January 2002
Yield prospects are currently favorable for South
Africa's 2001/02 corn crop. The "Maize Triangle" (Free
State, North West, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga) received normal to
above-normal precipitation in November and December, providing
abundant soil moisture for crop establishment but causing
localized flooding and planting delays, particularly in western
and southern crop areas. In early January, scattered showers and
seasonably warm temperatures (30-35 degrees C maximum) across the
Maize Triangle benefited vegetative corn and other summer crops
in the region. Corn typically advances through reproduction in
late January and early February, when it is most sensitive to
drought and high temperatures. According to long-range forecasts
by the South Africa Weather Service, normal to below-normal
rainfall and seasonal temperatures are expected for the
February-April 2002 period.
USDA currently estimates South Africa's 2001/02 corn area at 3.5
million hectares, up 9 percent from last year. Production is
estimated at 9.0 million tons, up 1.5 million or 20 percent from
a year ago due to higher area and near-average projected yield.
In addition to favorable weather, strong domestic corn prices and
lower stock levels contributed to the increased planting
estimate. The South African government will publish its first
official corn area estimate of 2001/02 in January 2002 and its
first production estimate in February.