The rain had come just in time for most farmers in the region, creating near-perfect conditions for weed control and planting, according to Andries Theron, vice-chairperson of Grain SA. “It was the first time in most probably ten years that we’ve had optimal conditions for weed control before planting,” Theron said.
The first crops had started to emerge and things were looking promising. However, follow-up rain was needed to replenish soil moisture levels and carry the crop through. “We are optimistic that it will rain within the next two weeks. The region will be looking forward to a good harvest if climatic conditions are favourable this year,” he said.
Very few farmers in the Swartland had lost their farms due to the drought last year, according to him. “Banks and agricultural businesses have been forthcoming in helping farmers out, so that farmers who have been struggling with financing have been able to plant.”
Wheat prices were also looking promising, due to a wheat tariff that had been shielding farmers from low international prices. “Farmers who manage their inputs and costs well will be able to do okay at the current wheat prices,” he said.
In the Southern Cape, farmers were finished with about 80% of their canola and barley plantings and about 60% of their wheat plantings. Toit Wessels, regional representative of Grain SA, said that conditions were also looking favourable in that region. Although it was still too early to make crop estimates, he said that farmers in the Western Cape would likely plant approximately the same amount of hectares as last year, perhaps with a slightly smaller canola planting.
