Successful producer meetings in KwaZulu-Natal

MPO CEO Dr Chris van Dijk, economist Dr Koos Coetzee and manager member services Philip Swart attended producer meetings in KwaZulu-Natal. According to Dr van Dijk, the milk producers at the well-attended meetings were positive about the future of the dairy industry. Dr van Dijk gave a presentation on controllable factors that can influence a farmer’s profitability. Dr Coetzee gave a market overview, stressing the current and future relatively low grain prices. He urged farmers to take steps to hedge against possible increases in grain prices in 2018.  Mr Swart explained the new membership fee structure that will probably be implemented in 2018.

Sipho Makhaye from Umlozi HRM and Labour Relations Consultants did a presentation on the relationship between farmers and farmworkers. He stressed the importance of good relationships and to ensure that all role players take responsibility and accountability to achieve goals. These relationships should be nurtured through mutual respect, mutual reliance, as well as a degree of closeness. Key points for preventing distrust remains a proper induction in a new job, effective communication, as well as respect for diversity and culture. He can be contacted on 083 785 0622 or sipho.umlozihrm@telkomsa.net for any labour-related issues.