The excessive rains present some challenges for South Africa's agriculture

We are beginning to be concerned about the impact of these excessive rains on agriculture, particularly summer grains and oilseed regions. The crop has matured in most areas, and some planted earlier are now ready to harvest. However, with these excessive rains, it may prove impossible to access the fields.

Since we had a late start to the season, roughly a month behind the typical schedule, some areas aren't harvest-ready yet. Still, there is a need for sunshine for crops to mature. The frequent rains and scant sunshine also mean there are areas where, for example, some soybeans may start to germinate – an awful thing if it happens.

Of course, we aren't changing our optimistic view about South Africa's 2024-25 summer crop season. We remain optimistic that this will be a recovery season for South Africa's agriculture. However, I am concerned about the crop's quality and the harvest's timing.

The Crop Estimates Committee places South Africa's 2024-25 summer grain and oilseeds production at 18,0 million tonnes, up 16% of the prior season's crop. This comprises maize, sunflower seed, soybeans, groundnuts, sorghum and dry beans.

I never thought one would say this, but we badly need sunshine in South African agriculture.

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Richard Humphries and Sam Mkokeli produce this podcast.