The quantity of measurable inorganic N that should be in the soil throughout the growing period for maximum yield does not differ between El Nino (dry) or La Nina (wet) or average rainfall seasons but the actual yield, profitability and risk will differ to a large extent between these conditions.

A major supplier of maize to fill the gap in Zimbabwe’s last harvest is Tanzania, which had a significant surplus thanks to the same El Nino weather conditions that generated a drought across much of Southern Africa, but generated above average rainfall across most of East Africa.

The reports of a potential La Niña event during the coming summer months presents mixed fortunes for Southern and East Africa’s agriculture.

There is heightened uncertainty worldwide in the wake of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron (B.1.1.529).

Important Issues: La Nina in full swing. Above average rainfall expected for December and first part of January for the Summer Rainfall Area and further rain for the Winter Rainfall Area in the first part of December.

 Drought continues to prevail from southwestern Canada’s Prairies through the entire western half of the United States.

Die El Niño-verskynsel word byna oral in die wêreld gehoor, gegewe die impak daarvan op die wêreldklimaat. Wat dit is en hoe dit werk, is egter nie bekend nie. Inteendeel, daar is ook 'n verskynsel teenoor El Niño, bekend as La Niña.

Summary

South Africa may expect above-normal rainfall from mid-summer that will bode well for agricultural production, amid concerns that climate change would intensify food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa.

We have now entered the third consecutive year of La Niña, which is so rare that it has only been seen twice since 1950.

An unusually stubborn La Niña has ended after a three-year run and the tropical Pacific is in an Enso-neutral state (neither El Niño nor La Niña), according to the Geneva-based World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

There has been much talk of late surrounding the forecasts of a strong El Niño weather event in the 2023/2024 summer season and its possible ramifications for global agricultural systems over the coming months. 

The earth shook for a short period of time in spring 2023 when it was announced that El Niño was evolving.

On April 4, the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, declared a "State of Drought Disaster" due to the "severe food situation caused by the El Nino effect."

 Food companies and consumers have breathed a sigh of relief after futures prices declined over the past few months. The futures trade and producers, however, have been seeking reasons to have hope for higher prices.

The ruinous legacy of last year’s El Niño still stalks the grain-growing areas of southern Africa, which is in the grip of historic levels of hunger.

As summer fades in South Africa, a burning question on the minds of many a farmer is how long the La Niña weather pattern will last and when will its dreaded El Niño sibling bare its fangs again?