South Africa expects larger corn, wheat crop

South Africa’s overall agricultural outlook for 2025-26 is optimistic with improved production expected for corn and wheat as well as slight growth in consumption, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

“However, the broader economic challenges facing South Africa, such as policy uncertainty, logistical infrastructure, and unemployment issues, remain a concern and could impact the long-term sustainability of consumption growth,” the FAS said.

Corn production could increase 2% to 16 million tonnes. South Africa consumes white and yellow corn, with white corn the most important for human consumption. Yellow corn is mostly used by the animal feed sector.

Overall consumption is expected to follow the 2% per year increase trend line, for a total of 12.6 million tonnes in 2025-26. Exports are expected to grow by almost a quarter to 1.9 million tonnes on the larger crop.

Wheat production could reach 2 million tonnes, a slight increase from the 1.9 million tonnes produced last year. Local wheat consumption is expected to grow to 3.8 million tonnes, up from 3.7 million tonnes.

Wheat is mostly used for human consumption in South Africa and is the second most important grain commodity after corn.

In 2025-26 wheat and wheat products imports are estimated at 2 million tonnes, 5% higher than 2024-25.

“A slight increase in production is offset by a rise in consumption, while wheat exports (minimal in South Africa) are expected to flatten,” the FAS said.

Tags: wheat, crop forecast, corn