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Many farmers are currently uncertain about the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine situation in South Africa and report that they and/or their veterinarians are struggling to get clear answers on when vaccines will be available. Farmers have expressed strong concern over the past week about on-the-ground availability of FMD vaccine.

Across Africa, human-wildlife conflict comes with real costs: crop raiding, livestock losses, injuries, deaths, and retaliatory killings that erode community support for conservation.But there’s another side. Well-managed game meat value chains can turn wildlife into an asset — providing income, protein, and jobs for rural communities.

The July petrol over-recovery has disappeared, and motorists are now looking at price hikes in August. Month-end data from the Central Energy Fund shows Petrol 95 has moved from an over-recovery into an under-recovery, while Petrol 93’s over-recovery has shrunk to just 5 cents per litre. Diesel is worse off, with expected increases of between R1.75 and R1.90 per litre from next week.

The South African Weather Service reports that below-normal rainfall in the Western Cape is likely to continue into next week.Several intense weather systems hit parts of the Western Cape in May and early June this year, significantly improving water levels across much of the province.

Between roughly 1875 and 1878, simultaneous droughts struck multiple regions. A strong 1877–78 El Niño, combined with an unusually strong Indian Ocean Dipole and warm North Atlantic conditions, disrupted monsoons and rainfall patterns across Asia, Brazil, and Africa.

South Africa is wrapping up what is expected to be a record corn harvest. The boost will grow domestic stocks and the exportable surplus, with major Asian buyers already coming back after being absent last year.Area planted is fairly stable at ?3.0M ha over 7 years, but this season rose slightly to 3.1M ha: 2.72M ha commercial, 1.67M ha white and 1.05M ha yellow.

South Africa faces a polycrisis of climate stress, biodiversity loss and widespread food insecurity that leaves more than a quarter of households hungry despite national food security.

The Minister of Agriculture has announced an expansion of the foot-and-mouth disease advisory structures to bring in more voices from across the livestock sector, including an additional farmer representative, a veterinarian and vaccine manufacturers. The goal is to make sure all parts of the industry have input into how the country responds to the disease.

Sea surface temperatures in the key Niño 3.4 region of the Pacific Ocean have strengthened further into El Niño territory over the past week, while the Indian Ocean is also showing signs of warming, which could add to the impact on rainfall over southern Africa.According to independent agricultural meteorologist Johan van den Berg, almost all the main Niño regions in the Pacific warmed again last week.

Europe wants farmers to build the agriculture of the future, but it is still assessing them with risk models from the past.Banks continue to value things they can easily measure, like land, machinery and past cash flow, more than soil health, water resilience or biodiversity. Yet those ecological factors are becoming the main drivers of future productivity, income stability and the ability to repay loans.

Die nuwe nasionale beheermaatreëls vir bek-en-klouseer, goedgekeur ingevolge Artikel 9 van die Wet op Dieresiektes, 1984, is reeds van krag en bring belangrike voordele vir die rooivleisbedryf.

The Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) has appointed Prof. Dietmar Holm as its chief veterinarian and project manager for Milk SA’s animal health and welfare project. The announcement was made by MPO chief executive Fanie Ferreira at a farmers’ day in Cradock on 31 July.

Low catches of small pelagic fish off South Africa’s coast have forced fishmeal and fish oil producers to lean on contingency plans to meet both local and international demand.Cape Town-based Oceana Group told SeafoodSource that anchovy numbers are driven by the environment and swing sharply year to year based on factors like upwelling and sea surface temperature.

South Africa faces a polycrisis of climate stress, biodiversity loss and widespread food insecurity that leaves more than a quarter of households hungry despite national food security.

The Women’s Voices in Agriculture Competition, now in its third year, continues to highlight the remarkable achievements and aspirations of women who are making a difference in agriculture and rural communities across South Africa. The winner was announced today during a prestigious gala event at Villa Arcadia on the Hollard campus in Parktown, Johannesburg.

