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AGRI NEWS RUSH - HEADLINE NEWS OF THE WEEK -  www.agrinewsnet.co.za

Deep in South Africa’s Knysna forest, a female elephant named Strangefoot, estimated to be around 50 years old, is believed to be the last survivor of the forest’s once larger elephant population. Decades of habitat fragmentation isolated her, and a plan to introduce other elephants to join her did not proceed, leaving her future unchanged.

Departement van Landbou het twee nuwe gevalle van bek-en klouseer in die Heilbron en Bloemfontein gebiede bevestig. Dit bring die totale aantal bevestigde gevalle in die Vrystaat op 772 te staan, waarvan bykans 600 suksesvol opgelos en kwarantynmaatreëls op plase opgehef is. Bek-en klouseer is in 19 Vrystaatse munisipaliteite aangemeld insluitend Kroonstad, Welkom, Sasolburg en Frankfort.

South African citrus producers must brace for significantly lower net income in 2026 than in 2025 due to weak market conditions, a stronger rand, more expensive shipping, logistical disruption and quality problems.g.

South Africa's sugar millers are on strike while the industry is already under pressure from cheap imports and weak tariff protection.Sasma says the wage dispute stems from broader economic pressure. Local producers are struggling due to subsidized imports from Brazil and India. Imports rose from 55,213 tons to 94,984 tons in Jan-May 2026 (+72%).

More than 1.3 million animals have been vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease in North West since a mass campaign began in March.The province received 1,570,100 doses and vaccinated 1,315,401 animals so far, over 80% of its 1.4 million target herd, with teams still working to reach remaining owners.

Raspberry markets are showing contrasting conditions shaped by weather and supply.In France, tight supply after heatwaves kept prices firm, standard protected-crop raspberries from the Southwest averaged €17.20/kg on 12 Aug, up €0.80/kg, with slight recovery by 19-20 Aug as heat subsided but prices still firm.

FNB Economics has warned that South Africa's reliance on imported fuel and road freight leaves transport and production costs vulnerable to global oil-price shocks.Fuel prices fell 7.8% month on month in July but were still 20.6% higher year on year, according to Stats SA's latest CPI.

This week’s agricultural markets and economic environment present a mix of weather, price and policy developments that producers will need to watch closely. El Niño is developing rapidly and may peak by November or December, while little rain is expected over the next week or two.

Vir elke rand wat boere via kultivar- en tegnologie-heffings aan navorsing en ontwikkeling bestee, kry hulle gemiddeld R2,20 terug, sê Sacta wat vanjaar 10 jaar oud is.Uitvoerende hoof Andrew Bennett sê van elke R100 wat ontvang word, gaan R2,50 vir kommissie, sowat R3 vir administrasie, R19,50 vir transformasie en R75 aan saadmaatskappye vir teling en tegnologie.

President Cyril Ramaphosa launched Phase Three of the Government-Business Partnership in Johannesburg on 20 August, shifting from stabilisation and reform to investment, growth and job creation.

South Africa’s national dam levels currently stand at a strong 95.5%, offering an important buffer as the country prepares for an intense El Niño period expected to bring higher-than-normal heat and drier conditions.

Vrystaat Landbou spreek ernstige kommer uit oor swak bestuur van provinsiale padinstandhoudingsbronne. Terwyl boere self paaie moet gelykmaak om produkte te vervoer en toegang tot skole en noodsaaklike dienste te verseker, staan staatstoerusting vir maande ongebruik langs die pad, sê president Francois Wilken.

The global cotton trade is expected to maintain a positive medium-term outlook despite growing supply pressures on prices. World cotton trade is estimated at 9.4 million tonnes in 2025/26, up 2% from the previous season, and is projected to rise to 9.6 million tonnes before reaching approximately 10.3 million tonnes by 2028/29.

The National Treasury's draft Public Procurement Regulations would require businesses getting state contracts below R20 million to be 100% black-owned, warns NEASA CEO Gerhard Papenfus.

The South African wine industry is under pressure, with producer sentiment leaning towards pessimism as sales are slow and cash flow is strained.

