Primary agriculture contributes about 3% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and also provides about 7% of formal employment. Key to the success of the agricultural sector is the countrywide network of cooperatives, which provide a collective platform to negotiate with buying, aggregating, marketing and processing services.

South Africa’s agricultural sector comprises well-developed commercial farming systems, cooperatives on large estates and subsistence production in rural areas. There are about 32 000 commercial farmers that contribute 80% of the country’s agricultural value.

Active in the agricultural lubricant market for over 70 years, both as an OEM for machine manufacturers and in workshop services, FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA has a significant footprint in both cooperatives and commercial farming.

Hayley Arnesen, Agricultural Segment lead and Durban Branch Manager, comments that FUCHS services this segment through a variety of channels, including a large national reseller network, cooperatives, or even directly, should the requirements of the farmer warrant it.

The FUCHS’ team invests significant resources to understand the specific needs of the market and determine optimal ways to fulfil these requirements. “This ensures we adapt constantly and deliver top-notch service tailored to the market’s demands,” notes Arnesen.

“We pay a lot of attention to our offers through the cooperatives as these are pivotal to link farmers to markets, provide essential services, and contribute to the overall growth of South Africa’s agricultural output.” She adds that, without such a thriving cooperative culture, many small-scale farmers would struggle to establish viable farming operations.

Such is the importance of the sector that FUCHS will not only again be a proud exhibitor at SA Grain’s NAMPO Harvest Day 2024 from 14 to 17 May at Bothaville in the Free State, but it will also introduce its latest UTTO product in the form of AGRIFARM UTTO FLEX.

“Our stand in the prominent NAMPO Hall will be fun and interactive, and we invite existing and potential customers to visit us,” adds Arnesen. Technical experts will be on hand to answer any questions and offer advice for specific issues.

Due to its seasonality, the agricultural industry requires specialised oils and lubricants. FUCHS has therefore formulated products to withstand the rigours of equipment operating extensively for three months and then standing idle for several consecutive months. These include engine oils, multifunctional hydraulic and transmission oils, greases, and specialised coolants.

FUCHS’ AGRIFARM lubricants have proved successful under the most arduous conditions, ensuring the highest level of reliability for any agricultural fleet. With a broad portfolio of specially developed lubricant solutions, the range ensures optimal all-round protection for machines and equipment. Benefits include noticeably increased oil change intervals in engines and significantly fewer signs of wear.

The agricultural segment is highly diverse, encompassing activities from crop farming, forestry, aquaculture, and horticulture to livestock farming. The equipment employed in the sector is also constantly evolving, and often requires more specialised lubricants. FUCHS has specific products and solutions for all applications, all tractor and farm machinery, food-grade and biodegradable products, lubricants for pivot irrigation systems, milking machines, conveyors, chainsaws, and more. The team at FUCHS not only specialises in lubricants but can also assist customers to simplify and rationalise the products they use and even to optimise and upgrade their workshops.

Arnesen adds that FUCHS is steadily growing in this segment. “We have a presence in every avenue of the sector, which means we are able to interact with the farmers in the way that best suits them to ensure we are able to meet their specific requirements. The FUCHS brand is well known in the industry, and our products have a reputation for quality and longevity.”

In addition, FUCHS’ excellent customer service ensures it engages with farmers directly. A technical expert can visit any farming operation and provide advice on how to optimise oil and lubricant use and ensure that only fit-for-purpose, OEM-approved products are used.

Visit FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA AT Stand 74 in the NAMPO Hall.

For more information, go to: https://www.grainsa.co.za/pages/nampo/nampo-home.

REFERENCES

A report on the National Agricultural Cooperatives Indaba. https://www.ard.fs.gov.za/files/agriculture/Report%20on%20National%20Agriculture%20Cooperatives%20Indaba,%20March%202012.pdf  

South Africa's agriculture sector | WEDC. https://wedc.org/export/market-intelligence/posts/south-africa-agriculture-sector/