South Africa -Weeklikse Landbou Nuusoorsig -  Weekly Agriculture News Summary  4th November  2026

South Africa -Weeklikse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Weekly Agriculture News Summary 4th November 2026

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TLU SA waarsku dat die Amerikaanse regering se besluit om Suid-Afrika se voorkeur toegang ingevolge die Wet op Groei en Geleenthede in Afrika (Agoa) te beëindig, verreikende gevolge vir die land se ekonomie, landbou en werksgeleenthede kan hê. Die verlies aan voorkeurtoegang tot die Amerikaanse mark gaan Suid-Afrikaanse uitvoerders se mededingendheid ernstig benadeel. Produkte wat voorheen onder Agoa teen gunstiger tariefvoorwaardes uitgevoer is, kan nou duurder en minder mededingend word. Dit plaas bestaande VSA-uitvoermarkte, asook Suid-Afrikaanse ondernemings en -werksgeleenthede onder druk.

More than 80 community food gardens from SA, Botswana and Namibia sold fresh spring produce directly to shoppers in Shoprite and Checkers stores during the retailer's annual Market Day.

South Africa's response to Foot and Mouth Disease is facing both operational and trust challenges, with farmers reporting ongoing infections, confusion around booster schedules and growing frustration over how the crisis is being managed.

Net toe SA se boorde op hul beste lyk, is uitvoermarkte onseker. AGOA loop tot Desember 2028, maar SA en Rwanda se kwalifisering vir 2027 is hersien en Dinsdagaand bevestig as uitgesluit. Minister Parks Tau sê die regering is voorberei en soek nuwe markte, maar gevestigde bande moet ook bewaar word.

The wine industry invests in training, but the real test is whether people become better at their jobs afterwards. Kachné Ross, People Development Manager at South Africa Wine, argues that a completed course or certificate is not the destination.

South Africa's participation in AGOA has limited macro impact but significant strategic and sectoral consequences.At the macro level, loss of preferences shaves only about 0.06% off GDP. Trade does not stop, as goods revert to standard WTO Most-Favoured-Nation rules with an average duty increase of only 3.4-3.5%, often offset by currency swings.

Speciality coffee is now a daily ritual for 48% of US adults, a record in the NCA Fall 2026 survey, while OIV estimates global wine consumption fell to 208m hectolitres in 2025, 14% below 2018. The author doesn't claim lattes replaced Chenin, but asks what wine can learn from coffee's ability to make people care about origin, craft and flavour, territory wine owned first.

The strained relationship between South Africa and the US has taken its toll – America has kicked South Africa out of AGOA.US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced on Monday night, 2 November, that South Africa and Rwanda will no longer enjoy the benefits of the preferential trade program from 1 January 2027.

The commercial slaughter of horses and donkeys is legal in South Africa under the Meat Safety Act of 2000, provided it occurs at registered abattoirs that meet strict requirements.

The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has described the announced intent to exclude South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as a serious blow to the citrus industry. CEO Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele noted that the trade has been mutually beneficial:

An international red meat economic workshop in Brussels in October highlighted how South Africa's management of foot-and-mouth disease affects its standing in global markets. RMIS CEO Dewald Olivier, who attended the International Meat Secretariat session, said SA's industry may be small but its actions are noticed.

High petrol and diesel prices in South Africa are forcing motorists to change how they buy fuel. According to Discovery Insure, fuel purchase volumes among its clients dropped by 33% in October after inland 95 unleaded petrol rose above R30 per litre for the first time.Drivers are buying smaller amounts more frequently.

South Africa's orchards are maturing as access to the US market under AGOA becomes uncertain. AGOA runs to December 2028, but South Africa's 2027 eligibility is under review with an outcome expected 2 November.

Maize planting intentions are forecast down 12.4% year-on-year to 2.39 million hectares, the smallest since 2018/19, driven by contractions in white maize areas of Free State and North West. Sunflower seed plantings are expected to jump 44.6% to a record 824,600 ha as farmers switch to its shorter cycle and drought tolerance amid a very strong El Niño.

Pressure is growing on government to review how petrol is priced, with the Automobile Association (AA) joining calls for a public review.The AA welcomed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's admission that fuel levies need to be phased out and the Road Accident Fund needs a new model, calling it "long overdue, but welcome.

South Africa's 2026/2027 stone fruit export season is expected to see overall volumes decline by 3% with a mixed performance across categories.Nectarine exports are projected to grow 9% to 13.81 million cartons (2.5kg equivalent) from 12.62 million last season, driven by a 28% increase in planted hectares over the past five years, mostly between 2021 and 2022.

