grainslatest news & developments
The ban comes on the back of improved domestic production in Zimbabwe. Photo: File

Reasons for optimism about farm harvest prospects In South Africa

Estimates for maize and oilseeds are up, boosting predictions of a recovery year in agriculture

4 min read
The South African Weather Service says some parts of the country exceeded long-term monthly averages by as much as 500% to 1000%

Recent rains boost for summer grains, oil seeds and livestock

While the recent rains caused damage to infrastructure and in communities, it does more good than bad in agriculture

3 min read
Agriculture in the country is experiencing a recovery season for its grain and oilseed production, although some areas may have quality problems

Farmers likely to plant more grain and oilseed in 2024-25 season

Slightly high prices and lower input costs, as well as the prospect of good rain will probably driving this

  • Eyaaz
4 min read
The South African agricultural sector is on solid ground for now and we shouldn’t be worried — but we should be vigilant.

La Niña may bring favourable weather, boosting optimism about food security in Southern Africa

The weather event is predicted to bring above-normal rainfall in January before easing up, but the northeast may remain dry

  • Eyaaz
4 min read
The cost of living in South Africa is increasing and it is hurting consumers’ pockets everywhere. Photo: Getty Images

How much does bread actually cost?

It’s not a straightforward answer, but Julius Malema should have been able to at least estimate This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The Mail & Guardian is committed to providing all our readers with the best possible experience. Please register your free account now. Your registration is your first step to becoming an M&G community member. Register Registration enables: – M&G newsletters access – notifications – the best possible experience Already registered? Login here Want to subscribe and get even more benefits? Explore our subscription offers

  • Eyaaz
1 min read
While the summer grains and oilseed production prospects for the 2023-24 season seem bleak because of the excessive dryness and heatwave, the global production conditions remain reasonably optimistic. (Nicky Loh/Reuters)

The global grains and oilseed supplies remain plentiful

Global agricultural prices and thus food prices will moderate, but not necessarily for South Africa

  • Eyaaz
4 min read
Many African countries have doubled the importation of agricultural food crops from outside the continent, even after the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area. (Halden Krog/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Summer crop harvest forecasts down notably from last year

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

  • Des Erasmus
3 min read
South Africa is the only African country in China’s top 30 agricultural suppliers, ranked 28 in 2023.

Why I am optimistic about South Africa’s agricultural outlook in 2024

We are in for another good agricultural season, especially if January and February present favourable rainfall

  • Des Erasmus
3 min read