The farms in the region produce maize, sunflower seeds, sorghum, rye and potatoes.

The town lies 155 km (96 mi) east of Johannesburg on the N17 national route.

Other agriculture includes maize, sunflower seeds, sorghum, rye, oats and barley.

[3]: 302  Bethal was once the headquarters of AFGRI, and agricultural firm, now based in Centurion but its flour mill remains in the town.

Exxaro acquired the Total Coal South Africa in 2014 and has five mines in the area.