South African Maize Harvest Yields Mixed Results Despite Higher Grades

This year's maize harvest is unfolding differently than expected for many farmers in South Africa. In some areas, yields are higher than anticipated, ranging from 3 to 8 t/ha or more.

According to Grain SA's head of applied economics and member services Corné Louw, the harvests are coming in more slowly due to a lot of rain that fell over parts of the summer rainfall area between March and May. This caused many farmers to wait for their maize to dry out before harvesting.

Ryk Pretorius, regional representative of Grain SA, described yields this year as 'a lucky draw'. Yields among farmers in drier regions have been average to above average. However, some farmers are still experiencing grade problems and low yields, particularly in areas that experienced wet conditions during harvesting.