A leading legal expert on free speech and constitutional law says a controversial chant calling for farmers to be killed is a clear-cut example of hate speech.

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South Africa -Weeklikse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Weekly Agriculture News Summary 28 October 2026

50 Key International Headline News Stories in Agriculture, Farming & Agritech
(Compiled around 4 November 2026)
  1. Strong El Niño intensifies, raising global crop yield risks for 2027
  2. US Midwest harvest slowed by widespread storms and heavy rain
  3. Smart farming technologies already profitable on 42% of world cropland
  4. AI agents emerge as the new digital agronomists on farms worldwide
  5. Cropin and Google Cloud launch OrbitAI, first agentic AI platform for food systems
  6. Chinese researchers unveil prime-editing tool ten times more effective in soybean and tomato
  7. CRISPR-edited cacao advances to field trials for black pod disease resistance
  8. CSIRO launches A$8 million programme to drought-proof Australian dryland farming
  9. Spelt wheat yields near-immune stripe rust gene discovery
  10. Gene discovery in squash could transform hybrid seed production
  11. Yngvi Bio develops protein-container biological pesticide targeting white grubs
  12. Ethiopia deploys AI tools to boost maize yields
  13. Transparent AI system diagnoses fruit diseases without large datasets
  14. Bayesian control improves precision in vertical farming operations
  15. Off-road agricultural robots gain advanced terrain-perception datasets
  16. Machine-readable manuals make tractors multilingual
  17. Bias in satellite crop maps found to skew food-policy accuracy
  18. OneSoil expands satellite analytics to identify nearly 30 crops
  19. Ecorobotix launches 10 new plant-detection models for precision spraying
  20. Sabanto expands autonomous farming into precision planting
  21. Kubota rolls out new autonomous solutions and specialty-crop tractor
  22. LOVOL launches hybrid ECVT tractor range (220–410 hp)
  23. Zoomlion introduces hybrid high-capacity harvester
  24. Pivot Bio’s gene-edited nitrogen biological Proven G3 goes commercial
  25. Farmwave AI cuts harvest grain losses by 3–8 bushels per acre
  26. Robotic beekeeping systems begin large-scale commercial rollout
  27. Heritable Agriculture uses AI to accelerate climate-resilient crop breeding
  28. Q3 2026 AgTech venture capital exceeds $2 billion
  29. US announces $573 million grants for eight new domestic fertiliser plants
  30. $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief programme launched for US farmers
  31. Potential US–Mexico deal could expand American ethanol exports by over 30%
  32. South Africa faces AGOA exclusion, threatening citrus and agricultural exports
  33. Ecuador banana exports defy early El Niño concerns
  34. Mexican avocado growers destroy fruit after seed weevil detection
  35. Colombian Caribbean banana production and exports slump
  36. India extends cotton import duty exemption amid tight supply
  37. Indian government doubles weekly wheat auctions to ease price pressure
  38. Food inflation rises in India on weak harvests and slow rabi sowing
  39. S&P Global warns of possible global food crisis in 2027 from fertiliser shortages and El Niño
  40. Fertilizer and fuel cost squeeze expected to hit food prices with lag into 2027
  41. US winter wheat crop rated only 44% good-to-excellent in first assessment
  42. Soybean harvest nears completion in major US producing regions
  43. Deere & Company recalls and hires 675 workers
  44. AI-powered crop insurance pilots field-level risk pricing
  45. Biologicals adoption rises, especially among specialty crop growers
  46. Generative AI used by 17% of surveyed farmers for daily decisions
  47. Regenerative agriculture gains traction across African farming systems
  48. Post-harvest loss reduction highlighted as major opportunity in Africa
  49. Vertical farming advances with sun-smart lighting systems in Greece
  50. Global farmer survey shows selective agtech spending amid economic pressure
These headlines reflect the dominant themes circulating in early November 2026: intensifying El Niño risks, rapid advances in AI and autonomous farm technology, fertiliser and input cost pressures, trade disruptions, and regional production challenges.
El Niño Report – Current Status as of 4 November 2026
Current Status:
El Niño Advisory remains in effect

