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Wheat remains one of the world's most important food crops, feeding billions of people every day. However, across many parts of the world, wheat production is under increasing pressure as farmers face rising costs, changing weather patterns, and declining profitability.

Critics note Aucamp went to AfriForum and the three lobby groups first, but has not yet had substantive meetings with AgriSA or Afasa. AgriSA is the country’s largest farm body, a federal organization with provincial unions and commodity groups, and works closely with Afasa, which represents black farmers.

Die Instituut vir Rasseverhoudinge sê meer as ‘n miljoen Suid-Afrikaners het sedert 1990 geëmigreer, met meer as 107 000 wat die afgelope ses jaar die land verlaat het. Die organisasie het 'n diaspora-opname van stapel gestuur om beter te verstaan waarom mense vertrek en of hulle sal oorweeg om terug te keer.

Johann Kotzé sê die grootste hefbome vir Suid-Afrikaanse landbou lê amper heeltemal buite die departement van landbou self. Toe Willie Aucamp verlede week as nuwe minister beëdig is, het hy ’n sektor geërf wat in die middel van die ergste bek-en-klouseer-uitbreking in dekades is.

The conflict between the US and Iran has flared up again after both sides started targeting each other's strategic sites. Since the first shots were fired this week, international oil prices have risen by about 5%.Just seven days after South Africans started paying less for petrol and diesel in July, the hostilities resumed.

Macadamia production has grown strongly, increasing 76% since 2015 to more than 81,000 tons, with a record crop of over 95,000 tons expected this year. South Africa remains the world’s leading producer.

Renewed military action in the Middle East has raised concerns that further disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could reverse recent declines in fuel and fertiliser prices just ahead of South Africa’s 2026/27 summer crop planting season.

Despite South Africa's national Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination campaign being underway since February 2026, both government and private-sector leaders warn that the country still lacks a reliable, integrated system for recording disease outbreaks and vaccinations.

More research and creative ideas are needed to save the sorghum industry in South Africa .The main challenge is insufficient domestic demand for sorghum, which has caused production to decline by more than half since the 1990/91 season. There was optimism in 2014 linked to potential biofuel opportunities, but plans for processing plants fell through and government incentives were lacking.

Standard Bank Group has provided R3.45 billion in financing for climate smart agriculture over the past year, reinforcing its focus on sustainable food systems, climate resilience, and inclusive growth in South Africa’s agricultural sector.

Internasionale oliepryse het met meer as 7 persent in soveel dae gestyg ná hernude oor-en-weer aanvalle tussen Amerika en Iran, maar ekonome sê daar is nog geen rede tot kommer nie. Die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonoom Dawie Roodt sê dat oliepryse waarskynlik nie sal terugkeer na die uiterste hoogtepunte wat gesien is toe die konflik die eerste keer uitgebreek het nie.

South Africa has won the top prize at the global level, with the South African Saddle Seat Equitation team claiming the 5-Gaited World Cup Division title in America. Competing against strong elite teams from the United States and Canada, the South African riders delivered an outstanding performance in precision, athleticism and horsemanship to take the gold.

The main news is whether maize prices may be approaching a bottom, influenced by a difficult start to the US season and declining fertiliser prices. In Zambia, a expected record maize crop, large carry-over stocks, and uncertainty around the FRA’s buying price have brought the market to a critical point.

The average weaner calf price of around R45 per kg live weight is considered a really good price according to agricultural economists, even though sideways movements are expected in beef and sheep prices for farmers in the coming months.

The North African urea market has surged past the $450/t FOB level, driven by strong physical buying rather than speculation.Egyptian granular urea prices climbed rapidly in just a few days, reaching USD 448/t FOB for late July/August loading. Algeria’s Sorfert confirmed a sale at USD 450/t FOB — the highest spot price recorded in the region this year

Members of several farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa have reported significant challenges to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development. These include mounting debt, lack of beneficiary empowerment, limited tenure security, and poor working relationships between managers and trustees.

Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp has confirmed that an agreement has been reached between SAAI, Free State Agriculture, and Sakeliga. He described the agreement as a great step forward for the agriculture sector and an important boost in the ongoing fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

'n Skikkingsooreenkoms is bereik oor die bek-en-klouseer uitbreking wat boere se reg bevestig om self vir die inenting van hul vee te sorg.Daarbenewens het die staat ook sy alleenreg prysgegee om entstowwe in te voer en te versprei.Dit word gesien as 'n belangrike stap vir praktiese siektebeheer en om die veesektor te beskerm. Die ooreenkoms wys dat samewerking en volgehoue druk kan lei tot werklike oplossings wanneer die landbou saamstaan.

Grain SA has criticized the South African government’s decision to keep the existing wheat tariff framework unchanged, arguing it increases pressure on local producers without effectively tackling food costs or food security. In an opinion piece published on July 3, 2026,

Buiten die eerste beeste wat vroeër vanjaar ingeënt is en binne die volgende twee maande hul skraagdosis moet kry, moet sowat 700 000 beeste nog hul eerste inenting ontvang om die 80% dekkingsteiken in die provinsie te haal.Sedert die nasionale inentingsveldtog einde Februarie begin het, het sowat 1,33 miljoen beeste reeds hul eerste dosis gekry.

El Niño puts oilseeds in focus-The super El Niño that is now building is beginning to leave its mark on Asian weather. The Indian monsoon arrived later this year and has delivered less rainfall than normal. The latest precipitation maps continue to point to below-normal monsoon rainfall across large parts of India. At the same time, dry weather is forecast for Southeast Asia.

South Africa may move away from its once-a-month fuel price changes and switch to updates every two weeks, to better handle big swings in global oil prices.The idea came up in Parliament after some of the sharpest fuel hikes in recent years. Between March and May petrol went up by more than R6 per litre and diesel by over R13 per litre following the war in February.

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South Africa - Cattle, Sheep & Pork Market Prices | July 2026

Prices are still elevated in 2026 due to disease outbreaks and tighter supply.

Here’s what the latest data shows: Cattle / Beef

What’s driving prices: Foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in 2025 + 2024 drought + herd liquidation have cut cattle availability. South Africa lost FMD-free status and moved to a vaccination approach.Jan 2026 producer prices ex VAT:  A2/3: R64.58/kg, down 6.8% m/m from Dec 2025 R69.27/kg  B2/3: R59.49/kg, down 6.9% m/m from R63.88/kg  C2/3: R57.99/kg, down from R62.05/kg  Weaners: R40.76/kg, down from R41.38/kg

Retail pressure:
Beef rump steak was R219.93/kg in Jan 2026, up 35% y/y. Chuck was R143.65/kg, up 31.6% y/y. Stewing beef hit R125.86/kg, up 34.1% y/y.Outlook: Prices expected to stay elevated near term, then ease if FMD vaccination reduces outbreaks. Slaughter is down ∼5% vs 2024.

Sheep / Mutton & Lamb Trend: Sheep prices are trading at a big premium due to strong demand in higher LSM groups and limited local supply.Sep 2025 retail: Lamb/mutton rib chop: R220.14/kg, up 13.9% y/y Lamb/mutton loin chop: R210.88/kg, up 11.2% y/y Drivers: Same FMD pressures + reduced availability. Analysts expect meat prices to remain somewhat elevated but rate of increase may slow.

Pork What’s driving prices: African Swine Fever + FMD outbreaks in Free State, NW, KZN. About 7,000 pigs lost from formal market of ∼72,000/week. Even a 2% shortage can push prices up 10%.Jan 2026 producer prices ex VAT:  Bacon pigs: R41.01/kg, up 1.3% m/m and 26.7% y/y  Pork pigs: R40.97/kg, up 0.9% m/m and 25.4% y/y  Sausage pigs: R31.74/kg, up 0.8% m/m and 22.2% y/y  Retail pressure: Pork chops R112.22/kg, up 22.8% y/y. Ribs R113.13/kg, up 16.3% y/y. Fillet R119.79/kg, up 13.1% y/y.

Wholesale moved from R32/kg to R40/kg.Big picture for July 2026Disease impact: FMD in cattle and ASF in pigs are the main reason prices are high.Supply: Slaughter rates are still reasonably robust, so supplies aren’t totally constrained, but the market buffer is depleted.Expectation: Economists think prices will stay high short term, then decelerate if vaccination and biosecurity efforts work.

