In our recent comment on the impact of snowfall on South Africa’s agriculture, we emphasized that the focus should be on livestock – cattle, sheep, and goats. This is where harsh weather conditions would cause challenges, especially regarding feed supplies to sustain the animals.
Still, with the logistical challenges of the past few days, folks haven’t been able to assess the impact of the heavy snowfall fully.
We must also not forget logistics – particularly for dairy farmers who must move products out of facilities regularly. This is likely a challenge in the Midlands regions of KwaZulu-Natal and other farming entities’ logistics in this region.
We will also have to keep a close eye on communal farmers, where livestock is generally not in good health in some regions in winter because of reduced feed and dry grazing veld.
Still, we can’t give a view on the actual impact of this on agriculture so far. But we are following various updates from our friends on the ground.
Regarding crops, we are off-season in summer grain and oilseed. The planting will only start from mid-November. We are optimistic that the upcoming 2024-25 production season for maize, soybeans, sunflower seed, sorghum and other grains will be favourable.
In essence, the past weekend has been challenging for the sector, but we haven’t heard of significant losses. The aspects we highlight above are things to consider when reflecting on South Africa’s agriculture in the context of the current snowfall.
The authorities in Pretoria are also following the issues closely.
All the best to the great South African farmers!
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