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South African agriculture is being squeezed by Eskom’s failing rural power supply, a critical FMD vaccine shortage in the Free State, damaging trade restrictions from regional neighbours, and controversy over the new NAMC board appointment.
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South Africa -Weeklikse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Weekly Agriculture News Summary 1st April 2026
Very hot conditions are expected in the Western Cape this week, followed by cooler temperatures. While recent rain has helped, significantly more rainfall is needed for a strong winter crop season. The shift toward El Niño is introducing uncertainty for future rainfall patterns.
15 Best South Africa News Podcasts
Die Organisasie van Olie-uitvoerende Lande, Opec, het ingestem om die olieproduksiekwotas vir Mei met 206 000 vate per dag te verhoog, ’n oorwegend simboliese styging aangesien sommige sleutellede nie produksie kan verhoog nie weens die oorlog in die Midde-Ooste.
Agriculture remains the backbone of human survival, feeding billions of people and supporting economies worldwide. Here are the top 5 most produced crops globally:Sugarcane is the world’s most produced crop at approximately 1.97 billion tonnes.
South African farmers are facing severe pressure on profitability as sharply rising input costs, driven by the conflict in Iran, come at the worst possible time.The war and the resulting disruption in the Strait of Hormuz are expected to have a major negative impact on South Africa’s agriculture and economy in the coming months.
The Competition Commission has warned in its latest cost-of-living report that retail prices of basic food items are not falling quickly enough to reflect lower production costs.
South Africa’s agricultural sector has made significant progress over the past three decades through the adoption of modern technology, including improved genetics, better seed cultivars, vaccines, agrochemicals, and fertilisers, supported by enhanced farming skills.
Sunflower production plays an important role in South Africa’s oilseed industry and serves as a valuable income source for grain farmers, especially in dryland areas.
A game farmer near Rustenburg in North West province has suffered a serious ecological crisis after losing eight kudu — six big bulls (some with 50-inch horns) and two cows — on his 300-hectare farm.
On 26 November 2025, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announced that South Africa would vaccinate the entire national cattle herd against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Three months later, the results are far from the promise made.
Coca-Cola and its authorised bottlers in South Africa, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, have announced a major investment of R17.6 billion (about $1.05 billion) in the country through to 2030.The investment will be used to expand production capacity, strengthen distribution networks, drive innovation, and attract further investment in the region.
The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has awarded two major concessions at the Maydon Wharf Precinct in the Port of Durban. These deals are aimed at modernising port infrastructure, boosting South Africa’s food security, and improving the country’s competitiveness in global agricultural trade.
South African farmers are facing severe financial pressure as they enter the critical winter planting season. From 1 April 2026, fuel prices have skyrocketed with one of the largest monthly increases in the country’s history: petrol rose by R3.06 per litre, while diesel increased by R7.37 to R7.51 per litre depending on the grade.
New rules on packaging in the European Union market will come into effect from 12 August 2026, with phased implementation continuing through to 2040. The requirements fall under European Union Regulation 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste (EU PPWR) and will apply to all food packaging, including that supplied by exporters outside the EU.
South Africa’s maize harvest for the current season is expected to be 12.72 million tonnes, which is 23% lower than last season due to severe mid-summer drought.Despite the reduced crop, the country is still exporting maize to neighbouring countries in the Southern Africa region.
Researchers have raised new concerns about “contaminants of emerging concern” (CECs) quietly entering agricultural systems and the food supply. These modern pollutants include pharmaceuticals, microplastics, engineered nanomaterials, and PFAS (forever chemicals).
As the Middle East conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz drive up global oil and fertiliser prices, South African farmers are turning to innovative solutions to protect food security and reduce costs
The South African guava industry’s preliminary crop estimate for 2026 stands at 21,620 tons, a slight increase from 20,919 tons in 2025, but still well below levels seen in 2023 and earlier years.Approximately 81% of the crop (17,520 tons) is expected to be processed, mainly into juice and purée (16,770 tons), with a small portion allocated to canning (750 tons).
In South Africa, meat remains a vital source of protein and essential nutrients for households. However, according to PMBEJD reports, high food prices have turned meat into a luxury item for many low-income families, forcing them to reduce consumption or switch to cheaper alternatives such as chicken pieces, livers, gizzards, beef tripe, and sausage.
