Weeklikse Afrikaanse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Die Afrikaanse/Engelse Nuus is die afgelope paar dae op AGRI NEWS NET geplaas, saam met nog ander artikels.
John Steenhuisen’s term as Minister of Agriculture has come to an end. He is being replaced by Willie Aucamp as the new Minister of Agriculture. David Maynier, currently the Western Cape MEC for Education, will take over Aucamp’s position as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The changes were proposed by DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis to President Cyril Ramaphosa. Steenhuisen is expected to be appointed as Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.Steenhuisen’s time in the agriculture portfolio was controversial, especially due to his handling of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis. A recent incident where his chief of staff, Jana le Roux, insulted the lobby group FMD Response SA drew further criticism.The changes are expected to be officially confirmed later this week.
Agriculture around the world is being shaped by a combination of disease outbreaks, climate events, changing markets, rising costs, and global political developments. Recent events in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East highlight just how interconnected modern farming has become.
One of the most important lessons comes from efforts to control foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). A new vaccination strategy introduced elsewhere in Africa focuses on vaccinating all susceptible animals within a defined period and repeating the process every six months. The approach is based on a simple biological principle: disease control depends not on the total number of vaccinations administered over a year, but on how many animals are protected at the same time. By creating a broad wall of immunity across cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs simultaneously, the virus has fewer opportunities to spread. This approach offers valuable lessons for countries still struggling to contain recurring outbreaks.
At the same time, extreme weather is becoming an increasingly costly challenge. Severe storms and flooding recently caused billions of rand in damage to infrastructure and agriculture in South Africa. Roads, bridges, farms, and rural communities suffered significant losses, creating financial pressure on government budgets already under strain. The growing frequency of extreme weather events is forcing policymakers to rethink how infrastructure is designed, with greater emphasis on resilience and long-term adaptation rather than simply rebuilding what was damaged.
The pressures facing agriculture are not limited to Africa. In Great Britain, the dairy industry continues to consolidate as smaller producers leave the sector due to rising costs, lower margins, and economic uncertainty. While the number of dairy farms continues to decline, the remaining operations are becoming larger and more efficient, producing greater volumes of milk per farm. This trend reflects a broader global shift toward fewer but larger agricultural enterprises.
Global politics also continue to influence farming profitability. Developments in the Middle East have created renewed optimism that fertiliser and fuel prices could ease if trade routes remain open and regional stability improves. For South African farmers, this could not come at a better time, as fertiliser and fuel remain among the largest production costs for grain, oilseed, and sugarcane producers. Lower input costs would provide welcome relief ahead of the next planting season.
The reopening of key trade routes would also benefit agricultural exports. The Middle East remains an important market for many South African products, including citrus, grapes, apples, pears, beef, nuts, and maize. Improved trade conditions could help maintain the strong export momentum achieved in recent years.
Taken together, these developments highlight a new reality for agriculture. Success increasingly depends on effective disease management, climate resilience, operational efficiency, and the ability to adapt to global economic and political changes. Farmers today must navigate far more than what happens on their farms. They are operating in a world where animal health, weather patterns, international trade, and geopolitical events can all influence profitability and sustainability.
Despite these challenges, agriculture remains one of the most resilient sectors of the economy. The farmers and agribusinesses that embrace innovation, improve efficiency, and adapt to changing conditions will be best positioned to thrive in the years ahead.
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South Africa -Weeklikse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Weekly Agriculture News Summary 10th June 2026
- Strait of Hormuz Set to Reopen Within Days After US-Iran Ceasefire – Fertiliser and fuel prices expected to ease gradually.
- South Africa’s 2025/26 Maize Harvest Reaches Record 17.1 Million Tonnes despite delayed harvesting.
- Foot-and-Mouth Disease Cases Surge to 620 in Free State – Movement controls tightened.
- Global Fertiliser Prices Remain 50% Higher Year-on-Year as supply chain recovery lags.