A strong-to-very strong El Niño is present and continuing to intensify across the equatorial Pacific.
Key Indicators (latest available data)
  • Conventional weekly Niño-3.4 sea-surface temperature anomaly: approximately +3.4°C (week centred 28 October 2026) — well into “very strong” territory.
  • NOAA Relative Oceanic Niño Index (RONI) for July–September 2026: +1.7°C.
  • Atmospheric conditions (Southern Oscillation Index, wind and convection patterns) remain consistent with a mature and strengthening El Niño.
Forecast Outlook
  • High confidence that El Niño will persist through at least March–May 2027.
  • Strong-to-very strong conditions are favoured through January–March 2027 (greater than 83% probability).
  • Chance of a historic-strength event (three-month RONI of +2.5°C or higher):
    – 83% for October–December 2026
    – 70% for November 2026–January 2027
  • World Meteorological Organization multi-model guidance indicates peak anomalies could reach approximately +3.7°C to +3.8°C in the Niño-3.4 region during November 2026–January 2027, potentially making this one of the strongest events on record since at least 1950. Peak intensity is expected around late 2026 / early 2027.
Regional Implications (seasonal outlook)
  • Increased risk of drier-than-normal conditions across southern Africa, parts of Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
  • Higher likelihood of wetter conditions in parts of East Africa, the southern United States, and portions of South America.
  • Overall, elevated global temperatures and disrupted rainfall patterns are expected to affect agriculture, water resources and extreme-weather risks into 2027.
Summary
As of early November 2026, El Niño is firmly established at very strong levels and is still strengthening. Models and official agencies (NOAA CPC and WMO) indicate a high probability that this event will rank among the strongest on record, with major climatic impacts expected to continue well into 2027.
 

The Consequences of South Africa Being Pushed Out of AGOA – And Why Government Must Take Responsibility

South Africa's exclusion from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) from January 2027 will not collapse the economy overnight, but it will inflict deep, lasting damage where it hurts most: on farms, factories and working people. And the responsibility for that damage lies squarely with government.On paper, the macro numbers look small. National Treasury estimates show a direct GDP loss of only about 0.06%. Trade does not stop. South African goods will still enter the United States under WTO Most-Favoured-Nation rules, with an average duty increase of only 3.4% to 3.5%.
Only about 10% of our exports to the US, roughly $1.7 billion in 2025, relied on AGOA preferences.
That is just 1% of South Africa's total global exports.But that 1% is not abstract. It is jobs.What the 3.5% duty hike really meansAGOA was never about the size of the preference. It was about viability at the margin. For low-margin, high-volume industries, a 3-15% tariff is the difference between keeping a contract and losing shelf space forever.In the Western Cape, citrus, table grapes, wine and processed fruit lose duty-free status. Growers there face high MFN tariffs against competitors from Chile, Peru and Australia. Farmworkers and seasonal labourers will feel it first. In the wine industry, exports to the US have already fallen from $38m in 2023 to $23.8m to September 2026. Bulk wine exports are down 79% in 2025. Building a US market takes years of investment in importers and distributors. Once lost, it does not return.
In the Eastern Cape, vehicle and auto component factories face added light-vehicle duties.
Assembly plant margins are squeezed, supply chains are threatened, and employment in an already devastated manufacturing hub is at risk.For macadamia nuts, dried fruit, juices, organic chemicals, fabricated steel and aluminium, and especially clothing and footwear, AGOA made US exports possible. For apparel, the tariff jump from 0% to 15-30% makes direct export commercially unviable. Factories in less industrialised regions will close.
The Strategic Self-GoalThis was avoidable. AGOA is a unilateral US preference, but eligibility is tied to clear criteria: rule of law, market-based economy, protection of US trade and investment, and not acting contrary to US national security and foreign policy interests.Over the last three years, government chose a foreign policy trajectory that Washington repeatedly warned was incompatible with those criteria.
Closer alignment with Russia, China and Iran, the ICJ case against Israel, the grey-listing fallout from weak anti-corruption enforcement, expropriation rhetoric without clear property rights protections, and failure to address market access barriers for US poultry and pork – all were flagged.Instead of negotiating pragmatically, government adopted a posture of defiance. It treated AGOA as an entitlement, not a strategic asset. It failed to present a credible, SACU-aligned alternative trade proposal when the US asked for reciprocity.The consequences go beyond tariffs:Critical minerals leverage lost: The US desperately needs manganese, platinum and chrome for defence, tech and clean energy. AGOA gave South Africa leverage to negotiate value-added beneficiation deals. That leverage is now gone.600+ US firms at risk: More than 600 US companies use South Africa as a regional hub because of our financial and legal infrastructure. When trade preferences disappear, the business case for keeping that hub weakens.
China fills the vacuum: Every container that no longer goes to Long Beach will be redirected to Shanghai at a lower price. We are not diversifying, we are being downgraded from a preferential partner of the West to a price-taker for the East.Washington has the legal power to remove South Africa, but it is poor policy. It hurts US consumers, US miners and US strategy in Africa. Yet government gave Washington the political justification to do it.Trade policy is not about speeches at summits. It is about whether a packhouse worker in Citrusdal and an assembly line worker in Kariega keeps her job.On this, government failed. It had years of warnings, a 60-day notice period, and a simple task: protect market access for our most labour-intensive export sectors. It chose ideology over jobs. And farmers, farmworkers and factory workers will now pay the price for that choice.
Since 2020, Farmingportal and Agri News Net have worked to make their content AI-friendly, achieving a "ripping rate" of nearly 49%. This has increased their articles’ integration into the AI surge, utilized by service providers like Grok, ChatGPT, Meta, and Google. They’ve developed specialized articles to boost this rate, benefiting their advertisers. Our team is Professional,Trustable, committed with integrity and always on time. 40 years of real farming and media experience- WATCH OUT for a BRAND NEW SERVICE- We are a INDEPENDENT MEDIA HOUSE in Farming and Agriculture AL is part of 2026- WATCH OUT- 

