Preliminary area estimate for the 2022 production season of summer crops in South Africa

Please note that the area planted with crops refers to the area that has already been planted for all purposes, including for grain, silage and crop damaged area (s). The Crop Estimates Committee also takes note of the late plantings in some regions, as well as crops that have been damaged due to the recent excessive rains. The situation will be monitored throughout the season, therefore the Committee would like to thank all producers and industry role players who regularly provide information to the Committee to improve the accuracy of crop estimates. Commercial maize: The preliminary estimate of the area under maize is 2,610 mill. ha, which is 5.29% or 145 700 ha less than the 2,755 mill. ha planted last season, and also 4.24% or 115 500 ha less than the intentions to plant figure of 2,725 mill. ha as released in October 2021. The preliminary area under white maize is 1,576 mill. ha, which represents a decrease of 6.87% or 116 200 ha compared to the 1,692 mill. ha the previous ...