Higher food prices, the current drought, along with a projected 60 percent expansion in demand for agricultural products by 2050, mostly affect populations in rural areas. These trends are of particular significance when viewed in the context of the growing youth populations in these areas.

The demographic structure in Africa is particularly youthful, with over 60 percent of the population currently below the age of 25 (FAO) - large proportions of which live and work in rural areas, supported directly or indirectly by the agricultural sector.

Small-scale and subsistence farms dominate rural landscapes across the developing world, accounting for up to 80 percent of food produced in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa while supporting livelihoods of up to 2.5 billion people (IFAD, 2015). This knowledge has driven a resurgent interest in government and policy makers to support small-scale and subsistence farmers in these areas.

However, some of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers have their origin in long-standing barriers, hampering access to and the use of technology, finance, knowledge, and markets. It is, therefore, important to develop the knowledge, skills, and talent of youth in agriculture to provide successful examples and viable livelihoods for all future generations. This month, @ManstratAIS takes a look at the current effect of agriculture and food security on the youth.

Here's to a productive agricultural season.

The impact of climate change on agriculture varies widely based on the crop and livestock species involved and other factors such as geographical location. However, a common risk is that climate change impacts every type of natural resource. According to studies, the distributions of plant and animal species will continue to change as rising temperatures alter ecosystems and amplify climate extremes (e.g., heat waves). It is, therefore, important for farmers to understand and assess the potential impact of climate change on their land and local economies because these factors affect how farmers should adapt their use of natural resources.

Countries across the globe have already taken a leading role in addressing climate change by advancing an ever-expanding suite of measures that involve innovative agricultural practices and technologies. These measures include reducing carbon pollution, promoting clean sources of energy that create jobs, protecting communities from the impacts of climate change, and working with partners to lead international climate change efforts. However, for small-scale and subsistence farmers in developing countries, adaptation and mitigation measures will require innovations in policy and institutions that will enable these farmers to harness the necessary technologies and adapt their agricultural systems to mitigate the impact of climate change.

This month we learn more about climate change and natural resource management in agriculture. @ManstratAIS provides a range of relevant information through Extension Suite Online® and AgriSuite Online®. For an extensive scope of this theme, visit our website.

From Manstrat, we wish you a productive agricultural season.

The role of female farmers is well-documented in literature spanning many decades. Women have always contributed substantially towards food security through the production of food and other rural activities that enabled access to food. However, it is equally true that the role of young women in an aging agricultural sector has not received the support it deserves. And although this demographic is on par with their male counterparts in many important aspects such as vocational training, technological know-how, and union membership, the traditional patriarchal system persists - women are still seen as mainly responsible for domestic tasks and contributions, with a resultant lower income potential and actual earning capability than their male counterparts. For young women to become more involved in farming in South Africa, stakeholders and role-players - in fact, the whole industry - need to accept and develop an inclusive and supportive environment to support the new roles and responsibilities of female farmers in agriculture.

Shining examples in this context is that young female farmers can now readily find grant funding opportunities - supported by various government and private sector organisations that provide funding for emerging female farmers; agricultural education; and grants for research to improve growing methods and operational farm activities.

Other initiatives - such as the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (DAFF), Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Awards - exist to reward the efforts and contributions of women and youth in matters of food security, job creation, economic growth and poverty alleviation.

In Women's month, @ManstratAIS would like to add its voice to those paying tribute to young female farmers who are leading growth and development in South Africa's agricultural sector, against all odds. Here's to a productive season.

With the global population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, scientists across the globe have been working continuously to improve the provision of nutritious and sustainable food through biotechnology. As a result, new developments include enhanced staple crop yields, increased nutrient content, and improved tolerance to unfavourable growing conditions, making farming on previously unusable or marginally useable land possible. These developments have the potential to benefit global agriculture despite the fact that they often go under the radar in many parts of the world - involving only a small group of scientists - but, by disseminating these findings widely, it is hoped to educate local agricultural role players and speed up the future application of recent discoveries.

The use of scientific tools and techniques to modify living organisms: plants, animals, and microorganism date back to many centuries. For example, the ancient Egyptians made wine and raised dough for bread, using fermentation. A significant event in the development of agriculture through biotechnology occurred in 1492 with the introduction of corn, native to the Americas, to the rest of the world. The European growers then adapted and produced corn under their own growing conditions.