- El Niño 2026/27 Outlook Worsens – Southern Africa, Australia and parts of Asia brace for drier conditions.
- EU Approves New Gene-Editing Rules for Climate-Resilient Crops.
- Brazil’s Soybean Crop Forecast Raised Again as weather improves in key states.
- China’s Pork Prices Spike amid African Swine Fever resurgence in several provinces.
- India Bans Wheat Exports until further notice due to domestic heatwave concerns.
- Vertical Farming Startup Raises $450m for new facilities in Middle East and Singapore.
- Record Raisin Production in South Africa despite weather challenges in Orange River.
- Ukraine Grain Exports Drop 18% due to Black Sea logistics issues.
- New Drought-Resistant Wheat Variety Launched in Australia.
- US Ethanol Demand Surges as biofuel blending targets increase.
- Netherlands to Phase Out 30% of Greenhouse Horticulture Area by 2035.
- Precision Agriculture AI Tool Predicts Pest Outbreaks with 87% Accuracy.
- Argentina’s Corn Planting Delayed by excessive rainfall in Pampas region.
- Global Cocoa Prices Ease Slightly after Ivory Coast and Ghana reach supply deal.
- Japan and South Korea Secure Alternative Oil Routes ahead of Hormuz reopening.
- Kenya Launches Massive Avocado Export Expansion Programme.
- South African Lucerne Prices Stabilise after strong 2025/26 production.
- New Zealand Dairy Farmers Face Tough Season with falling milk solids prices.
- Drone Spraying Regulations Eased in Canada and USA.
- Russia-Ukraine Grain Corridor Talks Stall Again.
- Lab-Grown Meat Approved for Sale in Two More Asian Countries.
- Egypt Faces Severe Wheat Shortage as Nile water levels drop.
- Vietnam’s Rice Exports Hit Record High in first half of 2026.
- Carbon Credit Scheme for Regenerative Farming Expands Across Europe.
- Madagascar Vanilla Production Crashes due to cyclone damage.
- Autonomous Tractor Sales Surge 42% Globally.
- Namibia Braces for Rare Heavy Winter Rains and Freezing Conditions in southern regions.
- Palm Oil Prices Climb on strong demand from India and China.
- Israel Develops Salt-Tolerant Crop Varieties for arid regions.
- Mexico’s Avocado Industry Hit by Cartel-Related Violence.
- UK Post-Brexit Farm Subsidy Reform Faces Strong Backlash.
- Algeria Signs Major Wheat Import Deal with France and Romania.
- Agritech Funding Reaches $11.4 Billion in first half of 2026.
- Thailand Bans New Pig Farms to control disease spread.
- South African Citrus Exports to Middle East Resume Slowly after Hormuz disruptions.
- Satellite Data Shows Record Deforestation in Brazilian Amazon for 2026 so far.
- Potato Late Blight Resistant Gene-Edited Variety Approved in Ireland.
- Global Sugar Prices Volatile after major Indian production revision.
- Chilean Blueberry Season Starts Strong with high export volumes.
- US Farmers Sue Over New Environmental Regulations.
- Robotic Harvesting Trials Successful in California Strawberry Fields.
- Zambia Aims for Maize Export Surplus in 2026/27 season.
- Water Scarcity Forces Spain to Reduce Rice Planting by 25%.
- New Zealand and Australia Launch Joint Agritech Research Centre.
- Coffee Prices Surge as Vietnam reports lower-than-expected harvest.
- FAO Warns Global Food Price Inflation Risk Rising Again due to geopolitical and climate factors.
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15 Best South Africa News Podcasts
Uganda’s new foot-and-mouth disease strategy deserves attention because it starts from the biology of the virus, not just activity. The key to control is not how many animals are vaccinated over a year, but how many are protected at the same time. Foot-and-mouth spreads through unprotected animals, so if protection is scattered across months the virus always finds a way through.
