As South Africa enters a crucial phase for winter crop production, farmers in the Western Cape are gearing up to prepare the soil for the 2024/25 season from the end of April to May. Other key winter crop provinces, including Free State, Limpopo, and the Northern Cape, are expected to start preparations by the end of May. Notably, the production of winter crops, particularly outside the Western Cape, benefits significantly from irrigation, supported by higher dam levels due to early summer rainfall.
However, the weather outlook for the Western Cape's winter season remains uncertain. The South African Weather Service's latest Seasonal Climate Watch indicates that the El Niño phenomenon is expected to neutralize by early winter. This shift could mean the Western Cape might receive average rainfall, potentially aiding the winter crop season. Despite this, farmers are advised to stay informed with the latest weather updates and adjust their planting strategies accordingly. The current intensity of El Niño had not been clearly predicted in last year's forecasts.
Source: agbiz.co.za