Maize crop forecast rises as farmers welcome promising outlook for 2025

THE Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) has revealed a brighter outlook for South Africa's maize farmers, forecasting a commercial maize crop of 14.664 million tons for 2025.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

This represents a significant increase of 0.72%-or 105 200 tons-over the previous estimate of 14.559 million tons.

Farmers and agricultural experts alike are heralding this news as a positive sign for the sector, noting the forecasted crop's 14.12% leap compared to the 2024 harvest, which amounted to 1.814 million tons more.

According to the CEC's findings, the yield is set at 5.65 tons per hectare, with the three primary maize-producing regions-Free State, Mpumalanga, and North West-projected to contribute 81% of the total 2025 crop.

The report breaks down the maize production further, estimating that white maize will account for 7.757 million tons, a gain of 0.80% or 61 500 tons from earlier forecasts, while yellow maize is expected to reach 6.907 million tons, marking a 0.64% or 43 700 tons uplift.