The Western Cape is facing financial strain after storms and floods last month left an estimated R8.999 billion in damage, though officials say the figure is still interim and could change as assessments continue. Premier Alan Winde reported agriculture losses around R5.2 billion and road and bridge damage near R1.94 billion, with costs at places like Meiringspoort still being calculated by engineers.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.Japan relies on the strait for 72% of its oil imports -South Korea for 65% China and India for 50% each -Europe for 18% and the United States for only 2%
South Africa’s 2026-27 summer crop season is set to begin in mid-October, with high fertiliser and fuel prices being a major concern for farmers. Fertiliser prices are currently around 50% higher than a year ago, largely due to the recent war in the Middle East.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Agriculture has warned that ongoing gaps between planning and implementation are seriously undermining government’s transformation efforts in the agricultural sector.
While the committee acknowledged meaningful progress under the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP), including the mobilisation of R6.3 billion in private sector investment, support for 627 black-owned farming enterprises, the creation of approximately 19,000 jobs, and record agricultural exports of R270 billion, it stressed that these figures are not enough.
On Wednesday, 17 June 2026, Minister John Steenhuisen will engage with youth in agriculture, and captains of industry in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, for a dialogue focused on unlocking opportunities, fostering innovation, and empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders.
South Africa’s ongoing foot-and-mouth disease crisis has become the centre of growing tension between agricultural organisations and the Department of Agriculture.
Former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter’s 2023 warnings about a financial “death spiral” are playing out as Eskom loses customers and revenue. He predicted the utility was trapped in a cycle of raising tariffs to cover costs and debt, which then pushed large municipalities, businesses and households to cut use or leave the grid for self-generation and independent power producers.
Former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter’s 2023 warnings about a financial “death spiral” are playing out as Eskom loses customers and revenue. He predicted the utility was trapped in a cycle of raising tariffs to cover costs and debt, which then pushed large municipalities, businesses and households to cut use or leave the grid for self-generation and independent power producers.
South Africa’s agricultural trade with BRICS+ partners sits at US$1.8 billion, about 6% of total agri trade, so it’s growing but still a small slice of the portfolio. That raises the key question of where future opportunities lie for market access, investment, cooperation and food security across BRICS+ economies.
Oil and fertiliser prices are expected to take several months to return to pre-war levels, even after the anticipated signing of a peace agreement between Iran and the United States. According to Prof. Johan Willemse, independent agricultural economist, it could take until early 2027 for supply and prices to normalise.
South Africa’s ongoing foot-and-mouth disease crisis has become the centre of growing tension between agricultural organisations and the Department of Agriculture.
South Africa’s agricultural sector is expected to show solid growth in 2026 despite several rising risks, according to FNB Chief Economist Mamello Matikinca-Ngwenya.
Overall the quality is still strong, SA is known globally for top-grade citrus, apples, grapes, avocados and potatoes. Our export market forces farms to meet strict phytosanitary and grading standards, so the stuff that reaches Woolworths, Checkers and export packs is usually excellent — good size, color, brix levels and shelf life.
Die Suid-Afrikaanse Weerdiens waarsku teen baie koue toestande oor die Namakwa-distrik, Noord-Kaap en die Witzenberg-munisipaliteit in die Wes-Kaap vir vandag en môre. Dagtemperature sal na verwagting onder tien grade Celsius bly. Die publiek en boere word aangeraai om voor te berei vir baie koue, nat en winderige toestande.
Consecutive storms in May left the Western Cape with a R9.1 billion repair bill and a deep economic crisis, after 120 km/h winds and 300 mm of rain in a week killed 11 people, left one missing, and damaged 22,890 homes.
South Africa wastes over 10 million tonnes of largely edible food each year while 63.5% of households are food-insecure, with nearly half the waste happening at processing and manufacturing. Uncertainty about safety, date labels and legal liability has made destruction easier than donation.
