AgriView with Wandile Sihlobo

Episode 49 | NAMPO showcases the vibrancy of SA's agricultural sector

With Wandile Sihlobo

The winter crop season paints a more concerning picture, with wheat plantings expected to drop to a 12-year low due to global oversupply, weaker prices, and rising input costs like fuel and fertiliser. Farmers are shifting toward alternatives like canola and barley, but profitability remains under strain. As South Africa prepares for a potentially challenging season ahead - possibly influenced by El Niño - this episode explores what it all means for food security, exports, and the agricultural economy.

Episode 48 | Record crop projected for 2025/26 summer grains

With Wandile Sihlobo

South Africa is on track for a record-breaking 2025/26 summer grain and oilseeds harvest, with estimates pointing to around 20.8 million tonnes - the largest crop ever recorded in SA. In this episode of AgriView with Wandile, we unpack what’s driving this bumper season, from favourable La Niña conditions to expanded planting and strong soil moisture. 

Episode 47 | Fears of a global food crisis are premature

With Wandile Sihlobo

Fears of a looming global food crisis are dominating headlines - but are they justified? In this episode of AgriView, Wandile Sihlobo unpacks the recent concerns sparked by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and explains why, despite disruptions in fertilizer markets and global trade uncertainty, the world is currently well-supplied with key agricultural commodities.

Episode 46 | El Niño on the Horizon: Key risks to watch

With Wandile Sihlobo

While South Africa may be better positioned than its neighbours, tough decisions lie ahead as planting season approaches. This episode breaks down the key signals to watch, and why staying informed, not reactive, will be critical in the months ahead.

Episode 45 | April is a busy month for SA agriculture

With Wandile Sihlobo

April is a pivotal month for South African agriculture, marking a key transition in the production cycle. In this episode of AgriView, we unpack what to expect as the summer grain season nears harvest, with early indications pointing to a solid crop of around 20 million tonnes - well above the long-term average despite slightly lower year-on-year figures. We look ahead to the winter crop season, where planting intentions, input costs like fuel and fertiliser, and uncertain weather conditions will shape farmer decisions.

Episode 44 | Review factors shaping agriculture

With Wandile Sihlobo

In this episode of AgriView with Wandile, we take a step back to unpack the major forces that shaped South Africa’s agricultural sector in the first quarter of 2026. From the ongoing impact of foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever, to rising input costs driven by global tensions in the Middle East.

Episode 43 | The underpinnings of current subdued sentiment in agriculture

With Wandile Sihlobo

In Episode 43 of AgriView with Wandile, we unpack a fascinating contradiction shaping South African agriculture in early 2026: strong growth paired with weakening sentiment.

Episode 42 | AGOA continues to benefit SA agriculture

With Wandile Sihlobo

South African agricultural exports can now avoid additional duties that would otherwise have pushed tariffs even higher. In this episode of AgriView, we unpack what these developments mean for South Africa’s trade relationship with the United States, why maintaining market access remains strategically important, and why the long-term goal should be a more predictable trade agreement beyond AGOA.

Episode 41 | Ample grain in SA, but profitability in question?

With Wandile Sihlobo

South Africa’s 2025/26 summer grain and oilseed season is shaping up to be another strong one. According to the latest estimates from the Crop Estimates Committee, total production could reach around 19.8 million tonnes, only slightly down from the record-breaking 2024/25 season. In this episode of AgriView, we unpack what these crop estimates mean for farmers, agribusiness and the broader food economy.

Episode 40 | Implications of Middle East conflict for SA agriculture

With Wandile Sihlobo

Global conflict often feels distant — but for South African agriculture, developments in the Middle East can have very real consequences. In this episode of AgriView, Wandile Sihlobo unpacks how the evolving situation in the region could affect key agricultural exports such as beef, fruit, and grains.

Episode 39 | SONA 2026 clearly outlines agricultural priorities

With Wandile Sihlobo

In this episode of AgriView, Wandile Sihlobo unpacks what the 2026 State of the Nation Address means for the agricultural sector. While farmers often focus on immediate challenges like Foot-and-Mouth Disease, the national policy direction outlined in SONA shapes the environment in which agriculture must operate. 

Episode 38 | SA's 2025 Agri exports exceed 15 Billion USD

With Wandile Sihlobo

In this episode of AgriView, Wandile Sihlobo unpacks what drove this remarkable growth, from strong production in horticulture and field crops to the benefits of a favourable La Niña season, sustained on-farm investment in technology, and improving logistics coordination between the private sector and government. 

Episode 37 | SA's Relevance at Davos

With Wandile Sihlobo

South Africa’s participation at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos sparked plenty of online debate — but what really happened on the ground? In this episode of AgriView, Wandile Sihlobo shares first-hand insights from being part of the South African delegation, unpacking the country’s message to global leaders and investors.

Episode 36 | 2026 Outlook unrevised, despite risks

With Wandile Sihlobo

This week on AgriView, we unpack a season of sharp contrasts in South African agriculture. While the 2025/26 production year still holds strong promise – thanks to generally good rainfall and increased plantings across major grains and oilseeds – key risks are coming into sharper focus.

Episode 35 | Improving Intra-BRICS Trade

With Wandile Sihlobo

In this week’s episode of AgriView, we tackle a question many South Africans are asking: what is the real economic value of South Africa’s membership of BRICS, and why does trade between BRICS countries remain so limited? 

Episode 34 | Are we getting too much rain?

With Wandile Sihlobo

South Africa has experienced widespread rainfall across key agricultural regions this summer – raising questions about whether there can be too much rain for crops. In this episode of AgriView, we unpack why current rainfall patterns are largely positive for field crops.

Episode 33 | A solid starting point for accelerated Land Reform

With Wandile Sihlobo

In Episode 33 of AgriView, we unpack one of the most critical – and often misunderstood – policy conversations shaping South African agriculture today: land reform. We explore why secure land rights, title deeds, and proper beneficiary selection are essential if land reform is to deliver both economic growth and meaningful transformation.

Episode 32 | 2026 South African agricultural production outlook

Crops, livestock, exports and growth prospects

With Wandile Sihlobo

Explore how favourable conditions and improved vaccination strategies will shape crop and livestock production this year.

Episode 31 | 2026 South African agriculture policy priorities

Biosecurity, exports, land reform and more

With Wandile Sihlobo

Discover how policy reforms can strengthen pest management, improve infrastructure, and support sustainable farming practices.