South Africa

Harvesting of main season cereal crops began in April. According to the third production forecast from the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC), maize output is projected at 16,835 million tonnes, which is 8% above the 5-year average. This favorable outcome is supported by the generally average to above-average rainfall received throughout the 2025/2026 agricultural season, resulting in overall good crop biomass conditions. Similarly, pastoral biomass has benefited from good cumulative rainfall between October 2025 and mid-April 2026; consequently, favourable rangeland conditions and water availability are expected to support livestock health. Planting of winter cereal crops is currently underway in the Cape region and is expected to conclude in June. Average rainfall over the past month is expected to support crop establishment. The CEC will release the preliminary area estimates for 2026 winter crops on 28 July 2026. However, according to FAO GIEWS (22/04/2026), wheat planting is expected to be modestly scaled back in 2026 due to a combination of forecasted dry, warm weather in the key Western Cape province and rising production costs, particularly for fuel and fertilizers.