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Uncertainty looms over 2024/25 summer grain crop

Farmer's Weekly

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May 09, 2025

There are several uncertainties regarding the 2024/25 summer grain season of which producers and consumers need to be aware

- Dr Koos Coetzee

Uncertainty looms over 2024/25 summer grain crop

The 2024 season was a difficult one for summer grain and oilseed producers. The maize crop of 12,8 million tons was 22% lower than the 2023 crop, while the soya bean crop decreased by 33%, sunflower by 12%. However, more favourable rainfall in the spring of 2024 resulted in positive expectations for the 2024/25 season.

In January 2025, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecast a 15,3 million ton commercial maize crop. Since then, conditions have deteriorated.

In its first production forecast for the 2025 season, the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) forecast higher grain and oilseed crops for 2025 (see table), but significantly lower than the USDA estimate.

The expected yellow maize crop of 6,515 million tons is 4% less than the 2024 crop and 18% down on the 2023 crop. The country will have to import yellow maize to supply the domestic market.

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