African heads of state, governments, and development partners will meet in Dakar, Senegal, from 25 January for the Dakar II Food Summit, hosted by Senegalese President Macky Sall and co-hosted by the African Development Bank.Under the theme “Feed Africa: Food Sovereignty and Resilience,” the summit aims to unlock the continent’s vast agricultural potential.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed a major $1 billion (approximately R17 billion) investment pledge by global agricultural company UPL.The investment, announced at the South African Investment Conference in Sandton, will fund the development of a large-scale bioethanol production facility using sugarcane and maize as feedstock.
As South Africa prepares for the 2026–27 winter crop planting season, the Western Cape is of particular concern. This region produces roughly half of the country’s winter wheat and the majority of its barley, canola, and oats. Planting begins at the end of April.Many farmers are entering the season from a difficult position.
Oorstromings in die Zambezi-streek het ’n verwoestende impak op boerderygemeenskappe. Baie boere het reeds groot gedeeltes van hul oeste verloor, terwyl ander steeds in gevaar verkeer namate watervlakke aanhou styg en kommer oor voedselsekerheid toeneem.
50 key international headlines capturing the major global agriculture, farming, and agritech trends as of Wednesday, 8 April 2026:
- Global food prices rise for second consecutive month in March as Middle East conflict drives up energy and fertilizer costs (FAO).
- Fertilizer prices surge 15-25% worldwide after Strait of Hormuz disruptions cut off key urea and phosphate supplies.
- U.S. farmers plan less corn and more soybeans for 2026 planting season amid high input costs (USDA Prospective Plantings).
- All wheat planted area in U.S. projected to hit near-record lows in 2026 due to tight margins.
- Brazil on track for large soybean harvest but shrinking profit margins threaten future acreage expansion.
- Iran war pushes Brent oil above $110/barrel, triggering sharp rises in global diesel and fertilizer prices.
- Grain markets volatile in April as traders await USDA WASDE report on 9 April.
- Localized soybean harvest delays persist in eastern Brazil due to weather.
- Heavy rains and flooding risks slow corn and soybean harvest in parts of Argentina.
- Fertilizer shortages force some Australian farmers to abandon planting for 2026 season.
- AI and digital tools help Nigerian smallholders improve soil health and crop management.
- Precision agriculture adoption accelerates among younger farmers seeking ROI in tight-margin environment.
- Generative AI becomes field-ready for predictive analytics and farm decision-making in 2026.
- Carbon markets shift from theory to practical revenue stream for farmers in 2026.
- Regenerative agriculture and soil health practices gain priority amid rising input costs and climate risks.
- Geopolitical risks from Strait of Hormuz raise long-term concerns for global fertilizer supply security.
- South African citrus exports expected to grow 3-5% despite Middle East disruptions and South American competition.
- Port of Durban concessions unlock over R1 billion in private investment to boost agricultural export terminals.
- China advances five-year plan to accelerate agricultural modernization and food security.
- Ukraine confirms no restrictions on wheat exports for 2025/26 season due to strong harvest.
- Retail fertilizer prices in U.S. continue climbing, with nitrogen products leading gains.
- Farmers worldwide explore reduced fertilizer rates and shifts to less nitrogen-intensive crops.
- Smart tech trends for 2026 highlight improved connectivity, interoperability, and automation in farming.
- Agri-tech investment focuses on climate-resilient varieties and digital traceability tools.
- Robotics and autonomous equipment address labour shortages in key farming regions.
- Export diversification becomes critical as geopolitical tensions disrupt traditional trade routes.
- Global agricultural prices projected to ease modestly in 2026 but weather and trade risks remain high (World Bank).
- Southeast Asia’s agritech sector offers $90 billion growth opportunity through 2026.
- India strengthens agricultural ties with Africa via rice aid and export strategies.
- Japan’s retail rice prices fall for seventh consecutive week.
- Pakistan warns farmers against early rice sowing to avoid potential crop losses.
- NASA technologies support precision agriculture and crop monitoring advancements.
- Biofuel policy updates expected to influence U.S. crop planting decisions in 2026.
- Slowing global demand and strong production outlook shape cautious 2026 farm income forecasts.
- Blended finance and partnership models gain traction to address “missing middle” in land reform.
- Coca-Cola announces R17.6 billion investment in South Africa through 2030 for production expansion.