Leading into the Third Week of June 2026The agricultural news landscape this week is dominated by trade logistics, geopolitical developments, and serious disease control updates.Here are the leading stories driving readership and discussions:Geopolitical & Trade Logistics
- Strait of Hormuz Set to Reopen Soon After US-Iran Ceasefire — Farmers hopeful for gradual relief in fertiliser and fuel prices ahead of the 2026/27 planting season.
- Fertiliser Prices Still 50% Higher Than Last Year — Full normalisation of supply expected only in early 2027 despite the peace deal.
- South African Agricultural Exports to Middle East Resume Slowly — Citrus, grapes, nuts and beef exporters watch logistics recovery closely.
- Global Oil and Fuel Price Outlook Improves — But analysts warn it will take weeks for meaningful relief at farm gate level.
- Foot-and-Mouth Disease Surge Continues in Free State — Confirmed cases reach 620, with new outbreaks reported in Kroonstad, Sasolburg, Warden and Bloemfontein.
- Movement Controls Tightened — Strict 10km quarantine zones enforced as Department of Agriculture ramps up vaccination campaign.
- FMD Vaccine Distribution Under Pressure — Calls grow for faster private sector involvement in vaccine supply.
- Record 17.1 Million Ton Maize Harvest Underway — Delayed harvesting continues but quality remains exceptionally good.
- Unusual Cut-Off Low Brings Heavy Rain and Freezing Conditions to Southern Namibia — Farmers warned to protect small stock.
- El Niño 2026/27 Concerns Mount — Early warnings issued for drier conditions later in the season.
Fertiliser Prices in South Africa – Third Week of June 2026
South African farmers continue to face elevated fertiliser costs during June 2026, although there are signs that some international prices are beginning to stabilise after the sharp increases caused by tensions in the Middle East earlier this year. South Africa imports roughly 80% of its fertiliser requirements, making local prices highly sensitive to global supply disruptions, shipping costs, exchange rates, and energy prices.
Recent industry reports indicate that fertiliser prices remain significantly higher than a year ago. International fertiliser indices are up more than 50% year-on-year, reflecting the impact of supply concerns and disruptions to trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Indicative South African fertiliser prices reported during 2026 include:
| Fertiliser | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Urea | R11,200 – R11,500 per ton (earlier 2026 averages) |
| MAP (Mono-Ammonium Phosphate) | Around R11,700 per ton |
| KCL (Potassium Chloride) | Around R6,850 per ton |
These figures vary by region, supplier, transport costs, and product specifications.
Market Outlook
There is cautious optimism that prices could soften during the second half of 2026 if:
- The Strait of Hormuz remains open.
- Middle East fertiliser exports normalise.
- Global shipping costs decline.
- The rand remains relatively strong against the US dollar.
For South African grain, oilseed, and sugarcane producers preparing for the 2026/27 summer planting season, fertiliser remains one of the largest production expenses, often accounting for 20% to 35% of total input costs. Any decline in fertiliser prices would provide meaningful relief after a year marked by exceptionally high input costs.
The key message for producers is that fertiliser prices remain historically high, but global market conditions have improved compared with the peak levels seen earlier in 2026. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the recent easing trend develops into more substantial price reductions ahead of the summer crop planting season.
South Africa Weather Forecast & Agricultural Outlook
16 June 2026 onwards (Mid to Late June 2026)
Current Situation (Mid-June 2026)South Africa is currently in the heart of the winter season. A cut-off low pressure system is the dominant weather feature this week, bringing unsettled, cold, and windy conditions to many parts of the country, particularly from Tuesday 16 June through the weekend.Short-Term Forecast (16–22 June 2026)
- Western Cape & Northern Cape: Cool to cold conditions with scattered showers, especially along the coast and southern interior. Very cold temperatures expected over the Namakwa District and Central Karoo. Strong winds likely.
- Free State, North West & Eastern Cape: Windy conditions with cooler temperatures. Isolated showers or thundershowers possible, especially mid-week.
- Gauteng, Limpopo & Mpumalanga: Mostly cool and partly cloudy, with strong winds possible later in the week as the system moves east.
