Drier conditions are likely to remain over the central to western Summer Rainfall Areas for the pre-winter period. Rainfall and production conditions are weaker than expected and it may be attributed to the redevelopment of El Nino that is currently taking place.

Summer rainfall now nearing its end with only light falls expected in the last week of March and first week of April 2019. Heavier falls are however still possible over the eastern Summer Rainfall Area. Very little or no rain for Western Cape for the short to medium term.

1. Current conditions
The best rainfall of the season occurred in many areas in the last week of April 2019. Flooding occurred in areas like KZN, Eastern Cape, parts of the Free State and smaller areas in Gauteng and Northwest Province.

As maize farmers around the country survey their crops for the 2018/2019 season, many are battling with tight margins that have prompted cutbacks on insurance in recent years.

El Nino is still present but may change to neutral in coming winter months and summer of 2019/20. Probable late start to summer rain again. More favourable for Winter Rainfall Regions in next months.

Santam Weather South Africa- 

While 60-80% of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are female, only an estimated 20% are landholders. "With females in farming jobs only making up less than half of the total, we can be certain that women who actually own the farms have numbers that are even less," says Ray-Ann Sedres, head of transformation at Santam

Important Issues- South African Weather- Santam Agriculture

In his latest newsletter on climate and agricultural conditions, Johan van den Berg of Santam Agriculture says very dry conditions are currently dominating most of the country.

Important Issues- Weather- Santam Climate Report.

Sponsored by Santam Agriculture -Johan van den Berg -Independent Agricultural Meteorologist (M.Sc Agric, Agricultural meteorology, UFS)

Johan van den Berg -Independent Agricultural Meteorologist -(M.Sc Agric, Agricultural meteorology, UFS)

Die eerste betekenisvolle somerreënval het in die eerste week van Oktober voorgekom, met Vrede in die Vrystaat wat bykans 40mm gemeet het, Warden meer as 30mm en Bothaville ongeveer 20mm.

Sponsored by Santam Agriculture -Johan van den Berg -Independent Agricultural Meteorologist (M.Sc Agric, Agricultural meteorology, UFS)

Johan van den Berg -Independent Agricultural Meteorologist -(M.Sc Agric, Agricultural meteorology, UFS)

With increasingly severe weather, growing political volatility, cyber concerns and other threats, farmers need to continue to invest in their risk preparedness.

Important Issues 

LA NINA- 

Climate and Agri conditions January 2022- South Africa

Climate and Agri conditions  March 2022- South Africa