The year 2020 had been a challenging one for agriculture and as we headed into 2021 there was some trepidation about the year ahead and what it held in store for us.

Cotton is considered one of the world’s greatest poverty alleviating crops, with 150 million people worldwide relying on it for income.

Daneel Rossouw, Funksionele Hoof van Landbou by Nedbank se Verhoudingskanale

The year 2023 has been a tricky one that has needed to be carefully navigated.

Agriculture is an exciting and complex sector and, while it is volatile, it also offers immense opportunity. The past 2 years, for example, have been challenging, with 2023 having recorded a contraction of just under 5% and 2024 expected to deliver a similar contraction, although final numbers for the full year are still to be released.