Minutes
Minutes of the Canola working group meeting
held on 5 June 2025 at Agrohub, Welgevallen Experimental Farm, Stellenbosch
Opening
Prof Swanepoel opened the meeting with prayer.
Welcome
The Chairperson, Dr Briedenhann, welcomed all present.
Attendance
Present
Dr E Briedenhann Chairperson Mr R Badenhorst Overberg Agri Ms R Beukes * DOA Mr P Blom AECI Mr J Botes Agricol Mr J Bruwer Bayer Mr D Coetzee Limagrain SA Mr S de Wet Limagrain SA Mr G Els Advanta Mr A Erasmus Inteligro Mr Z Folscher US Mr W Heunis Overberg Agri Mr B Horn Agricol Ms Hull US Mr J Jacobs Agricol Mr G Keun PRF Mr J Kellerman Barenbrug SA Prof S Lamprecht ARC-PPRI Mr A le Roux DAWC Mr P Lombard DAWC Ms W Louw * SAGL Ms S Lureman Overberg Agri Mr F Meiring Limagrain SA Prof F Meyer BFAP Mr D Moore SOILL Dr D Mostert US Ms L Nowers DAWC Mr J Pyper SOILL Mr R Schoeman Pioneer Mr B Schultz * SAGIS Mr J Smith YARA Mr Z Spammer SOILL Mr G Steyn SSK Dr HM Schreuder ARC-PPRI Ms S Shuku US Ms L Smorenburg DAWC Prof PA Swanepoel PRF Mr MJ Swart Grain SA Prof J Strauss DAWC Ms K Truter BFAP/US Dr C Viljoen US Ms M du Preez PRF Ms S Brits * PRF * via videoconference
Apologies
Dr I Crous Omnia Mr K Blanckenberg GSA Mr F le Roux GSA Mr C Louw GSA Mr C Müller Agricol Mr N Raath TWK Agri Mr AP Theron PRF Ms M van Deventer US Dr G van Coller ICA Online 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 12 February 2025
The minutes of the Canola Working Group meeting held on 12 February 2025 were considered and accepted as a true reflection of the meeting.
Resolution:
- That the minutes of the meeting of the Canola Working Group, held on 12 February 2025, be approved.
General overview and crop estimates
Current Oil Seed Prices: Local and International
The Chairperson provided an introduction to the global oilseed markets and mentioned that 169 million tonnes of Soybeans were produced in Brazil, creating a good supply and demand balance globally. Brazil continued to supply large volumes of Soybeans despite a weak exchange rate and exported over 100 million tonnes annually. He referred to the volatility in the global prices in the tariff scenario.
The Chairperson gave feedback regarding AVI Africa and referred to BFAP’s presentation on price volatility and uncertainty of the way forward.
He furthermore mentioned that prices were at a lower level currently and might remain for oilseeds in general. The price of Sunflower seeds was R8 900/tonne, the same as the previous year, while Soybean prices decreased from R9 900/tonne a year ago to R7 100/tonne at the end of last month.
Mr Spammer mentioned that the price of local oilcake was under pressure and that the local crushers of Soybeans and Sunflowers were operating at full capacity. He mentioned that less chemical residue was found than the previous year due to good cooperation from the chemical companies and producers.
Dr Briedenhann mentioned that the price of Soybean oilcake last year was R9 000/tonne and was currently R6 000/tonne. Canola oilcake was trading at 60% of the price, creating pressure on the market.
Mr Spammer mentioned that the oil prices were stable and referred to the exporting of Canola during the last week of February. He emphasised the importance of the passport system to the producers.
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.
Cognisance was taken of the overview of information in respect of production, producer deliveries, processing comparison and exports to Kenia, provided by Mr Schultz of SAGIS.
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 included in the Agenda as Annexure C.
Ms Beukes gave a short presentation regarding the latest Crop Estimates in terms of Canola and mentioned that the highest intention from farmers to plant Canola was 166 500 hectares, reported in mid-April 2025 for planting the current season. She mentioned that the 2024 Canola crop of 290 400 tonnes was the largest crop ever recorded for South Africa, with an average yield of 1,75 t/ha.
The Chairperson expressed gratitude to Ms Beukes for the valuable information.
Winter rainfall region
Swartland
Feedback was provided regarding the planting of Canola in the Swartland:
- The emergence of Canola looks very good, the best in terms of the previous three seasons;
- Availability of seed with better cultivars;
- More certified seed from the seed companies was planted vs retained seed;
- An average of 35 000-36 000 hectares planted, the same as the previous season.