To date, scientists have developed crops with built-in insect resistance that has helped farmers around the world avoid significant crop losses. For example, varieties of maize have been modified to contain an insecticidal protein from a naturally occurring soil microorganism (Bt) that provides plants protection from corn borer worms.

In Africa, a major breakthrough was the launch of the first non-GMO drought-tolerant DroughtTEGOTM maize in September 2014, that was developed by WEMA (Water Efficient Maize for Africa) in conjunction with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and Monsanto, who donated the technology royalty-free. Since then, South African research institutions have conducted successful trials here and the Bt GM drought-tolerant maize is expected to become available in South Africa by 2017 with expected yield increases of 20% - 35% (an additional two million tonnes of maize in drought years, feeding an estimated additional 14-21 million people in sub-Saharan Africa).

This month we explore the concept of biotechnology in South Africa's agricultural sector. @ManstratAIS provides a range of relevant information through Extension Suite Online® and AgriSuite Online®. For an extensive scope of modern developments in agriculture, visit our website.

From Manstrat, we wish you a productive agricultural season.

References:

• AgriCultures Network, 2013. "Modernisation" of agriculture. [Online]
  Available at: http://www.agriculturesnetwork.org/resources/...
  [Accessed 5 May 2016].
• Ania, W., 2012. History of Agricultural Biotechnology: How Crop Development has Evolved. [Online]
  Available at: http://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/...
  [Accessed 1 June 2016].
• Bessin, R., n.d. Bt-Corn: What It Is and How It Works. [Online]
  Available at: https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef130
  [Accessed 1 June 2016].
• Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2016. DAFF News January 2016. [Online]
  Available at: http://www.daff.gov.za/docs/...
  [Accessed 1 June 2016].
• Gibson, L. &. B. G., 2002. Origin, History, and Uses of Corn (Zea mays). [Online]
  Available at: http://agron-www.agron.iastate.edu/Courses/...
  [Accessed 13 June 2016].

Modern agriculture describes the broad type of production practices employed by farmers on a worldwide scale. Modern agricultural methods include the wider use of new high-yielding seed varieties (to replace indigenous varieties) together with chemical inputs like pesticides, herbicides, and mineral fertilizers, and irrigation that allows the development of more intensive, monoculture-based agriculture (AgriCultures Network, 2013).

These technologies were first introduced from an approach dubbed the "Green Revolution" that occurred from the 1940's to the late 1960's as a driver of modernization in the agricultural sector in the developing world. The aim was to increase the wheat, rice, and maize production to meet the needs of growing populations across the globe.

Although modern technologies have indeed contributed to increased food production in highly populated continents such as Asia, it is not the case in many parts of southern Africa. One of the various reasons for this is the fact that farmers are often too isolated, physically and technologically to enjoy proper access to these technologies. A further hurdle is that for most small-scale farmers, technology per se is expensive beyond their reach.

This month we discuss the importance of modernizing agriculture in ways that include small-scale and subsistence farmers in South Africa. We also highlight useful technologies and information that can assist farmers and other agricultural role players in learning more about readily available technologies in the country. -Here's to a productive winter season.

Reference:

AgriCultures Network, 2013. "Modernisation" of agriculture. [Online] Available at: http://www.agriculturesnetwork.org/resources/... [Accessed 5 May 2016].

South Africa's weather at best is a study in contrasts due to our variable climate and weather conditions. In many of the elevated interior, the weather can become scorching during the summer months, and freezing cold during the winter months. The eastern coastal parts of KwaZulu-Natal enjoy warmer to exceptionally hot and humid summers while the winters in most parts of the province tend to be warm and sunny. At the same time, the Western Cape will endure grey and rainy winter weather. Regardless of these variations, farmers in one way or the other, need to prepare for winter conditions to ensure optimal productivity throughout the year.

The best way to make sure that we are ready for what the next winter may bring is to have our plans already in place by the end of summer or the beginning of autumn. For livestock farmers, activities will include slaughtering of livestock, or the fattening up of others, while building and repairing housing and shelters, and getting the most out of what remains of pastures. For crop farmers, activities include charting out the farm layout for the following year or planting season, replenishing the soil structure and nutrient levels, selecting winter crops for planting and disposing of crop residues.

For this month, Manstrat Agricultural Intelligence Solutions (Pty) Ltd are concentrating on assisting smallholders to prepare for winter farming and we would love to hear from you. Please send any tips you would like to share with us for this winter by following the hashtag #WinterFarmingPreparations on Facebook and Twitter and add your comment.

From us, @ManstratAIS, we wish you a warm winter.

