South Africa’s grain production is off to a decent start in marketing year 2022/23. Above-average rains over most parts of the summer rainfall production area during November and December enhanced crop plantings and provided conducive growing conditions. However, excessive rains on the eastern side of South Africa’s corn production area delayed planting operations and caused damage to already-planted crops that could negatively impact yields.
The true effect will only become clear over the next few months. Hence, Post’s estimate for South Africa’s total corn crop (subsistence and commercial production) remains unchanged at 15.6 million metric tons for marketing year 2022/23. South Africa should maintain its status as a net exporter of corn. Regarding marketing year 2021/22, South Africa is heading to 3.0 million metric tons of corn exports after producing the third-largest crop on record.