Depending on the particular region, the prioritization of the guidelines will differ. The basic strategy to follow would be to minimize and diversify risk, optimize soil water availability and to manage the renewable resources (rain water and grazing) to uphold sound farming objectives. Long-term mitigation strategies should be considered by implementing techniques to enhance in-field water harvesting by reducing run-off and improving infiltration. Reduced tillage methods are very important in this regard, as is basin tillage, to capture rainwater in the drier areas.

Above-normal rainfall is expected over most parts of the country during the early-mid- to late summer seasons, which is likely to bring positive impacts on crop and livestock production. Therefore, the relevant decision-makers are encouraged to advise farmers to prepare land for planting, to practice measures such as soil and water conservation, proper water harvesting and storage, establishing good drainage systems, and other appropriate farming practices.

The multimodel rainfall forecast indicates above-normal rainfall for most parts of the country for all predicted seasons. Minimum temperatures are still expected to be above normal countrywide, however, maximum temperatures are expected to be below normal over large parts of the country during early-(Nov-Dec-Jan) and mid-summer (Dec-Jan-Feb).

During July, above normal rainfall was received over some central and north-eastern parts of the country. The remainder of the country received below-normal rainfall. Above normal rainfall was scattered across the country in August, especially in the coastal provinces. The remainder of the country received below-normal rainfall.

Agri SA welcomes the National Disaster Management Centre’s (NDMC) classification of a national disaster due to the severe rainfall and flooding in large parts of the country.

The recent rains have also been welcomed due to prolonged drought conditions producers experienced the past 6 to 9 years, however, these conditions have brought severe risks for crops and damage to infrastructure. Road infrastructure is of particular importance to be prioritised.