Farming in South Africa is more than a business — it’s a calling. From maize fields in the Free State to citrus orchards in Limpopo, farmers feed the nation and sustain rural livelihoods. Yet, starting or expanding a farm can feel overwhelming. This guide helps farmers — both new and experienced — understand how to get land, build a sustainable enterprise, and grow...

South African agriculture is bigger and more diverse than the often-repeated claim that the country simply has “40,000 farmers.” Statistics South Africa recorded 40,122 commercial farming units in 2017. However, that figure does not represent every person or household involved in commercial agriculture. A 2025 analysis by agricultural economists Johann Kirsten and Wandile Sihlobo,...