Winds blow away expected high yields

Grain producers in the Swartland, Overberg and Southern Cape suffered considerable damage due to unnatural weather conditions that brought stormy winds to the areas. Already harvesting winter crops, producer’s expectations for an above average harvest yielded disappointment.

Following on last year's drought, producers looked forward to above-average yields. The gale force winds caused major damage to canola and barley in the Swartland-district last week, especially on wheat yet to be harvested. Although some areas felt nature’s brunt more than others, very few parts were not affected by the winds.

Weather conditions expanded to the Overberg and Southern Cape districts on Monday night. Producers in these areas cut winter crops down in order to limit wind damage, but stormy winds blew the expected average- to above average canola yields, away. Producers observed large yield differences with damage of up to 1 ton/ha.

The recent wind damage was a major disappointment for producers, and although the extent of damage between crops and in areas varies, and the yield potential is affected, producers are still expected to harvest average yields.

Ends

Issued by: 
Grain SA Communication

Further Enquiries: 
Alzena Gomes, PRO , Grain SA
086 004 7246 | alzena@grainsa.co.za