South Africa’s grain producers have every reason to be proud of last season’s harvests, which totalled more than 23 million tonnes – 30% more than the previous year.

By Charl van Rooyen, Senior Journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

This was the message from John Steenhuisen at a gala event in Boksburg where grain farmer Hansie Viljoen from Leeudoringstad was named Grain SA and Syngenta’s Grain Producer of the Year.

Agriculture is one of South Africa’s most strategic assets, Steenhuisen said. However, it will only remain so if the government continues to protect competitiveness, strengthen institutions and support those who produce food.

“I give you my word that this government will not stand by while our producers face rising costs, collapsing margins and unnecessary red tape. We will work with you, not above you, to ensure that South African grain remains among the most respected in the world.

“Let us keep this spirit of partnership alive, because together we can weather any storm and ensure a future that is both profitable and proudly South African.”

John Steenhuisen Grain Sa Awards_Charl Van Rooyen — At the recent announcement of the winner in the Grain Producer of the Year competition in Boksburg, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen promised to assist farmers and eliminate unnecessary red tape. Photo: Charl van Rooyen

Record Harvests

The past season’s massive maize and oilseed harvest of 23 million tonnes was an outstanding achievement by the country’s grain producers. The maize crop alone came to 16,33 million tonnes, well above the national need of 12 million tonnes.

This success secures the country’s food supply and positions South Africa strongly as a regional supplier. Grain farmers not only feed the nation but also earn vital foreign exchange, stabilise the trade balance and create tens of thousands of jobs.

“You are the vanguard of South African agriculture, and your resilience in the face of immense challenges is deeply appreciated,” Steenhuisen said.

Also read: SA’s new top grain producer: ‘Farmers need a level playing field’

Lower Output Prices and Higher Input Costs

South Africa is experiencing severe financial pressure that hits farmers from two opposite directions: lower output prices and higher input costs.

When the country produces such a large surplus of grain and oilseeds, the oversupply naturally pushes commodity prices down. This is good news for consumers, as it helps keep food inflation in check, but it also reduces the farmer’s income per tonne of grain produced.

At the same time, farmers are weighed down by rising input costs, which drive production costs sharply higher – including fertiliser, fuel, equipment and labour. This squeezes profit margins or even wipes them out entirely.

Also read: Engineer-turned-farmer wins 2025 Grain SA New Era Commercial Farmer Award

Support from Government

“I believe that the best way for us, as government, to support our farmers is to empower South African producers to be as competitive as possible,” Steenhuisen said. “This means ensuring access to the best and safest new breeding technologies and creating an environment that encourages investment in innovation, both from local and international partners, as we’ve seen in the strong collaboration between the Agricultural Research Council and Syngenta.

“It also means improving logistics at every level – local, provincial and national – and continuing to open up new international markets. Over the past year, the Department of Agriculture has been engaging with many countries to prioritise our exporting farmers.

“Above all, we must focus on regulatory efficiency, so that progress in agriculture is not held back by unnecessary red tape. These priorities align strongly with the goals of the Agriculture and Agro Processing Master Plan, which remains our shared roadmap for growth and competitiveness in the sector.”