In addition, the production of poultry meat increased by 38 043 tons (2.1%) compared to the previous season. The weighted average price received by farmers for their agricultural products increased by 6.7% due to the increase in the prices of field crops and horticulture products by 15.7% and 7.0% respectively. The weighted average price of horticultural products increased by 7.0% as a result of the increase in the prices of vegetables and fruit by 16.5% and 4.2% respectively.
The weighted average price of animal products increased by 2.0%, mainly due to the increase in milk prices by 17.6%. Expenditure on intermediate goods and services increased by 7.1% for the period under review, compared with an increase of 6.3% the previous period. The domestic exchange rate rose by 1.0% as a result of the higher prices earned by the farmers from agricultural products.
Gross investment related to fixed improvements for the year ended June 30, 2021 increased by 6.7%. Consumer prices of all agricultural products increased by 3.5% for the year ending June 2021, compared to 3.7% in the previous period.
FIELD CROP HUSBANDRY
The contribution by provinces to maize production during the 2020/21 production season is depicted in the following figure. White corn is generally produced in the western parts of the corn belt, while yellow corn is planted in the eastern parts. Production levels in the Southern African Development Community region (South Africa is usually the main source of white maize for these countries in times of shortage).
Due to the erratic weather conditions in the country, there are large variations in local production. The 2020/2021 planting season in South Africa was marked by abundant rainfall, supporting agricultural activity in the country and leading to large harvests. Sorghum, like other grains, has two basic markets it serves, namely the human component and the animal feed component.
Local wheat prices are mainly influenced by two factors - the value of the rand against the dollar and international prices. The malting barley industry is important in South Africa's national economy, with barley playing a key role in crop rotation systems used by farmers. This means that malt is almost entirely produced in South Africa, creating more jobs in the country.
Global production in the 2021/22 marketing season is mainly driven by the larger crops in the EU (52.75 million tonnes) and Russia (17.00 million tonnes). Sunflower seeds can be planted from the beginning of November to the end of December in the eastern parts of the production areas and until mid-January in the western part. This is probably the main reason for the crop's popularity in the marginal production areas of South Africa.
The decrease in sunflower plantings in 2021 is mainly attributable to the increase in the area planted with corn and soybeans. As local production of soybean meal was previously limited, almost all local consumption had to be imported. Almost the entire canola crop in South Africa is produced in the Western Cape, especially in the Southern Cape.
In such crop rotation systems, canola usually causes an increase in the yields of subsequent crops. The Dry Bean Producers' Organization is the national commodity organization that promotes the interests of the nation's dry bean producers.
HORTICULTURE
During the 2019/20 season (October-September), about 53.0% of dairy fruits produced were exported and approximately 77.7% of gross value from dairy fruits came from export earnings. During the last five seasons, most dairy fruits were processed into juice, with the exception of apricots and peaches, which were mainly used for canning. Dried fruits are mainly produced in the western and southern parts of the Western Cape and in the Lower and Upper Orange River areas of the Northern Cape.
Most of the raisins are produced in the Orange River area of the Northern Cape. In some parts of the production area there were severe frosts and the extent of the damage is not yet known. The Perishable Export Control Board (PPECB) is responsible for inspecting exported dry fruits to ensure compliance with quality standards.
Wine is produced mainly in the Western Cape and along parts of the Orange River in the Northern Cape. The cultivation of some types of subtropical fruits is only possible in certain specific areas of the country due to specific climatic requirements. During 2020/21 (July to June), pineapples accounted for 47.5% of the total intake of subtropical fruit species for processing.
The CRI is a division of the CGA and research funding is mainly obtained from levies on citrus exports. As depicted in the following graph, approximately 46% of the volume of vegetables produced is traded on the main fresh produce markets. The value of the above vegetables increased during 2020/21 and the highest increase was for pumpkins with 11.3%.
The prices of the large vegetable varieties rose, except for onions, which showed a decrease of 7.5%. Sales to fresh produce markets amounted to approximately 46.0% and direct sales to approximately 25.0% of the total sales volume of tomatoes. About 53% of the total production during the 2020/21 season was sold in the main fresh produce markets, while 17% was exported.
Approximately 1% of the total onion production was taken for processing during the 2020/21 season. During the 2020/21 season, the volume of onions exported represented approximately 17% of the total onion harvest.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION
Some farms in the North West and Gauteng were found to have some of the largest cattle herds in the country. Most of the organizations are affiliated to the South African Studbook and Animal Improvement Association. The Milk Producers Organization (MPO) is the most prominent producer organization in the South African dairy sector.
Sheep farming is found in all provinces, but these are mostly concentrated in the drier parts of the country. The red meat industry is one of the most important growth industries in South Africa's agricultural sector. The poultry industry consists of day-old chickens, broilers and egg supply.
These changes resulted in an increase in the estimated size of the national laying flock in terms of the number of eggs produced and average egg weight. South Africa contributed about 0.4% to global milk production in 2020, but the dairy industry was the seventh largest agricultural industry in 2020 by value of local agricultural production. Wool is produced throughout South Africa; however, the main production areas are in the drier regions of the country.
Mohair production in South Africa mainly takes place in the Eastern Cape and the adjacent Western Cape. Most of the world's mohair production is imported to South Africa for further processing, after which it is exported together with mohair produced locally (including Lesotho). The purpose of the SAOBC is to promote the sustainability and profitability of South Africa's ostrich industry.
Globally, the demand for ostrich meat has decreased due to the devastating effect of travel bans due to Covid-19 on the tourism and hospitality industry. The biggest risk to the sustainability of the industry lies in the potential outbreaks of animal diseases such as bird flu, therefore the industry works with the government to ensure compliance with international requirements in this regard. This initiative is welcomed by all customers in the value chain and will play a major role in the long-term sustainability of the South African Ostrich industry.
