farmerslatest news & developments
South Africa’s agricultural value added increased by 0.3% quarter on quarter in the second quarter of 2026, while the broader economy contracted by 0.2%.
AGRICULTURE

South Africa’s agriculture sector shows resilience despite 0.2% GDP decline

South Africa’s agricultural value added increased by 0.3% quarter on quarter in the second quarter of 2026, while the broader economy contracted by 0.2%.

  • 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
IMM Graduate School, in a new release on Monday, looked at the impact of South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on farmers and the South African economy.
FMD

Foot-and-mouth disease could cost SA livestock sector R13.1bn

Explore the significant economic ramifications of South Africa's foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, as experts highlight the challenges faced by farmers and the broader livestock…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
Grain SA and partners staged a march on Thursday to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) to oppose the JSE’s decision to return to a single soybean reference point system, a decision that would put more strain on farmers.
AGRICULTRE

Grain SA warns JSE soybean pricing change could cost R600m

Farmers’ body says switch to a single reference point will increase transport costs and pressure producers.

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read