Rainfall in February and March was generally favourable for crops in major growing areas, despite above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall in early February. Intermittent dry spells in the Free State, North West and Northern Provinces, as well as floods in the Cape Provinces have reduced prospects for a good harvest. An early frost in the upcoming winter period could also reduce yields.
Following the good February/March rains, the official estimate of the maize crop have been revised upwards to 7.4 million tonnes. This is still markedly below the 1997 crop of over 9 million tonnes. A reduced crop during the 1998/99 marketing year would reduce the country’s ability to export maize to countries of the sub-region.