Wandile Sihlobo
@wandilesihlobo.bsky.social
Agricultural economist from South Africa. Author, “The Uncomfortable Truth about South Africa's Agriculture (2025)”, “A Country of Two Agricultures (2023)”, + more.
www.wandilesihlobo.com
www.wandilesihlobo.com
We will release last quarter of 2025 results of South Africa’s Agribusiness Confidence Index on Friday, December 5, at 10 am.
This is a sentiment indicator in the South African farming and agribusiness sectors.
It is formally called the "Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index."
This is a sentiment indicator in the South African farming and agribusiness sectors.
It is formally called the "Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index."
November 29, 2025 at 10:03 AM
We will release last quarter of 2025 results of South Africa’s Agribusiness Confidence Index on Friday, December 5, at 10 am.
This is a sentiment indicator in the South African farming and agribusiness sectors.
It is formally called the "Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index."
This is a sentiment indicator in the South African farming and agribusiness sectors.
It is formally called the "Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index."
The number of people in high levels of acute food insecurity in hunger hotspots
November 28, 2025 at 8:14 PM
The number of people in high levels of acute food insecurity in hunger hotspots
Map of early warning hunger hotspots
November 28, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Map of early warning hunger hotspots
La Niña rains prospects and a possible favourable agricultural season ahead.
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
La Niña rains prospects and possible favorable agricultural season ahead
Farmers are also upbeat
open.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:06 PM
La Niña rains prospects and a possible favourable agricultural season ahead.
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
WE CONTINUE TO RECEIVE NICE LA NINA RAINS IN SOUTH AFRICA'S SUMMER CROP GROWING REGIONS. GOOD FOR AGRICULTURE!
November 28, 2025 at 7:50 PM
WE CONTINUE TO RECEIVE NICE LA NINA RAINS IN SOUTH AFRICA'S SUMMER CROP GROWING REGIONS. GOOD FOR AGRICULTURE!
THE SOUTH AFRICAN FARMERS HAVE BOUGHT MORE TRACTORS, AS THEY PREPARED FOR A PROMISING 2025-26 SUMMER SEASON.
The 857 units sold in October were 12% more than the 765 units sold in October last year. Look at the table for the past few months' activity.
The 857 units sold in October were 12% more than the 765 units sold in October last year. Look at the table for the past few months' activity.
November 28, 2025 at 7:22 PM
THE SOUTH AFRICAN FARMERS HAVE BOUGHT MORE TRACTORS, AS THEY PREPARED FOR A PROMISING 2025-26 SUMMER SEASON.
The 857 units sold in October were 12% more than the 765 units sold in October last year. Look at the table for the past few months' activity.
The 857 units sold in October were 12% more than the 765 units sold in October last year. Look at the table for the past few months' activity.
The South African CHERRIES industry is growing and still relatively new. In 2012, South Africa had 185 hectares of cherry plantings, and by 2024, we had about 819 hectares.
November 28, 2025 at 6:49 PM
The South African CHERRIES industry is growing and still relatively new. In 2012, South Africa had 185 hectares of cherry plantings, and by 2024, we had about 819 hectares.
Today’s Producer Price Inflation data points towards a possible continuous cooling of South Africa’s consumer food price inflation in the coming months. The PPI for food mildly slowed to 2.1% in October 2025, from 2.9% the previous month.
November 27, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Today’s Producer Price Inflation data points towards a possible continuous cooling of South Africa’s consumer food price inflation in the coming months. The PPI for food mildly slowed to 2.1% in October 2025, from 2.9% the previous month.
Those who believe the South African farming sector is under siege, guess what!
This sector continues to grow, and in the first three quarters of 2025, exports totalled US$11.7 billion, a 10% increase from the corresponding period in 2024.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCvP...
This sector continues to grow, and in the first three quarters of 2025, exports totalled US$11.7 billion, a 10% increase from the corresponding period in 2024.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCvP...
EP 27 - Good News on South Africa’s Q3 Agricultural Exports
YouTube video by agriview wandile
www.youtube.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Those who believe the South African farming sector is under siege, guess what!
This sector continues to grow, and in the first three quarters of 2025, exports totalled US$11.7 billion, a 10% increase from the corresponding period in 2024.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCvP...
This sector continues to grow, and in the first three quarters of 2025, exports totalled US$11.7 billion, a 10% increase from the corresponding period in 2024.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCvP...
SOUTH AFRICAN OVERALL NATIONAL CATTLE HERD IS AROUND 12 MILLION
The 7.2 million in my recent comments about cattle vaccination refers only to COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION. The remaining non-commercial are critical to this vaccination effort.
The 7.2 million in my recent comments about cattle vaccination refers only to COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION. The remaining non-commercial are critical to this vaccination effort.
November 27, 2025 at 12:14 PM
SOUTH AFRICAN OVERALL NATIONAL CATTLE HERD IS AROUND 12 MILLION
The 7.2 million in my recent comments about cattle vaccination refers only to COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION. The remaining non-commercial are critical to this vaccination effort.
The 7.2 million in my recent comments about cattle vaccination refers only to COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION. The remaining non-commercial are critical to this vaccination effort.
KEEP HAVING YOUR BACON, PORK RIBS, PORK BELLY SANDWICHES, ETC.
“South Africa’s national PIG slaughters reached 313,894 during September 2025, 1,6% higher than in August 2025 and 1,9% higher than in September 2024.” -- South African Pork Producers’ Organisation
“South Africa’s national PIG slaughters reached 313,894 during September 2025, 1,6% higher than in August 2025 and 1,9% higher than in September 2024.” -- South African Pork Producers’ Organisation
November 27, 2025 at 12:05 PM
KEEP HAVING YOUR BACON, PORK RIBS, PORK BELLY SANDWICHES, ETC.