 

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Summary: South African Grain & Oilseed Prices – July 2026 

South African grain and oilseed prices remain generally subdued in July 2026, supported by ample domestic supplies, strong carry-over stocks, and relatively soft international markets.White Maize White maize futures on SAFEX are trading in the R3,200 – R3,350 per ton range. Near-term contracts (July/August 2026) hover around R3,220 – R3,300 per ton. Prices are significantly lower year-on-year (down around 39% in some reports), reflecting large stocks and expectations of another solid harvest.Yellow Maize Yellow maize prices follow a similar trend to white maize but typically trade at a slight discount or premium depending on export demand and livestock feed needs. Overall, the maize complex is under pressure from abundant supply.WheatWheat prices are relatively stable but face pressure from ample global supplies and competition from cheaper imports. Local prices reflect a balance between domestic milling demand and international benchmarks.SoybeansSoybean prices have been supported by strong crushing demand and poultry industry needs, though they remain sensitive to global oilseed trends and the rand-dollar exchange rate. Prices are firmer than maize but still in a range that supports processing margins.Sunflower Seed Sunflower prices have shown some strength due to steady demand for oil production, but they are also influenced by import parity and competing oilseeds.

• Overall sentiment: The market is well-supplied, keeping downward pressure on prices. This benefits consumers, livestock feeders, and processors but squeezes producer margins.
• Key influences: Large carry-over stocks from previous seasons, global grain abundance, and the rand exchange rate. Input costs (fertiliser and fuel) remain a concern ahead of the 2026/27 planting season starting in mid-October.
• Outlook: Prices are expected to stay range-bound in the near term. Weather developments (potential El Niño) for the new season, export opportunities, and global market movements will be key drivers in the coming months.

The current price environment provides some relief on the food inflation front but continues to challenge grain and oilseed producers.

AGRI NEWS NET- WEEKEND NEWS RUSH Summary of the Week News 5th July 2026

50 Key South African Headline News Stories in Agriculture, Farming & Agritech 10 July 2026

Economic Performance & Trade

1. South Africa records record agricultural trade surplus of US$1.55 billion in Q1 2026.
2. Agricultural exports rise 11% to US$3.7 billion in Q1 2026, driven by horticulture.
3. Agriculture gross value added expands 3.9% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2026.
4. Positive farming fortunes at start of 2026 despite El Niño risks and FMD.
5. Agbiz highlights resilience with strong export performance amid global headwinds.

Crop Production & Outlook

1. 2025-26 summer grains and oilseeds production forecast at ~19.8-20.3 million tonnes.
2. Maize harvest expected around 16.1 million tonnes for 2025-26 season.
3. Grain SA calls for new wheat production strategy after tariff framework retained.
4. Wheat import tariff triggers to zero amid international price movements.
5. Winter crop plantings intentions signal potential decline for 2026-27 season.

Livestock & Disease Management

1. Ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks across multiple provinces.
2. Over 1,300 FMD cases recorded by April 2026, with Free State and North West hardest hit.
3. Government augments veterinarians to boost import-export efficiency (July 2026).
4. Restart of local FMD vaccine production after 21 years at ARC Onderstepoort.
5. Millions of FMD vaccine doses secured and administered nationwide.

Agritech, Innovation & Events

1. Agritec Africa 2026 concludes successfully in Johannesburg with focus on precision farming.
2. NAMPO 2026 highlights innovation for long-term resilience.
3. Africa's agritech outlook 2026: AI, offline innovations, and scaling for smallholders.
4. Aerobotics and other SA agritech firms continue leading drone/AI precision solutions.
5. Digital tools and climate information bridging gaps for smallholder farmers in KZN.

Policy & Government

1. Willie Aucamp appointed as new Minister of Agriculture.Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp has confirmed that an agreement has been reached between SAAI, Free State Agriculture, and Sakeliga.
2. 2026 agricultural policy priorities: biosecurity, exports to Asia, land reform.
3. Department of Agriculture focuses on modernising Act 36 and rural infrastructure.
4. National State of Disaster declared for FMD earlier in 2026.
5. Government agenda strengthens support for smallholder and emerging farmers.

