The area and final production estimate of winter crops for 2020 was recently released by the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC).
Wheat
The expected wheat crop remained unchanged at 1,502 million tonnes, while the expected yield is 2,78 t/ha. The expected production in the Western Cape is 633,750 tonnes (42%), in the Free State 313,600 tonnes (21%) and in the Northern Cape 262,500 tonnes (17%). An estimated 325,000ha or 60% was planted in the Western Cape, 128,000ha or 24% in the Free State and 37,500ha or 7% in the Northern Cape.
Malting barley
The production forecast for malting barley also remained unchanged at 345 080 tons. The area planted is estimated at 131,960ha, whereas the expected yield is 2,62 t/ha.
Canola
The expected canola crop is estimated at 96,200 tonnes, whereas the area estimate is 74,000ha, with an expected yield of 1,30 t/ha.
Oats
The area estimate for oats (cereals) for the 2019 season is 21,000ha and the expected crop is 15,540 tonnes. The expected yield is 0,74 t/ha.
Note that the intentions to plant winter cereals for 2020 will be released on 29 April 2020.