November 16, 2001

South Africa - Favorable Weather for 2001/02 Summer Crop Planting

Summary

Abundant rainfall and seasonal temperatures have created favorable planting conditions for South Africa's 2001/02 summer grains and oilseeds (mainly corn, sorghum, sunflowerseed, soybeans, and peanuts).  [Crop Calendar]  Widespread showers during July-September boosted pre-season soil moisture, and mostly dry and warm weather in early October was nearly ideal for fieldwork.  The summer rainfall season started on schedule in mid-October, and all major summer crop areas (Free State, North West Province, Gauteng, Mpumalanga) received normal to above-normal precipitation for the month.  Additional showers in November further increased soil moisture for summer crop establishment, although there were reports of  minor flooding in a few areas and possible delays in winter wheat maturity and harvesting in Free State.  Scattered showers in the past few days have also improved soil moisture levels in northern and western South Africa, which are important areas for grazing, cotton, orchards, and cash crops. 

Corn Area Expected to Increase in 2001/02

In September, South Africa's National Crop Estimates Committee (NCEC) published its initial 2001/02 summer crop planting intentions report.  Corn area by commercial farmers was forecast to rise by 6 percent to 2.88 million hectares, with white corn (used for human consumption) up by 7 percent and yellow corn up by 5 percent.  Among the reasons cited for the increased area were strong prices, declining cotton and oilseed prices, low grain stocks, high anticipated demand for corn in nearby countries and overseas, and normal crop rotation practices. An official estimate of corn area in the non-commercial sector is not yet available, although an estimated 525,000 hectares was planted in 2000/01.  An updated corn area estimate will be published by the NCEC at the end of November, although final area may not be known until January 2002, when the planting season is complete.  Some farmers have reported problems obtaining adequate credit for planting, which could lead to lower planted area. On the other hand, continued favorable weather through November could encourage farmers to expand acreage beyond current expectations.

USDA currently estimates South Africa's 2001/02 corn area at 3.5 million hectares (including the non-commercial crop), up 9 percent from last year.  Production is estimated at 9.0 million tons, up 1.5 million or 20 percent from a year ago due to higher area and near-average projected yield.  

Corn Area \ Corn Yield \ Corn Production

The 2001/02 wheat crop, now being harvested, is estimated at 2.32 million tons, down slightly from last year.  Sorghum and sunflowerseed production is expected to increase in 2001/02, but peanuts and soybeans are expected to drop by 42 and 26 percent, respectively, in response to poor price expectations, high input costs, and expanded corn area.  

For more information, contact Paulette Sandene (sandene@fas.usda.gov) 202-690-0133 with the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division.