South Africa must remain vigilant to prevent outbreaks which are costly to farmers and harm the export market
The El Niño-induced drought and heatwave in February and March hit crops hard in Southern Africa
This reflects a moderation of sales after excellent sales figures in 2022. But higher interest rates and a poor 2023-24 summer crop add pressure to farmers’ finances
One plant, so many uses – but misconceptions are keeping it on the back foot
South Africa imports all its rice and half its wheat so the exchange rate is a factor to watch
It’s not a straightforward answer, but Julius Malema should have been able to at least estimate
Global agricultural prices and thus food prices will moderate, but not necessarily for South Africa
Anyone can grow their own food. It may be hard work, but you learn as you go and it is rewarding
South Africa started the 2023-24 summer crop season with optimism, but the outlook is now lower because of the excessive heat and limited rainfall across major crop-growing regions
After a few years of robust tractor and combine harvest sales, this is more of a normalisation than an indication of trouble in the agriculture sector
Area plantings for maize and sunflower seed are above the five-year average
Crop harvests were good in the 2022-23 season but tractor sales are down by 9%
The challenge is to make sure this growth is sustainable, inclusive and transformative
Despite flooding, the 2023-24 wheat crop quality is good and the quantity is up from the previous season, while canola is up 13%. But oats and barley are faring less well because of heavy rains
We are in for another good agricultural season, especially if January and February present favourable rainfall
We can now evaluate the harvest of 2023
There are weaknesses in the country’s biosecurity system, including the measures in place to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases
The rise in people employed in the sector is driven by increased production in field crops, forestry and aquaculture
South Africa has been importing eggs and poultry meat to ease shortages
Taking a step back this week, there is still great cause for optimism about 2023-24’s agricultural output
The country will reap the fruits of its favourable agricultural season
The phenomenon has historically been associated with drier, warmer conditions over the summer rainfall regions of South Africa
All indications are that we are on the verge of the long-awaited recovery of worldwide grain supplies
About 60% of people in Africa lack early warning systems which could help them to better prepare for upcoming climate disasters
How the shifting seasons will affect the country’s crop output, with yield expected to be sufficient to meet local and export requirements
In his new book, regular M&G contributor Wandile Sihlobo explores South Africa’s disparities, challenges and solutions
The country’s sector should be robust enough to survive renewed global risks
The figures demonstrate a counter position to the generally optimistic outlook of the sector
Grain supplies for both domestic consumption and export remain healthy
South Africa may well need to consider new sources of rice imports
Sales are likely to slow going into 2024 because of rising interest rates, the rand/dollar exchange rate and lower grain and soybean prices
The widening trade surplus is mainly a result of a notable decline in import value, not necessarily a growth in exports