Summer grain plantings generally started very well due to favourable subsoil moisture conditions and producers were able to start planting even though only a small amount of rain occurred. Summer grains have largely been planted in the eastern parts of the country while producers in the western parts are planting in full swing after the recent good rains that occurred. Season generally started earlier and the plantings are about 2 to 4 weeks earlier l in certain areas, than the norm.

View the full agricultural production conditions as at 30 November 2021 here

Click on the image above for a complete update

Despite unfavourable weather conditions at NAMPO Park, Grain SA was still able to host a very successful OFM NAMPO Park Christmas Market this year, from 24 – 27 November, with more than 2 000 visitors over the four days.

A record number of 125 exhibitors participated in the OFM NAMPO Park Christmas Market this year. Exhibitions were of high quality and the organisers attempted to place a wide and diverse range of exhibitions within the COVID-19 regulations.

Positive feedback was mostly received from exhibitors and food stall owners, indicating good business was done despite the weather not playing along every day.

Grain SA & OFM joined hands this year and OFM has been appointed as the official media partner of the OFM NAMPO Park Christmas Market. This partnership resulted in the Christmas market being advertised and presented on a larger and more professional platform this year.

The organizers further decided to expand the men's section of the market with exhibitors of outdoor and camping equipment, braais, car & motorcycle exhibits. This resulted in a more families visiting the Christmas market this year.

The Oja Dis Soja! Ladies Morning was presented on Thursday and Friday and hosts Jannie & Riëtte elaborated on the incredible health benefits of human soy consumption whilst selling some of their soy products.

"Our goal is not to go bigger but better, and to offer the experience to visitors on an ongoing basis to such an extent that they want to come back the next year," Toit Wessels, Ass Manager of NAMPO Park said.

The date for next year's OFM NAMPO Park Christmas Market is set for 23 - 26 November 2022.

Agri SA requested its provincial affiliations, commodity organisations and corporate members take note of the notice on the ZEP.

Cabinet considered the extension of the ZEP. The first Zimbabwean special dispensation started in 2009 and it provided for the documentation of qualifying Zimbabweans for five years. In 2014, the dispensation was extended by three years and called the Zimbabwean Special Permit.

The current ZEP was initiated in 2017 and comes to an end on 31 December 2021. Following its deliberations, Cabinet decided to no longer issue extensions to the Zimbabwean special dispensations.

Cabinet, however decided on a 12 month grace period at the expiry of the current ZEP.  During this period, the holders of this permit should apply for other permits appropriate to their status or situation. At the expiry of these 12 months, those who are not successful in applying for such other permits, will have to leave South Africa or be deported.

View the Agri SA notice here

A project within the Climate Resilience Consortium was run for two years (2019-2020) by Dr Peter Johnston from the Climate System Analysis Group at the University of Cape Town. The project was aimed at assisting grain producers to manage imminent climate risks (such as anticipated droughts) by identifying risks and proposing ways in which management practices can be adapted to minimise the expected impacts. Study groups were identified through the Farmer Development Programme in four regions, namely Kokstad, Mthatha (EC), Lichtenburg (NW) and Welkom (FS).

Essentially the project followed a consultation, scoping and analysis pattern. Producers from each region were invited to a specific meeting where the project is presented, and questions posed regarding various key objectives. Subsequently analysis of their responses and the appropriate scientific data determined the content and focus of a follow up meeting, which was designed to give feedback and advice to farmers. Information regarding crops, yield and existing climatic threats within the attached fact sheet are based on feedback from these study groups. Furthermore, projections and recommendations are also provided.

Click on each region below to access the applicable fact sheet.

Building Resilience to Climate Risk in Agriculture

Regional Fact Sheets

Click on each region to view/download a copy of the fact sheet

Kokstad

Lichtenburg

Mthatha

Welkom

The latest issues  of the 2021 December edition of Pula Imvula, Grain SA's magazine for emerging farmers, has been loaded on the website. Be sure to read any of the editions for the latest news and articles. Simply click on one of the links below.

Pula Imvula English	Pula Imvula Sesotho	Pula Imvula Tswana	Pula Imvula Xhosa	Pula Imvula Zulu