Minutes
Minutes of the Canola working group meeting
held on 3 June 2026 at the Elsenburg Auditorium, Elsenburg
Opening
The Chairperson, Mr AP Theron opened the meeting with prayer.
Welcome
The Chairperson welcomed all present.
A special welcome to Ms Wiana Louw from the SAGL attending the meeting.
Attendance
Present
Mr A Theron Chairperson Mr R Badenhorst Overberg Agri Ms R Beukes * NDA Mr JH Blanckenberg Grain SA Mr L Blignaut SU Mr P Blom Inteligro Dr E Briedenhann OAC Mr L Coetzee Agrimark Ms M Coetzee SU Mr R de Villiers SU Mr S De Wet Limagrain SA Mr G Els Advanta Ms C Farinna SU Mr C Gericks SU Ms C Grobler Pioneer Mr B Horn Agricol Ms S Hull SU Mr J Jacobs Agricol Mr J Kellerman Barenbrug Mr G Keun * PRF Prof S Lamprecht Private Dr A Le Roux SU Mr P Lombard DAWC Ms S Lureman Overberg Agri Mr C Minnaar AECI World Mr F Meiring Limagrain SA Limagrain SA BFAP Mr D Moore SOILL Dr D Mostert SU Ms I Mpetswa SU Mr C Müller Agricol Mr C Louw * GSA Ms W Louw SAGL Ms L Nowers DAWC Mr C Schoeman Villa Crop Protection Ms S Shuku SU Mr B Schultz * SAGIS Mr J Smith YARA Mr Z Spammer SOILL Mr G Steyn SSK Prof PA Swanepoel PRF Mr MJ Swart Grain SA Prof J Strauss DAWC Dr C Viljoen SU Mr L Viljoen AECI World Dr G Van Coller ICA Online Mr S van der Berg SOILL Ms M van Deventer SU Mr JW Wessels SU Ms M du Preez PRF Ms S Brits * PRF * via videoconference
Apologies
Mr J Bruwer Bayer Mr D Coetzee Limagrain SA Mr G Conradie DAWC Dr I Crous Omnia Mr F Le Roux Grain SA Mr C Nel Overberg Agri Mr R Schoeman Pioneer Dr HM Schreuder ARC-PPRI Ms A Swanepoel DAWC Ms L van der Merwe Corteva Personalia
None.
Approval of the agenda
The agenda was accepted without any additions or amendments.
Approval of minutes
Minutes of a Canola Working Group meeting held on 10 February 2026
The minutes of the Canola Working Group meeting held on 10 February 2026 were considered and accepted as a true reflection of the meeting, subject to the following minor amendment:
Item 8.7, page 8 – That the word "fungal" in the second line be changed to "insect".
Resolution:
- That the minutes of the meeting of the Canola Working Group, held on 10 February 2026, be approved.
General overview and crop estimates
Current Oil Seed Prices: Local and International
Dr Briedenhann provided feedback and reported from a global perspective that the oilseed market continues to be driven by demand for oil used in biofuels. Oil prices remain firm, but the oil take in the market has increased, creating considerable pressure due to competition among oil producers. He stated that South Africa was self-sufficient in respect of oilseed meal. He emphasised that with the exceptional record crop for all oilseeds, exporting soybeans would be necessary, however, this may lead to some stock retention due to a potential adverse weather scenario next year. With the current scenario, competition among various oilseed meals, including canola, remains problematic, with meal prices being discounted in order to secure market share. He mentioned that soybean meal was priced at R1600 per tonne, discounted to import parity prices, including duties, and remains competitive. He referred to the animal feed industry and downstream producers of animal protein, particularly poultry, who benefited financially from lower maize and oilseed meal prices. He reported that the price of European rapeseed meal increased by 20% since 1st January, and the rise was viewed positively from an export parity perspective and was expected to enhance the canola seed pricing.
Mr Spammer referred to the high international oil prices and said that canola seed prices remain strong, although there was expected pressure on the domestic meal markets. Exports appear more favourable than local markets.
Prof Meyer emphasised the importance of export markets, logistics, and ports for effectively distributing products and finding new markets.
