What you need to know about the new direct marketing guidance note
Nadine Mather and Chloë Loubser
Demand for agricultural land in Eastern Free State remains resilient
According to Johan Delport of Standard Bank, commercial banks will keep on investing in the agricultural sector because land remains an excellent investment. Francois Human of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein says: “Regardless of negative sentiments from various sources, the demand for agricultural land keeps increasing and the land prices in most cases increase by 10% above inflation each year.”
Graham Maclachlan via Wikimedia Commons - Bethlehem
Fertile Eastern Free State
In view of favourable climate conditions, which are the determining factor for the ultimate production potential and risk, farmers can confidently invest in the Eastern Free State. The diversity of agriculture in this area makes farming sustainable and profitable, naturally attracting farmers. The area has some of the best livestock and crop farms in South Africa and game farming is also on the increase.
Bethlehem, the central main town in the Eastern Free State, is situated on the Liebenbergs River in a fertile valley and it offers a unique infrastructure for surrounding areas with its excellent schools, a private hospital, and two government hospitals. With its high annual rainfall and fertile farming land, it will remain one of the most sought-after farming areas in South Africa.
Purchasing productive farmland
Bearing in mind factors in farmers' decision making when purchasing land, i.e. the importance of soil conditions, Fine & Country Bethlehem and Clarens work closely with a highly qualified soil scientist and agronomist to ensure buyers get the most up-to-date information. Agronomy is the science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel, fibre, and land reclamation. Agronomy has come to encompass work in the areas of plant genetics, plant physiology, meteorology and soil science.
Karin Schwim, principal owner of Fine & Country, Bethlehem and Clarens, explains: “At Fine & Country Bethlehem and Clarens we specialise in marketing agricultural properties and believe in delivering the best service to our clients. Our areas of operation include the entire Eastern Free State and we specialise in productive farms as well as lifestyle farms.
She adds: “We believe in empowering ourselves with the necessary knowledge and expertise in the agricultural sector to enable us to assist our clients in making the right decisions when purchasing a farm. Knowledge is power. Our mission is, therefore, to empower prospective clients with enough information to make an informed decision when investing in agricultural property.
“The purchase of high-potential agricultural land is a costly affair. Different soil types react in different ways, so you want to make sure you get the right kind for your needs. It is important that the buyer is aware of the production potential of a farm and that is why we have joined forces with a highly qualified soil scientist and agronomist.”
Fine & Country licensee convention
Fine & Country Bethlehem and Clarens swept the board at the recent Fine & Country licensee convention at the Arabella Golf Resort near Hermanus. Fine & Country Bethlehem and Clarens estate agents did exceptionally well and the accolades awarded to them were as follows:
• Karin Schwim, principal owner, was awarded Top-Twenty Membership for Sales Unit Turnover and for Sales Commission Turnover for Fine & Country sub-Saharan Africa 2017
• Adri Fourie, rental agent, was awarded Top-Ten Membership for Rentals Unit Turnover and Top-Ten Membership for Rentals Commission Turnover for Fine & Country sub-Saharan Africa 2017
• Hazel van Dyk, agricultural property specialist, was awarded Top-Twenty Membership for Sales Commission Turnover