- Farm bankruptcies trend upward in U.S. as tight margins persist into 2026.
- Red crown rot emerges as serious new soybean threat across Midwest U.S.
- Higher-for-longer interest rates remain reality for farmers in 2026.
- Biologicals boom continues as farmers seek lower-input solutions in 2026.
- Global grain markets at crossroads with abundant supply but intense competition.
- South Africa records record agricultural exports of US$15.1 billion in 2025.
- Middle East conflict raises war-risk insurance premiums for fertilizer shipments.
- U.S. corn production costs climb to $166 per acre amid fertilizer and fuel spikes.
- Farmers shift planting decisions as high input costs force acreage adjustments.
- Agri-tech spend shifts toward platform-scale deployments of autonomy and data tools.
- China issues action plan to speed up agricultural modernization over next five years.
- Global food prices rose again in March due to energy and fertilizer shocks from Iran war.
- Weather remains critical factor with rains aiding U.S. winter wheat but slowing South American harvest.
- April 2026 shaping up as month of cautious optimism mixed with input cost volatility and geopolitical uncertainty for global agriculture.
These headlines reflect the dominant themes as of 8 April 2026: geopolitical shocks and fertilizer/fuel price surges, planting adjustments in major producers, agritech acceleration, and export resilience amid volatility. Markets remain highly sensitive to the next USDA WASDE report and developments in the Middle East.
|
White maize |
R 3 299,00 |
per Ton |
2026-04-02 |
-0.13 % |
R 3 303,20 |
||
|
Yellow maize |
R 3 438,00 |
per Ton |
2026-04-02 |
0.46 % |
R 3 422,20 |
||
|
Soybeans |
R 6 990,00 |
per Ton |
2026-04-02 |
1.01 % |
R 6 920,00 |
||
|
Sunflower seed |
R 9 115,00 |
per Ton |
2026-04-02 |
0.26 % |
R 9 091,00 |
||
|
Wheat |
R 5 820,00 |
per Ton |
2026-04-02 |
0.80 % |
R 5 774,00 |
||
|
Sorghum (IPP) |
R 4 496,00 |
per Ton |
2026-03-27 |
1.86 % |
R 4 414,00 |
||
|
Groundnuts (IPP) |
R 24 363,00 |
per Ton |
2026-03-27 |
1.38 % |
R 24 032,00 |
||
|
Cotton (IPP) |
R 10 160,00 |
per Ton |
2026-03-27 |
6.17 % |
R 9 570,00 |
||
|
Soy Meal (US derived price) |
R 11 475,00 |
per Ton |
2026-03-27 |
2.92 % |
R 11 149,00 |
||
|
Chop |
R 2 600,00 |
per Ton |
2026-03-27 |
10.64 % |
R 2 350,00 |
||
|
Lusern (Grade 1) |
R 3 500,00 |
per Ton |
2026-03-27 |
6.06 % |
R 3 300,00 |
||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||
|
Bananas |
R 12,71 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-1.47 % |
R 12,90 |
||
|
Apples |
R 9,19 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
5.63 % |
R 8,70 |
||
|
Oranges |
R 7,32 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-4.19 % |
R 7,64 |
||
|
Avocados |
R 14,51 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-0.89 % |
R 14,64 |
||
|
Grapes |
R 20,92 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
5.23 % |
R 19,88 |
||
|
Mangos |
R 15,30 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
6.77 % |
R 14,33 |
||
|
Pears |
R 8,75 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-4.99 % |
R 9,21 |
||
|
Pineapples |
R 11,84 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-17.32 % |
R 14,32 |
||
|
Peaches |
R 15,82 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-13.74 % |
R 18,34 |
||
|
Lemons |
R 7,40 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-3.14 % |
R 7,64 |
||
|
Nectarines |
R 21,24 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-8.68 % |
R 23,26 |
||
|
Naartjies (Mandarins) |
R 7,69 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-31.77 % |
R 11,27 |
||
|
Blueberries |
R 191,02 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-30.81 % |
R 276,07 |
||
|
Grapefruits |
R 7,99 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-13.62 % |
R 9,25 |
||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Potatoes |
R 48,81 |
per 10Kg |
2026-03-27 |
12.13 % |
R 43,53 |
||||
|
Tomatoes |
R 12,09 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
19.82 % |
R 10,09 |
||||
|
Carrots |
R 5,78 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-11.76 % |
R 6,55 |
||||
|
Onions |
R 70,50 |
