Weeklikse Afrikaanse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Die Afrikaanse/Engelse Nuus is die afgelope paar dae op AGRI NEWS NET geplaas, saam met nog ander artikels.
Canada's strained trade relationship with the US could open opportunities for South African food and beverage exporters, but market-entry costs and regulations must be carefully considered.
The 2015/16 drought caused major losses and a long recovery, but the 2023/24 El Niño was far milder than feared, and other El Niños have had little impact on total output. That difference comes down to starting conditions - soil moisture, dam levels, grain stocks, producer adaptation and regional weather variation.
Farmers in the eastern parts of South Africa’s summer grain region started planting as early as the second-last week of September, while some in the western areas began at the start of October — unusually early thanks to good September rains.In the Sannieshof district of North West, one farmer planted sunflower for the first time in 44 seasons at the beginning of October.
South African farmers have shown remarkable resilience despite infrastructure failures and weak government services, but that resilience alone cannot sustain agricultural growth.That was the message from a panel discussion at AgriSAs annual congress in Gauteng, with agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo and broadcaster Lourensa Eckard
While global soybean supplies remain abundant, the vegetable oil sector is increasingly driving soybean dynamics. Rising biodiesel and renewable diesel mandates in Brazil and the US have lifted demand for soybean oil and encouraged higher crushing, so soybean prices are now influenced by energy demand as well as feed demand
Africa will add about a billion people by 2050, growing from around 1.55 billion today to about 2.5 billion, but almost none of that growth will be in new places. It will concentrate into the areas that are already full, not spread across the empty space on the map.
The import of sheep and cattle from Namibia should be subject to separate requirements because their foot-and-mouth disease risks differ significantly. This was a key conclusion after talks earlier this month between South African and Namibian livestock industry representatives, following a foot-and-mouth outbreak confirmed on 23 September in Namibias Karas region.
Wettige jag. Bewaring met ’n blywende impak.Die waarde van wettige jag strek veel verder as die jagveld. Wanneer dit verantwoordelik bestuur word, dra dit by tot wildbewaring, habitatbeskerming, navorsing en werksgeleenthede in Suid-Afrika se landelike gemeenskappe.
South African farmers are entering a potentially strong El Niño season from a much stronger water position than before the 2015/16 drought. Major dam levels stood at about 90% on 5 October, compared with about 60% at the corresponding time before that drought.
South African wool market remains resilient after the eighth sale of the season, despite softer international trends. Buyer participation stayed positive and overall demand for South African wool continued, resulting in a 94.3% sales clearance.
Africa will add about a billion people by 2050, growing from around 1.55 billion today to about 2.5 billion, but almost none of that growth will be in new places. It will concentrate into the areas that are already full, not spread across the empty space on the map.
AgriSA has adopted five policy mandates to tackle structural challenges in South African agriculture, covering land reform, natural resources, labour, rural safety, and trade. Stronger cooperation between government and industry is seen as essential for progress. The organisation is shifting from policy commitments toward measurable results.

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South Africa -Weeklikse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Weekly Agriculture News Summary14 October 2026
A very strong (often described as “super”) El Niño is firmly established and continues to strengthen rapidly. Official agencies (NOAA Climate Prediction Center and World Meteorological Organization) have an El Niño Advisory in effect. This event is already among the strongest on record and has a high probability of becoming the strongest since at least 1950.Key Ocean Indicators (as of mid-October 2026)
- Weekly Niño 3.4 sea-surface temperature anomaly: approximately +3.3 °C (week centred around 14 October), setting successive weekly records.
- Eastern Pacific regions show even stronger anomalies (Niño 3 around +4.0 to +4.2 °C; Niño 1+2 exceeding +5 °C in places).
- Subsurface ocean heat content remains well above average, with a deeper-than-normal thermocline supporting further surface warming.
- Atmospheric indicators (Southern Oscillation Index and equatorial winds) are consistent with a mature, strengthening El Niño.
- Peak intensity is expected around December 2026 (or between mid-November 2026 and mid-January 2027).
- Seasonal average Niño 3.4 anomaly for October–December is forecast near +3.7 °C, with some model guidance suggesting a possible peak in the 3.7–4.3 °C range.
