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The South African wool market has experienced a strong price rally in recent times, reaching levels not seen in years. This week, the all-merino indicator rose 5.7% to R263.60/kg, while the certified indicator increased 6.4% to R269.68/kg. In real terms (adjusted for inflation), prices are now at their highest level since May 2019.

Die beskikbaarheid van entstof teen bek-en-klouseer (BKS) lyk op kort termyn goed, met versnelde invoer en duidelike momentum in provinsiale toewysings. Suid-Afrika kan binnekort sowat nege miljoen dosisse hê, en verdere bestellings uit Argentinië word reeds onderhandel.Tog waarsku boere en bedryfsleiers dat bloot meer entstof nie die krisis gaan oplos nie.

S&P Global has warned that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could put significant pressure on the credit ratings of several African economies.Many countries on the continent are net importers of oil and fertiliser. Rising prices for these commodities are expected to increase inflation, widen fiscal deficits, and strain foreign reserves, especially in nations with limited financial buffers.

Savanna Beef se eerste uitbesending van 24 ton bevrore beesvleis het Vrydagaand uit die Walvisbaaise hawe na Rotterdam vertrek. Dit volg ná die groep onlangs sy uitvoersertifisering na die Verenigde Koninkryk, Europese Unie en Europese Vryhandelsvereniging-markte bekom het en verslagting vir uitvoere sowat twee weke gelede begin het.

Goss’s wilt, a bacterial disease affecting maize, is spreading rapidly across South Africa. Once limited to four provinces, it has now been confirmed in almost every province, with only KwaZulu-Natal still free of the disease.

AfriForum’s latest report on farm attacks shows that rural communities in South Africa remain highly vulnerable. In 2025, 184 farm attacks and 29 farm murders were recorded, compared to 176 attacks and 37 murders in 2024.While the number of murders decreased slightly, the overall violence during attacks has remained exceptionally high

South Africa’s pork industry continues to face serious challenges from disease outbreaks, particularly foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever (ASF), even though unaffected producers are currently benefiting from favourable pork prices (around R41/kg farm gate and R128/kg retail).

Early projections indicate that the La Niña weather pattern, which brought good rainfall and boosted crop yields across South Africa and much of Southern Africa during the current season, has now ended.

Ons span was die afgelope week weer in groot dele van die Vrystaat, Mpumalanga en Noordwes. Die Kalahari tot by Namibië is mooi groen, en daar is genoeg weiding vir die winter. In die Wes-Vrystaat en dele van Noordwes lyk die prentjie egter heel anders. Swaar reënbuie die afgelope week (tot 140 mm op plekke) het die lande weer baie nat gemaak.

We often hear agriculture economists and weather services warning about the upcoming El Niño and speculating on what might happen. While this information is useful, the reality is that farmers have survived many El Niño events in the past, and they will survive this one too.The real problem is not the weather — it’s the greed of some input suppliers.

In the vast Niassa Special Reserve in northern Mozambique — one of Africa’s largest protected areas — wildlife is both conserved and hunted. While the reserve is home to elephants, lions, leopards, and many other species, a carefully controlled number of animals are legally set aside each year for trophy hunting.The author joined a professional hunting expedition targeting a Cape buffalo.

Modern food production has made food cheaper, more convenient, and available all year round. However, it has also introduced substances that can harm our health over time.While not every food is dangerous, several common ingredients and processing methods are now linked to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, hormone problems, and gut issues.

Africa’s 2026 harvest is being heavily influenced by events 5,000 kilometres away in the Strait of Hormuz, where tanker traffic has largely halted since late February due to the Iran war.The Strait carries about one-third of the world’s seaborne fertilizer trade. With shipping severely disrupted, global fertilizer prices have surged.

South African Sauvignon Blanc producers achieved a strong performance at the Sauvignon Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) 2026, held in Varaždin, Croatia from 7 to 9 April.The country recorded a 12.5% increase in entries and won a total of 30 medals, including one Grand Gold and 13 Gold medals.

The impact of the Iran conflict on global oil markets is expected to last for months, even if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is restored. Major oil traders warn that supply chains have been significantly disrupted and may not return to normal quickly, with some suggesting flows could be permanently altered.

The data released by the Crop Estimates Committee places the country’s 2025-26 summer grain and oilseed harvest at 20.8 million tonnes, up 2% from the previous month, and 1% up year-on-year (y/y).

South Africa imports about 80% of its fertiliser and fuel, so Middle East conflicts directly reshape agricultural costs. For grain producers, the impact is immediate and severe because fertiliser makes up 30–40% of input costs, with fuel adding further pressure.