per 10Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-14.16 % |
R 82,13 |
||||
|
Cabbage |
R 3,10 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-6.34 % |
R 3,31 |
||||
|
Garlic |
R 45,67 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
11.17 % |
R 41,08 |
||||
|
Spinach |
R 5,13 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
5.99 % |
R 4,84 |
||||
|
Sweet Potatoes |
R 5,16 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-9.47 % |
R 5,70 |
||||
|
Peppers |
R 18,26 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
8.50 % |
R 16,83 |
||||
|
Chillies |
R 11,63 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-2.19 % |
R 11,89 |
||||
|
Pumpkins |
R 2,52 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-16.83 % |
R 3,03 |
||||
|
Mushrooms |
R 94,21 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
1.43 % |
R 92,88 |
||||
|
Butternuts |
R 4,15 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-18.63 % |
R 5,10 |
||||
|
Green beans |
R 20,95 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-13.75 % |
R 24,29 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Sheep A2/3 |
R 94,40 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
0.07 % |
R 94,33 |
||||
|
Feeder Lamb (Dual Purpose) |
R 47,42 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-0.38 % |
R 47,60 |
||||
|
Sheep AB2/3 |
R 83,80 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
0.96 % |
R 83,00 |
||||
|
Sheep B2/3 |
R 77,60 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-0.51 % |
R 78,00 |
||||
|
Sheep C2/3 |
R 73,20 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-4.00 % |
R 76,25 |
||||
|
Wool 20 micron - Non RWS |
R 236,00 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-2.07 % |
R 241,00 |
||||
|
Wool 20 micron - RWS |
R 254,00 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-1.17 % |
R 257,00 |
||||
|
Mohair - Ave Non RWS |
R 421,09 |
per Kg |
2026-03-20 |
0.00 % |
R 421,09 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Beef A2/3 |
R 61,50 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
0.49 % |
R 61,20 |
||||
|
Weaners (200-250kg) |
R 42,58 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
1.24 % |
R 42,06 |
||||
|
Beef AB2/3 |
R 59,00 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
1.72 % |
R 58,00 |
||||
|
Beef B2/3 |
R 57,00 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
3.64 % |
R 55,00 |
||||
|
Beef C2/3 |
R 56,75 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
5.58 % |
R 53,75 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Kids (under 30kg) |
R 56,17 |
per kg |
2026-03-27 |
-1.90 % |
R 57,26 |
||||
|
Medium (30-40kg) |
R 49,63 |
per kg |
2026-03-27 |
-6.31 % |
R 52,97 |
||||
|
Large (above 40kg) |
R 26,46 |
per kg |
2026-03-27 |
-14.23 % |
R 30,85 |
||||
|
Ewes (Goats) |
R 45,65 |
per kg |
2026-03-27 |
3.44 % |
R 44,13 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Poultry Frozen |
R 34,67 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
-2.86 % |
R 35,69 |
||||
|
Poultry fresh |
R 42,04 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
0.10 % |
R 42,00 |
||||
|
Poultry IQF |
R 38,50 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
5.68 % |
R 36,43 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Pork Porkers |
R 41,71 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
0.75 % |
R 41,40 |
||||
|
Pork Baconers |
R 40,95 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
0.71 % |
R 40,66 |
||||
|
Pork Sausage |
R 32,25 |
per Kg |
2026-03-27 |
0.31 % |
R 32,15 |
||||
This is CRA MEDIA .
In SONA 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared water as a national crisis, with a R150 billion investment to fix the problem. Judge for Yourself investigates the decades of warnings and systemic failures that were ignored in the lead up to the President’s eureka moment. #eNCA… pic.twitter.com/dM5HOYT1BK
— eNCA (@eNCA) April 7, 2026
Water is reaching Sossusvlei. 🌊 Warden Erastus confirms the pan is currently unreachable — the river has cut off access and it won't be passable for hours. A rare and extraordinary sight in the Namib. 09.04.2026 #Sossusvlei #Namibia pic.twitter.com/6yNrmi8FJg
— Gondwana-Lodges (@GondwanaLodges) April 9, 2026