Southern Cape
Feedback was provided regarding the planting of Canola in the Southern Cape:
- Plantings and emergence of Canola were good;
- Canola was currently on the 8-leaf stage;
- Herbicide was applied; and
- Shift in cultivars planted.
Mr Bruwer reported that challenges were experienced with snails and millipedes in the Southern Cape. Discussions were held with Mr Du Preez and Dr Tribe regarding the challenges with snails. It was suggested that an information day be held or that an article be published in CanolaFokus regarding snail control.
Summer rainfall region
Eastern Cape
Prof Swanepoel reported that Canola was planted at four localities in the Eastern Cape two weeks ago.
The Chairperson mentioned that the markets in the Eastern Cape remain a challenge.
Other
Mr Lombard gave feedback and mentioned that the producers were receiving support and that information regarding cultivars, planting, management practices, markets and harvesting was available for distribution. He referred to the Northern Cape producers group created by Ms Nowers to exchange information. He said that he remains in contact with producers in the Ohrigstad, Lydenburg, Piet Retief, Paulpietersburg and Bergville areas and that the communication channel was always open and the network was strong.
Weather forecast
Cognisance was taken of the documentation included in the Agenda as Annexure D.
Research
National cultivar trials 2025
Mr Lombard gave feedback regarding the cultivar trials and mentioned that all the trials were planted and were looking good. He mentioned that two new cultivars were planted along with additional new materials, which were not used by producers commercially.
Mr Lombard referred to the elite trials and mentioned that four trials were planted to evaluate all potential elite cultivars, which was positive. Cultivars with generic material were unavailable for market penetration and trials for the producers.
Research projects: 2025/2026
Cognisance was taken of the documentation included in the Agenda as Annexure E.
Sclerotinia
Ms Nowers provided a brief overview of an International Symposium on Plant Pathogenic Sclerotiniaceae that she attended. She highlighted the outstanding generic and molecular work conducted worldwide by Canada, China, and Australia to build resistance.
The Chairperson addressed the challenges posed by Bayer regarding the registration of products.
Damage: Clethodim
The Chairperson referred to concerns regarding generic products vs chemical products and the potential challenge for the industry if Clethodim was banned.
Mr Lombard referred to challenges experienced with chemical products versus generic products, specifically regarding the effectiveness. He mentioned that an article regarding Clethodim was almost ready for publication.
Dr Viljoen mentioned that they were busy with trials on Ryegrass and Clethodim.
Blackleg
Mr Lombard provided feedback regarding the blackleg projects of Dr Van Coller and Dr Mostert. He reported that Dr Van Van Coller resigned and that there was currently insufficient capacity to continue with one of the projects during the current season and would continue with the project during the next season.
Fertilisation
(Resolution 8.6.1 of the minutes of the Canola Working Group meeting held on 12/02/25)
Mr Smith gave a presentation on the fertiliser industry, referring to the following:
- Mineral Fertiliser – Lifesaving innovations. The single most important development in global health, by far.
- Global fertiliser market size and forecast;
- Global fertiliser trade;
- Fertiliser market – South Africa;
- Local fertiliser price trend (2026-2024);
- Big Challenge – Volatility of international fertiliser process and stock control;
- Article “Kunsmis: Voed die grond, maar breek die bank?” in Grain SA (April edition);
- Local fertiliser market very competitive;
- Fertiliser industry outlook: Ambition of a nature positive food future;
- Ambition of a nature positive food future: Market trends and opportunity through technical innovations;
- Research and Development (R&D);
- R&D: Canola nutrient removal/uptake (kg/ha) as basis for Nutrient management recommendations;
- Available local research data on Canola response to Sulphur (S);
- R&D: Fertiliser concept evaluations;
- Balanced crop nutrition (4R nutrient strategy);
- Determining safe fertiliser rates at seeding for tine and disc openers;
- Biostimulant effect;
- N-management.
- R&D: Defining Nitrogen management (rates) for Canola;
- Why so challenging to determine optimal N-rates per season?;
- Matching Nitrogen demand and supply.
- R&D: Yara Long-term Regenerative Agriculture trial;
- Sustainability indicator: Productivity/prosperity; and
- Research focus area to consider (explore) for future.
The Chairperson thanked Mr Smith for his presentation.
Technology transfer
Canolafokus
(Resolutions 9.1.1 and 9.1.2 of the minutes of the Canola Working Group held on 12/02/25)
The meeting noted the articles published in the Canola Focus, included in the agenda as Annexure F.
