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Urea prices in South Africa continued their sharp decline this week despite the launch of a new large Indian urea tender, which would normally support the market.Current prices (ex-wholesale, 29 May 2026):Urea granular: R11,199/ton (-8.2%
Global oilseed markets have gained a bullish tone in recent weeks, driven mainly by higher energy prices and rising demand from the biofuels sector, despite generally strong supply fundamentals.The International Grains Council (IGC) reported that average international soybean export prices rose around 3% month-on-month.
Global oilseed markets have gained a bullish tone in recent weeks, driven mainly by higher energy prices and rising demand from the biofuels sector, despite generally strong supply fundamentals.The International Grains Council (IGC) reported that average international soybean export prices rose around 3% month-on-month.
Ten spyte van wêreldwye onsekerheid, verwag Nedbank se senior ekonoom Nicky Weimar dat die rand relatief sterk sal bly vir die res van 2026 en selfs verder kan versterk in 2027.Sy voorspel die rand sal tussen R16,40 en R16,60 teenoor die Amerikaanse dollar verhandel — sterker as enige tyd verlede jaar.
Global blueberry markets are experiencing improving supply from the Northern Hemisphere, although weather challenges continue to affect quality and consistency in several regions.
Despite major supply disruptions, oil prices have not spiked to extreme levels such as $150–$200 per barrel. The price has risen significantly from around $60 to $100 per barrel since the start of the year, but several factors have prevented a sharper increase.
Die rand was teen sy sterkste vlak sedert vroeg Maart verhandel en verhandel tans teen sowat 16,22 teenoor die Amerikaanse dollar. Dit volg nadat die Amerikaanse geldeenheid verswak het midde berigte dat die VSA en Iran ’n ooreenkoms bereik het om die skietstilstand in die Midde-Ooste met nog 60 dae te verleng en beperkings op skeepsvaart deur die Straat van Hormuz op te hef.
On 28 May 2026, wine industry leaders gathered at the South African Wine Summit in Stellenbosch to discuss the future of the local wine sector amid economic challenges, climate pressures, and changing consumer trends.
We have growing uncertainty in South Africa’s farming sector.Fresh produce markets are under pressure, with potato and banana prices dropping sharply. Protests in Johannesburg could further reduce demand, although tomatoes, onions, and table grapes remain strong.
The latest Braai Index shows that the cost of a typical South African braai increased by 1.7% between April and May 2026.This rise is mainly due to the second-round effects of sharply higher fuel and energy prices caused by the ongoing Iran War.
The Automobile Association (AA) has raised serious safety concerns about many Chinese vehicles being sold in South Africa.AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede said that during a recent visit to China, he observed significant corner-cutting in vehicle quality, particularly the use of lower-grade metal in critical structural parts such as pillars and door structures.
South Africa is experiencing a strong fuel price recovery at the end of May 2026, moving from deep under-recoveries to solid over-recoveries.
According to the Central Energy Fund: Petrol is in over-recovery of 42 to 46 cents per litre. Diesel shows a large over-recovery of between R4.93 and R5.57 per litre.
The National Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) has released a very positive outlook for South Africa’s 2025/26 summer crop, upgrading total grain and oilseed production to a new record of 21.1 million tons, 3% higher than the previous season.Maize production is estimated at a record 17.06 million tons, up 2.5% year-on-year, marking the first time output has exceeded 17 million tons.
South African farmers are experiencing major frustration over poor communication from state veterinarians and the slow pace of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccinations in several provinces
New regulations for export agents in South Africa’s fresh produce industry were officially published on 15 May 2026, replacing the 2018 rules following a High Court order.
Botswana’s beef industry has suffered a significant setback after the European Union joined the United Kingdom in banning imports of fresh beef from the country following an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the North-East District.
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture has expressed serious concern over the slow pace of the Department of Agriculture’s response to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. Outbreaks have now been reported in all provinces, with the total number rising sharply from 932 in March to 2 034 by 22 May 2026.
Die landbouminister het aan die Hortgro-simposium 2026 op Somerset-Wes gesê die toekoms van die sagtevrugtebedryf word herskryf deur klimaatsverandering, swak logistieke infrastruktuur en wisselvallige wêreldmarkte. “Klimaatsverandering is nie meer ’n toekomstige uitdaging vir landbou nie. Dit hervorm reeds vandag produksiewerklikhede.”
(End of May 2026)Here are the latest national average carcass prices (as of the week ending 15 May 2026):Beef (R/kg, excluding VAT)
- A2/A3 (Prime beef): R62.38
- B2/B3: R57.69
- C2/C3 (Manufacturing): R57.14
- Weaner Calf (Bulls): R42.96
- A2/A3: R108.21
- B2/B3: R77.20
- C2/C3: R76.18
- Feeder Lamb: R52.65
- Porkers: R36.01
- Baconers: R36.98
- Beef prices are holding relatively firm but have eased slightly in recent weeks.
- Mutton/Lamb prices are strong, especially for A-grade.
