Small holder South African Farmers will likely harvest 13.2m tonnes of maize this year. This is approximately 2% higher than the previous estimate that was released in May, earlier on this year.
However, the yield will still 21% lower than last year’s crop. 2017’s set the record as the highest yet produced in SA at 16.82m tonnes. This is according to the crop estimates committee. Furthermore, rain prices have been relatively stable after falling sharply last year as a result of the large harvest and a stronger rand.
Free State, Mpumalanga and North West are expected to produce 82% of the maize, which is used predominantly as an input in food production. Production for white maize is estimated at 6.880m tonnes. This is approximately 2.67% more than what was estimated in May. On the other hand, yellow maize is forecast at 6.327m tonnes. This is also up 2% from the prior estimate.
Meanwhile, the output for soybeans is projected to be the largest on record. This is with a staggering 1.551m tonnes. The amount, like the rest, is also up 8.42% on the previous forecast. Sunflower held steady at 792,225 tonnes. According to media reports, SA is projected to consume about 10.8m tonnes in the 2018-19 marketing season that started in May.
