Weeklikse Afrikaanse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Die Afrikaanse/Engelse Nuus is die afgelope paar dae op AGRI NEWS NET geplaas, saam met nog ander artikels.
Global beer production slipped in 2025, falling 0.7% to 1.896 billion hectolitres. Every major region except one saw declines: Europe dropped 1.6%, Asia 1.2%, the Americas 0.4%, and Australia/Oceania 2.4%.Africa was the exception. It was the only continent to grow, with production up 2.6% from 162.5 million hl in 2024 to 166.7 million hl in 2025.
Namibië en Suid-Afrika se speenkalfmarkte is tans naby ’n geskiedkundige laagtepunt as jy na reële pryse kyk, volgens die Namibiese Landbou-unie. Die groot prysverskil tussen die twee lande kom hoofsaaklik omdat Namibië se pryse gewoonlik Suid-Afrika s’n volg, maar met sowat ses maande se vertraging.
Severe weather events across South Africa are increasingly exposing the agricultural sector to climate-related risks. While hail remains a major threat, farmers now face multiple overlapping hazards—including strong winds, heavy rainfall, localised flooding and unseasonal conditions—often within the same production cycle.
South Africa’s bakkie market had another strong month in July 2026. Overall new-vehicle sales rose 11.9% year on year to 57,708 units, and the light-commercial segment grew for the 17th month in a row, up 10.6% to 13,710 units.
For 20 years breakthrough technologies have attracted major funding and top scientific minds, but few actually change what happens on farms. Some succeed, like specific endophytes that help pastures last longer while reducing livestock health risks. Most promising innovations fade out without making a real difference to farm practice or performance.
Future agricultural systems need greater resilience to climate change, including more frequent severe thunderstorms with high-velocity straight-line winds that damage crops. Researchers analyzed in-season standability data from short-stature maize hybrids (developed via conventional breeding and biotechnology) and tall comparator hybrids across 444 site-years (2019–2021).
Zimbabwe’s blueberry export sector got a boost this month with two new developments. Exports to China started on 7 July, and two days later a direct air route between Harare and London Gatwick was announced, set to begin on 22 July with three return flights a week for passengers and cargo.
TLU SA Limpopo neem kennis van die uitspraak van die Howick Landdroshof waarin vier persone skuldig bevind is aan onwettige jagaktiwiteite ingevolge artikel 42(2) van die KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance.
’n Vroeë en sterk El Niño-gebeurtenis het reeds vir die 2026-’27-seisoen ontwikkel en kan tot rekord-hoë see-oppervlaktemperature lei. Boere word aangeraai om “slim met water te boer” in die komende somer.
Vitamins and minerals play an indispensable role in the health, growth, fertility and overall production of livestock. While many of these nutrients can be supplied through natural grazing and feed, soil quality, drought, seasonal changes and heightened nutritional demands can significantly affect animal performance.
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.
Food inflation in South Africa dropped to a 16-year low of 1.4% in June, even as overall consumer inflation climbed to 5%. The main reason is a bumper 2025-26 harvest that has kept food on tables and prices down.Two long-term shifts in farming get most of the credit: genetically modified crops and precision farming.
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.
For years the case against electric trucks in Southern Africa rested on three clear objections: insufficient range, a lack of charging infrastructure, and an unreliable national grid.
The International Trade Administration Commission has recommended raising the customs duty on imported peanut butter in South Africa from R0.99/kg to 20% ad valorem.The recommendation follows a six-year process started by RCL Foods, producer of Yum, which originally asked for 25%. RCL argued that local production has been undermined by cheap imports.
