South Africa predicts robust maize production of 15.2m tonnes for 2023-2024

Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo shared optimistic insights on the country’s commercial maize production for the 2023-2024 season. He cited data from the United States department of agriculture (USDA), which predicts a promising production figure of 15.2 million tonnes, surpassing the long-term average of 13.6 million tonnes, despite a 7% year-on-year decline. “It is encouraging to see the colleagues at the Pretoria office of the USDA placing South Africa’s 2023-2024 commercial maize production prospects at 15,2 million tonnes,” he said, emphasising the positive trajectory. While expressing concern over the maize crop’s yield potential in the North West, Sihlobo highlighted the USDA’s reasonable optimism about other provinces, citing adequate rainfall in those regions. “The North West hasn’t received as much rain as other provinces. Still, conditions aren’t as terrible there,” he noted. The South African crop estimates committee is set to release data on area plantings on ...