- Pork is softer and more affordable.
- Chicken is the cheapest protein option and continues to face downward pressure.
|
Grain
|
Price (R/ton)
|
Weekly Change
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
White Maize
|
R3,320 – R3,380
|
Slightly down
|
Very soft due to record harvest
|
|
Yellow Maize
|
R3,410 – R3,480
|
Slightly down
|
Stronger than white maize
|
|
Wheat
|
R5,850 – R5,950
|
Stable to softer
|
Import parity still influential
|
|
Soybeans
|
R8,200 – R8,450
|
Down R150–R200
|
Record crop putting pressure
|
|
Sunflower Seed
|
R9,800 – R10,200
|
Firm
|
Good demand for oil crushing
|
- Maize prices are trading well below farmer expectations due to the massive national harvest (maize over 17 million tons).
- Soybeans have dropped sharply after another record crop.
- Sunflower is relatively firmer due to good crushing demand.
- Overall sentiment is bearish in the short term because of abundant local supplies and good carryover stocks expected.
- White Maize: ~R3,650/ton
- Yellow Maize: ~R3,720/ton
30 Key South African Headline News Stories in Agriculture, Farming & Agritech As of Friday, 29 May 2026
- Record Summer Crop Harvest Forecast: CEC projects 21.1 million tons for 2025/26 season.
- Maize Production Hits Historic High: First time ever above 17 million tons at 17.06 million tons.
- Soybean and Sunflower Crops Reach New Records in 2025/26.
- FMD Outbreak Spreads Nationwide: Over 2,000 cases reported across all provinces.
- Farmers Frustrated with Slow FMD Vaccination Rollout and poor state veterinarian communication.
- Cattle Fall Seriously Ill After FMD Vaccination in Eastern Cape — cold chain concerns raised.
- Portfolio Committee Slams Department of Agriculture over weak FMD response and coordination failures.
- Western Cape Records Extreme Rainfall: Ceres sees highest 24-hour total since 1955.
- Heavy May Rains Boost Dam Levels but cause flooding in key fruit and wine regions.
- Strong El Niño Expected for 2026/27 Season: Major drought warning issued for next summer crops.
- Agricultural Exports Grow 11% Year-on-Year despite logistical challenges.
- Hortgro Symposium 2026: Deciduous fruit industry battles climate shocks, logistics woes, and EU policy shifts.
- EU Scales Back Green Deal: Greater focus on food security benefits SA fruit and nut exports.
- New Export Agent Regulations Published: Stricter rules and stronger transformation focus for fresh produce.
- ITAC to Include B-BBEE Criteria in import and export permit approvals.
- 75 Farm Murders Recorded in Q1 2026, Western Cape hardest hit.
- Wine Tourism Becomes Major Economic Driver for South African estates.
- John Steenhuisen Prioritises FMD Control as Minister of Agriculture.
- Grain Prices Remain Under Pressure despite emerging input cost and El Niño risks.
- Biofertilizers Market Booming: Projected to nearly double by 2032 at 11.9% CAGR.
- Livestock Theft Declines Slightly but remains a serious threat to rural farmers.
- Vivo Boere bemarkings dag 2026 Returns under “Plattelandfokus” theme.
- Boer vs Kalahari Red Goats: Breed debate intensifies amid climate adaptation needs.
- Fertilizer Crisis Exposes Food Security Vulnerabilities linked to global supply chains.
- Calls Grow for “FMD-Free with Vaccination” Status to restore beef export access.
- Portfolio Committee Demands Better Traceability and movement control for livestock.
- Regenerative Agriculture Gains Momentum as hedge against input price volatility.
- Ports and Logistics Remain Major Constraint for fruit and grain exporters.
- Food Inflation Stays Contained below SARB target thanks to record harvest.
- Agriculture Faces Pivotal Year: Record production clashes with rising biosecurity, climate, and cost challenges.
These stories highlight a sector that is highly productive but grappling with serious structural issues around disease management, climate risks, regulation, and infrastructure.
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Summary: Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Situation in South Africa – End of May 2026
- The Department of Agriculture has imported a total of 13.5 million doses of FMD vaccine since February 2026, including a latest batch of 3.5 million doses.
- A major court ruling on 25 May 2026 in the Pretoria High Court gave farmers, feedlots, and dairy producers the legal right to independently procure and administer approved FMD vaccines. The court criticised the department for unnecessary delays and obstruction.
- Many farmers remain frustrated with the slow pace of the state vaccination programme, poor communication from state veterinarians, and operational issues such as shortages of equipment and staff.
- In the Eastern Cape, one farmer reported that around 800 cattle became seriously ill weeks after vaccination, raising concerns about possible cold chain failures.
- The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture has strongly criticised the department for weak coordination and slow implementation of the vaccination rollout.
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- Western Cape: Cool and unsettled with periods of rain, especially along the coast and over the mountains. Daytime highs 14–18°C, with strong winds possible.