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South Africa -Weeklikse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Weekly Agriculture News Summary 28 October 2026

Raisin News – South Africa | November 2026

South Africa’s raisin industry has closed the 2025/26 season on a strong note, with final intake confirmed at approximately 101,087 tonnes. This marks a solid recovery and near-record volume after earlier mid-season downward revisions caused by downy mildew pressure, heatwaves and localised weather challenges. The Northern Cape (mainly the Orange River Valley) continues to dominate production, accounting for the large majority of output, followed by the Western Cape’s Olifants River region.Export performance remains positive.
In August 2026 South Africa shipped 5.9 thousand tonnes of raisins (down 8% from July), bringing cumulative exports since January to more than 47 thousand tonnes — a 4% year-on-year increase. More than 90% of the national crop is typically exported. Key markets include Europe (especially Germany, which values the low-residue profile), the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and other destinations.South African raisins continue to command a quality premium in global markets. While Turkish bulk prices have softened significantly amid higher volumes, South African product is reported to achieve around US$2,900 per tonne, supported by naturally sun-dried fruit, low-to-no pesticide residues, distinctive colour and flavour, and strong traceability systems.
Industry body Raisins South Africa has reinforced residue-management and crop-protection programmes for the 2026/27 season to protect this competitive edge.A notable land-reform success story highlighted in October involved the community-owned Elmboog Organiese Boerdery in Onseepkans (Northern Cape). The organic raisin operation, owned by 114 local beneficiaries, has grown revenue from R7.9 million in 2022/23 to R17.4 million in 2024/25, increased production substantially, and created more than 360 permanent and seasonal jobs while supplying processors for export markets (including global buyers).Raisins South Africa participated in SIAL Paris (17–21 October 2026) to promote the industry and support market development.
The organisation continues to emphasise sustainability, block-level production data, and buyer confidence through traceability.Trade risks remain under discussion. Raisins are among the agricultural products (alongside citrus, wine, table grapes and nuts) that could face reduced competitiveness if South Africa loses preferential access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Industry observers note the need for both quality maintenance and market diversification.Overall, the sector enters the new season with a solid production base, established quality reputation, and ongoing efforts to expand international demand, while monitoring weather, input costs and trade-policy developments.
El Niño Report – Current Status as of 4 November 2026
Current Status:
El Niño Advisory remains in effect

A strong-to-very strong El Niño is present and continuing to intensify across the equatorial Pacific.
Key Indicators (latest available data)
  • Conventional weekly Niño-3.4 sea-surface temperature anomaly: approximately +3.4°C (week centred 28 October 2026) — well into “very strong” territory.
  • NOAA Relative Oceanic Niño Index (RONI) for July–September 2026: +1.7°C.
  • Atmospheric conditions (Southern Oscillation Index, wind and convection patterns) remain consistent with a mature and strengthening El Niño.
Forecast Outlook
  • High confidence that El Niño will persist through at least March–May 2027.
  • Strong-to-very strong conditions are favoured through January–March 2027 (greater than 83% probability).
  • Chance of a historic-strength event (three-month RONI of +2.5°C or higher):
    – 83% for October–December 2026
    – 70% for November 2026–January 2027
  • World Meteorological Organization multi-model guidance indicates peak anomalies could reach approximately +3.7°C to +3.8°C in the Niño-3.4 region during November 2026–January 2027, potentially making this one of the strongest events on record since at least 1950. Peak intensity is expected around late 2026 / early 2027.
Regional Implications (seasonal outlook)
  • Increased risk of drier-than-normal conditions across southern Africa, parts of Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
  • Higher likelihood of wetter conditions in parts of East Africa, the southern United States, and portions of South America.
  • Overall, elevated global temperatures and disrupted rainfall patterns are expected to affect agriculture, water resources and extreme-weather risks into 2027.
Summary
As of early November 2026, El Niño is firmly established at very strong levels and is still strengthening. Models and official agencies (NOAA CPC and WMO) indicate a high probability that this event will rank among the strongest on record, with major climatic impacts expected to continue well into 2027.
 

