South Africa has imported more wheat and farmers in provinces conducive to growing the winter rainfall crop are likely to plant more wheat
Sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine will affect also exports and the price of fertiliser
The weather remains topical across the Southern Hemisphere but has resulted in mixed fortunes
Supply constraints in fertiliser-producing countries, coupled with rising shipping, oil and gas costs has pushed up the price of imported commodities such as fertiliser, herbicide and insecticide prices
At its core, the social compact approach calls for increased co-operation and trust between business, labour, community and the government for the betterment of South Africa
We will have a poorer harvest than the glowing 2020-21 harvest, but will probably not have to import supplies
Unlocking the full growth potential over the long run will require policy interventions in agriculture and cross-cutting government departments
But higher international commodity prices will keep input costs elevated for the livestock and poultry sector
Things can happen much quicker if the arteries of land reform are unblocked
Whatever route the ANC goes, a balance has to be found between property rights and restitution