- KwaZulu-Natal: Coastal showers possible, otherwise cool conditions.
Frost Risk: High in the central and southern interior (especially Free State, Northern Cape, and high-lying areas) during clear nights later this week.Agricultural ImplicationsPositive Factors:
- Good winter rainfall in the Western Cape supports winter grain crops (wheat, barley, canola).
- Cooler temperatures are favourable for winter crops and help reduce evapotranspiration.
Challenges & Risks:
- Strong winds may cause soil erosion on bare lands and damage to infrastructure.
- Frost risk for young winter crops, vegetables, and orchards in frost-prone areas.
- Livestock farmers (especially sheep and goats) should provide shelter for young animals during cold snaps.
- Delayed maize harvesting in the Free State and North West could face wetter and colder conditions, potentially affecting grain quality if prolonged.
Longer-Term Seasonal Outlook (June – August 2026)Winter is expected to be wetter than normal over large parts of the summer rainfall region (central and eastern interior). The Western Cape (winter rainfall area) has a more neutral outlook with typical frontal systems.Important Note for Summer Crops: Early signs point to a possible El Niño developing later in 2026, which could bring drier conditions for the 2026/27 summer planting season (starting mid-October).
Product Name
Price
Quantity Type
Date
Change
Previous Price
White maize
R 3 099,00
per Ton
2026-06-15
-1.90 %
R 3 159,00
Yellow maize
R 3 116,00
per Ton
2026-06-15
-1.49 %
R 3 163,00
Soybeans
R 6 654,20
per Ton
2026-06-15
-0.85 %
R 6 711,00
Sunflower seed
R 8 835,00
per Ton
2026-06-15
-0.19 %
R 8 852,00
Wheat
R 5 730,00
per Ton
2026-06-15
0.00 %
R 5 730,00
Sorghum (IPP)
R 4 480,00
per Ton
2026-06-12
0.00 %
R 4 480,00
Groundnuts (IPP Randfontein))
R 19 377,65
per Ton
2026-06-12
-0.73 %
R 19 519,42
Cotton (IPP)
R 10 870,00
per Ton
2026-06-12
-3.72 %
R 11 290,00
Soy Meal (US derived price)
R 11 276,00
per Ton
2026-06-12
0.00 %
R 11 276,00
Chop
R 2 150,00
per Ton
2026-06-12
0.00 %
R 2 150,00
Lusern (Grade 1)
R 3 900,00
per Ton
2026-06-12
1.30 %
R 3 850,00
Product Name
Price
Quantity Type
Date
Change
Previous Price
Bananas
R 8,04
per Kg
2026-06-12
6.49 %
R 7,55
Apples
R 9,24
per Kg
2026-06-12
-1.81 %
R 9,41
Oranges
R 2,62
per Kg
2026-06-12
-17.35 %
R 3,17
Avocados
R 16,12
per Kg
2026-06-12
12.81 %
R 14,29
Grapes
R 69,09
per Kg
2026-06-12
49.55 %
R 46,20
Mangos
R 36,85
per Kg
2026-06-12
-4.80 %
R 38,71
Pears
R 9,63
per Kg
2026-06-12
1.26 %
R 9,51
Pineapples
R 10,29
per Kg
2026-06-12
-1.15 %
R 10,41
Peaches
R 26,43
per Kg
2026-06-12
50.60 %
R 17,55
Lemons
R 4,83
per Kg
2026-06-12
3.87 %