World Wine News – South Africa
November 2026 Overview
Industry
Pressures and Strategic Shifts
The South African wine sector continues to face soft demand, margin pressure and declining volumes. Exports in 2025 fell 13.8% in volume to about 264 million litres, though value declined more moderately (around 4.7% to R9.8 billion). Bulk wine drove most of the volume drop. The UK remains the largest market (roughly 22–25% of exports), while shipments to the United States have been hit hard by earlier tariffs. Local consumption still accounts for about 60% of production.
Heineken Strategic Review
In late October 2026 Heineken confirmed that its South African wine business is under strategic review. Brands including Nederburg and JC Le Roux are included. The company stated that wine remains a drag on its portfolio while beer and ready-to-drink products are performing strongly. No sale has been announced, but the review has added uncertainty for an industry already under strain.
China Opportunity Delayed
China’s provisional zero-tariff policy for South African wine (in effect until May 2028) initially raised hopes, but administrative bottlenecks in South Africa have slowed shipments since the first tariff-free clearances in May 2026. Some producers are still preparing entry plans.
2027 Harvest Outlook
Early vineyard conditions for the 2027 season look promising. Healthy vine reserves, generally adequate water (many irrigation dams full after September rains) and good fruitfulness point to solid production potential following the 2026 harvest of approximately 1.37 million tonnes. Industry leaders stress that success will depend on aligning production with market demand and prioritising value over volume.
Market Focus
Wines of South Africa is targeting UK retail growth through premium wines, sparkling and lighter styles. Producers are also expanding efforts in African markets such as Kenya, where value growth is outpacing volume.
Overall, the industry is navigating a difficult commercial environment while preparing for a potentially strong 2027 crop and seeking higher-value export opportunities.


Wildlife, Hunting and Game News – South Africa and International

November 2026 Overview 
South Africa Constitutional Court Upholds Animal Well-Being Provisions

On 9 October 2026 the Constitutional Court unanimously dismissed a challenge by the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association against “well-being” provisions in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. The Court ruled primarily on the grounds of unreasonable delay rather than the substantive merits. The definition of animal well-being (covering physical, physiological and mental health) remains in force and must be considered in wildlife management decisions, including hunting, translocation and population control.
Illegal Hunting and Poaching Cases
In late October, police in Limpopo arrested a 34-year-old Zimbabwean national, Gift Duba, in connection with the alleged illegal hunting of two sable antelope valued at R44,000 near Groblersdal. Officers found carcasses and strips of meat drying in trees for biltong. He faces charges of illegal hunting, possession of game meat and immigration offences.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease at Addo Elephant National Park
Foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park (Eastern Cape). SANParks estimates 5–10% of the kudu population may be affected, mainly older animals. The outbreak raises concerns about quarantine measures that could disrupt planned game sales and auctions, an important revenue source for the park. Neighbouring livestock farmers have expressed frustration over communication and containment.
Lion Bone Export Quotas
On 29 October the Gauteng High Court ruled that the Minister has a legal duty to determine and publish annual export quotas for captive-bred lion derivatives under CITES obligations. Failure to set quotas for 2024 and 2025 was declared unlawful. The judgment does not set a specific quota number but requires a lawful process going forward.
Game Capture Season
The mass game capture season has closed for 2026. Industry operators continue to offer sales, transport and related wildlife services.
InternationalCBD COP17 in Armenia Concludes
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP17 in Yerevan (late October–early November 2026) ended with the “Yerevan Pathway,” a plan to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework targets. Countries reaffirmed commitments to protect 30% of land and sea, but financing gaps remain a major concern. New pledges of nearly $2 billion were announced, though implementation is still lagging.
CITES Standing Committee
The 81st CITES Standing Committee meeting is underway in Geneva (2–6 November 2026), focusing on implementation of decisions from CoP20, including issues related to elephants, rhinos, Asian big cats and other species affected by illegal trade.
Overall, South African news in this period centres on legal challenges to welfare provisions, disease management in parks, poaching enforcement and regulated sustainable-use issues, while the international focus remains on accelerating global biodiversity action and closing funding gaps.

