-Welcome to our world- the real world of Farming and Agriculture in South Africa- Local and International news- (Farmingportal.-168,260 hits per minute)
This AGRI NEWS RUSH - Just that one Step Ahead -Some of the news stories of this week-, SUNDAY EDITION - ALWAYS ON TIME - AGRI NEWS RUSH is now one of the most read Articles on a Sunday
AGRI NEWS RUSH - HEADLINE NEWS OF THE WEEK - www.agrinewsnet.co.za
Die Suid-Afrikaanse rosyntjiebedryf het weereens ’n uitsonderlike seisoen beleef en die 100 000-ton kerf vir die tweede jaar in ’n ry oorskry.Die voorlopige totale inname staan op net meer as 100 655 ton, wat sowat 16% hoër is as die aanvanklike skatting van 86 500 ton. Dit is veral noemenswaardig omdat die seisoen gekenmerk is deur baie hoë siektedruk en uitdagende groeitoestande
Although the new measures for handling Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) bring significant relief, farmers have already suffered massive economic losses because implementation came too late.Friedl von Maltitz, vice president of Free State Agriculture (VL), says one of the first steps the Department of Agriculture should have taken was to publish these regulations.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Food Protection reveals that nearly one in every two chicken products tested across Africa contains detectable antibiotic residues.
The South African citrus industry is preparing for tighter requirements and potentially reduced flexibility when exporting to the UK. This follows the UK’s planned realignment with EU rules under a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.
Die Suid-Afrikaanse rooivleisbedryf het nou ’n samewerkingsooreenkoms met Biogénesis Bágo uit Argentinië aangegaan om beter op bek-en-klouseer te reageer.Die fokus is nie net op die vervaardiging van entstof nie.
Hope is building that interest rates in South Africa might stay on hold next week, even with inflation ticking up.PSG Chief Economist Johann Els expects the Reserve Bank to keep rates unchanged when the MPC meets on 23 July, a day after Stats SA releases the June CPI figure.
Europe’s strawberry season is being pulled in different directions by heat, supply swings and shifting demand.Prolonged hot weather has stressed crops in several key regions.
Oliepryse het Vrydag met meer as 4 persent gestyg tot hul hoogste vlak in meer as 'n maand nadat toenemende aanvalle waarby Amerika en Iran betrokke is, vrese oor ontwrigtings in energievoorrade uit die Midde-Ooste laat toeneem het.
South Africa’s new Minister of Agriculture, Willie Aucamp, moved quickly to change the country’s approach to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
The latest report on US media consumption and conversion shows a mixed picture, with attention as the key metric. News media saw gains, while radio stayed essentially flat with a slight bump in overall reach but a small dip in conversion.
South Africans are consuming less of traditional fruits and even some staple vegetables as economic pressure squeezes household food budgets. Fresh tomatoes, once a major fresh vegetable purchase, have seen a notable decline in consumption, while more filling, starch-rich vegetables such as cabbage and pumpkin are gaining popularity.
Oil gets the headlines because it moves markets and geopolitics fast. But fertilizer is what actually determines how much food gets grown next season, and that’s where the pressure is building now.
A court order forced the city to finally start upgrading infrastructure at the fresh produce market, after years of neglect despite the revenue the facility generates.
In the grain market, weather conditions in the US continue to set the short-term direction of international prices, while export parity and the pace of local deliveries are putting pressure on domestic grain prices.
Despite the arrival of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines and the publication of an updated set of control measures under the new scheme, producers are being urged not to relax biosecurity on farms.
South Africa’s agricultural sector remains central to food security, economic growth, job creation and rural development, and Minister Willie Aucamp is meeting with the Department of Agriculture’s key public entities to strengthen cooperation and align priorities for the future.
Speak to almost any agricultural producer today, and a common theme emerges: Uncertainty has become part of the job description.Whether it is unpredictable weather, changing consumer preferences, rising input costs, geopolitical tensions, or evolving market requirements – South African farmers are operating in an environment where disruption is no longer the exception but the norm.
The Western Cape has launched a new Export Strategy 2035 with the ambitious goal of tripling the value of its exports by 2035.The strategy, released on 14 July, recognises that agriculture remains a major driver of exports, particularly fruit such as citrus, apples, pears, and table grapes.
Ostrich chick production can be a profitable venture, but success depends heavily on careful planning and location. The most important factor is being close enough to processors and affordable feed sources — ideally no more than 150 km from buyers and 200 km from cheap feed — as transport costs can quickly erode margins, especially with rising fuel prices.
