droughtlatest news & developments
South Africa’s agricultural sector entered the 2026/27 production season with strong soil moisture and dam levels, but experts warned that early planning would be essential if El Niño brought drier conditions.
AGRICULTURE

Agriculture shows resilience as farmers plan for impact of El Niño

South Africa’s agricultural sector has entered the 2026/27 production season with strong soil moisture and dam levels, but experts warn that early planning will be essential if…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 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
South African farmers are being urged to conserve water, avoid overstocking and prepare for fire and heat risks as El Niño conditions are expected to continue through the 2026/27 summer season.
DROUGHT

El Niño threatens South Africa’s 2026/27 farming season as drought risks mount

South African farmers are being urged to conserve water, avoid overstocking and prepare for fire and heat risks as El Niño conditions are expected to continue through the 2026/27…

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 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