18 September 2023
By: Nico van Burick
Producers have been cautioned to acquire fertiliser in a timely manner to avoid potential shortages during planting season.
Compared to previous years, fertiliser imports have drastically decreased this year, and alongside possible logistics issues this may lead to shortages.
This is the warning from Hinterland, Senwes’ retail network, which says producers need to be vigilant.
“The decline in international fertiliser prices has resulted in less stock being imported in the hope that prices would further decrease,” says Kevin Smit, manager of input supplies at Hinterland. “Importers also did not want to unnecessarily hold expensive surplus stock.”
He says in a statement that Grain SA and the Fertiliser Association of South Africa have also referred to declining imports. In June, 78 867 tons of fertiliser were imported compared to 219,934 tons in the same month last year.
“We strongly urge producers to order their fertiliser in a timely manner and have peace of mind that potential shortages will not disrupt their planting schedules,” says Smit.
Hinterland has entered an agreement with MacroSource (formerly Gavilon Fertilizer) making the US-based fertiliser wholesaler a preferred supplier. “MacroSource’s facilities in Durban provide Hinterland with the opportunity to better serve our customers,” says Wayne Edwards, CEO of Hinterland.
Francois de Kock, CEO of Agri Credit Solutions (ACS), the credit provider within the Senwes Group, says many financing options are available to support ACS clients in purchasing fertiliser.