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South Africa -Weeklikse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Weekly Agriculture News Summary 28 July 2026
- USDA Crop Progress: US Corn Rated 61% Good-to-Excellent, Soybeans 63% as of Early August
- US Cattle Inventory Remains Near 75-Year Lows Despite Slight Mid-Year Uptick
- Fertilizer Prices Projected to Rise Over 30% in 2026 Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
- Urea Prices Surge to Highest Levels Since 2022 on Middle East Export Constraints
- Global Food Security Risks Persist as Fertilizer and Energy Costs Pressure Planting Decisions
- Biologicals Move Mainstream in Crop Management Across Major Farming Regions
- Field Robotics and Autonomous Machinery Gain Commercial Traction in Specialty Crops
- AI-Driven Advisory Tools Scale for Input Optimization and Yield Forecasting
- AgriTech Funding Continues Shift Toward Proven Biology and Climate-Resilience Solutions
- Precision Genetics and Next-Generation Breeding Tools Advance Field Trials
- South Africa’s Expropriation Act Faces Multiple High Court Challenges in Cape Town
- Neighbouring Southern African Countries Restrict Imports of South African Vegetables and Fruit
- EU Allocates Emergency Support for Farmers Hit by Fertilizer and Energy Cost Spikes
- Common Agricultural Policy Post-2027 Negotiations Focus on Targeted Income Support
- Brazil Maintains Strong Soy and Corn Export Momentum Despite Global Input Pressures
- Record Heat and Erratic Weather Affect Key Grain-Producing Regions Worldwide
- Vertical Farming Sector Gains Attention as Food System Resilience Concerns Rise
- Autonomous Tractors and Vision Systems Move from Pilot to Commercial Scale
- Soil Health Sensing Technologies See Increased Adoption for Regenerative Practices
- Global Report on Food Crises Highlights Ongoing Acute Hunger Risks in Multiple Regions
- US Hog Inventory Shows Modest Decline in Latest NASS Data
- Corn Silking and Soybean Blooming Progress Ahead of Five-Year Averages in US
- Winter Wheat Harvest Nears Completion in Major US Growing States
- China Fertilizer Export Restrictions Tighten Global Nitrogen Supply
- European Farmers Call for Short-Term Relief on Soaring Input Costs
- Regenerative Agriculture Practices Expand Under New Policy Incentives
- Drone-Based Crop Monitoring and Precision Spraying Reach Broader Farm Adoption
- Alternative Proteins and Precision Fermentation Attract Continued Investment Interest
- Livestock Trade Routes Face Scrutiny Amid Regional Disease and Border Concerns
- Climate-Resilient Seed Varieties Gain Ground in Drought-Prone Areas
- Farm Progress Show 2026 Highlights Latest Machinery and Technology Innovations
- Cover Crop Use Expands as Soil Health and Carbon Programs Grow
- Global Agri-Tech Conferences Spotlight Robotics, AI and Biological Solutions
- Rising Input Costs Squeeze Margins for Specialty Crop Growers
- Middle East Conflict Continues to Disrupt Fertilizer and Fuel Supply Chains
- US Dairy Cow Numbers Reach Highest Level in Decades
- Heifer Retention Signals Potential Early Stages of Cattle Herd Rebuilding
- Export Market Access Remains Critical for Expanding Agricultural Production
- Digital Farm Management Platforms Improve Decision-Making for Mid-Sized Operations
- Protein-Based Biocontrol Solutions Advance from Lab to Field Validation
- Trade Tensions Within Southern African Customs Union Affect Regional Food Flows
- Sustainable Packaging and Post-Harvest Technologies Gain Industry Focus
- Water Scarcity Challenges Intensify Irrigation Innovation Efforts
- Gene-Edited Crops Face Evolving Regulatory Pathways in Key Markets
- Smallholder Access to Credit and Technology Highlighted in Development Agendas
- Carbon Markets and Ecosystem Service Payments Expand for Working Lands
- Pest and Disease Pressure Rises in Some Regions Due to Weather Extremes
- Logistics and Port Efficiency Issues Impact Agricultural Export Timelines
- Youth and New Entrant Farmer Programs Receive Policy Attention in Multiple Countries
- Long-Term Food System Resilience Debates Center on Diversification and Local Supply Chains
28 Best South Africa News Podcasts
EL NINO NEWS
- El Niño is present and is expected to intensify through the rest of 2026.
- There is a very high probability (around 97%) that it will persist through early spring 2027.
- Models indicate a strong chance of a very strong El Niño during the October–December 2026 period (approximately 81% probability). Some forecasts suggest it could rank among the stronger events in the historical record.
- Above-average temperatures in many regions worldwide.