Information days 2025
(Resolution 9.2.1 of the minutes of the Canola Working Group held on 12/02/25)
The meeting noted that the following information days were scheduled for 2025:
Conservation Agriculture Conference 6-7 August 2025 SSK Winter Grain Day, Riversdale 27 August 2025 SKOG 28 August 2025 Hopefield Information Day 19 September 2025 Overberg Agri Roodebloem 25 September 2025 The Chairperson requested that dates for the Chemical Information Days be obtained from the Chemical Companies.
Resolution:
- That dates for the Chemical Information Days be obtained from the Chemical Companies.
Mr Keun
Canola Working Group
- That dates for the Chemical Information Days be obtained from the Chemical Companies.
Videos
No new information was reported.
Oilseeds Focus
Cognisance was taken of the June edition of the Oilseeds Focus, which was included as a separate Annexure in the agenda.
Canola Articles
The meeting noted the contents of the Canola related articles, included as Annexure G, in the agenda.
Other
The Canola Market
The Chairperson said that the matter was discussed during a previous discussion point and referred to Mr Spammer’s report on the export of Canola. He mentioned that the South African market could sufficiently accommodate Canola in the medium term, which was positive. The new hectares of Soybeans made the South African market self-sufficient in oilcake production.
Canola producers
Price and back payments
Mr Spammer reported that the new season price for Canola was scheduled for 1 July 2025 and referred to the possibility of a back payment in September.
The Chairperson reported that compared to other oilseeds in the country, the price of Canola was very favourable.
Income and Cost Budgets
The meeting noted the Income and Cost Budgets for the winter crops – 2025, included in the agenda as Annexure H.
Mr Keun mentioned that a meeting was scheduled for 6 June 2025, between the Agricultural Economist and BFAP to discuss the Income and Cost Budgets for the winter rainfall area.
SKOG
It was noted that the SKOG day was scheduled for 28 August 2025.
Alternative Crops
Lupins
Prof Lamprecht mentioned that Rooibos producers utilise Lupins and Oats for crop rotation, which benefits soil health.
Producers cropping continuous cultivation need to find a profitable legume to plant.
The Chairperson mentioned that acquiring new cultivars of Lupin remains a challenge.
Mr Heunis provided feedback regarding a project funded by Overberg Agri and mentioned that 3,962 hectares of sweet lupins were planted during 2024 and 5,752 hectares for the current season, an increase of 19%, with the cultivar Coyote making a difference.
Prof Swanepoel referred to the Crop Estimate Committee's intention reporting 20 700 ha of Sweet Lupins planted in 2025, while 16 000 ha were planted in 2024.
The Chairperson mentioned that lupines were beneficial for both animal feed and human consumption.
Chemicals and Resistance
The Chairperson said that the matter was discussed during a previous discussion point.
Seed
Seed availability
Pioneer
Mr Schoeman gave feedback and mentioned that the availability of seed was good. Pioneer’s system in place was for a long-term solution for adequate buffer seed. He said that the seed was tested for contamination and would be available for the next season. He emphasised the importance of increasing the volume of well-known cultivars that would sell.Agricol
Mr Horn provided feedback and mentioned that at Agricol everything was on track in so far as seed availability.Advanta
Mr Els reported that Advanta was in a better situation compared to the previous season. He mentioned that the local production was expanded for the coming season and that a positive reaction was received on the production during the previous season. He referred to the time factor for the local production of seed.Seed germination
No new information was reported.
SACTA
The Chairman reported that Canola was not covered by SACTA, but Lupine was and mentioned that the model was working very well for Wheat and Soybeans.
Speakers considered for future Canola Meetings
(Resolution 12.1.1 of the minutes of the Canola Working Group held on 12/02/25)
The following speakers should be invited to give a presentation at future Canola Working Group meetings:
- Dr D Mostert – Triazine tolerance; and
- Ms C Viljoen – Weed control, 21 August 2025.
Resolution:
That the following speakers be invited to give a presentation at future Canola Working Group meetings:
- Dr D Mostert – Triazine tolerance; and
- Ms C Viljoen – Weed control, 21 August 2025.
Mr Keun
Canola Working Group
Additional matters
Grain SA – GMO tolerance
Mr Swart gave feedback and mentioned that Grain SA was addrressing the GMO tolerance matter with the Registrar’s office.
PRF Achievement Award
An award was handed to Ms Smorenburg for outstanding contributions by an individual, which promotes the PRF’s objectives.
Dates for future meetings
21 August 2025 at 10h00.
Adjournment
There being no further matters for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 12h30.