Challenges & Risks

1. Agricultural growth likely to slow or show mixed picture in 2026.
2. Livestock sector (cattle, pork) under pressure amid FMD and other issues.
3. Looming El Niño risks for 2026-27 production season.
4. May 2026 floods devastate pome and stone fruit industry in Western/Eastern Cape.
5. Cost pressures and global supply weigh on wheat industry.

Markets & Business

1. Spaza shops present huge untapped market opportunity for agriculture.
2. Positive mood at NAMPO despite mixed 2026 growth outlook.
3. Machinery sales show slowdown but broader sector remains optimistic.
4. Easing fuel and fertiliser prices provide some relief to farmers.
5. Citrus industry excellence supports broader economic growth.

Awards, Recognition & Community

1. Deadline for 2026 South African Agricultural Awards extended to 31 July.
2. From Winning Farmer of the Year to greater success stories highlighted.
3. Women-focused agricultural programmes in Mpumalanga aid market access.
4. Youth development and climate-smart tech emphasized in industry publications.
5. Potato farming innovation secures future livelihoods.

Broader Trends

1. Strong regional Southern Africa grain surplus expected.
2. Logistics inefficiencies and road maintenance remain key concerns.
3. SA claims competitive edge in poultry production.
4. Investment conference highlights agriculture's role in employment and exports.
5. AI and digital extension services advance across the continent.

Outlook & Sustainability

1. La Niña rains tail off, shifting weather expectations for 2026.
2. Focus on turning innovation into commercial resilience at major shows.
3. Drought impacts in Western Cape highlight adaptation needs.
4. Call for proactive resilience-building beyond disaster relief.
5. Optimism for continuous recovery in 2026 with supportive rains and exports.

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Weather Predictions for South Africa:

Week of 12–18 July 2026Mid-July is deep in the Southern Hemisphere winter, so expect predominantly cold to cool conditions across much of the country, with frost in the interior and possible light rain or showers along the southern and eastern coasts.General Outlook

• Temperatures — Cold mornings with widespread frost likely over the Highveld, Free State, and interior regions (lows often 0–5°C). Daytime highs will generally range from 15–22°C in the interior and 16–20°C along the coasts.
• Rainfall — Mostly dry over the interior, but a few weak cold fronts could bring light showers and cooler, cloudy conditions to the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Other features — Morning fog patches are common, especially along the West Coast and over the southern interior. Winds will be moderate, occasionally fresh along the coast.

Regional Breakdown

• Western & Southern Cape — Cool to cold with a chance of light rain or showers early in the week as weak cold fronts move through. Possible light snow on high ground.
• Eastern Cape & KwaZulu-Natal — Cool with scattered light showers possible, especially along the coast. Warmer in the north of KZN.
• Gauteng, Free State, North West & Mpumalanga — Cold and mostly clear with frost in the mornings. Daytime temperatures cool but pleasant in the sun.
• Limpopo & Northern Cape — Generally fine and cold to cool, with frost in low-lying areas.

Overall Trend: The week looks typically wintry — cold and dry over most of the country, with limited rainfall confined mainly to the southern and south-eastern coastal regions. No major heatwaves or extreme events are currently expected, but frost warnings will be relevant for agriculture in the interior.For the most accurate daily updates, check local sources such as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) or Vox Weather, as short-term changes can occur with passing cold fronts.

Summary: South African Fertilizer Prices – July 2026

South African fertilizer prices remain elevated in July 2026, though they have shown some moderation from earlier peaks driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Global supply concerns linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the year pushed prices higher, with urea, DAP, and MAP particularly affected. Local prices have risen significantly year-on-year (roughly 50% in some segments), reflecting South Africa’s heavy reliance on imports (around 80% of requirements). As of mid-2026, key indicators include:

• Urea prices have eased somewhat in recent weeks but remain under pressure from international benchmarks (around $395–450/ton globally).
• DAP and MAP prices stayed firm after earlier surges, with retail levels notably higher than in 2025.
• Potash (MOP) has seen more moderate increases compared to nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers.

Fertilizer and fuel together account for a large portion (around 20–35% depending on the crop) of input costs for grains, oilseeds, and sugarcane. Recent diplomatic developments and resumed shipping flows have brought some relief and cautious optimism for further easing ahead of the 2026/27 summer planting season, which begins in mid-October.However, renewed risks in the Middle East, combined with strong global demand, keep the outlook uncertain. Farmers are closely monitoring prices as they prepare orders, with higher input costs potentially pressuring profitability amid softer commodity prices. The overall market is characterised by volatility, with prices still well above long-term averages despite the partial recovery in global supply chains. 

DISCLAIMER

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by CRA and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.Just for your information. - We need to share this as this is part of Farming and Agriculture.

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OOM KERNEELS 

Vandag gesels ek in Afrikaans.

Die Springbokke het baie mense se harte bly gemaak met hulle oorwinning oor Scotland. Rugby koors het weer toegeslaan - die stadions is vol, die braaivleis vure brand, en die manne sit saam en geniet die tradisie wat al vir jare deel van Springbok-rugby is.  Die manne en vroue hou hulle kele nat met al die soorte drank wat jy deesdae kry- maar dit lyk of klippies en Coke nog steeds die voorkeur kry- Ek onthou as jong seun hoe die ou manne se glasse amper halfpad vol was met klipdrif en die res water en ys. Dit tradise van rugby geniet is iets wat van geslag tot geslag oorgedra word, en dit voel net reg.Net jammer die Rugby unies is so gulsig met hulle duur rugby kaartjies. Wat my egter laat wonder is hoe min van die jonger geslag daardie ou tradisionele familiename aan hul kinders oordra. Met al die "argaanse" nuwe name wat nou rondloop, vra 'n mens of daar nog baie van die oorspronklike familiename gaan oorbly.

Op landbou-front het die nuwe Minister van Landbou nie tyd gemors nie en dadelik gedoen wat boere al lank vra - hulle mag nou self hul kuddes inent.Dis 'n groot deurbraak en die hofsake is nou vir eers verby en daar het 'n goeie gees geheers by die persvrystelling van hierdie goeie nuus en nog meer.  Ek herhaal die woorde van die Minister  "We reached this settlement because we spoke with each other, not about each other,” Ek verneem van my gesante dat op die persvrystelling geleenheid in Pretoria was byna almal teenwoordig wat die vorige minister en sy mense geweier het om mee saam te werk. Tot nou toe het ek nog niks in die media gesien van ander landbou organisasies of die regering en sy gesante wat iets sê oor hierdie groot deurbraak nie. Ek sien ook nie enige nuus van gelukwensing of kommentaar van die landbou maatskappye wat soveel geld uit ons boere maak nie. Eenheid is wat ons in Suid Afrika nodig het - tussen ons landbouers, organisasies, maatskappye en die regering.  Ons glo en vertrou dat bek en klouseer nou finaal 'n nekslag toegedoen gaan word.  Ons boere het duur betaal vir hierdie onbevoegdheid wat vir maande geduur het.  Dankie aan almal wat saamgewerk het om hierdie deurbraak te maak. 

EL Nino is oral in die nuus en ek sien dat sekere ekonome is baie meer bekommerd oor die weerverskynsel as baie boere wat al deur dit geboer het- en met geloof alles aangepak het. Wees verseker dat geen sogenaamde APP op jou Telefoon of Kunsmatige Intelligense jou hiermee gaan help nie- dit kos jare se ervaring,geloof en moed om anderkant uit te kom. En soos ons almal weet sal jy met 7 goeie jare wat jy moes gespaar het- die ander swak 7 jare oorleef.

Dit is groet tyd - die Vrystaat is koud- maar met 'n mieliestronk en skaap tjoppie word alles warm-

Mag julle almal ’n lekker week ons gesels weer. OOM Kerneels.

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حين تظن أن الأمل انتهى، تذكّر أن الله قادر على تغيير كل شيء في لحظة. فلا تيأس، ففرج الله يأتي من حيث لا نحتسب. pic.twitter.com/Zy9Gix8dr2

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