- Altered precipitation patterns (for example, wetter conditions in parts of the southern United States and drier conditions in some areas of Australia, Southeast Asia, and southern Africa, though local outcomes always vary).
- Increased risk of extreme weather events in certain regions.
- Interior and Highveld (Gauteng, Free State, parts of Mpumalanga and North West): Cold overnight temperatures with widespread frost risk in places. Daytime conditions should be mostly fine and cool to mild or warm under partly cloudy skies. Isolated showers remain possible in some areas.
- Western Cape and southwest: Partly cloudy at times with isolated showers or rain possible, especially along the southwest coast as weak frontal systems move through. Temperatures remain cool to mild.
- Northern Cape and Karoo: Cool to warm conditions. Extremely high fire danger has been noted in parts of the Karoo (including areas around Karoo Hoogland and Laingsburg) due to dry conditions and berg winds in recent days.
- Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo: Generally warmer conditions, with milder nights and pleasant daytime temperatures. Light coastal showers may affect parts of the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
- Overall: No major impact-based severe weather warnings are currently highlighted by the South African Weather Service for 5 August, though fire danger remains elevated in drier western and central interior zones.
Wheat, barley, canola and oats are in their later growth stages or approaching harvest in some areas. Current cool-to-mild weather with limited rainfall is generally supportive of grain fill, but farmers are monitoring soil moisture carefully. Any late cold snaps or frost could still pose risks to sensitive crops.Summer crop preparation:
Land preparation and early planning for the 2026/27 summer season (maize, soybeans, sunflower, etc.) is underway. Soil moisture levels from the previous wetter season remain relatively favourable in many areas, which could help with early germination even if rainfall is delayed.El Niño influence:
A strengthening El Niño is present and expected to intensify through the remainder of 2026 into early 2027. For southern Africa this typically increases the probability of below-normal rainfall during the summer growing season (October 2026 onwards). Key concerns include potential impacts on rain-fed summer grains, oilseeds, sugar cane and natural grazing (veld). Irrigated production (about 20% of the area) will be less affected, but overall water management and drought contingency planning are advised.Livestock and veld:
Cold mornings and frost can stress animals, especially young stock. Dry conditions in the western and central interior elevate fire risk on grazing lands. Farmers are encouraged to maintain firebreaks and monitor forage availability as the dry season continues.Key recommendations for producers:
- Monitor local frost and fire danger forecasts closely.
- Optimise water use and irrigation scheduling where available.
- Prepare contingency plans for a potentially drier 2026/27 summer season linked to El Niño.
- Stay updated via the South African Weather Service (SAWS) daily and seasonal forecasts.
Fertiliser Prices in South Africa – 22 July 2026
- Urea (46%): Significantly higher than earlier in the year (strong increases of 17%+ month-on-month noted in May after even sharper rises in April).
- MAP: Around R20,000 – R23,000 per ton range in the reports (notable upward movement).
- LAN (28%): Also recorded sharp increases (over 50% in April in some data).
- Potassium Chloride (granular): Around R10,000 – R11,500 per ton range.
- Global urea and other nitrogen fertilisers saw substantial spikes earlier in 2026 (urea briefly exceeding $680–$850/ton in some international benchmarks during peak disruption periods).
- By late July / early August, some international urea benchmarks had eased (reports of levels near $420/ton in certain markets), raising hopes of modest relief if Middle East trade routes remained open.
- Local analysts noted that fertiliser prices in South Africa were roughly 50% higher year-on-year at points in mid-2026, driven largely by the earlier geopolitical shocks.
- Fertiliser typically accounts for 20–35% (and sometimes more) of input costs for grains, oilseeds and sugarcane, making these price levels a significant concern ahead of the 2026/27 summer planting season (starting around October).
Here is the latest overview of major dam levels across South Africa as of -August 2026:National Summary
As of early August 2026, most of South Africa’s major dams are still in a healthy range, but the Department of Water and Sanitation has reported a slight overall decline as rainfall slows down.National picture
Overall national storage is around 94.4% - 94.6% capacity, down a bit from last week but still well above last year’s ∼92.5% and ∼84.7%. gov.zagov.zaKey systems & provinces
Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS): ∼101.0% - 102.4%. Vaal Dam ∼104.8%, Grootdraai ∼99.2%, Sterkfontein ∼101.0%.Orange River System: ∼102.8%. Gariep ∼99.4%, Vanderkloof ∼105.2%.
