Grain SA issued a press release on 12 February 2015 following an aerial survey of the northwest Free State and North West. Mr Jannie de Villiers, CEO of Grain SA, said, “The summer grains (maize, sunflower and soya beans) are in a critical stage and the next 14 days will determine the fate of South African food prices over the next 12 months.”
The extreme heat and dry conditions caused the crops to deteriorate much faster than expected. “We have seen large areas where the damage is already irreversible,” Mr De Villiers stated. Irrigation maize are being cut for silage probably because of load shedding. According to Grain SA rain in this week can, at best, lead to a break-even situation.
It is expected that the crisis will be the worst in the white maize production areas. Rain is also needed in the eastern production areas in Mpumalanga and the Free State where the majority of the yellow maize is produced.
Grain SA fears that it is not just this year that will be affected, but the input finance and moisture base for next year will also be adversely affected. To read further, click HERE.
Published on Monday, 23rd February 2015 - 14:01
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