South Africa’s Department of Agriculture has issued a new import notice for certain dairy-based products for human consumption that contain less than 5% dairy.Importers must now obtain a Veterinary Import Permit (VIP) before shipment.

Despite concerns that the ongoing Middle East conflict would severely disrupt African agriculture, the impact on the ground has been less severe than expected.The biggest worry remains fertilizer.

South Africa’s agricultural sector is relieved that new U.S. tariffs are less severe than those applied earlier in 2025.On 24 July 2026, the U.S. imposed new Section 301 tariffs on goods from 60 countries, including South Africa. The U.S. says the move targets imports allegedly made with forced labor, following a preliminary finding that South Africa’s prevention measures were inadequate.

South Africa is heading into the 2026/27 summer planting season with strong food security reserves after a record maize harvest of 17.25 million tonnes. However, climate forecasts show more than a 90% chance of El Niño developing over Southern Africa this summer, which usually brings drier, erratic and below-normal rainfall.

Ten spyte van ’n moeilike begin weens veranderde eienaarskap by die Gledhow-meule, Tongaat Hulett se sakereddingsproses en betogings, verloop die 2026-’27 suikerrietmaalseisoen in Suid-Afrika tans goed. Oes en verwerking is vinniger as verlede jaar.

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South Africa - Cattle, Sheep & Pork and Chicken Market Prices | 26 July 2026

Exact daily prices for 2 August 2026 are not yet fully published, but the most recent national average carcass and producer prices (from Absa AgriTrends, Standard Bank/AMT/Nedbank overviews, and related industry reports) are as follows:Cattle / Beef

• Class A2/A3 (super grade): R67.49 – R68.50/kg
• Class C: R60.84 – R61.50/kg
• Weaner calves (200–250 kg): R46.03 – R48.32/kg

Beef prices have remained relatively firm due to ongoing supply constraints linked to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and limited regional imports.Sheep / Lamb & Mutton

• Class A2/A3 lamb: R109.17 – R109.87/kg
• Class C: R82.50 – R83.96/kg
• Feeder lambs: R56.72 – R56.96/kg

Sheep prices stayed strong in mid-July on tight slaughter-ready supplies and herd rebuilding, supported by elevated international lamb prices.Pork

• Porkers: R29.11 – R30.94/kg
• Baconers: R29.99 – R30.50/kg

Pork prices have been under pressure and declining, as supply normalises after earlier disease-related disruptions and higher imports.Chicken (Poultry)

• Frozen whole bird: ± R32.92/kg
• Fresh whole bird: R38.68 – R38.87/kg
• IQF: R35.36 – R35.37/kg

Chicken prices have softened slightly on improved supply and lower feed costs, but are expected to stabilise in August.Notes

• Prices are national averages (carcass or ex-abattoir unless stated) and can vary by region, quality, and auction/abattoir.
• Markets remain influenced by FMD effects on cattle, seasonal trends, feed costs, and import dynamics.
• August is being watched as a possible turning point, with some easing expected in weaner and feeder prices while chicken looks more stable.

JUNIOR AGRIWRITERS AWARDS 2026

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Summary: South African Grain & Oilseed Prices – 2nd August 2026 

Exact prices for Monday 2 August are not yet fully published, but the most recent futures closes and weekly reports provide a clear picture of current levels.Maize

• White maize (WMAZ)
  • August 2026: R3,507.60/t
  • September 2026: R3,564.80/t
  • December 2026: R3,694.80/t
• Yellow maize (YMAZ)
  • August 2026: R3,560.00/t
  • September 2026: R3,615.00/t
  • December 2026: R3,760.00/t

Maize prices remain under pressure year-on-year due to large domestic crops and comfortable supplies, though they have shown some short-term volatility. South Africa continues to work through surplus maize, with solid export progress.Wheat

• August 2026: R6,133/t
• September 2026: R6,190/t
• December 2026: R6,172/t

Wheat prices have been relatively stable to slightly softer in recent sessions, tracking global trends while remaining influenced by local production and import parity.Oilseeds