Farming and Agriculture Functions, Farming Days & Gatherings

Around 4 November 2026
Ongoing / Immediate (Early November)31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference – Cape Town
3–4 November 2026 (main sessions around this period)

Century City / Cape Town area.

Major international gathering of agricultural leaders, young farmers and stakeholders from across the Commonwealth. Focus on leadership, sustainability, climate resilience and the future of agriculture.
Dr Johann Rupert delivered a keynote. Western Cape Agriculture MEC Dr Ivan Meyer and other speakers addressed delegates.
The Princess Royal (Princess Anne), as President of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, is attending and participating in related engagements, including a visit to a Western Cape stud farm regarding the UK–South Africa horse trade protocol.
Swellendam Christmas Auction
3 November 2026, from 11:00
Swellendam Showgrounds, Western Cape.

Livestock auction.
Upcoming in Mid-NovemberFree State Agri 5 Expo 2026
12–13 November 2026
Bloem Show Grounds, Bloemfontein.

Targets commercial and emerging farmers with a strong focus on agri-processing, value addition, market access and industry networking. Final provincial edition for 2026.
Ficksburg Cherry Festival 2026
11–13 November 2026
Ficksburg Showgrounds and surrounding farms, Free State.

South Africa’s oldest crop festival, combining agricultural displays with tourism and local produce.
Other Nearby / Related EventsBarrydale in Bloom 2026
6–8 November 2026
Barrydale, Western Cape (Klein Karoo).

Includes an agricultural day focused on olive farming (Friday 6 November), open gardens, market stalls, talks and workshops. Charity fundraising event with a farming component.
Outdoor & Adventure Expo Grabouw
6–8 November 2026
Elgin Grabouw Sport Club grounds.
Primarily outdoor lifestyle and adventure-focused, but relevant for rural and farm-related equipment, vehicles and lifestyle interests.
Notes
  • Local farmers’ days, information sessions and smaller auctions continue to take place across provinces but are often announced closer to the date via provincial agricultural unions, commodity organisations or local media.
  • For the most accurate and up-to-date local listings, check Food For Mzansi’s weekly agri events roundup, provincial agricultural department notices, Grain SA, Agri SA affiliates, and show society websites.
This covers the main publicly listed farming and agriculture-related functions and gatherings clustered around 4 November 2026 in South Africa.
South African Weather Forecast – Wednesday, 4 November 2026
General Outlook
Unsettled conditions continue over much of the interior, with showers and thundershowers expected in several provinces. The Western Cape remains mostly milder and drier compared with the Highveld and eastern regions. Temperatures are generally warm to hot inland.
Provincial Highlights
Gauteng
Johannesburg: Showers and thundershowers, high around 32°C, low 18°C. Light northerly winds.
Similar conditions across Pretoria and surrounding areas, with a chance of afternoon storms.
Western Cape
Cape Town: Partly cloudy, high around 24°C, low 14°C. Westerly winds around 10 km/h. Milder and largely dry compared with the interior.
Free State, North West, Mpumalanga & Limpopo
Hot with scattered showers and thundershowers. Highs generally in the low-to-mid 30s°C in many areas. Isolated severe storms remain possible in parts of Mpumalanga and the eastern Highveld.
KwaZulu-Natal
Warm and humid with a risk of showers or thundershowers, especially inland and in the north.
Eastern Cape & Northern Cape
Variable cloud with a chance of showers in places. Hotter conditions expected in the Northern Cape interior.
Notes
  • Afternoon and evening storms are the main feature over the central and eastern interior.
  • Fire danger remains elevated in some northern and north-eastern areas following recent dry conditions.
  • Always check the latest South African Weather Service (SAWS) updates or local forecasts for real-time warnings, as thunderstorm intensity can change quickly.
Temperatures and conditions can vary locally — for precise details in your area, refer to SAWS or a trusted local weather app.
SOUTH AFRICA’S FOOD INDUSTRY | FARM-TO-FORK OUTLOOK AND FOOD PRICES
November 2026
Food Price Snapshot
Food inflation remains low by recent standards. In September 2026, food and non-alcoholic beverages rose only 1.2% year-on-year (and edged down 0.1% month-on-month), well below headline CPI of around 4.5%.
Key trends:
  • Maize meal was 8.6% cheaper than a year earlier.
  • Cereal products overall declined 1.9%.
  • Fruit and nuts fell 4.8%.
  • Meat inflation was subdued at about 0.7%.
  • Fish and seafood rose sharply (+8%).
  • Fresh vegetables showed mixed but recent downward pressure (potatoes, tomatoes and some other lines eased in late October as supply increased).
The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group’s October 2026 Household Affordability Index put a typical low-income basket of 44 foods at roughly R5,512 — up only R24 from September and about 1.3% year-on-year. Core staples (maize meal, rice, flour, bread, potatoes, onions, chicken, sugar) still make up more than half the basket and rose faster than the overall average in some cases. Onions, potatoes and tomatoes remained notably more expensive than a year earlier despite recent soft spots.Transport and fuel costs continue to outweigh food inflation as the bigger pressure on household budgets.Farm-to-Fork Outlook
South Africa’s agricultural sector remains resilient and export-oriented. In Q2 2026 it recorded a trade surplus of US$2.14 billion (up 11.6% year-on-year), with total agricultural exports at US$4.12 billion. Horticulture (especially citrus) dominated exports.
Positive factors:
  • Strong carry-over grain stocks from previous seasons.
  • Improved yields in key crops through better genetics and precision practices.
  • Diversifying export markets (strong growth to Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and China under zero-tariff access).
Challenges:
  • Foot-and-mouth disease continues to disrupt the red-meat value chain and block some export markets.
  • High input costs (fuel, fertiliser) and logistics inefficiencies.
  • Climate risks, including the developing El Niño influence on the 2026/27 summer season, prompting some farmers to shift area from maize toward more drought-tolerant sunflower.
  • Long-term climate change may require shifts in suitable production zones for maize, citrus and other commodities.
Broader Industry Picture
The food system is characterised by low consumer-price inflation for many staples, supporting household affordability, while producers face tight margins and biosecurity pressures. Value-chain collaboration (especially in red meat and poultry) and export growth remain strategic priorities. Agro-processing and market access for smaller producers are repeatedly highlighted as ways to improve both rural incomes and national food security.
Overall, the farm-to-fork chain is delivering relatively stable retail food prices in late 2026, underpinned by good previous harvests and competitive production, but remains exposed to weather, animal health and logistics risks heading into the new season.

