Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has raised concern that despite South Africa expecting a record maize harvest in the 2025/2026 season, late summer has led to the maize crop being 17% behind last year’s pace.
South Africa is on track to produce a record maize harvest of 17.1 million tons in the 2025/26 season, but agricultural experts have warned that persistent late-summer rains have significantly delayed harvesting, creating challenges for farmers and raising concerns about the upcoming planting season.
According to the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), maize deliveries to commercial silos remain well behind last year's pace, even as crop prospects remain exceptionally strong.
Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said South Africa's agricultural sector is set to benefit from one of its most productive seasons in recent years, driven by favourable La Niña weather conditions and increased planting activity by farmers.
“Maize is prominent in agricultural discussions not only as a staple grain but also as an indicator of field-crop conditions. If we have an ample maize crop, it is usually fair to assume that other crops are also in good condition,” Sihlobo said.
