The Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development offer a first-semester course to final year agricultural economics students in agricultural risk management. Each year towards the end of the first semester, these students enrol for the South African Institute of Financial Markets’ (SAIFM) Agricultural Products Market Dealers examination. Passing the examination is a requirement by the JSE Commodity Derivatives Market (CDM) to register as an agricultural dealer. It is a highly sought after qualification in the industry, particularly for students just entering the agricultural job market, or for those having worked for just a few years. It serves as proof of knowledge of how markets function, of risk management, and economic and financial principles. Many agri-business companies – even though they are not directly involved in trading – view these skills as critical for their workforce to engage with clients and for strategic and operational planning and decision making. To that end, an agreement has been negotiated with SAIFM to offer the examination on the University of Pretoria campus at the end of the first semester.

On the 30^th of May 2019 fifteen students, enrolled for the agricultural risk management course, sat down to take this exam. Of the fifteen, 93% passed on their first attempt this week – the pass mark is 70%. Generally, the first attempt pass rate for the examination is less than 50%. The exceptional pass rate is probably an all-time record and serves as proof of the high-quality education and support provided to the agricultural economics students in the Department.

The students that enrol for this course are fortunate as the course is being taught by two experienced JSE brokers, Dr André van der Vyver and Mr Deon Scheepers. Mr Juan-Pierre Kotze, who is also a qualified agri-dealer, serves as a teaching assistant to the group of students. The Department is proud of the students and wishes them well in their future endeavours.