If there were any doubts about South African farmers’ optimism for the 2025/26 summer crop plantings, strong tractor sales should provide reassurance.
South African farmers intend to plant 4,1 million hectares in the 2025/26 season, up by 1% from the previous season. However, it is still early, and many factors could affect the plantings.
Nonetheless, the positive weather outlook, with La Niña rainfall prospects, combined with farmers’ continued tractor purchases, suggests these plans may materialise.
Data recently released by the South African Agricultural Machinery Association show that tractor sales increased by almost 15% year-on-year (y/y) in September 2025, with 758 units sold. The rise in agricultural machinery sales primarily reflects improved financial gains from the 2024/25 agricultural season, particularly in field crops, horticulture, and wine grape harvests, which benefitted from favourable weather.
South Africa’s 2024/25 summer grains and oilseeds production reached 20,08 million tons, up 30% y/y. This total includes maize, soybean, sunflower seed, groundnuts, sorghum, and dry beans, with annual gains in all crops supported by favourable summer rains and decent planting areas. The 2025/26 season is also likely to be favourable due to the previously mentioned La Niña conditions.
The various fruit and vegetables also showed decent harvests. For example, South African sugar production for the 2024/25 season is forecast to recover by 7% y/y to 2,09 million tons. Additionally, the wine grape harvest was 1,244 million tons, representing an 11% y/y increase.
Robust tractor sales reflect farmers’ confidence and point to a positive season ahead.
Wandile Sihlobo is the chief economist at Agbiz. Email him at [email protected].
