Corn, which is harvested starting in late May, represents 90% of South Africa’s grain production, and the crop is important to the country’s food security and export dollars. Three provinces in the north produce most of South Africa’s corn. But during planting in December, rainfall in Free State province was 58% above the 10-year average.
Would a solid corn crop be good news for South Africa?
A solid corn crop would be good news for all of southern Africa, which relies on South African production to meet import needs. South Africa produced a record 16.9 million tonnes of corn last year, of which nearly 20% was exported, mostly to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and other neighboring countries.
Will South Africa produce more corn in 2022?
South Africa produced a record 16.9 million tonnes of corn last year, of which nearly 20% was exported, mostly to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and other neighboring countries. Gro expects that 2022 production could be in line or greater than last year, as strong yields offset lower planted acreage.
How much maize does South Africa produce a year?
The country produces around 14 million tonnes of maize per year, of which around 12 million tonnes are white maize and 2 million tonnes are yellow maize. South Africa has a long tradition of maize farming, and the crop is well-suited to the climate and soils found here.