• Soybeans (SOYB)
  • August 2026: R8,100/t
  • September 2026: R8,140/t
  • December 2026: R8,250/t
• Sunflower seeds (SUNS)
  • August 2026: R10,210/t
  • September 2026: R10,275/t
  • December 2026: R10,410/t

Oilseed prices have been firmer than maize in recent weeks, supported by international factors and seasonal dynamics, although they also experienced some pull-back after earlier rallies.Market context Grain prices saw a short-lived rally in late July driven by weather concerns, geopolitical factors and fund activity, followed by a sharp correction as oil prices eased and some of the risk premium was removed. Local supplies remain ample for the current season, while attention is already shifting toward the next production season and the potential impact of a strengthening El Niño.Prices are SAFEX futures (Randfontein basis unless otherwise noted) and can fluctuate daily.

AGRI NEWS NET- WEEKEND NEWS RUSH Summary of the Week News 2n August 2026

50 Key South African Headline News Stories in Agriculture, Farming & Agritech 2nd Augustus 2026

• South Africa’s agricultural sector records 3.9% growth in first quarter of 2026 despite ongoing challenges
• Agricultural exports surge 11% to US$3.7 billion in Q1 2026 on higher volumes and prices
• Foot-and-mouth disease remains a national concern after spreading across multiple provinces
• Government faces pressure to tighten FMD vaccination controls to regain export markets
• Farmers report severe labour shortages after more than 160 000 foreign workers leave the country
• Calls intensify for greater investment in agricultural science and innovation to boost food security
• Western Cape launches Export Strategy 2035 aiming to triple agricultural and logistics exports
• South Africa set for strong summer grain harvest as early forecasts point to solid production
• Surging imports threaten local sugar producers’ survival, SA Canegrowers warns
• Grain SA expresses dismay over JSE’s single reference point approach for soybeans
• Agri SA and Bacsa partner to strengthen data on rural crime affecting farms
• Ceres Fruit Growers upgrades apple packhouse with new automation and spacing technology
• Heat identified as the primary climate risk for South African farmers in latest international survey
• Farmers report moderate income levels and lower pricing concerns than the global average
• Private sector vaccination for FMD expands under strict accounting and reporting conditions
• Communal and emerging farmers risk being left behind in private FMD vaccination programmes
• South Africa’s lack of local vaccine manufacturing capacity continues to hinder FMD response
• Trade disruptions from FMD outbreak estimated to have cost the livestock sector billions in lost exports
• Department of Agriculture publishes updated Gazette notice on FMD control procedures
• Industry leaders urge disciplined state oversight of vaccine imports to meet WOAH standards
• Positive start to 2026 for South African farming as sector recovers from previous setbacks
• Favourable rains support regional agricultural prospects across Southern Africa
• Young South Africans increasingly turn to sustainable practices and aquaponics for food security
• Nampo 2026 highlights shift from short-term survival to long-term farm resilience and innovation
• China–South Africa economic partnership framework opens new opportunities for agricultural exports
• Early harvest arrangements with China expected to grant duty-free access for selected products
• Logistics reform remains critical to unlocking higher agricultural export volumes
• Rising input costs and climate variability continue to pressure grain producers
• Science and technology remain the backbone of South Africa’s grain sector adaptation efforts
• Rural security concerns grow as farm attacks and theft impact commercial and emerging producers
• Government renews focus on water-use registration deadlines for agricultural users
• Livestock producers call for clearer pathways back to FMD-free without vaccination status
• High-value red meat export markets remain largely closed amid ongoing disease challenges
• Agricultural gross value added shows strong quarter-on-quarter improvement in early 2026
• Better commodity prices and higher export volumes drive positive trade figures
• El Niño drought risks linger as farmers monitor seasonal weather patterns
• Industry bodies push for inclusive support so all farmers can access disease control measures
• Bureaucratic delays and policy uncertainty slow effective FMD management responses
• Private veterinarians play growing role in controlled FMD vaccination under state monitoring
• Accurate record-keeping of vaccinated animals becomes essential for future market access
• Local sugar industry faces mounting pressure from cheaper imported products
• Soybean pricing mechanisms under scrutiny as Grain SA challenges current exchange approach
• Packhouse modernisation accelerates in fruit sector to improve efficiency and quality
• National evidence base on rural crime strengthened through new Agri SA–Bacsa collaboration
• Farmers adapt to economic and climate pressures through continuous innovation
• Export ambitions rise as Western Cape prioritises agriculture in long-term growth strategy
• Disease control progress remains uneven across provinces despite vaccination efforts
• Trade reports highlight both opportunities and risks shaping the sector’s medium-term outlook
• Policy priorities focus on logistics, disease management, and market access for 2026 and beyond
• South African agriculture enters the second half of 2026 with cautious optimism amid persistent challenges

