A favourable agricultural season ahead
SA could have another favourable agricultural season in 2022/2023. However, higher production will require careful planning by farmers and agribusinesses regarding finances and planting times.
A decent maize crop for SA in 2022/23 season
The USDA forecasts South Africa’s commercial maize plantings at 2,60 million hectares in the 2022/23 season, broadly aligned with the CEC, whose data points to a possible area of 2,59 million hectares. This area is slightly below the 2021/22 season of 2,62 million hectares. Still, it is well above the long-term average.
PODCAST: Kenya embracing genetically modified crops
In this week’s episode, I assess what Kenya’s decision to lift the ban on the cultivation and importing of genetically modified (GM) white maize means for the country’s long-term production.
Global body forecasts second-largest grains and oilseeds crops yet
The 2022/2023 global grains and oilseeds season presents an encouraging picture of supplies. These forecasts will probably be sufficient to provide relief from the levels the grains and oilseeds prices were at in the weeks after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Some encouraging summer crop planting data
The robust tractor sales since the start of the year, prospects of yet another La Niña albeit weaker than last season, and the relatively higher commodity prices point to possibilities of decent area plantings in the 2022/23 summer crop season.
South African farmers look set to enjoy another fat year
The higher tractor sales, attractive prices and favourable weather forecasts suggest South Africa could have another favourable agricultural season in 2022/23.
PODCAST: SA starts the 2022/23 summer crop season
South Africa is starting the 2022/23 summer crop production season this month. The preliminary insights suggest that we could have another good season.
Potential for growth in South Africa’s agriculture but testing times ahead
SA’s agricultural sector was one of the bright spots of our economy during the pandemic. This was the only sector that showed robust growth as others were constrained by lockdown restrictions, supply chain disruptions and reduced consumer activity.
Wandile Sihlobo
I am an agricultural economist and writer from South Africa.
I use this blog to reflect on agricultural economic matters in South Africa and worldwide.
My new book, “Finding Common Ground: Land, Equity and Agriculture“, is available in all major bookstores in South Africa and all eBooks platforms.
My weekly podcast, “Agricultural Market Viewpoint with Wandile Sihlobo“, is available on all podcast platforms.
I am available on all social media platforms.