Western Cape / Cape Town: Cape Town’s 6 dams combined at 78.1% on 3 August 2026. Theewaterskloof 78%, Berg River 90%, Wemmershoek 99%, Voëlvlei 62%. Provincial average ∼48.8% - 53.4%, with winter rains helping but still below last year in some dams.KwaZulu-Natal: ∼89.6% - 92.0% provincially. Umgeni system ∼101.8%. Key dams: Midmar ∼100.5%, Inanda ∼101.8%.
Eastern Cape: Mixed. Algoa/Nelson Mandela Bay remains low at ∼11.9%. Amathole improved to 102.2%.Free State: ∼102.2% - 103.4%. Gariep ∼58% and Vanderkloof ∼65% in mid-July data.
Gauteng: ∼101.0%. Vaal System 68–74% in July with Vaal Dam ∼62%.Limpopo & Mpumalanga: Limpopo ∼90.4%. Mpumalanga dams generally 68–75%. Recent readings: Loskop ∼101.7% - 102.4%, Grootdraai ∼101.6% - 102.6%.Northern Cape: Dropped notably to ∼95.1%, with Lower Orange under pressure at 50–60%. Most water supply systems saw small week-on-week declines.
The Western Cape and parts of the Eastern Cape remain the areas of concern, especially Algoa at ∼12%.Winter rainfall has given the Western Cape a good boost compared to 2025, with Theewaterskloof up significantly to ∼68-78%. gov.zafarmingportal.co.zacapetowndamlevels.co.za
Message from DWS
Levels are still relatively healthy nationally, but the Department urges continued water conservation: fix leaks, report bursts, and protect infrastructure to safeguard supply heading into spring.
This is CRA MEDIA .
This is CRA MEDIA .
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||
|
White maize |
R 3 410,00 |
per Ton |
2026-08-03 |
-2.79 % |
R 3 508,00 |
||
|
Yellow maize |
R 3 461,80 |
per Ton |
2026-08-03 |
-2.76 % |
R 3 560,00 |
||
|
Soybeans |
R 8 001,00 |
per Ton |
2026-08-03 |
-1.22 % |
R 8 100,00 |
||
|
Sunflower seed |
R 10 210,00 |
per Ton |
2026-08-03 |
0.00 % |
R 10 210,00 |
||
|
Wheat |
R 6 130,00 |
per Ton |
2026-08-03 |
-0.05 % |
R 6 133,00 |
||
|
Sorghum (IPP) |
R 4 632,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-31 |
-1.03 % |
R 4 680,00 |
||
|
Groundnuts (IPP Randfontein)) |
R 21 368,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-31 |
2.10 % |
R 20 928,00 |
||
|
Cotton (IPP) |
R 11 350,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-31 |
0.00 % |
R 11 350,00 |
||
|
Soy Meal (US derived price) |
R 11 444,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-31 |
0.32 % |
R 11 408,00 |
||
|
Chop |
R 2 900,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-31 |
0.00 % |
R 2 900,00 |
||
|
Lusern (Grade 1) |
R 3 800,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-31 |
-2.56 % |
R 3 900,00 |
||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||
|
Bananas |
R 10,22 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
20.09 % |
R 8,51 |
||
|
Apples |
R 9,48 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
4.41 % |
R 9,08 |
||
|
Oranges |
R 2,40 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-3.23 % |
R 2,48 |
||
|
Avocados |
R 16,80 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-0.88 % |
R 16,95 |
||
|
Grapes |
R 82,11 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
68.71 % |
R 48,67 |
||
|
Mangos |
R 7,57 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-63.95 % |
R 21,00 |
||
|
Pears |
R 9,89 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
38.13 % |
R 7,16 |
||
|
Pineapples |
R 10,77 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
5.59 % |
R 10,20 |
||
|
Peaches |
R 31,11 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-6.97 % |
R 33,44 |
||
|
Lemons |
R 3,86 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-7.21 % |
R 4,16 |
||
|
Nectarines |
R 27,34 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-42.16 % |
R 47,27 |
||
|
Naartjies (Mandarins) |
R 5,82 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-12.48 % |
R 6,65 |
||
|
Blueberries |
R 65,01 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-9.90 % |
R 72,15 |
||
|
Grapefruits |
