As a result of favourable weather throughout the season harvest prospects are good for the 1998 cereal crops, although yields may have been affected by heavy rains in several areas. A hailstorm in early March also damaged crops in some areas. Rainfall distribution has also been good but unusually high temperatures may have caused moisture stress especially in the Low Veld. Provided favourable conditions prevail for the remainder of the season, an above-average cereal harvest is expected. The current overall food supply situation is satisfactory and most of the imports are expected to be met through commercial channels.