R 4,65
Nectarines
R 27,60
per Kg
2026-06-12
58.62 %
R 17,40
Naartjies (Mandarins)
R 6,21
per Kg
2026-06-12
4.72 %
R 5,93
Blueberries
R 118,47
per Kg
2026-06-12
-3.87 %
R 123,24
Grapefruits
R 4,29
per Kg
2026-06-12
-8.14 %
R 4,67
Product Name
Price
Quantity Type
Date
Change
Previous Price
Potatoes
R 46,02
per 10Kg
2026-06-12
4.12 %
R 44,20
Tomatoes
R 18,27
per Kg
2026-06-12
-9.87 %
R 20,27
Carrots
R 7,70
per Kg
2026-06-12
1.18 %
R 7,61
Onions
R 88,48
per 10Kg
2026-06-12
-5.44 %
R 93,57
Cabbage
R 3,72
per Kg
2026-06-12
8.45 %
R 3,43
Garlic
R 48,30
per Kg
2026-06-12
6.27 %
R 45,45
Spinach
R 4,33
per Kg
2026-06-12
-13.05 %
R 4,98
Sweet Potatoes
R 3,65
per Kg
2026-06-12
-8.52 %
R 3,99
Peppers
R 18,75
per Kg
2026-06-12
0.81 %
R 18,60
Chillies
R 8,84
per Kg
2026-06-12
-8.58 %
R 9,67
Pumpkins
R 2,54
per Kg
2026-06-12
2.42 %
R 2,48
Mushrooms
R 104,29
per Kg
2026-06-12
6.48 %
R 97,94
Butternuts
R 4,36
per Kg
2026-06-12
-1.13 %
R 4,41
Green beans
R 27,29
per Kg
2026-06-12
4.72 %
R 26,06
Product Name
Price
Quantity Type
Date
Change
Previous Price
Sheep A2/3
R 106,67
per Kg
2026-06-12
0.63 %
R 106,00
Feeder Lamb (Dual Purpose)
R 53,68
per Kg
2026-06-12
1.67 %
R 52,80
Sheep AB2/3
R 90,40
per Kg
2026-06-12
1.38 %
R 89,17
Sheep B2/3
R 81,40
per Kg
2026-06-12
2.82 %
R 79,17
Sheep C2/3
R 77,60
per Kg
2026-06-12
2.11 %
R 76,00
Wool 20 micron - Non RWS
R 261,00
per Kg
2026-06-12
0.00 %
R 261,00
Wool 20 micron - RWS
R 278,00
per Kg
2026-06-12
0.00 %
R 278,00
Mohair - Ave Non RWS
R 419,00
per Kg
2026-06-05
0.00 %
R 419,00
Product Name
Price
Quantity Type
Date
Change
Previous Price
Beef A2/3
R 63,80
per Kg
2026-06-12
0.08 %
R 63,75
Weaners (200-250kg)
R 42,46
per Kg
2026-06-12
0.47 %
R 42,26
Beef AB2/3
R 61,00
per Kg
2026-06-12
-0.81 %
R 61,50
Beef B2/3
R 58,00
per Kg
2026-06-12
-1.69 %
R 59,00
Beef C2/3
R 56,80
per Kg
2026-06-12
-2.07 %
R 58,00
Product Name
Price
Quantity Type
Date
Change
Previous Price
Kids (under 30kg)
R 67,43
per kg
2026-06-12
17.43 %
R 57,42
Medium (30-40kg)
R 63,83
per kg
2026-06-12
12.20 %
R 56,89
Large (above 40kg)
R 50,39
per kg
2026-06-12
-12.21 %
R 57,40
Ewes (Goats)
R 46,28
per kg
2026-06-12
-3.50 %
R 47,96
Product Name
Price
Quantity Type
Date
Change
Previous Price
Poultry Frozen
R 34,19
per Kg
2026-06-12
-1.75 %
R 34,80
Poultry fresh
R 40,73
per Kg
2026-06-12
-2.86 %
R 41,93
Poultry IQF
R 37,42
per Kg
2026-06-12
0.00 %
R 37,42
Product Name
Price
Quantity Type
Date
Change
Previous Price
Pork Porkers
R 33,13
per Kg
2026-06-12
-3.13 %
R 34,20
Pork Baconers
R 32,28
per Kg
2026-06-12
-1.01 %
R 32,61
Pork Sausage
R 26,39
per Kg
2026-06-12
-2.04 %
R 26,94
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