Skills development for small-scale and subsistence farmers is an important key to unlocking the potential of rural economies. Improving the skill levels of farmers through learning and practice, improve productivity levels, with resultant efficiency and profitability.

During the past decade, numerous plans and policies have been implemented to fast-track the development of skills of these farmers. However, effective improvement in farmer's skills, is a key challenge that is often ascribed to the fast pace of agricultural technological development. As a result, plans and policies implemented for agricultural skills development must increasingly rely on modern programs for technology adoption, transfers, and innovations. At the same time, traditional agriculture continues to be the mainstay for small-scale and subsistence farmers in many parts of the country. It is against the backdrop of these dynamics that the gap between traditional and future skills development in agriculture warrants close scrutiny.

Agricultural skills development, particularly skills shortages, require an understanding of the skills demanded by small-scale and subsistence farmers in their current state, to increase yields and profits. This month we discuss the importance of skills development for small-scale and subsistence farmers. We also identify practical ways in which skills can be transferred to the agricultural sector, to unlock the potential of the rural economy.

From us at Manstrat, wishing you a productive agricultural season.

We can describe the relationship between man and land as based on social, economic, and environmental factors. Land is the basis for food, shelter and livelihood. With a growing population and the continued threat of food security taking centre stage in South Africa, it is no wonder that we now place more emphasis on driving underutilised land into full production over the next few years.

The government is now preparing to work with the private sector to develop the Agricultural Policy Action Plan (APAP) and the Agri-Parks model for the 2015/16 financial year. The basis of the APAP plan lies in using agricultural land more productively and sustainably to revitalise South Africa's agricultural sector and the agro-processing value chain while ensuring the long-term sustainability of ecosystem services and livelihoods. The plan extends to regional planning and soil/environmental protection, as well as property and estate management. Part of this effort will be implemented through the Agri-Parks model to be established in 44 district municipalities across the country. These parks will offer all services along the various commodity value chains, including the selection and training of smallholder farmers in partnership with district land reform committees.

This month we explore the concept of land-use in South Africa's agricultural sector. The aim is to promote the sustainable use of land with reference to practices and technologies that integrate the management of land, water, biodiversity, and other environmental resources to meet our social, economic and environmental needs.

From us at Manstrat, we wish you a productive agricultural season.

The ability to respond to changing seasonal conditions such as drought depends on the farmer's land capability, financial resources, goals, the perception of risk, and the level of development of a farm management plan. Although drought is a major feature of the South African climate, signs that show the onset of drought are often subtle, incremental and unrecognised until remedial action is required. This natural disaster can occur at any time and can cause land degradation, financial hardship, and threats to productivity - especially if it is prolonged and followed by heavy rain and floods. Therefore, all farmers should constantly be prepared in advance to mitigate the impact of drought.

Preparing for drought requires strategic planning that forms part of an overall farm management plan. Such a plan details the physical, financial, human and other resources available to the farm, and options in response to the onset of drought such as:

• Strategies to either reduce livestock numbers and hence grazing pressure
• Stock feeding for production or maintenance;
• Strategies to retain standing crop residue for soil protection and livestock shelter
• Strategies to ensure the rapid return to normal production activities

To facilitate the development of effective drought management strategies, by extension practitioners and farmers, @ManstratAIS provides a range of information through Extension Suite Online® and AgriSuite Online®. For additional support, visit our website that provides relevant decision support systems for an extensive scope of agricultural activities in various geographical locations.

South Africa's farmers have survived many difficult years, and 2015 was no different. The severe drought that negatively affected the 2014/2015 summer grain season, the depreciating value of the Rand together with all the inherent challenges of farming, all contributed to making 2015 a challenging year for small-scale and commercial farmers alike.

In addition to financial issues and managing prevailing weather conditions, farmers also had to deal with pests and diseases, while meeting their personal and family needs. Therefore, as we enter 2016, it might be appropriate to reflect on ways of making it a year that is financially, socially and aspirationally rewarding, while re-evaluating established traditional long term and short term strategies for sustaining a profitable farming enterprise.

With access to integrated knowledge and support from AgriSuite Online® and Extension Suite Online®, farmers can kick-start this year by setting appropriate goals, developing strategies for achieving these objectives, matching production yields to market strategy, and assessing feasibility measures to survive even the worst-case scenarios.

It's not about business as usual with a few concessions. It's a whole new game plan in light of the recent struggles in the year before.

From us @ManstratAIS, we wish you a prosperous agricultural new year.