Weather conditions hit grain production
Farmer's Weekly|22 March 2024
Weather conditions have taken their toll on both the winter and summer grain regions, as well as other crops
Jyothi Laldas and Glenneis Kriel.
Weather conditions hit grain production

Recent weather conditions in South Africa have had a significant impact on grain producers with challenges piling up. The Crops Estimates Committee (CEC) has also recently revised the summer crop production estimate down by 13,48% year-on-year to 17,4 million tons.

According to Grain SA, the recent weather conditions that prevailed in the winter grain production regions and current conditions in the summer grain production regions have had a significant economic impact on grain producers.

The winter grain production season faced several challenges with excessive rain in certain areas resulting in losses in yields and placing financial pressure on producers in affected areas.

According to Tobias Doyer, Grain SA CEO, in stark contrast to the winter grain production regions, the summer grain production regions are currently experiencing major challenges with drought conditions.

“The extreme heat and dry conditions caused the harvest to deteriorate much faster than initially expected. We have seen large areas where the damage is already irreversible. [Even] irrigated maize is experiencing challenges due to load-shedding, as well as the heat conditions,” said Doyer.

He added that these challenges came at a time when the margins on crops such as maize were already low due to larger international supplies and global price pressures.

“This makes the recovery period of individual producers very difficult in challenging production conditions. impact of the drought and market conditions on grain producers. International competitors enjoy the benefits of subsidised, affordable comprehensive insurance, providing them with a competitive advantage. Similar local systems could have substantially supported South African producers, given the challenging production conditions.”

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة 22 March 2024 من Farmer's Weekly.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة 22 March 2024 من Farmer's Weekly.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من FARMER'S WEEKLY مشاهدة الكل
Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?
Farmer's Weekly

Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?

Archaeology of ancient graves containing horse skulls points to China's indigenous Jinjiang as a genetically unique breed, says Dr Mac.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 10, 2024
In it for the win and so much more
Farmer's Weekly

In it for the win and so much more

The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.

time-read
4 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7
Farmer's Weekly

Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7

It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 10, 2024
A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests
Farmer's Weekly

A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests

Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Changing the potential of your soil
Farmer's Weekly

Changing the potential of your soil

By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather. Glenneis Kriel reports.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 10, 2024
A smart farm springs up and empowers locals
Farmer's Weekly

A smart farm springs up and empowers locals

An experimental 'smart farm' is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng's only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in the future, writes Tanya Faber.

time-read
6 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows
Farmer's Weekly

Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows

Glenneis Kriel reports on the recent South African Cow Longevity Conference, where it was said that food security was the major concern at the moment.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation
Farmer's Weekly

Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation

Cost fluctuations are a concern, but the potato market stands firm, writes Glenneis Kriel.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle
Farmer's Weekly

Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle

However hard it hits the cattle owner to learn that there is unsuspected disease in their herd, it is to their advantage to know of it as soon as possible to prevent its further spread, as well as taking measures to eradicate the trouble where possible.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 10, 2024
SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy
Farmer's Weekly

SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy

South Africa's electricity crisis is the result of a series of failures over the past 30 years, says Mark Swilling, distinguished professor of Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 10, 2024