Summer crop plantings rise as farmers expand maize and oilseed area

SOUTH African farmers have expanded plantings of key summer crops for the 2025/26 season, with early estimates pointing to growth in maize, soybeans and sunflower seed, according to the latest report from the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC).

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

CROP Estimates Committee (CEC) latest report revealed that it expects an increase in area plantings of summer crops. Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) have welcomed the findings of the report.

(SUPPLIED)

The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has welcomed the findings, saying they align with earlier signals from producers.

The CEC’s preliminary area estimate for maize stands at 2.674 million hectares, which is 2.98% (77 500 ha) more than the 2.597 million hectares planted last season. This is also slightly above the intended planting figure of 2.666 million hectares released in October 2025.

White maize plantings are estimated at 1.644 million hectares, up 2.78% (44 500 ha) from 1.600 million hectares last season. Yellow maize area is projected at 1.030 million hectares, a 3.31% (33 000 ha) increase from the 997 000 hectares planted previously.