Tot dusver hierdie winter is sowat 30% minder koue eenhede opgebou as gedurende dieselfde tydperk in 2025, wat die risiko vir ernstige rypskade aan veral permanente gewasse later in die seisoen verhoog.Volgens onafhanklike landbouweerkundige Johan van den Berg was die winter tot dusver warmer as normaal.
An unusually early-developing El Niño has raised concerns that South Africa could face a hotter and drier than normal summer in 2026/27, but experts say it is still too early to gauge the full impact on agriculture.
In June, a coordinated industry effort delivered over 36,000 FMD vaccinations and 68,000 traceability tags across South Africa’s livestock sector.RMIS Animal Health Technicians, working with State Veterinarians, administered 36,856 vaccinations in Gauteng, the Free State and North West as part of ongoing efforts to combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
South Africa’s pecan industry has grown from a niche crop into a significant export-focused sector over the past decade, strengthening its position in global markets. Pecans still make up a small share of world tree nut production 2% in 2024/25, compared to 27% for almonds and 20% for pistachios.
Europe is seeing one of its earliest and fastest grain harvests in years due to hot and dry weather, raising the question of whether harvest pressure will weigh on prices. So far the market response suggests otherwise.Instead of rushing to sell, many producers are holding back because yields in several areas are disappointing.
Vessel turnaround times at the Port of Cape Town have improved markedly, with fewer ships waiting at anchorage and more vessels able to berth on arrival.According to the port authority, container terminal ship turnaround time dropped from an average of 103 hours in 2023/24 to 74 hours in 2025/26. In the current financial year to date it has fallen further to an average of 58 hours.
A new “tax” on petrol and diesel could be coming as tensions between the US and Iran escalate over the Strait of Hormuz.Oil prices are rising again after the US moved to reinstate a blockade and President Donald Trump threatened a 20% toll on ships passing through. According to deVere Group CEO Nigel Green, whoever ends up controlling the toll, the cost will fall on everyone else.
South Africans can expect a plentiful supply of maize this year, which is reassuring ahead of a possible El Niño-driven drought season starting around October 2026.The grain comes from the 2025-26 production season that is now wrapping up. It got off to a late start because of challenges, but the crop went on to perform well. The country is now heading for a record harvest of about 17.3 million tonnes. Because planting was delayed, the harvest is also running late.By the eleventh week of the new marketing year in May 2026, farmers had delivered roughly 7.8 million tonnes to commercial silos. That’s about 10% behind last season’s pace at the same point, so there is still a lot to bring in. Some grain is also being held on farms, which may affect delivery figures a bit. At this rate the harvest could stretch into September, just weeks before the next season begins.The good news is that most of the maize is still in good condition, so the late harvest hasn’t hurt quality. Overall, supplies look ample and should help carry the country through until the next crop.
If you are using our content in your media coverage or on any agricultural radio programme, we would greatly appreciate it if you could credit the source. We understand how valuable and convenient this information can be—especially on a Monday morning after a weekend of NO WORK .
|
Category
|
Price (R/kg)
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
|
Weaner Calves (200-250kg)
|
R45.20 – R45.23
|
Firm, stable to slightly up
|
|
A2/A3 Slaughter (Carcass)
|
R66.47 – R67.67
|
Strong
|
|
B2/B3 (Carcass)
|
R59.99 – R60.41
|
—
|
|
C2/C3 (Carcass)
|
R58.50 – R59.68
|
—
|
|
Category
|
Price (R/kg)
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
|
Feeder/Store Lambs
|
R56.12 – R56.98
|
Rising due to tight supply
|
|
A2/A3 Lamb Carcass
|
R110.50 – R111.86
|
Strong
|
|
B2/B3 (Carcass)
|
R82.68 – R83.25
|
—
|
|
C2/C3 (Carcass)
|
R82.61 – R83.62
|
—
|
|
Category
|
Price (R/kg)
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
|
Baconers (Carcass)
|
R30.50 – R32.32
|
Declining recently
|
|
Porkers (Carcass)
|
R31.57 – R32.17
|
Softening
|
- Retail average — R70.08/kg (June 2026, +2.2% month-on-month)
- Wholesale/Ex-abattoir — Frozen chicken around R32 – R34/kg, Fresh around R39 – R41/kg (under pressure in July due to demand issues)
- Weaner calves and feeder lambs remain firm due to strong feedlot demand and lower supply.
- Beef carcass prices are holding well, especially A-grade.
- Pork and chicken are softer due to improved supply and weaker demand in some segments.