- Probability of strong-to-very strong conditions remaining through January–March 2027: greater than 83%.
- Near-100% chance that El Niño conditions will persist through February 2027, with a gradual decline thereafter into spring/summer 2027.
- High likelihood (around 83% for October–December) that the three-month average will exceed all previous events since 1950.
Typical El Niño patterns are intensifying:
- Higher risk of drier and warmer conditions in southern Africa, parts of Australia, India, Indonesia and other regions critical for maize, wheat, rice and palm oil.
- Increased rainfall and flooding potential in parts of East Africa, southern South America and the southern United States.
- Global concerns about crop yields, particularly for rice, maize and wheat in vulnerable areas, contributing to elevated food-price risks alongside existing energy and fertiliser cost pressures.
As of past mid-October 2026, the 2026–27 El Niño is already very strong, still intensifying, and on track to rank among the most powerful events in the modern instrumental record. Its peak is expected in the coming 6–10 weeks, with significant global weather and agricultural consequences likely to extend well into 2027.

(Past mid-October 2026)2027 Season Outlook
Early vineyard conditions across South Africa’s wine regions are encouraging.
Winter floods in parts of the Western Cape (Breede and Olifants Rivers, Klein Karoo) caused damage earlier in the year. Attention has now shifted to the developing El Niño, which raises the risk of a hotter, drier summer, higher irrigation demand and heat stress on vineyards. Producers are being urged to manage water carefully.Market Resilience
South Africa’s domestic wine market has shown greater resilience than many international peers. Volume declines are estimated at 10–12% year-on-year — roughly half the drops reported in some major overseas markets. Wine continues to gain ground among the urban middle class.Industry Highlights
- The 42nd Cape Winemakers Guild Auction (early October) generated R18.22 million, up nearly 6% on the previous year, with more cases sold. White wines (including Cap Classique) achieved a higher average price than reds for the first time in the auction’s history.
- The 2026 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 winners were announced on 14 October, marking the competition’s 20th anniversary (nine 2025 wines and one 2026 entry).
- New vintage releases continue, including Groote Post Seasalter 2026 Sauvignon Blanc, which reached the finalist stage of the Top 10 competition.
- Packaging innovation is receiving attention, with lighter bottles, recyclability and automation highlighted ahead of Propak Cape 2026 (27–29 October).
- WineX 2026 is scheduled for 28–30 October in Sandton, featuring more than 700 wines and brandies.
South African wine remains competitive on quality and diversity, but the industry is prioritising value creation, market alignment and long-term sustainability over pure volume growth as it navigates elevated stocks, climate uncertainty and global market pressures.

(October 2026)South Africa
- A major scientific review of trophy hunting across 13 sub-Saharan African countries found positive outcomes for conservation and local communities in 65% of documented cases. Results were strongest (over 80% positive) where communities or private landowners controlled wildlife rights and received the revenue. Habitat conservation benefits were particularly clear (92% of cases). Outcomes were more mixed where state control dominated.
- South Africa’s Constitutional Court dismissed a challenge by the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association against animal well-being provisions in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. The ruling preserves the requirement to consider animals’ physical, physiological and mental health in wildlife decisions.
- Leopard conservation remains contentious. Population estimates range widely (from roughly 2,000 to over 23,000), and export quotas for 2026–2027 (11 trophies in 2026, 10 in 2027, limited to older males) were set amid ongoing debate and a draft national strategy still under public comment.
- Wildlife auction sales in the first nine months of 2026 already exceeded the full-year 2025 total, reaching approximately R1.01 billion. Demand is selective, favouring quality, genetics and performance records, though hunting and venison businesses continue to face pressure.
- Rhino poaching remains a serious concern, with 230 rhinos reported killed in the first eight months of 2026. A high-profile court case involving a former Kruger National Park ranger and a state veterinary technician resulted in guilty verdicts for the illegal hunting of a white rhino.
- Africa faces a severe shortage of wildlife rangers (estimated 65,000 currently versus a need for around 345,000). Fundraising campaigns such as the Wildlife Ranger Challenge continue to support equipment, training and welfare.
