Sign in

Wandile Sihlobo

@wandilesihlobo.bsky.social
846 followers 31 following 2.5K posts

Agricultural economist from South Africa Blog: wandile.substack.com Podcast: www.youtube.com/@agriviewwandile Email: wandile@agbiz.co.za

PostsRepliesMedia
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The uptick in diesel prices will raise farmers’ and agribusinesses’ input costs, particularly in summer crop-growing areas, as they start planting this month for the 2026-27 production season. Fuel is roughly 15% of grain farmers' input costs.
151
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The rains we are receiving in various regions in Southern Africa are helping to improve dam levels and soil moisture ahead of what could be a challenging summer season.
140
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
South Africa’s winter wheat harvest for the 2026-27 season is projected to drop to its lowest level in eight years, driving up reliance on global wheat imports despite overall growth in other winter crops. www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/...
dailymaverick.co.za
We may need to rethink our worrying wheat industry
South Africa’s winter wheat harvest for the 2026-27 season is projected to drop to its lowest level in eight years, driving up reliance on global wheat imports despite overall growth in other winter c...
011
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
BRICS needs to focus more sharply on delivering economic gains. wandile.substack.com/p/brics-need...
wandile.substack.com
BRICS needs a sharper focus on delivering economic gains
The South African agriculture and agribusiness sector’s view on BRICS participation has generally focused on how this can expand export opportunities.
021
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
South Africa’s abundant grains, fruit and vegetables are keeping food prices low, while foot-and-mouth disease, rising fuel costs and an expected El Niño loom. wandile.substack.com/p/good-harve...
wandile.substack.com
Good Harvests Help to Keep Food Inflation Low, But War and Weather Could Intervene
South Africa’s abundant grains, fruit and vegetables are keeping food prices low, while foot-and-mouth disease, rising fuel costs and an expected El Niño loom.
033
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Don’t Let the Rain Fool You, El Niño Still Looms. www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdhN...
youtube.com
EP69 - Don’t Let the Rain Fool You El Niño Still Looms
YouTube video by agriview wandile
000
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
South Africa’s Consumer Food Inflation is at A 16-Year Low. El Niño Could End That In 2027. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuza...
youtube.com
Wandile Sihlobo: SA Food Inflation Is At A 16-Year Low. El Niño Could End That In 2027
YouTube video by The Common Sense
020
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
In a world facing food security challenges, South Africa's agricultural achievements offer a beacon of hope. Here, I discuss SIX critical aspects that have POWERED South Africa's agriculture over the past three decades. www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYNE...
youtube.com
How one nation's farming revolution can feed Africa | Wandile Sihlobo | TEDxJohannesburgSalon
YouTube video by TEDx Talks
030
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
South Africa’s Raw Sugar Exports
012
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
South African Sugar Cane Production
001
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
South Africa's 2026-27 barley harvest is estimated at 414 640 tonnes, up 20% year-on-year.
010
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
We appreciate every drop of rain these days, especially as we fear the drier season ahead under El Niño.
040
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
South Africa’s Agriculture 31-years into Democracy. www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB5a...
youtube.com
EP06 SA Agriculture 31years into Democracy
YouTube video by agriview wandile
030
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Provincial tourism departments must examine agricultural activities in their region and start considering agri-tourism. The province that has done this excellently so far is the Western Cape.
120
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
It is encouraging to see our work, "A Country of Two Agricultures", cited in the Tabo Mbeki Foundation's substantive work on the issue of "The United States of America and The Future of the Afrikaners in South Africa".
100
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The El Niño forecasts for the next summer crop season are stronger. wandile.substack.com/p/some-chart...
wandile.substack.com
Some charts on El Niño
The Niño forecasts for the next summer crop season are stronger.
021
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
BRICS' economic impact has potential despite uncertainty. The letter appeared in the Business Day on September 23, 2026.
012
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
110
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
🇿🇦 Consumer inflation edged up from 4.3% in July to 4.4% in August. The outcome was almost in line with our forecast of 4.3% but slightly lower than the market’s projection of 4.5%
000
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
“South Africa’s unprocessed milk production for August 2026 is estimated at 316 million litres, 3.63% more than in August 2025 and 6.83% more than in August 2024 “ — Milk South Africa
010
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Pecans are South Africa's second-most produced tree nut after macadamias. The pecan industry is export oriented; therefore, growth is driven primarily by rising global demand as consumers seek healthier food options.
031
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Pecan production in South Africa is under full irrigation. For 2025/26 season, the area planted to pecans is estimated at 60,000 hectares.
020
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
There are still ample supplies in the silos across South Africa after a record harvest, but concerns about the effects of El Niño on the season ahead seem to be driving up commodity prices. www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/...
dailymaverick.co.za
SA’s record harvest can’t outrun a looming El Niño
There are still ample supplies in the silos across the country after a record harvest, but concerns about the effects of El Niño on the season ahead seem to be driving up commodity prices.…
011
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
There is much positive sentiment in South Africa's agriculture sector but there are a number of serious risks lurking. www.thecommonsense.co.za/Editorials/a...
thecommonsense.co.za
Agricultural Business Confidence Up but Future Concerns Remain
There is much positive sentiment in South Africa's agriculture sector but there are a number of serious risks lurking.
020
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
South Africa’s summer grain and oilseed production season will start next month. wandile.substack.com/p/south-afri...
wandile.substack.com
South Africa’s summer grain and oilseed production season will start next month
We are less than a month away from the typical start of the summer grain season in South Africa’s eastern regions.