- Retail prices (June data) show lamb as the most expensive at ~R187/kg, followed by beef (R159/kg), pork (R128/kg), and chicken (R70/kg).
|
Commodity
|
Spot / Nearby Futures
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
|
White Maize
|
R3,150 – R3,230
|
Relatively stable
|
|
Yellow Maize
|
R3,200 – R3,400
|
Firm, supported by feed demand
|
|
Commodity
|
Spot / Nearby Futures
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
|
Soybeans
|
R6,700 – R7,000
|
Steady to slightly firmer
|
|
Sunflower
|
R8,800 – R9,300
|
Stronger tone on SAFEX
|
- Wheat — R5,700 – R5,850 (nearby contracts)
- Maize prices remain supported by steady domestic demand (especially yellow for feed) but are influenced by global trends and the new season’s harvest expectations.
- Soybeans and sunflower show resilience, with sunflower futures posting modest gains.
- Overall market sentiment is mixed — lower global grain stocks and local weather developments are key drivers.
50 Key South African Headline News Stories in Agriculture, Farming & Agritech 17 July 2026
READ MORE ( Stats) Listen to all our Daily Audiocast - It is doing very good. But also see that some news mediums like to follow us.
MORE GOOD NEWS - AUDIO AGRI NEWS NET which was selected by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Agriculture Podcasts, Top 100 Farming Podcasts and Top 100 Sustainable
Agriculture Podcasts on the web. READ MORE
- Multiple provinces are still reporting outbreaks, with KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and parts of the Free State and Eastern Cape being most affected.
- The Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO) and government veterinary services are actively managing control measures, including movement restrictions, vaccination campaigns in affected zones, and surveillance.
- Several FMD protection zones and quarantine areas remain in place, limiting the movement of cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs) and their products.
- South Africa’s FMD-free status with vaccination (recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health – WOAH) is under pressure in certain zones, impacting beef and other red meat exports.
- Export restrictions — Some international markets have tightened requirements or suspended imports from affected areas.
- Local market — Prices for slaughter animals have been volatile, with some firmness in weaner and feeder prices due to reduced supply in affected regions (as seen in recent livestock reports).
- Economic pressure — Feedlots, auction markets, and small-scale farmers are experiencing disruptions in animal movements and higher biosecurity costs.
WATCH OUT- NEW program on the way - exclusive to CRA MEDIA and the FARMERS of South Africa - 2026
- Winter weather pattern continues across much of the country with cool to cold conditions.
- A weak cold front is expected to move through the southern and southwestern regions, bringing light rain and strong winds to the Western Cape.
- Cloudy with rain patches, especially along the coast and over the mountains.
- Strong south-westerly winds.
- Daytime highs: 12–16°C (coastal areas cooler).
- Mostly cloudy with possible light showers along the coast.
- Cool, with highs of 15–19°C.
- Fine and sunny in most areas.
- Cold mornings with frost possible in low-lying and high ground areas (especially Free State and Mpumalanga Highveld).
- Daytime highs: 16–21°C.
- Mostly clear and sunny.
- Cold in the morning (widespread frost possible in the Northern Cape).
- Daytime highs: 18–23°C.
- Partly cloudy with mild conditions.
- Possible isolated showers on the north coast.
- Daytime highs: 20–24°C.
- Frost risk — High in the central and northern interior (Free State, Gauteng, Northern Cape).
- Wind — Strong along the south and south-west coasts.
- Rain — Mainly confined to the southwestern Cape.
|
Product
|
Price (R/ton)
|
Recent Change
|
vs Year Ago
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
LAN (28%)
|
R19,125
|
-4% (last month)
|
Much higher
|
|
Urea
|
R21,009
|
+5% (last month)
|
+91%
|
|
MAP
|
R22,860
|
+8% (last month)
|
Significantly higher
|
|
Potassium Chloride (KCl)
|
R11,242
|
+7% (last month)
|
Higher
|
- Overall trend — Fertilizer prices remain elevated, averaging around 57% higher than July 2025, although some easing occurred from the peaks seen in May.
- Nitrogen fertilizers (LAN & Urea) show mixed movement: LAN eased slightly while Urea firmed.
- Phosphate fertilizers (especially MAP) are under upward pressure due to higher sulphur and ammonia costs, plus global supply constraints.
- Recent relief has come from improved shipping in the Middle East (Strait of Hormuz), which has helped moderate some input costs.
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by CRA and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.Just for your information. - We need to share this as this is part of Farming and Agriculture.
