Another boost to SA's 2024-25 summer grains and oilseed harvest

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We are ending South Africa's 2024-25 summer grains and oilseed production season on an optimistic note. We now have eight production estimates with two more to follow, which are unlikely to change the positive picture we have. The data released at the end of September 2025 by the Crop Estimates Committee show an increase in South Africa's 2024-25 summer grains and oilseed harvest estimate, up by 2% from the August 2025 estimate to an expected 19.94 million tonnes (a 28% year-on-year increase).

There is an annual uptick in all the crops, mainly supported by favourable summer rains and the decent area plantings. The base effects also help, as we struggled with a drought last year that weighed on the harvest. This ample crop will likely continue to put downward pressure on prices, which bodes well for a moderating path of consumer food price inflation.

In a few weeks, the focus will be on the 2025-26 season, which also promises to be favourable, with prospects of La Niña rains.

Listen to the podcast for more information.

Richard Humphries and Sam Mkokeli produce this podcast.
3 Oct 2025 English South Africa Investing · Food

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