SAGIS information
The contents of the latest SAGIS Weekly Bulletin and the latest Monthly Bulletin, Annexure B, were noted. Cognisance was taken that this and other data were published on the SAGIS website.
Mr Schultz presented the following overview:
- 2025/2026 vs 2024/2025 Marketing year;
- Supply and Demand (2019/20 until 2024/2025);
- Producer deliveries (October 2025 until April 2026);
- Processing: Animal Feed (2021/2022 until 2025/2026);
- Processing: Oil and Oilcake (2021/2022 until 2025/2026); and
- Closing stock
Mr Schultz mentioned that there were no exports for the current year.
The Chairperson thanked Mr Schultz for the valuable information provided by SAGIS to the industry.
Crop estimates
Cognisance was taken of the Crop Estimate Committee information and the article included in the agenda as Annexure C.
Ms Beukes gave feedback regarding the Canola Crop Estimates, referring to:
- Canola Area planted 2010-2026;
- 2026: Intentions of farmers as at mid-April 2026 at 189 175
- Canola Production 2010-2025;
- Canola: 1st to Final Estimate vs Total – 2025;
- Canola Yield (2010-2025); and
- Comparison of all crops in the Western Cape, 2020-2026.
The Chairperson expressed gratitude to Ms Beukes for the valuable information.
Winter rainfall region
Swartland
Feedback was given about the challenges experienced during the current season, and the following information was shared:
- Good condition of canola;
- Crop planted on time;
- Rainfall received in time;
- Experienced a wet season;
- Some replanting of canola;
- Challenges with snails;
- More canola was planted;
- Positive outlook;
- Good season; and
- Break-even figures for canola at 1,68 tonnes/ha.
Southern Cape
Feedback was given about the challenges experienced during the current season, and the following information was shared:
- Good germination;
- Adequate moisture in the soil;
- Floods;
- Replanting in specific areas affected by flood damage;
- Proactive measures for snail control and spraying;
- Reduced snail damage compared to the previous season;
- Presence of cutworms; and
- Break-even figures for canola at 1.97 tonnes/ha.
Summer rainfall region
Eastern Cape
Prof Swanepoel reported that canola cultivar evaluation trials would be planted in the Eastern Cape at several localities, including Alice, Bathurst, and the Ugie and Ellito areas, with a promising yield range.
Other
No new information was reported.
Weather forecast
Cognisance was taken of the documentation included in the agenda as Annexure D.
Prof Swanepoel mentioned that a new updated report was published. Comparing it to the previous version, it was clear that in respect of the new report, the outlook was less extreme.
Research
National cultivar trials 2026
Mr Lombard gave feedback regarding the cultivar trials and mentioned that all the trials were planted, some were replanted, and there was adequate moisture in the soil. He also mentioned that new cultivars were planted in the cultivar trials.
Mr Lombard referred to the elite trials and mentioned that two trials were planted.
Research projects: 2026/2027
Cognisance was taken of the documentation included in the agenda as Annexure E.
Sclerotinia
Cognisance was taken of the documentation included in the agenda as Annexure F.
Ms Nowers mentioned that irrigation was installed at the Sclerotinia trial at Napier. Preventative spraying was conducted to manage Sclerotinia.
Ms Nowers mentioned that during the upcoming Conservation Agriculture Conference, a researcher from Curtin University in Perth would present their work on Sclerotinia and Blackleg (31 July 2026).
Dr Mostert referred to the Southern African Society for Plant Pathology's upcoming hybrid meeting of 26 June 2026, featuring presentations by two distinguished international guest speakers:
- Prof Eirian Jones (Lincoln University, New Zealand)
"The microbiome associated with grapevines escaping trunk diseases: a potential source of beneficial mico-organism for disease control"., and - Prof Dilantha Fernando (University of Manitoba, Canada)
"Success story in Canadian blackleg disease management in canola: Does Verticillium longisporum threaten this success?"
Dr Mostert mentioned that a calendar invite would be sent out.
- Prof Eirian Jones (Lincoln University, New Zealand)
Damage: Clethodim
No new information was reported.
Blackleg
Cognisance was taken of the article included in the agenda as Annexure G.
The Chairperson emphasised the importance of communication in raising awareness.
Slugs and Snails
The matter was discussed during a previous discussion point.
Diamondback moth
No new information was reported.
