South African Farming Sector Faces Challenges Amid Ample Harvests
The South African farming sector is experiencing mixed fortunes in 2026, similar to 2025. The horticulture and field crops sectors are performing well, with ample harvests of various crops.
However, commodity prices have been under pressure, posing a challenge for farmers who started the season with higher input costs. Severe weather events, including floods in several provinces, have also affected farming businesses.
The wheat and sugarcane growers are facing challenging conditions due to low international sugar and wheat prices, leading to increased imports and pressure on local industries.
The lower food price inflation rate of 0.6% in July is a result of the ample harvests and lower prices, benefiting South African households. However, the cattle industry continues to face challenges with foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever affecting some farms.