- Eastern Cape & KwaZulu-Natal: Partly cloudy with isolated showers, becoming cooler. Daytime temperatures 16–22°C.
- Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga & Limpopo: Mostly fine and cool to cold, with frost likely in low-lying areas and the Highveld during clear nights. Daytime highs 15–20°C, with minimums dropping to 0°C to -5°C in places.
- Northern Cape & North West: Cold mornings with frost, fine and sunny during the day. Daytime highs around 16–19°C.
- A cold front is expected early in the week (around 2–4 June), bringing rain to the southern and south-western regions.
- Frost warnings are in place for the interior, particularly the Free State, Northern Cape, and high ground.
- Temperatures will be below average for this time of year in many areas.
Protect sensitive crops and young livestock from frost. Monitor roads in the Western Cape for possible disruptions due to rain. Winter rainfall regions should benefit from the moisture, while summer rainfall areas remain mostly dry.
- Urea granular: R11,199/ton (-8.2%)
- MAP: R15,631/ton (-1.3%)
- KCl granular: R7,572/ton (-0.7%)
- Nitrogen (Urea): Prices have collapsed from nearly R17,000/ton four weeks ago to around R11,000/ton now. The drop is largely sentiment-driven, with talk of earlier-than-expected Chinese urea exports adding pressure.
- Phosphates: The market remains very strong. Tight supply (especially after Russia halted Kazakh sulphur exports by rail and with no Chinese exports yet) is keeping prices high despite weak demand from Southern Hemisphere buyers.
- Potash: Prices are showing signs of firming after India concluded its annual import deal. The Durban CFR price is approaching $430/ton. However, the market remains vulnerable to demand destruction if prices are pushed too high.
- GDP Growth: Forecasts for 2026 have been revised downward to around 1.0% – 1.2% (from earlier estimates of 1.4% – 1.6%), mainly due to the impact of higher global oil prices from the Middle East conflict.
- Inflation: Rose to 4.0% in April 2026 (from 3.1% in March), driven by sharp fuel price increases. Further rises are expected in May and June.
- Interest Rates: The South African Reserve Bank raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.0% on 28 May 2026 (first hike since 2023). The prime lending rate is now 10.50%.
- Fuel Prices: Significant over-recoveries were recorded at the end of May, but the partial reintroduction of the fuel levy from 1 June will limit price relief, especially for petrol.
- Positive Factors: Improved electricity supply, some logistics recovery at ports and rail, and strong agricultural harvests (especially maize) are providing support.
- Challenges: High fuel and input costs, global geopolitical tensions, slower global growth, and structural issues (unemployment, inequality, infrastructure) continue to constrain faster expansion.
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WATCH | ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is studying the Madlanga interim report, adding that the commission is an important process that will help get rid of the rot within the criminal justice system. pic.twitter.com/IQNJ62s7iB
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 30, 2026
OOM KERNEELS
Vandag gesels ek Engels
Greetings from our beautiful South Africa, where the countryside still tells its own story if you take the time to listen.
When you travel through our towns and dorpies, you will still find something truly special — a sense of warmth, tradition and culture that cannot easily be replaced. On almost every corner, you will find the spirit of Afrikaans life still alive and well.
If you watch our shows or visit our communities, you will quickly notice what makes it so unique. There is always good food, real boerekos made with heart and history behind it — from braaivleis over the fire, to pannekoek, boerewors rolls, melktert, steaks and plenty of cold beer shared with friends. And of course, no gathering is complete without a bit of Klippies and Coke and good South African wine on the table.
This is a country where people still know how to enjoy life, how to gather around a fire, and how to make something out of nothing. In the small towns especially, you will still find little shops and businesses where you can buy almost anything you need. South Africans are creative like that — they know how to fix, build and survive.
There is a resilience in our people that is not easily broken. No matter the challenges, the spirit of making a plan and carrying on remains strong.
What is especially remarkable is how often farmers step in where systems fall short. In places like Bothaville and Wesselsbron, farmers are often seen repairing roads themselves after heavy rains, simply because waiting for long delays is not an option. They keep their farms running, their transport moving, and in many ways they help hold rural economies together.
If it were not for our farmers, many rural areas would be far more damaged and disconnected. They are not only food producers — they are builders, problem solvers and stabilisers of their communities.
What I also see is a new generation of farmers learning from their fathers and grandfathers. Young farmers are being taught not only how to produce, but how to maintain, adapt and stay productive under difficult conditions. That knowledge is being passed down and it matters deeply for the future of agriculture in this country.
At the same time, it is no secret that many towns are struggling. Years of poor maintenance, mismanagement and lack of accountability have left visible damage in some areas. Roads, infrastructure and public services often do not receive the care they need, and ordinary citizens are the ones who feel it most.
Still, even in the middle of these challenges, South Africans continue to stand strong. They rebuild, they adapt, and they keep going — because giving up is simply not in our nature.
That is the true story of this country: a mixture of beauty, struggle, pride and resilience all woven together.
Wees wakker -
Groete Oom Kerneels.