Fertilisation
Dr Viljoen mentioned that GrainSA, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, University of the Free State, ARC, and CenGen formed a consortium called HARP (the Herbicide Action and Resistance Platform), aimed at providing information on resistance.
Technology transfer
Canolafokus
The meeting noted the articles published in the CanolaFocus, included in the agenda as Annexure H.
Information days 2026
(Item 9.2 of the minutes of the Canola Working Group meeting held on 10/02/26)
The meeting noted that the following information days were scheduled for 2026:
Conservation Agriculture Conference 5-6 August 2026 Ruminant Day 13 August 2026 SKOG 26 August 2026 Hopefield Day 18 September 2026 30th Farmers' Day – Roodebloem 23 September 2026 Videos
No new information was reported.
Oilseeds Focus
The Chairperson mentioned that the June 2026 edition was available.
Canola Articles
The meeting noted the contents of the canola-related articles, included in the agenda as Annexure I.
Other
The Canola Market
The matter was discussed during a previous discussion point.
Mr Spammer reported on the expansion of the crushing capacity in Swellendam and Moorreesburg, as the crushing capacity has doubled in the last three years. He furthermore mentioned that there would be no exports, as all the canola would be processed domestically.
Canola producers
Price and back payments
Mr Spammer mentioned the back payments were made in April, and that the next back payment would be due in September.
Income and Cost Budgets
The meeting noted the contents of the Income and Cost Budgets, included in the agenda as Annexure J.
The Chairperson emphasised that the information should be used and requested that any comments be forwarded.
SKOG
No new information was reported.
Alternative Crops
Lupins
Mr Lombard mentioned that a new lupin cultivar would be available and included in next year's trials.
Chemicals and Resistance
The Chairperson referred to the lengthy process of product registration.
Mr Louw provided feedback and mentioned that the Registrar's office was enhancing its capacity, both internally and with retired specialists, to help clear the backlog.
Mr Spammer emphasised the importance of making responsible choices when spraying chemical products and adhering to the rules of the canola passport. He mentioned the importance of conveying the message that responsible chemical use was critical.
Seed
Seed availability
During the discussion of the matter, it was mentioned that:
- There was enough seed available;
- The correct varieties were available;
- Seed prices were higher;
- Advanta seed prices were lower than the previous year; and
- Planting of retained seed remains problematic.
Mr Louw referred to a discussion during a GrainSA Wintergrain Working Group meeting. The discussion focused on seed sizes, plant establishment, plant population, and seed marketing.
Mr Lombard reported on two trials where both large and small seeds were planted at various planting depths. The two trials were repeated to collect data. He mentioned that the larger seeds had a higher establishment percentage.
Seed germination
Mr Lombard mentioned that the conditions were ideal for seed germination, with the moisture playing a significant role.
SACTA
No new information was reported.
Speakers considered for future Canola Meetings
(Resolution 12.1 of the minutes of the Canola Working Group held on 10/02/26)
The following speakers should be invited to give a presentation at future Canola Working Group meetings:
- Dr D Mostert – Triazine tolerance at the next Working Group meeting;
- Mr A Erasmus from Inteligro would request Mr Jan van Zyl to provide a brief overview of biostimulants at the next Working Group meeting; and
- Prof Strauss – Feedback on Biostimulant trials at a future Canola Working Group meeting.
Resolution:
That the following speakers be invited to give a presentation at future Canola Working Group meetings:
- Dr D Mostert – Triazine tolerance;
- Mr Jan van Zyl – Biostimulants; and
- Prof Strauss – Feedback on Biostimulant trials at a future Canola Working Group meeting.
Mr Keun
Canola Working Group
Additional matters
International Rapeseed Congress
Prof Swanepoel mentioned that the International Rapeseed Congress would be held from 18-21 April 2027 in Paris, France. He mentioned that the call for abstracts was open and encouraged researchers to submit their abstracts.
Dates for future meetings
The next meeting of the Canola Working Group was scheduled for 25 August 2026.
Adjournment
The Chairperson expressed gratitude to Ms Louw from the SAGL for attending the meeting as well as her long-standing contributions and efforts.
The Chairperson thanked everybody for their input. There being no further matters for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 12h15.