Priya Seetal, sugar and health policy manager at the South African Sugar Association, says sugar policy must be viewed through its agricultural and rural economic impact, not just nutrition.South Africa's sugar industry is labour-intensive, contributes about 6% of agricultural output, and anchors rural towns.

Petrol and diesel are driving inflation in South Africa, with prices R4.23 and R5.40 per litre higher than a year ago despite a July cut.Stats SA reported headline CPI at 4.3% y/y in July, down from 5.0% in June, largely due to a R1.96/l petrol and R3.59/l diesel cut that shaved 0.4 percentage points off inflation.

South Africa's dragon fruit industry has had a challenging season, with many farmers exiting, consolidating from 20 to 14 commercial members of the Dragon Fruit Growers' Association of Southern Africa and from an estimated 120ha in 2024 to 100ha now.

When grain makes the news, two things usually follow — supermarkets profiteering by warning bread will go up even though the flour was bought a year ago, and grain markets being swamped by speculative traders.The author warns the market can no longer ignore what is happening, and the issue is not just whether Russia and Ukraine have grown enough wheat, but whether they can export it.

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South Africa Cattle, Sheep, Pork & Chicken Market Prices – around 23 August 2026

Prices below are based on the most recent available farm-gate / abattoir and market data from mid-to-late August 2026 (primarily week of 14 August and related reports). Exact daily auction or abattoir prices can vary by region, quality and volume. All figures are approximate and exclude VAT unless otherwise noted.Cattle (Beef)

• Weaner calves (200–250 kg): Approximately R47–R49/kg (recent figures around R47.36–R48.36/kg; some reports noted a nearly 3% weekly decline in mid-August).
• Class A2/A3 (Super/A-grade carcass): Around R66–R69/kg (recent readings R66.67–R69.21/kg).
• Class B2/B3: Approximately R59–R65/kg.
• Class C2/C3: Approximately R57–R62/kg.

Beef prices remain elevated due to ongoing FMD-related supply constraints and restricted animal movement, with forecasts pointing to further firmness into 2027.Sheep (Lamb & Mutton)

• Feeder / store lambs: Approximately R55–R57/kg.
• Class A2/A3 lamb carcass: Around R106–R111/kg (recent R106.13–R110.82/kg).
• Class B2/B3: Approximately R82–R91/kg.
• Class C2/C3: Approximately R79–R82/kg.

Lamb and mutton prices are among the strongest performers, supported by tight global and local supply.Pork

• Porkers: Approximately R27–R31/kg (recent readings around R27.65–R30.93/kg).
• Baconers: Approximately R28–R29/kg (recent around R28.14–R29.03/kg).

Pork prices have been supported by disease-related disruptions (ASF and FMD effects) but remain more moderate than beef and lamb. Some stabilisation was noted in mid-August.Chicken (Poultry)

• Frozen whole bird (ex-abattoir): Approximately R31–R33/kg.
• Fresh whole bird: Approximately R34–R39/kg.
• IQF portions: Approximately R31–R35/kg.

Poultry prices have been under mild downward pressure from improved supply and lower feed costs, though they remain relatively firm compared with pre-2023 levels. Retail whole-bird and portion prices are higher.Market context (late August 2026)
Weaner calf prices showed some weekly softening after strong earlier levels, while slaughter beef remained firm. Sheep prices continued to benefit from tight supply. Pork stabilised after earlier strength, and chicken faced mild pressure from better availability. Rising maize prices were noted as a potential future cost pressure for feedlots and intensive livestock. FMD continues to influence red-meat dynamics, particularly cattle movement and export potential.

 

South African Grain & Oilseed Prices – around 23 August 2026

Prices below are based on the latest available SAFEX / JSE spot and nearby futures data as of 20–21 August 2026. Exact daily closing prices can fluctuate; these figures reflect the most recent reported levels.Maize

• White maize (WMAZ) spot / nearby: Approximately R3 688 – R3 760 per ton
  (recent readings around R3 688–R3 760/t; some sessions showed mild daily declines of 0.5%).
• Yellow maize (YMAZ) spot / nearby: Approximately R3 700 – R3 750 per ton
  (recent readings around R3 700–R3 750/t).

