cropslatest news & developments
Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp said that they are working to give farmers the assistance they need in the Eastern Cape following heavy rain causing damage to crops.
AGRICULTURE

Aucamp urges urgent support for Eastern Cape farmers after heavy rain

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp says damage assessments must be reconciled and disaster funding secured urgently to support farmers in Humansdorp and Patensie after heavy rain.

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
Agricultural experts from Absa and Standard Bank are urging farmers to strengthen drought, water and financial-risk plans as forecasts point to a potentially strong El Niño event persisting into early 2027
ELNINO

Early planning key as farmers face stronger 2026/27 El Niño

Agricultural experts from Absa and Standard Bank are urging farmers to strengthen drought, water and financial-risk plans as forecasts point to a potentially strong El Niño event…

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
A dry spell in the Swartland area in the Western Cape which has affected the wheat crop along with the looming threat of El Nino has raised more concern among farmers with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture acknowledging the concerns of the farmers calls for crop insurance
DROUGH

Dry conditions threaten Swartland - government warns of growing El Niño risk

Swartland grain producers say dry conditions have already reduced crop potential in some areas, while the Western Cape agriculture department warns that further climate and cost…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
A prolonged winter rainfall deficit is threatening wheat yields in parts of the Swartland, while rising input costs leave dryland farmers with limited financial protection.
WHEAT

Dry spell puts Swartland wheat farmers under mounting financial pressure

Swartland grain producers warn that a prolonged winter rainfall deficit could cut crop potential by 25% to 30%, while rising input costs leave farmers with little financial…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
Despite recent challenges with heavy rain, the latest Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) report indicates a strong harvest, with the maize crop still expected to be the largest on record.
MAIZE

South Africa’s record maize harvest, but El Niño looms

SA's commercial maize crop is forecast to reach 17.4 million tonnes in 2026, but an expected El Niño event remains a risk.

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read