El Niño threatens South African crops; ample maize stocks cushion impact

An intense El Niño is forecast to bring a hotter, drier summer to South Africa, raising risks for farmers despite good planting progress. A record 17.7-million-tonne maize harvest and ample grain stocks are expected to buffer consumers against potential supply pressures and price increases in 2027. The extent of the weather impact remains uncertain, but the buffer reduces immediate market risk.

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