The 2025-26 soybean harvest is estimated at a record 2.8 million tonnes, largely due to expected higher yields in some regions and large area plantings. The sunflower seed crop is estimated at 821,630 tonnes, up 17% from a year ago. The 2025-26 groundnut harvest is forecast at 69,360 tonnes, up 9% y/y.

Altesame 27 eksterne tegniese adviseurs is aangestel om die Departement van Landbou te help om die groot agterstand in die registrasie van landbouprodukte uit te wis en prosesse te versnel. Die span bestaan uit spesialiste in landboumiddels, veemiddels, plaasvoer en kunsmis.

Continuous inclusion in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) remains critical for South Africa’s agriculture sector. With the U.S. soon resuming discussions on AGOA reauthorization, South Africa will push for continued participation until a formal trade agreement is secured.The reduction of “Liberation Day” tariffs from 30% to 10% has significantly improved South Africa’s competitiveness in the U.S. market.

The sorghum harvest will likely fall by 6% to 140,653 tonnes due to reduced planted area and expected poor yields in some regions. The dry beans harvest will be down by 12% to 79,450 tonnes, also due to reduced planted area.

Zimbabwe is projecting a significant national cereal surplus of between 551,000 and 965,000 metric tonnes through to March 2027, driven by total cereal production of 2.74 million metric tonnes in the 2025/2026 season.

NOTE -

CRA Media is committed to high-quality, responsible journalism in the agriculture sector. We do not publish sensationalist content or hate speech. Only material that meets strict quality standards will be featured. We will not platform individuals or groups who seek to undermine commercial farmers, their families, or the agricultural industry.

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FERTILIZER 

Fertilizer prices have spiked sharply in April 2026, driven by Middle East conflict, severe supply chain disruptions, and soaring energy costs, with urea surging over 25% to exceed $800 per ton in some areas. Key nutrients are seeing significant price hikes, impacting global planting costs and raising food inflation risks. 

Key Fertilizer Price News - April 2026

Surging Urea Prices: As of mid-April 2026, urea prices surged ~27% to roughly $858/ton at major import hubs, largely due to shortages in the Persian Gulf.

• Global Fertilizer Price Rises: As of March 2026 data, urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), triple super phosphate (TSP), and potash (potassium chloride) saw massive yearly increases of up to 83.9% (urea), 7.0% (DAP), 16.6% (TSP), and 13.2% (potash) respectively.
• Supply Disruptions: Blockades in the Strait of Hormuz and trade disruptions are driving up costs due to high oil and gas prices.
• Regional Impacts: South African farmers face severe pressure for the winter planting season. US corn production costs have reached roughly $166 per acre due to high input prices.
• Outlook: Experts from CRU Group indicate that fertilizer prices will remain elevated for months, with optimistic forecasts only showing a potential easing by 2028. 

DISCLAIMER

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by CRA and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.Just for your information. - We need to share this as this is part of Farming and Agriculture.

AGRI NEWS NET stands as South Africa’s leading source for farming and agriculture news, delivering trusted, up-to-date content 7 days a week, 365 days a year. With over 50 “good news stories you can trust,” the platform is driven by 30 years of practical farming and media experience, ensuring a deep understanding of the needs and realities of farmers and the agricultural sector. AGRI NEWS NET prides itself on being committed, independent, focused, and always on time. As part of the CRA Group, the platform leverages its extensive expertise to provide reliable, farmer-centric news. Its content is compiled using advanced AI technology, ensuring accuracy and relevance while staying connected to the broader global farming and agriculture community. For the third consecutive year, AGRI NEWS NET’s Daily Audiocast has been ranked among the top 15 agricultural podcasts on Feedspot, a testament to its quality and impact. The audiocast delivers concise, engaging updates, making it a go-to resource for farmers, industry professionals, and agriculture enthusiasts seeking timely insights. With a focus on “good news stories,” AGRI NEWS NET highlights positive developments, innovations, and successes in South African agriculture. Rooted in real-world farming knowledge and media expertise, AGRI NEWS NET bridges the gap between farmers, policymakers, and the public. Its AI-driven platform ensures comprehensive coverage, from local issues . By focusing on practical, trustworthy content, AGRI NEWS NET empowers the agricultural community to stay informed and inspired. 

Who needs the ANC government when you've got farmers?

The roads in Eastern Free State have not been mantained for years, so the local farmers did what Boers do best—they got onto their John Deeres and started building.

Truly, 🇿🇦 deserves to see its magnificence without the ANC. pic.twitter.com/oWws9NUbeG

— Trevor RYX (@GodTRYX) April 25, 2026

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