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Here's a concise summary of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) situation in South Africa as of August 2026:

 South Africa continues to face a widespread, multi-year Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) crisis—its most severe in decades—involving SAT1 and SAT2 serotypes across all nine provinces.

South Africa lost its internationally recognised FMD-free-without-vaccination status in January 2019. Outbreaks have persisted since, with major escalation leading to a National State of Disaster declared on 13 February 2026.

Outbreak status (as reported to WOAH / official update of 30 June 2026)

• 2,403 open outbreaks (plus 41 closed), for a cumulative total of 2,444 in the unresolved events.
  Distribution of open outbreaks by province: Free State (636), North West (407), Eastern Cape (365), KwaZulu-Natal (326), Gauteng (280), Mpumalanga (254), Limpopo (89), Western Cape (25), Northern Cape (22).
• Both SAT1 and SAT2 circulate. SAT2 has longstanding presence (notably the ongoing KZN event dating to 2021 that later spread), while SAT1 activity increased markedly in 2025–2026 and was linked to further provincial spread. Outbreaks affect commercial farms, communal areas/diptanks, dairy and beef herds, and some game reserves (buffalo as potential carriers complicate full resolution in places like KZN).
  Secondary surveillance summaries noted a sharp rise in unresolved SAT1 outbreaks into June (e.g., to hundreds of open events with thousands of cases cumulatively reported in related tracking).

Response measures

• Quarantine, biosecurity, and movement controls on infected premises; Disease Management Areas declared where needed. Controlled slaughter is used voluntarily to depopulate high-risk sites.
• Mass vaccination is the core strategy, risk-based and aiming for high coverage (target around 80% of the national herd). Government has procured large volumes of vaccine (reports of 13.5 million doses secured or in process by mid-2026, including imports from Argentina, Turkey and elsewhere, plus limited local production). Millions of animals have been vaccinated, with further large shipments arriving through the year.
• In July 2026 the government settled litigation and opened private-sector import, distribution, and administration of FMD vaccines to accelerate rollout and address criticisms of the previous state-monopoly approach. An online self-vaccination authorisation/reporting system was also launched to support farmers.

Longer-term outlook Authorities are pursuing a multi-year (including a decade-long) strategy focused first on stabilisation and high vaccination coverage, with the goal of eventually achieving and maintaining FMD-free status with vaccination, and potentially progressing further. Collaboration with countries that have successfully managed the disease (e.g., Brazil) and other partners continues. Full resolution remains challenging due to the scale, multiple serotypes, wildlife involvement in some areas, and ongoing viral circulation.

   WATCH OUT- NEW program on the way - exclusive to CRA MEDIA and the FARMERS of South Africa - 2026  

Weather Predictions for South Africa: 2nd Agust 2026

National overview

• Mostly fine, cold to cool conditions expected across much of the country.
• Partly cloudy in KwaZulu-Natal, with isolated showers possible along the KZN coastal areas.
• Frosty mornings likely in parts of the Free State, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Highveld and surrounding areas.
• Generally dry elsewhere, with comfortable daytime conditions in many interior areas.