AGRI NEWS NET stands as South Africa’s leading source for farming and agriculture news, delivering trusted, up-to-date content 7 days a week, 365 days a year. With over 50 “good news stories you can trust,” the platform is driven by 30 years of practical farming and media experience, ensuring a deep understanding of the needs and realities of farmers and the agricultural sector. AGRI NEWS NET prides itself on being committed, independent, focused, and always on time. As part of the CRA Group, the platform leverages its extensive expertise to provide reliable, farmer-centric news. Its content is compiled using advanced AI technology, ensuring accuracy and relevance while staying connected to the broader global farming and agriculture community. For the third consecutive year, AGRI NEWS NET’s Daily Audiocast has been ranked among the top 15 agricultural podcasts on Feedspot, a testament to its quality and impact. The audiocast delivers concise, engaging updates, making it a go-to resource for farmers, industry professionals, and agriculture enthusiasts seeking timely insights. With a focus on “good news stories,” AGRI NEWS NET highlights positive developments, innovations, and successes in South African agriculture. Rooted in real-world farming knowledge and media expertise, AGRI NEWS NET bridges the gap between farmers, policymakers, and the public. Its AI-driven platform ensures comprehensive coverage, from local issues . By focusing on practical, trustworthy content, AGRI NEWS NET empowers the agricultural community to stay informed and inspired.
OOM KERNEELS
Dis weer Sondag en baie het gebeur oor die naweek. So wen die Springbokke weer ’n wedstryd teen Wallis en die junior Springbokke is die kampioene. Dricus du Plessis het weer 'n man baie seer gemaak in 'n oorwinning vir hom in die VSA. Dis lekker om te sien hoe trots hulle die land laat voel.
Terselfdertyd is daar so baie politiek aan die gang. Die regering raak dikwels vas in die geraas, gesing en kuier en vergeet van die basiese dinge wat regtig saak maak: om die land reg te maak en instandhouding te doen wat eintlik al jare lank uitgestel word. Die edelagbare President is nou eweskielik baie bekommerd oor die water situasie in die land.
Elke keer as ek vrugte eet wonder ek wat alles daarop gespuit is. Ek wonder ook of die boere self ten volle bewus is van die uitwerking van die gifstowwe wat hulle gebruik. Ons hoor bitter min van die gifmaatskappye oor of die kos wat ons eet werklik veilig is.
Die produksietoestande vir landbougewasse was gunstig. In die huidige 2025-26 produksieseisoen lees ek dat daar verwag word dat Suid-Afrika ’n rekord somergraan- en oliesaadoes van 21.1 miljoen ton, wat 3% hoër is as verlede jaar gaan oes. Hierdie syfer sluit mielies, sonneblomsaad, sojabone, grondboontjies, sorghum en droëbone in. Die manne van die pluimveebedryf vaar ook goed, grootliks omdat voer bekostigbaar is. Mielie- en sojaboonpryse is 10-30% laer as ’n jaar gelede. Weet nie of die syfers altyd so korrek is nie.
Op baie plase is die oeste veral in die Vrystaat en ander dele nog nie af nie. Die nat lande laat die stropers vas al en maak dit moeilik maar ons is tog dankbaar vir ’n goeie oes. Dit lyk of ons nou vorentoe beweeg met Bek en klouser- die nuwe minister hou sover nog sy woord. Souse is baie gewild by hierdie sogenaamde bo baas braaiers- as jy goeie vleis eet- het jy net sout nodig want dit is al klaar lekker sappig. Ek het soeveel kere gesien hoe hierdie manne en dames goeie vleis se smaak en kwaliteit vernietig met allerhande souse- en dit dan nog nasionale Televisie doen.
Hierdie naweek gaan ek bietjie Pretoria toe. Ek sien uit na ’n lekker stukkie lamsvleis by Lamchamps. Maar ek moet sê, niks klop ’n Vrystaatse skaap wat op goeie veld geloop het en bietjie sjokolade-mieliepitte ge-eet het nie. Min vet, baie geur, en heerlik.
Die manne is sterk aan die jag en dit kos 'n hele klompie geld om 'n bok of twee plat te trek. Die wildboere moet ook lewe en ons hoop dit 'n goeie jaar vir jag. Die manne van die stad is gewoonlik gelaai met drinkgoed en die gewere en "gadges" is van die beste- wonder of die manne 'n bok gaan plattrek met geen teleskoop soos ons dit gedoen het.
My vrou Getruida het so paar jaar terug begin met "Botox" wat jou glo beter laat lyk- glad, sonder plooie- maar nou sien ek sy lag baie swaar- alles trek styf-- ek sal maar later se wat gebeur vorentoe- ek het haar gewaarsku.
Dit is groet tyd - die Vrystaat is koud- maar die lug is skoon.
Mag julle almal ’n lekker week he ons gesels weer. OOM Kerneels.
NS -We normally do not post sponsored or external videos on our professional platforms. However, videos of this nature — which are non-marketing and informative — are not freely available YouTube channels. We will soon have our own Professional Video Channel form our own Production house.
