Maize plantings in the main producing regions were planted after the optimum planting date. Maize planted outside the optimum plant window always runs the risk of frost that can occur. Crops in the western parts of the country are doing well, however in the Eastern Free State it is dryer in placed and follow-up rains are needed. Conditions are generally very wet in Mpumalanga, there is a lot of hail and water damage, sunshine is required.

View the full agricultural production conditions as of 21 January 2020 here

Click on the image above for a complete update

Following an alert sent out by CropLife to its members last week, regarding current weather patterns in southern Africa being conducive to the outbreak of certain insect pests, CropLife SA today confirmed learning of the outbreak of the dreaded Fall Armyworm (FAW) in maize in the area between Badplaas and Carolina in Mpumalanga. According to the latest communication, it is likely to be found in other provinces such as North West, Limpopo, Gauteng, the Free State, northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal and some parts of the Northern Cape. CropLife SA highlighted that maize farmers are particularly vulnerable to this invasive pest species and should be on high alert for moth swarms late afternoon, egg parcels on maize leaves and caterpillars. Farmers are advised to read the CropLife SA position statement on www.croplife.co.za/FAW as well as the IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee) document on www.croplife.co.za/IRAC_FAW.
 

Should a farmer suspect the presence of fall army worm or any other large-scale invasions of Lepidoptera pests, they are urged to take good quality, close-up photographs of the moths, caterpillars and egg parcels and send it via WhatsApp to +27 (0)82 446 8946 (Dr. Gerhard Verdoorn, CropLife SA) for assistance with identification.

Book your seat for the 2020 Conservation Agriculture Conference in Reitz, which takes place from 16-17 March or in Ottosdal, which takes place from 18-19 March.

Themed "Let Nature Make you Money", this conference promises to highlight conservation agriculture as a cost effective weapon against rising input costs and climate change, by allowing natural processes to function optimally again.

landbouweekblad  - with the cooperation of Grain SA, the Ottosdal no-till club, Elim Fertiliser and Agricol - brings together world renowned speakers, local experts and successful South African farmers (who paid their school fees) for a South African conference on conservation agriculture, to bring hope to hundreds of farmers caught in a relentless cost squeeze.
 

Copy by ©landbou.com via Netwerk24

​​​​​​Click on each respective photo to book a space or download the latest programmes