 

AMT

Product Name

Price

Quantity Type

Date

Change

Previous Price

White maize

R 3 824,00

per Ton

2026-11-03

-0.68 %

R 3 850,00

Yellow maize

R 3 484,80

per Ton

2026-11-03

-7.81 %

R 3 780,00

Soybeans

R 9 005,00

per Ton

2026-11-03

-0.55 %

R 9 055,00

Sunflower seed

R 10 330,00

per Ton

2026-11-03

-0.67 %

R 10 400,00

Wheat

R 5 870,00

per Ton

2026-11-03

-0.12 %

R 5 877,00

Sorghum (IPP)

R 5 577,00

per Ton

2026-10-30

0.05 %

R 5 574,00

Groundnuts (IPP Randfontein))

R 23 671,00

per Ton

2026-10-30

0.68 %

R 23 512,00

Cotton (IPP)

R 11 150,00

per Ton

2026-10-30

0.00 %

R 11 150,00

Soy Meal (US derived price)

R 11 524,00

per Ton

2026-10-30

0.75 %

R 11 438,00

Chop

R 3 700,00

per Ton

2026-10-30

2.78 %

R 3 600,00

Lusern (Grade 1)

R 3 400,00

per Ton

2026-10-30

0.00 %

R 3 400,00

Product Name

Price

Quantity Type

Date

Change

Previous Price

Bananas

R 8,65

per Kg

2026-10-30

-0.57 %

R 8,70

Apples

R 11,11

per Kg

2026-10-30

0.18 %

R 11,09

Oranges

R 3,54

per Kg

2026-10-30

5.67 %

R 3,35

Avocados

R 19,75

per Kg

2026-10-30

-3.14 %

R 20,39

Grapes

R 106,11

per Kg

2026-10-30

16.59 %

R 91,01

Mangos

R 13,14

per Kg

2026-10-30

10.14 %

R 11,93

Pears

R 10,90

per Kg

2026-10-30

8.67 %

R 10,03

Pineapples

R 9,08

per Kg

2026-10-30

4.37 %

R 8,70

Peaches

R 25,00

per Kg

2026-10-30

-7.58 %

R 27,05

Lemons

R 4,38

per Kg

2026-10-30

-7.20 %

R 4,72

Nectarines

R 25,94

per Kg

2026-10-30

-3.10 %

R 26,77

Naartjies (Mandarins)