- Angola hosted its first sanctioned, regulated safari hunts in 18 years, marking a step toward rebuilding formal wildlife management and sustainable-use programmes after decades of conflict.
- Botswana issued special elephant hunting licences (23 animals) linked to independence commemorations, with meat allocated to rural communities, continuing its managed quota approach to population control and human-elephant conflict.
- Broader continental trends show monitored wildlife populations have declined sharply over recent decades. Discussions continue around community benefits, governance of hunting revenues, and balancing conservation with rural livelihoods.

- Western Cape Undercover Farming Conference and Expo (21–22 October) – Allée Bleue, Groot Drakenstein. Focused on controlled-environment agriculture, regenerative practices, blueberries, economics and post-harvest issues.
- Agda Annual Stakeholder and Member Engagement Conference (22–23 October) – Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg. Theme: “Bridging value chain commercialisation: Capital, risk and inclusive growth”. Includes finance, logistics, insurance, regenerative agriculture sessions and an enterprise pitch competition.
- Food For Mzansi Western Cape Farmers’ Day (30 October) – Pine Haven Farms, Stellenbosch. Practical insights, demonstrations and networking hosted on a working farm.
- Various livestock auctions and regional farmers’ days throughout the month.
- Propak Cape 2026 (27–29 October) – Cape Town (packaging and logistics relevance for agribusiness).
- Pre-conference tours and preparations for the Commonwealth Agriculture Conference (main event early November in Cape Town).
- VIV Africa (animal protein / feed-to-food) – Kigali, Rwanda.
- MITA 2026 (Agricultural Innovations and Technologies Marketplace) – Freetown, Sierra Leone (19–21 October).
- National Agroecology Festival – Soroti, Uganda (15–16 October).

(Approx. 25–31 October 2026) General Outlook
South Africa is under the influence of a strengthening, very strong El Niño. Seasonal forecasts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) indicate a higher likelihood of above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall across much of the country for October–December 2026. The final week of October is expected to continue the warm-to-hot pattern over the interior, with limited widespread rain, though isolated showers or thunderstorms remain possible, especially later in the week or in the east.Regional Summary
- Gauteng / Highveld (Johannesburg, Pretoria)
Mostly sunny to partly cloudy and warm to hot. Daytime highs generally in the upper 20s to low 30s °C (occasionally higher). Cooler nights. Low rain chances early in the period; slight increase in shower/thunderstorm probability toward 25–26 October and possibly later in the week. - Free State, North West, Northern Cape
Hot and largely dry. Highs frequently reaching the low-to-mid 30s °C, with some locations potentially hotter. Clear to partly cloudy skies dominate. Fire danger may be elevated due to dry, warm conditions. - Limpopo & Mpumalanga
Very warm to hot (highs often 32–37 °C). Mostly dry, with only isolated afternoon thundershowers possible later in the week. - KwaZulu-Natal
Milder along the coast (lows–mid 20s °C). Partly cloudy with a higher chance of light rain or showers at times, especially mid-to-late week. Damaging waves possible on occasion along the coast. - Western Cape (Cape Town and surrounds)
Cooler than the interior. Partly cloudy to cloudy periods with a chance of light rain or drizzle early in the week, becoming milder and more settled later. Highs generally in the low-to-mid 20s °C. - Eastern Cape
Variable: milder on the coast with some shower risk; warmer and drier inland.
- Extreme UV levels are expected on clear days across the interior.
- Veld fire risk remains elevated in dry regions.
- While the broader seasonal trend is drier than normal under El Niño, short-term weather systems can still produce localised rain.
- Farmers and outdoor operators should monitor daily SAWS updates, as precise timing of any showers can shift.

SOUTH AFRICA’S FOOD INDUSTRY | FARM-TO-FORK OUTLOOK
October 2026 – March 2027
South Africa’s food industry enters the next six months with a changing risk profile. Strong harvests have offered relief, but weather uncertainty, input costs and pressure on household budgets could reshape decisions from farm to fork.
Here is what I’m watching.
