The 2020 planting season again proves to be a challenge for Cape producers, and with high input costs and low soil moisture the grain industry remains under severe pressure in the province.

After rain in early April in the Swartland, no further follow-up rain occurred. Producers have completed approximately 90% of canola and barley plantings, but only about 50% of wheat. Planting conditions are not ideal at all, with producers planting only in daylight, and earlier planted crops are appearing here and there. Furthermore, the warm day temperatures are not at all conducive to the plantlings. All animals are being fed and the feed bank of producers will certainly come under pressure if they have to continue doing so.

Little rain fell in the Overberg. Producers are already far advanced with canola and barley plantings and some producers planted wheat. Unfortunately, conditions are far from ideal with most producers intending to plant before 20 May. By all statistics, this will give plants the optimum window to begin the germination and growth process. In the region, producers are also feeding animals, with certain parts closer to the mountain, which appear somewhat better.

The Southern Cape received almost no rain in April and conditions are bad in the Heidelberg/ Swellendam/ Riversdal-areas. Planting conditions are far from ideal, with some producers planting pastures, barley and canola. However, little wheat is currently being planted. Harvest insurance, which has always been talked of here previously, is no longer available. Some regions between the N2 and the mountains appear considerably better with the little rain falling in increments. Here, producers are also feeding the animals, but due to last year's poor harvest, the producers have from a few to no feed banks available.

Production forecasts for the 2020/21 summer grain season, which began on 1 March 2020 for oilseeds and sorghum, and 1 May 2020 for maize, is looking promising with the National Crop Estimates Committee's 3^rd production estimate forecasting the season's summer grain production at the second largest yet. Production has an impact on supply, however keeping market demand in mind is as important. The National Agricultural Marketing Council announces the expected supply and demand figures for the season on a monthly basis.

Download the South African Supply and Demand Estimates April 2020 Report here

Download the CEC's Area planted and 3rd Production Forecast here

All active Grain SA members received communication on 4-May to generate an updated permit for Level 4 of the lock down. The permit can be downloaded or printed with the member's GSA-number automatically included.

To generate an updated permit, click on the link below

https://covid19cert.grainsa.co.za/

The May 2020 edition of the SA Graan/Grain is now available online! With a Mini Focus on Money Matters & Financial Services, the latest edition is a must read! It asks the question, Can your farm afford you? and analyses the 4IR trends and its impact on the grain industry. 

The main article focuses on African maize stem borers, and where they winter, and On Farm Level delves into seed shortage concerns.

Click HERE to access the May 2020 edition

All members are encouraged to review the document developed by Business for SA as a guideline in explanation of the OHS directive as issued on 29 April 2020.

It stipulates administrative, social distancing and health and safety measures to be implemented by employers with more than 10 employees, following the COVID-19 pandemic. It also contains measures to be implemented by employers with less than 10 employees.

Download COVID-19: ENSURING A SAFE RETURN TO WORK here

A copy of the COVID-19 Direction on Health and Safety in the Workplace issued by the Minister in terms of Regulation 10(8) of the National Disaster Regulations can be downloaded HERE