“South Africa’s national PIG slaughters reached 313,894 during September 2025, 1,6% higher than in August 2025 and 1,9% higher than in September 2024.” -- South African Pork Producers’ Organisation
“South Africa’s national PIG slaughters reached 313,894 during September 2025, 1,6% higher than in August 2025 and 1,9% higher than in September 2024.” -- South African Pork Producers’ Organisation
It is always encouraging and satisfying to see universities and organisations use this work to teach and in their engagements.
This was just sent to me by a friend at the University of Pretoria.
This was just sent to me by a friend at the University of Pretoria.
November 27, 2025 at 11:46 AM
It is always encouraging and satisfying to see universities and organisations use this work to teach and in their engagements.
This was just sent to me by a friend at the University of Pretoria.
This was just sent to me by a friend at the University of Pretoria.
WATCH: South Africa’s agriculture is not under siege!
www.financialmail.businessday.co.za/opinion/2025...
www.financialmail.businessday.co.za/opinion/2025...
WATCH: South Africa’s agriculture is not under siege!
Looking at the long-term picture, the episode highlights how South African agriculture has more than doubled in value since the dawn of democracy, driven by technology adoption, strong private sector ...
www.financialmail.businessday.co.za
November 25, 2025 at 8:19 PM
WATCH: South Africa’s agriculture is not under siege!
www.financialmail.businessday.co.za/opinion/2025...
www.financialmail.businessday.co.za/opinion/2025...
printed in the Daily Dispatch
November 25, 2025 at 8:12 PM
printed in the Daily Dispatch
The G20 places a spotlight on the global hunger problem
Listen to the podcast.
open.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:08 PM
POTATO PRICES IN SOUTH AFRICA REMAIN UNDER PRESSURE.
A 10kg bag is under R50 across the major fresh produce markets. We have ample potato supplies.
Of course, this is putting some strain on farmers' profitability.
A 10kg bag is under R50 across the major fresh produce markets. We have ample potato supplies.
Of course, this is putting some strain on farmers' profitability.
November 25, 2025 at 12:55 PM
POTATO PRICES IN SOUTH AFRICA REMAIN UNDER PRESSURE.
A 10kg bag is under R50 across the major fresh produce markets. We have ample potato supplies.
Of course, this is putting some strain on farmers' profitability.
A 10kg bag is under R50 across the major fresh produce markets. We have ample potato supplies.
Of course, this is putting some strain on farmers' profitability.
In South Africa, we have relied on improved seed cultivars, better genetics, and other inputs to support the growth and expansion of our agricultural sector. We will continue on this path.
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
Registration of farm inputs in South Africa
There must be continuous work to improve the efficiency in registering new farm inputs to support the growth of SA agriculture
open.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:01 PM
In South Africa, we have relied on improved seed cultivars, better genetics, and other inputs to support the growth and expansion of our agricultural sector. We will continue on this path.
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
SOUTH AFRICA'S AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS HAVE REMAINED STRONG SINCE THE START OF 2025.
The cumulative value of agricultural exports for the first three quarters of the year is US$11.7 billion, representing a 10% increase from the corresponding period in 2024.
The cumulative value of agricultural exports for the first three quarters of the year is US$11.7 billion, representing a 10% increase from the corresponding period in 2024.
November 24, 2025 at 3:23 PM
SOUTH AFRICA'S AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS HAVE REMAINED STRONG SINCE THE START OF 2025.
The cumulative value of agricultural exports for the first three quarters of the year is US$11.7 billion, representing a 10% increase from the corresponding period in 2024.
The cumulative value of agricultural exports for the first three quarters of the year is US$11.7 billion, representing a 10% increase from the corresponding period in 2024.
SOUTH AFRICA EXPORTED 52,565 TONNES OF MAIZE LAST WEEK.
--About 61% of maize exports went to Zimbabwe, and the remainder to other countries in the Southern African region. 1/
--About 61% of maize exports went to Zimbabwe, and the remainder to other countries in the Southern African region. 1/
November 23, 2025 at 3:49 PM
SOUTH AFRICA EXPORTED 52,565 TONNES OF MAIZE LAST WEEK.
--About 61% of maize exports went to Zimbabwe, and the remainder to other countries in the Southern African region. 1/
--About 61% of maize exports went to Zimbabwe, and the remainder to other countries in the Southern African region. 1/
We have seen excellent growth in South Africa's agriculture since the dawn of democracy in 1994. Hence, we find it puzzling when some among us argue in support of the U.S. leadership's misleading statements that terrible things are happening in South African farming.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyc_...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyc_...
Ep 26 - SA Agriculture is NOT under siege!
YouTube video by agriview wandile
www.youtube.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:35 AM
We have seen excellent growth in South Africa's agriculture since the dawn of democracy in 1994. Hence, we find it puzzling when some among us argue in support of the U.S. leadership's misleading statements that terrible things are happening in South African farming.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyc_...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyc_...
The G20 Leaders’ Declaration highlights the significance of agricultural growth in addressing global food insecurity.
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
The G20 Leaders’ Declaration highlights the significance of agricultural growth in addressing global food insecurity
South Africa presents some valuable lessons
open.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:56 PM
The G20 Leaders’ Declaration highlights the significance of agricultural growth in addressing global food insecurity.
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
South Africa Leads the G20 – But What Does it Mean for Agriculture?
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
South Africa Leads the G20 – But What Does it Mean for Agriculture?
An AgriView conversation
open.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:47 AM
South Africa Leads the G20 – But What Does it Mean for Agriculture?
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...
open.substack.com/pub/wandile/...