R 4,86 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
11.21 % |
R 4,37 |
||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Potatoes |
R 64,63 |
per 10Kg |
2026-07-31 |
6.40 % |
R 60,74 |
||||
|
Tomatoes |
R 10,00 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-10.07 % |
R 11,12 |
||||
|
Carrots |
R 5,50 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-3.00 % |
R 5,67 |
||||
|
Onions |
R 85,96 |
per 10Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-5.44 % |
R 90,91 |
||||
|
Cabbage |
R 3,28 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-2.09 % |
R 3,35 |
||||
|
Garlic |
R 64,05 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
7.12 % |
R 59,79 |
||||
|
Spinach |
R 4,28 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-15.58 % |
R 5,07 |
||||
|
Sweet Potatoes |
R 4,06 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-0.49 % |
R 4,08 |
||||
|
Peppers |
R 16,54 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-6.61 % |
R 17,71 |
||||
|
Chillies |
R 7,88 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
0.25 % |
R 7,86 |
||||
|
Pumpkins |
R 2,71 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
3.04 % |
R 2,63 |
||||
|
Mushrooms |
R 85,06 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-0.53 % |
R 85,51 |
||||
|
Butternuts |
R 5,53 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
12.63 % |
R 4,91 |
||||
|
Green beans |
R 21,83 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-12.19 % |
R 24,86 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Sheep A2/3 |
R 108,86 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-0.39 % |
R 109,29 |
||||
|
Feeder Lamb (Dual Purpose) |
R 56,86 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-3.41 % |
R 58,87 |
||||
|
Sheep AB2/3 |
R 92,00 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
1.10 % |
R 91,00 |
||||
|
Sheep B2/3 |
R 82,20 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-1.56 % |
R 83,50 |
||||
|
Sheep C2/3 |
R 79,40 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-0.75 % |
R 80,00 |
||||
|
Wool 20 micron - Non RWS |
R 261,00 |
per Kg |
2026-06-12 |
0.00 % |
R 261,00 |
||||
|
Wool 20 micron - RWS |
R 278,00 |
per Kg |
2026-06-12 |
0.00 % |
R 278,00 |
||||
|
Mohair - Ave Non RWS |
R 419,00 |
per Kg |
2026-06-05 |
0.00 % |
R 419,00 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Beef A2/3 |
R 70,80 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-3.67 % |
R 73,50 |
||||
|
Weaners (200-250kg) |
R 49,00 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
0.91 % |
R 48,56 |
||||
|
Beef AB2/3 |
R 70,33 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-0.24 % |
R 70,50 |
||||
|
Beef B2/3 |
R 61,67 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-2.11 % |
R 63,00 |
||||
|
Beef C2/3 |
R 60,67 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
1.12 % |
R 60,00 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Kids (under 30kg) |
R 69,29 |
per kg |
2026-07-31 |
14.87 % |
R 60,32 |
||||
|
Medium (30-40kg) |
R 62,32 |
per kg |
2026-07-31 |
-3.41 % |
R 64,52 |
||||
|
Large (above 40kg) |
R 36,91 |
per kg |
2026-07-31 |
1.93 % |
R 36,21 |
||||
|
Ewes (Goats) |
R 61,37 |
per kg |
2026-07-31 |
9.96 % |
R 55,81 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Poultry Frozen |
R 32,51 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-1.25 % |
R 32,92 |
||||
|
Poultry fresh |
R 37,73 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-2.46 % |
R 38,68 |
||||
|
Poultry IQF |
R 34,42 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-2.69 % |
R 35,37 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Pork Porkers |
R 30,42 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-1.65 % |
R 30,93 |
||||
|
Pork Baconers |
R 29,08 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-1.05 % |
R 29,39 |
||||
|
Pork Sausage |
R 23,31 |
per Kg |
2026-07-31 |
-3.28 % |
R 24,10 |
||||
