South Africa has just harvested its largest soybean crop in history — 2.77 million tons. A decade ago, we were importing nearly a million tons of soybean oilcake every year to feed our poultry industry.
Today, thanks to major investments by government and the private sector in processing capacity, new seed technologies, and farmer innovation, we’ve not only achieved self-sufficiency — we’ve become a net exporter.
This success story proves what’s possible when policy and production work together to unlock growth in agriculture. But soybeans aren’t the only win. The second-largest maize harvest on record means lower feed costs, a stronger poultry industry, and improved food security at home and beyond our borders.
With rising export demand from neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe and continued favourable weather patterns, South Africa’s grain sector is positioned for sustained momentum into 2026.
In this episode of AgriView, Wandile Sihlobo breaks down the numbers, the strategies, and the market shifts behind this milestone moment for South African agriculture — and what it means for our protein future.
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