The 2017 season has been challenging from day one, with the low rainfall being the main reason. Canola being a rain fed crop had some great challenges to emerge in these drought conditions. But as the season progressed the crop recovered dramatically to a point where we predict that we will have a good harvest. The hectares were estimated at 17% more for the 2017 season at around 80 000 hectares.
Due to a lack of moisture in the eastern parts towards Albertinia and Mossel Bay not all the canola was planted. The estimate at the moment is around 76 000 hectares that will give a yield of between 95 000 and 115 000 tons. Canola also showed its ability to adapt to environmental conditions and recovered exceptionally well when we eventually received rain.
– Franco le Roux, Agricultural Manager
