Farmers, Randlords and the South African State: Confrontation in the Witwatersrand Beef Markets, c.1920-1923

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Periodical article

Title:	Farmers, Randlords and the South African State: Confrontation in the Witwatersrand Beef Markets, c.1920-1923
Author:	Morrell, Robert
Year:	1986
Periodical:	The Journal of African History
Volume:	27
Issue:	3
Pages:	513-532
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	economic history market meat Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Economics and Trade History and Exploration
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/181415
Abstract:	During the first quarter of the 20th century the beef markets of Johannesburg captured the attention of Rand-lords, farmers and a succession of governments. The goldmines purchased large amounts of beef to feed the enormous African labour force which was housed in mine compounds. In the recession following the First World War mining attempted to ease its position by cutting back on the cost of meat. Farmers, themselves on the verge of bankruptcy, attempted to raise beef prices, but they failed. The victory of the mining and cold-storage companies rested on a number of factors: farmers were unable to organize effectively; changing economic conditions in 1922 and 1923 permitted the mines to terminate their cooperation with beef farmers; and the mines were able to call upon the state for support. Notes, ref.