Tough year looms but support for sector bodes well

Role players are committed to supporting local production, Jyothi Laldas reports.

- BAR;EY

Despite a positive picture of South Africa’s winter crop harvest, the barley sector had a challenging year, even more so during harvest time. According to Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo, the primary issue on farmers’ minds was likely not the crop size but the deterioration in quality after heavy floods in the Western Cape in September.

“The Western Cape is a significant producer of winter crops, accounting for roughly two-thirds of South Africa’s total winter crop output. Regarding barley, the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) lowered its production forecasts by 5% from last month to 360 220t. The recent floods damaged the [barley] crops more than wheat and canola. Notably, there are reportedly quality issues in barley, and the extent of it will be clear in the coming weeks.”

The latest CEC report said the production forecast for barley was less than the previous month’s the expected yield is 3,35t/ha. Grain SA vice-chairperson Richard Krige said late rains caused the barley kernels to burst, influencing grading and the ability to make malting grade.