R 6,59

per Kg

2026-10-30

-13.52 %

R 7,62

Blueberries

R 40,45

per Kg

2026-10-30

17.79 %

R 34,34

Grapefruits

R 6,18

per Kg

2026-10-30

67.03 %

R 3,70

 

Product Name

Price

Quantity Type

Date

Change

Previous Price

Potatoes

R 55,18

per 10Kg

2026-10-30

8.69 %

R 50,77

Tomatoes

R 8,00

per Kg

2026-10-30

3.23 %

R 7,75

Carrots

R 4,00

per Kg

2026-10-30

15.61 %

R 3,46

Onions

R 102,57

per 10Kg

2026-10-30

-10.40 %

R 114,47

Cabbage

R 2,47

per Kg

2026-10-30

18.75 %

R 2,08

Garlic

R 82,51

per Kg

2026-10-30

-6.50 %

R 88,25

Spinach

R 3,34

per Kg

2026-10-30

11.71 %

R 2,99

Sweet Potatoes

R 7,17

per Kg

2026-10-30

0.14 %

R 7,16

Peppers

R 12,04

per Kg

2026-10-30

10.76 %

R 10,87

Chillies

R 6,20

per Kg

2026-10-30

22.53 %

R 5,06

Pumpkins

R 2,90

per Kg

2026-10-30

-16.91 %

R 3,49

Mushrooms

R 56,70

per Kg

2026-10-30

-21.40 %

R 72,14

Butternuts

R 5,41

per Kg

2026-10-30

-7.99 %

R 5,88

Green beans

R 11,52

per Kg

2026-10-30

4.54 %

R 11,02

Product Name

Price

Quantity Type

Date

Change

Previous Price

Sheep A2/3

R 111,30

per Kg

2026-10-30

-0.30 %

R 111,64

Feeder Lamb (Dual Purpose)

R 56,41

per Kg

2026-10-30

-1.67 %

R 57,37

Sheep AB2/3

R 95,38

per Kg

2026-10-30

0.00 %

R 95,38

Sheep B2/3

R 83,75

per Kg

2026-10-30

-0.89 %

R 84,50

Sheep C2/3

R 82,00

per Kg

2026-10-30

-1.55 %

R 83,29

Wool 20 micron - Non RWS

R 217,00

per Kg

2026-10-30

-1.36 %

R 220,00

Wool 20 micron - RWS

R 236,00

per Kg

2026-10-30

-2.07 %

R 241,00

Mohair - Ave Non RWS

R 368,40

per Kg

2026-10-23

-5.24 %

R 388,76

 

Product Name

Price

Quantity Type

Date

Change

Previous Price

Beef A2/3

R 65,50

per Kg

2026-10-30

1.21 %

R 64,72

Weaners (200-250kg)

R 48,45

per Kg

2026-10-30

-5.32 %

R 51,17

Beef AB2/3

R 61,25

per Kg

2026-10-30

-1.91 %

R 62,44

Beef B2/3

R 59,25

per Kg

2026-10-30

1.91 %

R 58,14

Beef C2/3

R 58,60

per Kg

2026-10-30

2.92 %

R 56,94

Product Name

Price

Quantity Type

Date

Change

Previous Price

Kids (under 30kg)

R 62,94

per kg

2026-10-30

-0.77 %

R 63,43

Medium (30-40kg)

R 57,92

per kg

2026-10-30

-2.97 %

R 59,69

Large (above 40kg)

R 48,11

per kg

2026-10-30

0.90 %

R 47,68

Ewes (Goats)

R 45,29

per kg

2026-10-30

-11.78 %

R 51,34

 

Product Name

Price

Quantity Type

Date

Change

Previous Price

Poultry Frozen

R 32,55

per Kg

2026-10-30

0.59 %

R 32,36

Poultry fresh

R 36,06

per Kg

2026-10-30

0.61 %

R 35,84

Poultry IQF

R 32,51

per Kg

2026-10-30

0.68 %

R 32,29

Product Name

Price

Quantity Type

Date

Change

Previous Price

Pork Porkers

R 32,13

per Kg

2026-10-30

0.22 %

R 32,06

Pork Baconers

R 31,23

per Kg

2026-10-30

1.26 %

R 30,84

Pork Sausage

R 24,76

per Kg

2026-10-30

0.86 %

R 24,55


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