South Africa: Grain and Feed Update

South Africa is currently harvesting its largest corn crop on record, estimated at 18 million metric tons. With this strong foundation, the corn sector is expected to remain stable in marketing year 2026/27, despite a bearish price environment, higher input costs, and potential weather-related challenges. Corn area is forecast to hold steady, underpinned by continued improvements in seed genetics and production practices. While production is projected to decline modestly from marketing year 2025/26's record, ample carry-over stocks position South Africa to continue meeting domestic and regional demand, reinforcing its role as a critical food security anchor for neighbors across southern Africa.