News
South Africa's wheat plantings could fall to the lowest level in 12 years in the 2026-27 season
1+ day, 12+ hour ago (208+ words) Wandile Sihlobo | Substack South Africa's wheat plantings could fall to the lowest level in 12 years in the 2026-27 season South Africa's winter crop farmers face a challenging start to the 2026-27 production season. Lower commodity prices resulting from ample global wheat supplies…...
We cannot discuss the need to improve household food security in South Africa without considering the role of fresh produce markets
2+ day, 21+ hour ago (234+ words) Wandile Sihlobo | Substack We cannot discuss the need to improve household food security in South Africa without considering the role of fresh produce markets This morning, I met with the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (IMASA), a body…...
Soma additional context on the expanding canola plantings in South Africa
2+ day, 21+ hour ago (72+ words) Wandile Sihlobo | Substack Soma additional context on the expanding canola plantings in South Africa Canola production in South Africa may reach a fresh high in 2026-27. But there is important context here. The expansion is not only driven by the strong…...
Land and agricultural issues in democratic South Africa
3+ day, 5+ hour ago (24+ words) Wandile Sihlobo | Substack Land and agricultural issues in democratic South Africa My Talking Head on SABC...
Zimbabwe remains the most reliable buyer of South African maize.
3+ day, 16+ hour ago (190+ words) Wandile Sihlobo | Substack Zimbabwe remains the most reliable buyer of South African maize. South Africa's maize exports will fall short of the seasonal export forecast of 2. 40 million tonnes for the 2025-26 marketing year, which ends this month, April. The exports so…...
How South Africa's agriculture has changed 32 years after apartheid
4+ day, 4+ hour ago (977+ words) Today, April 27, 2026, we celebrate Freedom Day in South Africa. We are now roughly 32 years into South Africa's democracy, and many have written extensively about the country's progress since the dawn of democracy. It is sufficient to say that, while daily…...
South African sheep farmers enjoy higher wool prices
6+ day, 4+ hour ago (428+ words) One aspect I haven't written much about recently, but that has certainly been a highlight, is the wool market. We have seen wool prices rise notably to record levels in recent times, mainly taking their cue from the strong performance…...
South Africa is set to have a record summer grain and oilseed harvest in the 2025-26 season
1+ week, 17+ hour ago (165+ words) Wandile Sihlobo | Substack South Africa is set to have a record summer grain and oilseed harvest in the 2025-26 season We are still early in the season, but the recent crop forecasts suggest that South Africa is likely to have its…...
Continuous inclusion of South Africa in AGOA is critical
1+ week, 23+ hour ago (348+ words) The U. S. authorities will soon resume the conversations about the reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). South Africa will seek continuous inclusion as this programme is key until we get a trade agreement with the U. S. And I know…...
A conversation with the South African Meat Processors Association
1+ week, 1+ day ago (275+ words) Earlier today, April 22, I delivered some remarks at the South African Meat Processors Association (SAMPA)s AGM in Kempton Park. The meat processors are essential to the stability and security of our food systems. They are also a vital part…...