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What to expect from El Niño in 2023/24 summer

Forecasts of an El Niño occurrence in the 2023/24 summer season do not necessarily equate to a bad agricultural season. The upcoming season of possible below-normal rainfall, that is, El Niño, follows a rare consecutive four years of heavy rains that have improved soil moisture and natural grazing veld. ADVERTISING This means there is a natural cushion for agricultural activity even if the rains are below the average (typically about 500mm) in SA. What will be necessary, however, is for the showers to fall in critical periods, such as seed germination and pollination stages of growth, which are all essential for crop growing. It would not be SA's first time in such a fortunate position.

Published: 19 June 2023