Maize prices remain under pressure from the large 2025/26 harvest and ample stocks, though they have stabilised after earlier weakness. Rising feed demand and the approaching El Niño risk for the next season are being watched closely.Soybeans

• Soybean (SOYB) spot / nearby: Approximately R8 060 – R8 200 per ton
  (recent readings around R8 060–R8 200/t, with some upward movement).

Soybean prices have shown relative strength supported by local demand and international factors.Sunflower seed

• Sunflower (SUNS) spot / nearby: Approximately R10 400 – R10 555 per ton
  (recent readings around R10 400–R10 555/t).

Sunflower prices remain elevated compared with maize, reflecting tighter local supply dynamics.Wheat

• Wheat (WEAT) spot / nearby: Approximately R6 080 – R6 160 per ton
  (recent readings around R6 080–R6 156/t).

Wheat prices have been relatively steady amid ongoing import competition and local production constraints.Market context
South Africa continues to benefit from a large maize surplus following the record 2025/26 harvest, which is keeping maize prices at moderate levels. Oilseeds (soybeans and sunflower) are trading firmer relative to maize. The market is monitoring the developing El Niño outlook for the 2026/27 summer season, potential changes in export demand, and currency movements. Prices can vary by delivery point and contract month; producers and buyers should check the latest SAFEX closing prices or Grain SA daily reports for precise figures.

AGRI NEWS NET- WEEKEND NEWS RUSH Summary of the Week News 16th August 2026

50 Key South African Headline News Stories in Agriculture, Farming & Agritech 23rd August 2026

1. BFAP Baseline 2026 launched – agriculture must focus on export-led growth, technology and animal health to reach 2050 potential.
2. Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp says FMD is now under control thanks to large vaccine supplies.
3. More than 17 million FMD vaccine doses already imported; further consignments expected.
4. Western Cape reports 82% of provincial herd vaccinated against FMD.
5. South Africa and India finalise long-awaited citrus export deal after nearly a decade of negotiations.
6. Additional cold-treatment options approved for South African citrus entering India.
7. South Africa remains the world’s largest citrus exporter by volume (2.9 million tonnes in 2025).
8. Record maize harvest of approximately 17–18 million tonnes being completed.
9. South Africa’s grain stocks position the country as a regional food-security buffer against expected El Niño.
10. Super El Niño risk for 2026/27 summer season continues to worry farmers and analysts.
11. High soil moisture and full dams from the previous wet season provide a buffer against drought.
12. Tractor sales fell 31% year-on-year in July amid higher input costs and weather uncertainty.
13. Agribusiness confidence remains below the neutral 50-point mark.
14. Meat imports rose sharply during the FMD crisis.
15. Private-sector participation in FMD vaccination expanded through new regulations.
16. Farmers can now register as authorised persons to vaccinate their own livestock.
17. Conservation Agriculture Week highlights soil health and sustainable grain systems.
18. Swartland wheat farmers report severe “green drought” stress and call for rain.
19. Prayer days for rain organised across Western Cape grain areas.
20. Canola and wheat yields under pressure from heat and dry conditions in the winter rainfall region.
21. Silage cutting started unusually early in parts of the Swartland due to poor growth.
22. Global cotton trade outlook remains positive despite tighter supply.
23. Brazil maintains position as top cotton exporter.
24. South African cotton plantings up 16% with production forecast to rise 26%.
25. Smallholder cotton production still faces ginning and logistics challenges.
26. President Ramaphosa highlights agriculture and agro-processing in Government-Business Partnership Phase 3.
27. Focus on water, transport, biosecurity, finance and market access for the sector.
28. Agricultural exports performed strongly in early 2026 (record quarterly figures reported).
29. Horticulture remains a key growth driver through exports.
30. Livestock sector still dealing with higher beef and pork prices linked to disease.
31. African swine fever continues to disrupt the pork industry alongside FMD.
32. Absa and BFAP forecasts show elevated red-meat prices continuing into 2027.
33. Grain farmers urged to adopt climate-smart and conservation practices ahead of El Niño.
34. Logistics and port efficiency remain critical for fresh-produce exports.
35. Input costs (fertiliser and diesel) still elevated due to earlier geopolitical tensions.
36. Local government elections set for 4 November 2026 – implications for municipal agricultural services.
37. Department of Agriculture prioritises biosecurity and market access in 2026/27 plans.
38. Emerging and smallholder farmers continue to face data and support gaps.
39. Transformation and inclusion of more black producers remain key policy goals.
40. South Africa’s agricultural sector continues to grow faster than the broader economy.
41. Productivity gains in maize, soybeans and canola highlighted as essential for future competitiveness.
42. Infrastructure and rural safety flagged as ongoing constraints.
43. Possible US reciprocal tariffs and global trade uncertainty listed as risks.
44. Wine and deciduous fruit sectors monitoring weather and export logistics.
45. Sugar industry still under structural pressure with planted area lower.
46. Poultry sector encouraged to move from import replacement toward exports.
47. Premiumisation of beef exports seen as a growth opportunity once FMD is fully controlled.
48. Water availability remains a long-term constraint for horticulture expansion.
49. Industry calls for faster regulatory adjustments and better public-private cooperation.
50. Overall sector outlook: resilient but facing a complex 2026/27 season driven by FMD recovery, El Niño risk, cost pressures and the need for stronger export performance.

These stories reflect the dominant themes in South African agriculture in mid-to-late August 2026: disease recovery, weather risks, export opportunities (especially citrus), strong grain supplies, and the longer-term push for productivity and resilience.

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Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in South Africa – Status Report as of late August 2026

As of mid-to-late August 2026, South Africa’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak remains widespread but is increasingly described by government as under control, largely due to a large-scale vaccination campaign and improved coordination between the state and private sector.Current SituationOutbreaks of SAT1 and SAT2 serotypes continue across multiple provinces, with the Free State, North West, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and others historically hardest hit. Earlier official figures (end of June 2026) recorded more than 2,400 open outbreaks nationally. While new cases are still being detected, the rate of spread appears to have slowed in several areas thanks to vaccination and movement controls.

The Western Cape, for example, reported 28 confirmed active outbreaks as of mid-August, with 11 resolved and others under investigation.The disease has significantly disrupted the livestock sector, particularly cattle movement, auctions, feedlots and exports. S

outh Africa lost its FMD-free without vaccination status, leading to reduced beef export volumes and higher domestic red-meat prices. The government and industry are now working toward recognition of FMD-free status with vaccination.Vaccination ProgressVaccination is the cornerstone of the current response. Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp stated in mid-August that approximately 13.5 million vaccine doses had been imported and administered, with a further 10 million doses expected by the end of August. Earlier figures indicated that more than 5–8 million animals had already been vaccinated, with the entire national dairy herd (about 1.385 million animals) having received at least one dose and many receiving boosters.Provincial progress varies.

The Western Cape reported 82% of its provincial herd vaccinated (primary doses) by mid-August. North West had vaccinated more than 1.3 million animals since March. KwaZulu-Natal was approaching 80% coverage in some reports. Private-sector involvement has expanded significantly: farmers can now register as authorised persons to vaccinate their own livestock via a self-vaccination portal, and private veterinarians are receiving vaccine consignments.Vaccines have been sourced primarily from Argentina (Biogénesis Bagó) and Türkiye (Dollvet), with additional private-sector imports underway. Local production capacity at the Agricultural Research Council is being rebuilt, though a full-scale facility still requires substantial funding.Control Measures and OutlookNew national control measures under Section 9 of the Animal Diseases Act were introduced to create a more risk-based, practical framework.

These allow controlled slaughter and certain movements under specific conditions, aiming to reduce economic disruption while containing the virus. Public-private partnerships, industry coordination structures and improved surveillance are being strengthened.Minister Aucamp has expressed confidence that the combination of high vaccine coverage, private-sector participation and coordinated efforts will enable South Africa to overcome the crisis. The target remains high herd immunity (around 80% in key areas) to support an eventual application to the World Organisation for Animal Health for improved disease status.Challenges persist, including ongoing outbreaks in some regions, logistical hurdles in vaccine distribution, the need for booster doses, and the long-term goal of restoring export market access. Farmers are still advised to maintain strict biosecurity, report suspected cases promptly and participate in vaccination programmes

.Overall, as of late August 2026 the situation is stabilising compared with the peak earlier in the year, but sustained effort will be required throughout the remainder of 2026 and into 2027 to fully control the disease and recover lost market access.

