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Researchers at Langgewens Research Farm in the Swartland, Western Cape, used the second day of the 13th Jack Human Conservation Agriculture Week to showcase practical strategies aimed at improving profitability and resilience in grain production systems.

Building resilience in grain farming systems was a central theme of the 13th Jack Human Conservation Agriculture Week, with researchers from South Africa and Australia highlighting the importance of the connections between soil health, crop management, pest pressure, and environmental conditions in achieving sustainable production.

Strong producer organisations, effective public-private partnerships, and functioning infrastructure will be critical if South African agriculture is to withstand mounting economic, climatic, and biosecurity risks.

South African agriculture continues to outperform the wider economy, but the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy’s Baseline 2026 Agricultural Outlook says export-led growth, stronger infrastructure, technological advancement, improved animal health, and effective transformation are needed to strengthen food security and economic value.

South Africa’s agriculture sector shed 16 000 jobs in the second quarter of 2026 but remained 4,3% above the level seen a year earlier. Economists say the quarterly decline reflects the sector’s seasonal nature, but warn that weak profitability could put pressure on future employment.

On 13 August, Grain SA led grain and oilseed producers from across the country on a march to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) to present a memorandum on the exchange’s decision to revert to a single reference point model for calculating soya bean location differentials.

Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp has identified foot-and-mouth disease, administrative delays, outdated systems, rural safety, and market access as some of the major challenges facing South African agriculture. In a recent discussion with Farmer’s Weekly, he outlined his proposed changes and acknowledged shortcomings within government itself.

Rising electricity costs, growing competition for water, and concerns about water quality are changing the way farmers approach irrigation investment, with efficiency and system performance becoming increasingly important.

Premier Group CEO Kobus Gertenbach has told canning fruit growers that the company will compensate them in cash for fruit it can no longer process during the coming season.

At the 12th DMC Hollard Conference, held on 11 August in Durbanville in the Western Cape, speakers urged dairy farmers to use data and early intervention to prevent production, health, and fertility losses before they become visible or affect future generations.

During a public panel discussion at KragDag 2026, held from 6 to 8 August near Rayton in Gauteng, panellists reflected on the lessons learnt from the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and explored how to create an environment where farmers can operate with greater certainty and less state intervention.

Agriculture has become an increasingly prominent feature of KragDag, and this year’s expo was no exception, with agricultural exhibitions showcasing everything from precision farming technology and agricultural drones to livestock genetics, irrigation, and renewable-energy solutions.

Stronger collaboration between organised agriculture, government, and industry stakeholders is essential to building a more resilient agriculture sector, industry leaders said during a panel discussion at the Agri EC Congress 2026, held in Jeffreys Bay from 5 to 6 August.

Blueberry season is off to a good start in South Africa’s northern production regions, with growers in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West expecting good returns from strong yields, high-quality fruit, and favourable export prices. In the Western Cape, however, the outlook is less certain.

At the inaugural Table Grape Conference, held in Franschhoek, Western Cape, from 5 to 6 August, climate-related challenges dominated discussions, with speakers sharing strategies to help growers adapt to increasingly uncertain conditions.

Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, says the current season has been “highly unusual”, with conflict in the Middle East, inclement weather, softer demand, logistics challenges, and new US tariffs creating a challenging export environment for South Africa’s citrus industry.

Farmers from South Africa’s two sugar-producing provinces recently marched to National Treasury (Treasury) in Pretoria, Gauteng, warning that a surge in cheap sugar imports is threatening the survival of an industry that supports around one million livelihoods.

The 70th Thabazimbi Agriculture and Industry Show was a hive of activity and a display of strong community spirit.

Exceptionally dry conditions in June and July have affected wild flowers, grazing, and crops across parts of the Western Cape, despite the province’s relatively healthy dam levels.

The DA has presented a report to Land Bank's board, alleging serious irregularities in its handling of farm liquidations. These include claims that the bank pursued legal action without proving it had the legal standing to do so, ignored procurement rules when appointing legal service providers, and sold some farming assets below market value.