1. AGRICULTURE | Strong supplies, uncertain season
Recent maize and soybean production has provided an important buffer. But El Niño and the prospect of hotter, drier conditions raise questions about planting, yields and 2027 supply. A climate risk is not yet a harvest outcome.
2. INPUTS | Pressure travels downstream
Grain, fertiliser, energy and transport costs matter well beyond the farm gate. Changes in maize and soybean prices can feed into livestock production costs, particularly poultry and pork, with effects emerging over time.
3. MANUFACTURING | Margin discipline meets supply resilience
Food manufacturers must balance procurement, production efficiency and reliable supply with selling prices often agreed in advance. Earlier forecasting and supplier collaboration could be as valuable as the next price negotiation.
4. DISTRIBUTION & RETAIL | Value without fragility
Retailers face intense pressure to deliver affordability. But promotions and shelf prices must also support a sustainable supply base. Better shared planning across producers, manufacturers, distributors and buyers will matter.
5. CONSUMERS | Affordability remains decisive
Even when food inflation slows, households still feel the cumulative cost of essentials. Value, pack sizes and price positioning will remain central to purchasing decisions.
MY SIX-MONTH OUTLOOK
The immediate story is not necessarily food shortages. It is uncertainty about the next growing season, future input costs and when pressures might reach the shelf.
Having worked across agriculture, manufacturing and retail, I believe our biggest opportunity is to connect market intelligence earlier and act on it together.
What happens on the farm today shapes what happens in the factory, distribution centre and supermarket tomorrow.
Which link in South Africa’s food value chain do you see facing the greatest commercial risk in the next six months?
Sources : Stats SA (latest available inflation, manufacturing and retail releases); SA Weather Service (seasonal outlook); Department of Agriculture (Sept 2026 El Niño advisory); SARB (Oct 2026 Monetary Policy Review).

|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||
|
White maize |
R 4 220,00 |
per Ton |
2026-10-16 |
0.50 % |
R 4 199,20 |
||
|
Yellow maize |
R 4 080,00 |
per Ton |
2026-10-16 |
1.24 % |
R 4 030,00 |
||
|
Soybeans |
R 9 195,00 |
per Ton |
2026-10-16 |
-3.31 % |
R 9 510,00 |
||
|
Sunflower seed |
R 10 470,00 |
per Ton |
2026-10-16 |
0.29 % |
R 10 440,00 |
||
|
Wheat |
R 5 800,00 |
per Ton |
2026-10-16 |
0.14 % |
R 5 792,00 |
||
|
Sorghum (IPP) |
R 5 791,00 |
per Ton |
2026-10-16 |
-3.23 % |
R 5 984,00 |
||
|
Groundnuts (IPP Randfontein)) |
R 22 801,00 |
per Ton |
2026-10-16 |
-0.71 % |
R 22 965,00 |
||
|
Cotton (IPP) |
R 11 230,00 |
per Ton |
2026-10-16 |
1.54 % |
R 11 060,00 |
||
|
Soy Meal (US derived price) |
R 11 431,00 |
per Ton |
2026-10-16 |
-0.34 % |
R 11 470,00 |
||
|
Chop |
R 3 600,00 |
per Ton |
2026-10-16 |
1.41 % |
R 3 550,00 |
||
|
Lusern (Grade 1) |
R 3 500,00 |
per Ton |
2026-10-16 |
-5.41 % |
R 3 700,00 |
||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||
|
Bananas |
R 9,89 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
5.32 % |
R 9,39 |
||
|
Apples |
R 10,88 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
4.51 % |
R 10,41 |
||
|
Oranges |
R 3,52 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
10.69 % |
R 3,18 |
||
|
Avocados |
R 20,07 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
23.51 % |
R 16,25 |
||
|
Grapes |
R 93,71 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
19.80 % |
R 78,22 |
||
|
Mangos |
R 10,23 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-47.38 % |
R 19,44 |
||
|
Pears |
R 9,59 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
3.45 % |
R 9,27 |
||
|
Pineapples |
R 8,75 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-0.11 % |
R 8,76 |
||
|
Peaches |
R 29,25 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-20.92 % |
R 36,99 |
||
|
Lemons |
R 4,98 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
3.11 % |
R 4,83 |
||
|
Nectarines |
R 30,87 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-5.19 % |
R 32,56 |
||
|
Naartjies (Mandarins) |
