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Ep 32 - Agricultural Production Outlook for 2026

South Africa closed 2025 with a mixed agricultural performance — strong overall growth, but uneven results across subsectors. In this episode, Wandile breaks down what drove that complexity: record field-crop and horticulture harvests supported by favourable rainfall and improving port performance, contrasted with a difficult year for livestock due to persistent foot-and-mouth disease and high early-season feed costs. As we step into 2026, he explores how La Niña conditions, expanded planting, lower input costs, and cattle vaccination campaigns are shaping a far more positive production outlook for the year ahead. From soybeans and maize to fruit and livestock, the fundamentals are aligning for a strong season. Looking forward, the episode also unpacks the broader ecosystem needed to sustain this momentum — from vaccine manufacturing capacity and animal-health readiness to the expansion of export markets and continued improvements at South Africa’s ports. With robust production conditions and supportive policy reforms, the sector is well positioned for growth in 2026. A special thank you goes to Nedbank for making AgriView possible and helping us bring weekly insights to the agricultural community. If you’re joining us for the first time this year, be sure to subscribe and catch our previous episode on South Africa’s key agricultural policy priorities for 2026.

Published: 15 January 2026