SA agriculture sees strong crop recovery, but livestock struggles persist amid FMD outbreak

SOUTH Africa's Agricultural Conditions Assessment Committee (ACAC) says the country’s farming outlook is showing strong signs of recovery across most crop and fruit sectors, but the livestock industry remains under severe strain due to the ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

In its third quarterly meeting for 2025 held earlier this week under the Department of Agriculture, the committee reported that while overall agricultural conditions are uneven, the balance remains tilted toward a positive growth trajectory.

“In field crops, the output is up from the 2023-24 season, boosted by the favourable rainfall and vast planting area," it said.

"For example, South Africa's 2024-25 summer grains and oilseed harvest is estimated at 19.94 million tons, a 28% year-on-year increase. This encompasses maize, soybeans, sunflower seed, sorghum, dry beans, and groundnuts.”