R 7,99 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
1.01 % |
R 7,91 |
||
|
Blueberries |
R 43,35 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-12.69 % |
R 49,65 |
||
|
Grapefruits |
R 2,74 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-54.03 % |
R 5,96 |
||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Potatoes |
R 63,46 |
per 10Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-23.14 % |
R 82,57 |
||||
|
Tomatoes |
R 8,97 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-39.84 % |
R 14,91 |
||||
|
Carrots |
R 3,90 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-3.47 % |
R 4,04 |
||||
|
Onions |
R 139,38 |
per 10Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-5.31 % |
R 147,20 |
||||
|
Cabbage |
R 1,98 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-3.88 % |
R 2,06 |
||||
|
Garlic |
R 90,06 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
6.47 % |
R 84,59 |
||||
|
Spinach |
R 2,55 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-0.78 % |
R 2,57 |
||||
|
Sweet Potatoes |
R 7,82 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
4.55 % |
R 7,48 |
||||
|
Peppers |
R 12,70 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-15.39 % |
R 15,01 |
||||
|
Chillies |
R 6,18 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-19.22 % |
R 7,65 |
||||
|
Pumpkins |
R 4,51 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-6.43 % |
R 4,82 |
||||
|
Mushrooms |
R 58,63 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-24.06 % |
R 77,21 |
||||
|
Butternuts |
R 7,45 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-12.46 % |
R 8,51 |
||||
|
Green beans |
R 15,54 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-31.66 % |
R 22,74 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Sheep A2/3 |
R 112,38 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
0.56 % |
R 111,75 |
||||
|
Feeder Lamb (Dual Purpose) |
R 57,69 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
0.19 % |
R 57,58 |
||||
|
Sheep AB2/3 |
R 85,67 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-9.95 % |
R 95,14 |
||||
|
Sheep B2/3 |
R 83,75 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-0.89 % |
R 84,50 |
||||
|
Sheep C2/3 |
R 83,00 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-0.40 % |
R 83,33 |
||||
|
Wool 20 micron - Non RWS |
R 227,00 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-1.73 % |
R 231,00 |
||||
|
Wool 20 micron - RWS |
R 250,00 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-0.40 % |
R 251,00 |
||||
|
Mohair - Ave Non RWS |
R 388,76 |
per Kg |
2026-10-02 |
3.30 % |
R 376,35 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Beef A2/3 |
R 64,33 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-2.43 % |
R 65,93 |
||||
|
Weaners (200-250kg) |
R 51,67 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
0.68 % |
R 51,32 |
||||
|
Beef AB2/3 |
R 61,50 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-2.19 % |
R 62,88 |
||||
|
Beef B2/3 |
R 58,80 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-0.14 % |
R 58,88 |
||||
|
Beef C2/3 |
R 56,17 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
-2.31 % |
R 57,50 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Kids (under 30kg) |
R 72,50 |
per kg |
2026-10-16 |
-4.16 % |
R 75,65 |
||||
|
Medium (30-40kg) |
R 55,35 |
per kg |
2026-10-16 |
-13.33 % |
R 63,86 |
||||
|
Large (above 40kg) |
R 43,67 |
per kg |
2026-10-16 |
-17.34 % |
R 52,83 |
||||
|
Ewes (Goats) |
R 57,72 |
per kg |
2026-10-16 |
2.01 % |
R 56,58 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Poultry Frozen |
R 31,98 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
0.72 % |
R 31,75 |
||||
|
Poultry fresh |
R 35,03 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
0.03 % |
R 35,02 |
||||
|
Poultry IQF |
R 31,48 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
0.03 % |
R 31,47 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Pork Porkers |
R 31,84 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
1.95 % |
R 31,23 |
||||
|
Pork Baconers |
R 30,53 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
0.63 % |
R 30,34 |
||||
|
Pork Sausage |
R 24,34 |
per Kg |
2026-10-16 |
1.50 % |
R 23,98 |
||||

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