   

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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.

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OOM KERNEELS 

Van die Plaas af:

Net so koud soos dit verlede week was, net so lekker warm is dit nou hier by ons in die Vrystaat. Die dae is heerlik, maar in die vroeë oggendure trek 'n mens darem nog daai kombers nader.

En toe wen die All Blacks ons Springbokke.  Dis 'n groot slag vir baie manne en vrouens se harte wat seeris,maar ja - as jy rugby-mal is, dan moet jy vat wat na jou toe kom. My hart is ook seer.

Ek en Gertruida en die kleinkinders het darem heerlik rugby gekyk op 'n lekker groot skerm. As jy sukkel met jou gehoor dan moet jy na sekere kommentaar luister - daar is 'n man wat kan skree en opgewonde raak! Tot Gertruida, wat bietjie doof is, het gesê ons moet hom sagter sit. Toe skuif ons maar oor na 'n ander kanaal toe, dis darem baie rustiger. Die springbokke het lanklaas sover verloor- maar ek dink daar was dalk so 'n bietjie gevoel by sekere spelers van "untouchable" bespeur. Maar ons is trots op ons bokke. Kyk mooi wat gaan gebeur in Kaapstad.

Die manne met hulle Rugby gesels op 'n Televisie program is net soos klomp klein seuntjies- giggel en lag en is baie sterk met die bier in die hand. Maar daar is ook 'n paar groot legendes wat nog respek het vir televisie en sy kykers. Die aanbieders hou daarvan om die volgende te se. "Julle daar by die huis" is nogal heel onprofessioneel- dis die belangrikste persone.

Soos ek verlede week gesê het, ons is klaar met die oes en nou is ons besig om die lande voor te berei vir die volgende oes. As daai diesel-trok op die plaas aankom, moet jy maar sluk aan wat dit kos - deesdae kos 'n vrag diesel amper die prys van 'n trekker in die tagtigerjare. 

Ons het baie ondervog hier in die Vrystaat en ek glo ons gaan nog 'n oes kan deurtrek as die hitte ons net 'n bietjie spaar. Ek sien die slim manne met die dik brille is nou alweer besig met hulle sommetjies en voorspellings,maar ek sê altyd die jong boere moet maar liewer vir hulle Pa luister, want hy het baie meer kennis as die jong geleerdes met hulle boekem en grafieke en APPs.

Ek was nou die dag by 'n kongres en die nuwe tendens is om mense bymekaar te kry op die verhoog met 'n gespreksleier soos by Nampo wat vir ure gesels rondom landbou en hoe om oplossings te kry- gesels is goed- maar dis hoogs verveling, as dit so aanhou, ons boere is doeners en nie praters nie. Die slim manne moet maar iets ander begin uitdink want baie boere voel so- want gewoonlik is dit net die korporatiewe manne wat gesels. 

Ek het nou die dag 'n jong man gesien wat geen respek het vir ouer mense nie. Dis sommer "jy en jou" en hy steek sommer sy hand so sit-sit uit, hy staan nie eers op om te groet nie. Dis net hier in die platteland waar daar nog 'n Oom en 'n Tannie is. So verloor die mensdom sy tradisies en maniere hoe meer hulle op die sosiale media is.

Ek het verlede week begin gesels om trekkers te vervang en die manne by die koöperasie is baie opgewonde, maar ek sal maar kyk hoe ek maak. Dalk koop ek 'n heel ander maak trekker.

Mag julle 'n geseënde week hê daar op die plaas en in die dorp.Groete uit die Vrystaat

Die manne met die groot dik brille kom vertel vir ons net wat ons wil hoor .Boer voort, hou kop, en onthou: die mense wat die minste praat, is gewoonlik die wat die meeste werk. Tot volgende week.

Mag julle almal ’n lekker week he ons gesels weer. OOM Kerneels.

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