Farmer's Weekly reports this was according to Du Toit Wessels, assistant manager of marketing and Nampo at Grain SA. He says Grain SA was pinning its hopes on the lifting of the state of emergency because this was of vital importance, as Nampo exhibitors had made it clear that it was not worth their while to take part in such an event if fewer than 10 000 visitors a day were allowed to attend. The showgrounds have the capacity to accommodate 30 000 visitors. He added the number of international exhibitors had declined somewhat from the 2019 event, but the available space had been rapidly filled by local participants.

The start of South Africa's 2021/22 summer crop production season was challenging for farmers and agricultural role players, because of excessive rains which delayed planting in various regions and threatened crop yield prospects. But the past few weeks were calm with reasonably warm weather conditions in much of the country, supporting crops and easing concerns about the possibility of smaller yields due to excessive soil moisture. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, says the data released by the Crop Estimates Committee last week underscores an optimistic view of crop conditions. Sihlobo further says that the 2021/22 soybean crop is estimated at 1,8 million tonnes, down by 4% y/y, and the second-largest harvest on record. The expansion in area planting, combined with expected better yields in some regions, are the major factors behind these expected relatively large harvests.

AND

There has been a drop in pork prices in South Africa due to a number of market disruptions. According to Janine Ryan, editor of Farmer's Weekly, the South African Pork Producers Organisation (SAPPO) says between 1 January and 3 February this year, pork prices fell from an average of R28,39/kg to R24,54/kg.

OFM News