This is late winter in South Africa, so mornings and evenings will feel chilly, especially inland, while daytime temperatures are typically mild.Regional highlights

• Gauteng (Johannesburg / Pretoria area): Fine and cool to cold. Expected highs around 20–22°C, lows around 9°C (or lower in places). Clear to partly cloudy skies, dry.
   
• KwaZulu-Natal (including Durban): Partly cloudy with isolated showers possible along the coast. Cooler conditions inland; milder on the coast. Yellow-level wind/wave warnings may still affect parts of the KZN coast into Sunday afternoon in some earlier outlooks.
• Western Cape (Cape Town area): Generally fine and cool. Daytime highs typically in the mid-to-upper teens °C (around 16–21°C range depending on exact location and berg-wind influence in some western areas). Mornings cold.
• Free State, Highveld, Eastern Cape interior: Fine, cool to cold, with frosty mornings possible. Daytime highs often below 20°C in places.
• Northern areas (Limpopo, northern Mpumalanga, etc.): Milder/warmer relative to the south, fine conditions.
• Northern Cape / western interior: Fine, with potential for warmer conditions in places due to berg winds in some forecasts.

Warnings / advisories (as of latest available)Yellow Level 2 warnings for damaging coastal winds/waves (KZN coast, e.g. between KwaDukuza and Kosi Bay) and damaging interior winds (north-eastern KZN) were in place into Sunday in some weekend outlooks—check the latest SAWS updates as these can be time-limited.

Note: Weather can change, especially coastal showers or wind. For the most precise local temperatures, hourly details, or updates, check the official South African Weather Service website (weathersa.co.za), their app, or social channels, as forecasts are refined closer to the day. Temperatures above are approximate based on recent SAWS and aggregated model guidance.

 

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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 

Elke week gebeur daar so baie in Suid-Afrika dat jy dit skaars kan byhou. Getruide my liewe Vroutjie het die week weer 'n heerlike melktert gebak toe ons boerevereniging vergadering gehad nie.

Korrupsie bly ’n groot storie en die ondersoeke gaan nog vir jare aan. Dit lyk amper of ons ’n nuwe tronk nodig het vir al die sogenaamde hooggeplaastes wat so steel, en ja, daar is ’n paar politieke figure tussen hulle.

In die Vrystaat is dit lekker koud en ons is amper klaar met oes. Die mielies lyk goed en daar is boere wat nie weet wat om met al die geld te maak nie, tot die Ontvanger natuurlik ook sy deel kom vat. Trekker is onbekostigbaar duur- dit vat 'n groot hap uit jou oes. Ek moet hierdie jaar 'n paar vervang- maar jy kry niks vir jou our trekkers nie. 

Oor die weer is die praat weer volop. Die slim manne in die kantore sê “hier kom ’n El Niño” en ons het al deur genoeg van hulle gegaan om te weet wat dit beteken. Ironies genoeg is dit dikwels die manne wat die minste van landbou verstaan wat die hardste praat.

Op die politieke front beweeg die nuwe minister van landbou. Hy laat dinge gebeur en stel die regte mense in die regte poste aan, en dit gee hoop. Maar aan die ander kant hoor ons steeds van ’n tekort aan entstof. Onderstepoort staan daar glo net leë bottels wat al vir jare wag om gevul te word, en as ons vee wil beskerm moet daai bottels vol word. En die R500 miljoen is nog steeds weg.

Elke Sondag word jy in die groot nasionale media weer gebombardeer met sekere mense se sondes en skandale. Dis niks anders as Afrikaanse skinderjoernalistiek nie. Waar joernaliste die negatiewe gaan uitkrap, weet net hulle.

Ek het jare laas nog nuus in ’n boek of tydskrif gelees .Die artikels is oud en te lank. Ons leef in ander tye. En tog is daar nog maatskappye wat daarin adverteer. Jy moet darem regtig verveeld wees as jy vandag nog ’n tydskrif wil deurblaai. Gee my liewer die nuus vinnig, vars en reguit.

Boer voort, hou kop, en onthou die mense wat die minste skree is gewoonlik die wat die meeste werk. Tot volgende week.

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

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