South African corn farmers are preparing to reduce their plantings to the lowest level in seven years, primarily due to rising input costs and the looming threat of drought during the summer months. The Crop Estimates Committee reported on Tuesday that farmers plan to plant corn on approximately 2.4 million hectares for the 2027 season, marking a 12.4% decrease from the previous year and roughly 10% below the five-year average.
The decision comes as farmers grapple with higher expenses for inputs such as fertilizers and seeds, coupled with the potential impact of El Niño, which is expected to bring drier conditions. The reduced planting area signals a significant shift in agricultural strategy, as the last time plantings were this low was in 2019.
The Crop Estimates Committee's first report on planting intentions for the next season highlights the challenges facing South Africa's agricultural sector. The anticipated drought could further strain food supplies and impact prices, both domestically and internationally.