In its 'Summer Crops (2025): Intentions to Plant' report, released in October, the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) states that South African maize farmers have indicated their plans to plant just over 2,64 million hectares to the crop in the 2024/25 production season. In the 2023/24 production season, a little more than 2,636 million hectares were planted to maize, with the harvest estimated at over 12,72 million tons.
The CEC also reports that commercial producers intend to plant 1,578 million hectares to white maize, about 1,5% or 22 850ha more than the previous season. In the case of yellow maize, the expected plantings are 1,062 million hectares, which is roughly 1,8% or 19 000ha less than the previous season.
As far as sunflower seed is concerned, the estimated area to be planted is 540 000ha, up 2,1%, or 11 000ha, from the 2023/24 marketing season.
The intended plantings of soya bean are expected to increase by 0,2%, or 2 700ha, compared with the previous season, from 1,15 million hectares to 1,153 million hectares. In contrast, expected plantings of groundnuts are set to decrease by 2,9%, or 1 200ha, from 41 200ha to 40 000ha.
Sorghum plantings are anticipated to rise significantly by 28,3%, or 11 900ha, compared with last season, bringing the total to 54 000ha.
Additionally, expected plantings of dry beans are estimated at 45 105ha, representing an increase of 14%, or 5 555ha, from the previous season.
"The fact that South African maize producers were able to produce sufficient grain [in the 2023/24 season] to meet domestic and export demand, despite the months of drought in Southern Africa triggered by the El Niño phenomenon, is testament to a world-class local production sector successfully driven by a free market system,” says Jaco Minnaar, president of Agri SA.
Denne historien er fra November 22, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 22, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
