Over the past few years, the grain industry has been under tremendous pressure: mainly due to the droughts, but also due to low international grain prices. In theory, the price is supposed to support producers during a drought, as prices then move closer to import parity levels. However, the challenge is that prices are currently at the same levels as ten years ago. This has left several grain producers with a negative cash flow amid a continuing drought that puts additional pressure on their financial position.

In their latest baseline submission, the Bureau of Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) clearly indicated that cash flows remain under pressure. This is largely due to cash flow positions that are already under pressure, but also because international prices are expected to move fairly sideways. One of the solutions is possible subsidies in terms of crop insurance. Several other countries are already supporting their producers with crop insurance programs, with contributing premiums ranging from 10% to 75%.

Together with role players such as Grain SA, the South African Insurance Association (SAIA) has investigated the possibilities and impact of such a system in the South African environment. A full application was submitted to the Treasury in June for government consideration following a previous failed attempt.

The application currently involves a focus on multi-risk insurance for commercial producers and index insurance for small-scale producers. Grain SA discussed the need for subsidised crop insurance with the new Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza at their first meeting, after which the Minister confirmed in Parliament that an inquiry was being made into the crop insurance subsidy.

This is positive news for Grain SA and the team is working hard to ensure that the agenda stays on the table with appropriate information and research. The availability of funding given current economic situations remains an open question, but it is a small amount compared to the significance for economic growth and food security. At present, many drought funding programs are aimed at livestock donations, while grain producers need financial support. The program is therefore crucial to support all producers.

Choosing a career path is an important decision in every student’s life. Very few other sectors provide the scope that agriculture does; but what are some important things to consider when pursuing an agricultural related degree? What does the industry offer in terms of research? What is the role of science in agriculture? These, and more, were some of the questions that were addressed at the AgriCareerConnect expo at the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa campus on Thursday, 5 September 2019.

Grain SA's Research and Policy Centre team attended the expo and engaged with students from the University to speak about working in industry and collaborations between industry and academia. A key aspect was to show the students that with an agricultural related degree, career possibilities are virtually endless. Grain SA encouraged students to get involved with industry relevant research and explained that it entails more than just basic research, but also exciting science by being part of multidisciplinary teams finding solutions to real problems. Agriculture is a multi-faceted industry combining some of the most innovative technologies with the rich wealth of experience to meet the world’s most primary need, food.

With the past few seasons’ planting seasons that have not turned out quite as it should, many producers are still sowing seeds from the previous season. It is recommended that producers test this seed to ensure that germination has not deteriorated excessively.

Producers can have their seed germination tested at the following registered laboratories:

Private Seed Testing Laboratories

Seed can also be tested at the official seed testing laboratory (OSTL):

Official Seed Testing Laboratory Seed Evaluation Centre
R573 Moloto Road, Roodeplaat
Contact: Angel Mabaso, Scientific Technician, Plant Production on (012) 319 6311

Producers can also refer to this article to make sure that seed is stored correctly:

"Saad maak saak - berg dit reg"

More than ever before, cooperation between the various sectors within the industry is of paramount importance to stabilise and move the local peanut industry forward. Producers are invited to attend one of the events below to hear more about current market conditions as well as work being done and what is being planned.

October 08, 2019 - Setlagole Boeresaal
October 9, 2019 - Hartswater The Venue
October 10, 2019 - Viljoenskroon Golf Club

Click on the invitation below for the program and further details

The South African Sclerotinia Research Network (SASRN) is an open network of Sclerotinia experts and stakeholders working towards practical outcomes for producers. SASRN held a meeting in Pretoria on Thursday, 12 September 2019, attended by researchers and industry members involved with Sclerotinia diseases in South Africa. The aim of the meeting was to create a draft document of strategic research priorities that will lead to outcomes-based research projects to the benefit of the industry.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Services in collaboration with various industry members devised a strategic document to guide research endeavours related to Sclerotinia. This document was used as a basis to guide the discussions and priorities applicable to South Africa were identified. A draft document will be produced and circulated for comments before the network finalises the priorities.

The new SASRN website (http://sclerotinia.co.za/) was launched on the same day and provides opportunities for knowledge sharing as well as for producers to submit questions and interact directly with researchers. Producers can participate in research activities by completing the online survey (http://sclerotinia.co.za/contact_us)

Back Row left to right: Jan Dreyer (PRF), Gerhard Keun (PRF), Neal McLaren (UFS), Chrisna Steyn (UFS), Gawie de Beer (PRF), Adré Minnar-Oting (UFS), Knowledge Mushonga (UP), Stefan Links (GSA), Markus Wilken (UP), Mareleese Bester (UFS), Lisa Rothmann (UFS), Mandla Sibiya (UP); Front Row: Wessel vs Wyk (PRF), Miekie Human (GSA)

Kwelea finches cause a lot of damage to small grains annually. Grain SA would like to remind members that there is no need to wait for damage to occur (especially with regards to wheat) to report them to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Once flocks and their sleeping area have been identified, producers can report it to the Department, using the contact details below.

Procedures the complainant must follow in order to report Kweleas

Before a departmental official will conduct a physical inspection, the following steps must be followed by a complainant:

1. The correct sleeping or breeding area of ​​the affected swarm Kweleas that causes damage must be correctly identified. The area can only be identified early in the evenings. Breeding swarms will have nests which can be used during the day as identification of the breeding site.
2. If the identified area is not the property of the complainant, the complainant must obtain permission for entry and possible control action from the landowner concerned.

The complainant will contact one of the resource conservation inspectors (see the contact numbers below) with the above information to report the Kweleas: