Nufarmer Africa
Agricultural Equipment
Critical to Emerging
Farmer’s Growth
Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas recently stressed that growth in the agricultural sector must become more formidable and contribute to the country’s gross domestic product.
W
ith an 8.5% growth in agricultural
production achieved in 2013 yearon-year, it appears the sector is on
track to achieving this, but what of the entrepreneurial farmers or SME’s and their growth?
Access to reliable, good quality and wellpriced agricultural equipment is critical to
grow emerging and small farming communities. Smaller farmers primarily look towards
second-hand agricultural equipment versus
more expensive new machinery, but in the
past the platforms in which to source and purchase such reliable second-hand equipment
has been limited.
Identifying this need, South Africa’s leading online mining auctioneering company has
moved into the agricultural sector in a strategy
to respond to the fast growing demand for reliable second-hand farming equipment.
Clear Asset, currently representing most
major mines and contractors in South Africa,
quickly entrenched themselves in the mining
sector taking to auction a wide selection of
used mining and plant equipment. The company achieved a first for South Africa when they
successfully sold a 3,300-ton dragline machine
valued at over R1billion new. The company currently represents the likes of Anglo American,
Sibanye Gold, Glencore, Exxaro, Rockwell, Diesel Power, Genet, Anglo Gold Ashanti and other
mining giants.
The company will now be taking wide selections of agricultural machinery and equipment to market through their online auction
platform, with the farming community eagerly
welcoming this new means of access to stock.
During their first agricultural auction set to
take place later this month, a wide variety of
assets belonging to AFGRI will be offered to the
market. ‘’With a vast array of combiners, tractors and sprayers on offer, all bearing the prestigious John Deere brand name, this is a new
platform for the farming sector and has already
attracted national buyers as well as buyers from
neighbouring African countries,’’ says Clear Asset MD Ariella Kuper.
Comments William Nichols, Operational
Manager of AFGRI, ‘’”Afgri Equipment identified
a need to expand its markets and thus was exploring new and innovating options to achieve
this. Clear Asset approached Afgri and with
their first presentation provided the ideal solution that has not been used in the agricultural
sector before.’’
Currently over 50% of South African mining
assets taken to auction by Clear Asset make
their way across borders, from SADC through
to Peru and Saudi Arabia. The company foresees a similar case for much of the agricultural
equipment they will be taking to auction. ‘’Ease
of purchase is crucial in business today, wheth-
16
er in the mining or agricultural sector. Coupled
with a credible platform based on proprietary
technology, purchasing decisions are made
much easier for neighbouring countries.’’
Clear Asset’s first agricultural online auction
closes on 30 September 2014. Notable assets
include: John Deere 5715/ 6215, Claas Lexion
760 Combine Harvester, John Deer S660S STS/
S550/ 9760 STS COMBINE, 4730 Sprayer, 9530/
6403 MFWD/ 6115D Tractor, 1770NT Planter.
Complimenting the agricultural stock, discerning bidders will find a CAT D6R Dozer as well as
highly sought-after Tungsten drill bits from Anglo’s Sishen mine, as well as Manganese liners.
For more information visit www.clearasset.
co.za or contact Neels Olivier on 082 321
7079.
Nufarmer Africa | September/October 2014