Standard Bank has launched its highly anticipated 7th edition of the Finance and Farm Management textbook at the Capital Empire Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, on October 1.
The textbook has been in existence for the past 43 years, initially published by Standard Bank Agribusiness South Africa as a practical guide to farmers but has since evolved to be prescribed at several tertiary institutions such as the University of Free State, the University of Pretoria, the Stellenbosch University, the University of South Africa (Unisa) and Fort Hare University.
The bank says the textbook came about in an effort to reinforce its commitment to agricultural education and innovation. This landmark edition, which has been a cornerstone of agricultural studies for over four decades, arrives at a critical juncture for global farming.
The 7th edition includes new chapters such as smart farming, legislation in the South African context, as well as Human Resource management in agriculture.
It has been updated to ensure that the next generation of farmers is prepared to meet the demands of modern agriculture, from climate resilience, to navigating complex trade agreements. In an era of climate volatility and food security challenges, Standard Bank’s investment in agricultural education through this comprehensive textbook aims to equip the next generation of farmers with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment.
Brendan Jacobs, Head of Agriculture for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa said their investment in agricultural academia is not just about teaching today’s students but about building a resilient, sustainable agricultural sector for the future.
“The Finance and Farm Management” textbook has been updated to ensure that the next generation of farmers is prepared to meet the demands of modern agriculture and ensure that agribusinesses continue to thrive.
“We at Standard Bank are leveraging our expertise, infrastructure, and footprint to enable access to the knowledge tools that the sector needs to thrive. We consider ourselves to be more than a bank – but rather, a key partner in the sector as we purposely play a key role in initiatives that drive change within the sector,” said Jacobs.
The latest edition reflects the dynamic shifts within the agricultural sector, including the rise of sustainable farming, the importance of digitisation, and the need for climate resilience.
It also covers critical developments in African trade, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of both local and global market dynamics.
Jacobs also said the idea for the book came about in response to research which found that there was little published material available on the financial management of farming operations.
He further said that the bank recognised there was a real need and subsequently, compiled the book as a service to the farming community.
“We believed that the book would also benefit students of agriculture at universities, colleges and schools, as part of its commitment to partner with the sector for its growth through tailored solutions.”
The textbook has consistently provided emerging farmers and agricultural students with the practical tools needed to navigate the complexities of farm management and agricultural finance.
Jacobs says the textbook is a key element in Standard Bank’s broader strategy of supporting agricultural education at the higher-educational level.
“Out of approximately 5000 Agricultural Science graduates per annum, about 1,503 are Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Management students. These statistics are important to the bank as this is where it builds the pipeline of future agricultural specialists,” said Jacobs.
In addition to the textbook, the Standard Bank Agriculture Academy, launched in April 2024, equips the bank’s staff with specialised skills to better support agricultural clients. The Academy’s first cohort includes 30 students, 16 from across Africa and 14 from South Africa, who are being trained to provide better services to the agricultural sector, with a focus on empowering agricultural communities and contributing to sustainable growth across the continent.
Jacobs added that Standard Bank’s commitment to nurturing future farmers goes beyond education. Through its Agribusiness Transformation Programme, in partnership with the University of the Free State and the Department of Agriculture, we have supported over 125 black emerging farmers in the Northern Cape and Free State regions.
“This programme leverages existing expertise, skills, and infrastructure to help emerging farmers contribute to the transformation and economic viability of South Africa’s agricultural sector,” remarked Jacobs.
With South Africa’s well documented structural constraints in the sphere of education, Jacobs says Standard Bank’s intervention in this regard leads to long-term sustainability.
He further said that by equipping future farmers with the knowledge and the right tools, strategically positions the agricultural sector for sustained growth in what can be financial, environmental, and operational impediments.
The textbook’s executive editors are Professor Andre Louw (DSc Agric in Agricultural Economics) and Mariette Geyser (D.Com in Financial Management at the University of Pretoria). Louw is currently Professor in Agribusiness at the University of Pretoria and was previously General Manager: Agribusiness at Absa Bank and CEO of Agricultural Risk Specialists while Geyser is currently a senior lecturer at the University of the North-West.