031
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
In this week’s issue of the Financial Mail.
021
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Building export BRICS for SA farmers. wandile.substack.com/p/building-e...
wandile.substack.com
Building export BRICS for SA farmers
There has been much debate over the necessity of BRICS – the countries of the Global South, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – since it is largely a political group, miles apart geographi...
021
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
South Africa exported 19,281 tonnes of maize last week: 27% to Botswana, 26% to Zimbabwe, and the rest to other neighbouring countries. In the 2026-27 marketing year, which started in May 2026, South Africa could export roughly 3.0 million tonnes of maize.
100
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
South African farmers brace for costly 2026/27 season. wandile.substack.com/p/south-afri...
wandile.substack.com
South African farmers brace for costly 2026/27 season
Conversations in the South African farming sector are shifting toward the 2026-2027 season outlook.
020
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
A quick comment on the recent surge in South African maize prices. wandile.substack.com/p/a-quick-co...
wandile.substack.com
A quick comment on the recent surge in South African maize prices
I am in the Springbok Plains area in Limpopo this morning with agricultural technology suppliers.
020
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Kenya’s drought has devastated the maize crop. The country will not have enough maize to meet its annual needs and must rely on imports. South Africa would supply maize to Kenya, but the regulations there are causing issues. www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbmI...
youtube.com
Kenya Is Refusing the 2 Million Tonnes of Maize It Needs
YouTube video by The Common Sense
110
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The soil moisture across South Africa is really good. In parts of Limpopo, you can see the vegetation and veld are still healthy. We fear a likely drought this coming summer. But will enter it in a far better position. The water levels in dams are also fairly good.
010
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
So many amazing books from South African writers and leaders right now. I love it! Let's go and support them; buy and read them, folks.
010
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Although China has increased its BLUEBERRIES production, it remains a key market. The South African farming sector continues to view China as a strategic market for blueberry exports. wandile.substack.com/p/china-is-g...
wandile.substack.com
China is growing its blueberry production massively, but South Africa can still export berries to them
We have generally seen China as a key market for expanding blueberry exports.
022
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Although China has increased its BLUEBERRIES production, it remains a key market. The South African farming sector continues to view China as a strategic market for blueberry exports. wandile.substack.com/p/china-is-g...
010
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
It is nice to see RAIN in the Western Cape today. We certainly need it in agriculture. The province has had a few drier weeks, which have strained the WHEAT crop. SA may have its lowest wheat harvest in 8 years, at about 1.8 million tonnes (down 8% y/y) because of the dryness.
000
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The Karoo region of South Africa will enter the 2026-27 summer season with excellent pastures to support our country's sheep industry. The region has been receiving superb rains.
011
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
For the first half of 2026, South Africa’s agricultural exports amounted to US$7.8 billion, up 11% from the first half of 2025.
111
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
South Africa’s agricultural exports totalled US$4.1 billion in Q2 2026, up 10% from the same period a year ago. This again reflects both higher export volumes across products and better commodity prices.
100
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
South Africa’s agricultural exports to the U.S. increased by 56% in the second quarter of 2026, from the first quarter of the year to US$123 million.
120
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
South Africa’s agricultural exports totalled US$4.1 billion in Q2 2026, up 10% from the same period a year ago. This again reflects both higher export volumes across products and better commodity prices.
000
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
South Africa bought a lot of wheat from Poland between October 2025 and early September 2026. In total, South Africa has imported about 1.8 million tonnes of wheat from the world market. About 23% came from Poland, 15% from Russia, and 14% from Lithuania. wandile.substack.com/p/a-note-on-...
wandile.substack.com
A note on South Africa’s wheat imports
South Africa bought a lot of wheat from Poland between October 2025 and early September 2026.
010
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
The South African wheat industry is under pressure. www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRlh...
youtube.com
EP65 - Wheat under pressure
YouTube video by agriview wandile
011
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
South Africa bought a lot of wheat from Poland between October 2025 and early September 2026. In total, South Africa has imported about 1.8 million tonnes of wheat from the world market. About 23% came from Poland, 15% from Russia, and 14% from Lithuania, amongst other suppliers.
000
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
SOUTH AFRICA EXPORTED 52,451 TONNES OF MAIZE LAST WEEK. About 41% of this went to South Korea, 27% to Mauritius, and the remainder to neighbouring countries.
110
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
A Severe Drought is Coming for Southern Africa www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI5s...
youtube.com
A Severe Drought Is Coming for Southern Africa
YouTube video by The Common Sense
022
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
“During July 2026, South Africa exported 1,854,167 kg of pork products to 24 countries, a 13,2% increase in volume compared to June 2026. The top three destinations for pork meat exports from South Africa by volume were Mozambique, Namibia, and Lesotho.” --South African Pork Producers’ Organisation
010
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
AgriSA and Agbiz call for deeper agricultural trade across BRICS markets
000
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
BRICS REMAINS A KEY GROWTH AREA FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS. But countries must lower tariffs and, within limits, ease phytosanitary barriers. China is leading the way in opening these markets. It's key!
042
Wandile Sihlobo @wandilesihlobo.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
China now assumes the GLOBAL Chairship of the BRICS Agribusiness Working Group, taking over from India. In their remarks, they have affirmed what South African Agribusinesses are keen on; TRADE. As a priority area, they tabled deepening trade within BRICS.
011