September 26, 2013
South Africa's 2013 corn crop outlook to remain steady
In its final estimate for the season, South Africa is likely to keep steady its 2013 corn output forecast as farmers look forward to planting next season's crop.
The government's Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) last month raised this year's corn output forecast to 11.513 million tonnes, citing better yields from the yellow corn variety.
An average estimate of six traders polled by Reuters pegs the final forecast at 11.5 million tonnes, largely unchanged from the previous government forecast. The estimates ranged between 11.2 million tonnes and 11.663 million tonnes.
The final production forecast of this year's summer crops output is due to be released by the CEC on Thursday (Sep 19).
The CEC, in its first output forecast in February, had anticipated South Africa to harvest a bigger corn crop this year than the 12.12 million tonnes reaped in 2012. But a drought in Free State and North West provinces, which together produce more than half of the country's corn, affected yields.
The North West province declared a drought across its whole territory last week. Dry conditions and low levels in dams needed for irrigation will raise concerns about planting as farmers prepare fields.
South African cornis usually sown in the early stages of the summer and rainy season from October to December.