Minutes
Minutes of the Canola working group meeting
held on 21 August 2025 at Agrohub, Welgevallen Experimental Farm, Stellenbosch
Opening
The Chairperson, Mr AP Theron opened the meeting with prayer.
Welcome
The Chairperson welcomed all present.
Attendance
Present
Mr A Theron Chairperson Dr E Briedenhann OAC Ms R Beukes * DOA Mr K Blanckenberg Grain SA Mr L Blignaut US Mr J Botes Agricol Mr L Coetzee Agrimark Mr S De Wet Limagrain SA Mr G Els Advanta Mr A Erasmus Inteligro Ms S Hull US Mr G Keun PRF Mr A le Roux DAWC Mr F le Roux Grain SA Mr P Lombard DAWC 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 G Steyn SSK Ms A Swanepoel DAWC Prof PA Swanepoel PRF Mr MJ Swart Grain SA Prof J Strauss DAWC Mr C Müller Agricol Ms K Truter BFAP/US Dr C Viljoen US Ms H Venter * Grain SA Mr N van der Merwe Barenbrug Dr G Van Coller ICA Online Mr B van Niekerk ICA Online Ms M du Preez PRF Ms S Brits * PRF * via videoconference
Apologies
Mr K Becker SOILL Mr R Badenhorst Overberg Agri Mr P Blom AECI Mr J Bruwer Bayer Mr R Badenhorst Overberg Agri Mr D Coetzee Limagrain SA Mr C Louw Grain SA Ms S Lureman Overberg Agri Mr F Meiring Limagrain SA Ms L Smorenburg DAWC Mr Z Spammer SOILL Personalia
Prof Swanepoel reported that Mr Andries le Roux was appointed the BFAP Chairperson of Precision Agriculture at the University of Stellenbosch.
The Chairperson mentioned that Dr Filicity Vries was appointed to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, replacing Dr Trautmann, who would retire on 30 September 2025.
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 5 June 2025
The minutes of the Canola Working Group meeting held on 5 June 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 5 June 2025, be approved.
General overview and crop estimates
Current Oil Seed Prices: Local and International
Dr Briedenhann gave an overview of the markets and mentioned that there’s an adequate global stock of Soybeans and oilseeds in general. He mentioned that a week ago, the prices of seed decreased, which led to a reduction in the transfer of seed in August. However, prices have since strengthened, indicating a change in trend. The local price for Soybeans on SAFEX was R7 300 per tonne due to the current surplus, and he indicated that between 150 000 tonnes and 200 000 tonnes need to be exported to achieve a balance between supply and demand. The price of Sunflower seed was currently set at R9 900 per tonne. Canola prices were not as closely linked to the local market, but were more influenced by European rapeseed prices, which remain stable at the moment. Canola prices were looking positive, and the upcoming Canola harvest was anticipated to be quite good, causing pressure to separate oilcake and oil and pressure on the crush margins.
Dr Briedenhann referred to the cheaper Soybean oilcake, which was currently about R1 000 per tonne under import parity. He highlighted a global trend favouring the use of Soybeans for oil extraction over oilcake, driven by the increasing demand for biodiesel, which was expected to grow annually. The price of oilcake was likely to come under significant pressure in the future, especially given the direct correlation between imported Soybean oilcake in the Western Cape on the price of Canola oil. An increase in Canola oilcake production may lead to market shifts resulting in competition with Sunflower oilcake in the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal areas. Dr Briedenhann also mentioned that one of the challenges was the difficulty in moving Canola oilcake, which could place additional pressure on oil crushers. The Canola price in the market was fair.
Mr Pyper reported in terms of the increase in hectares and tonnes, Soill was busy with major expansions in crushing capacity.
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 area and production figures and mentioned that the highest intention from producers to plant Canola was 164 900 hectares, which was 45 984 hectares or 38% more than the 5-year average. She mentioned that the 2024 Canola crop of 290 400 tonnes, which were 54 100 tonnes or 22% more and the 5-year average. The average yield obtained over the past 3 years was 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:
- Everything was looking good and on time;
- The soil was still wet;
- Exceptional potential with favourable conditions from planting time throughout the season;
- The soil appeared healthy; and
- Producers remain optimistic.
Southern Cape
Feedback was provided regarding the planting of Canola in the Southern Cape:
- Some areas were dry;
- Other areas retain moisture;
- Soil suitable for growing Canola;
- Cultivars have small flowers;
- Overberg received 15ml more rain than the Southern Cape;
- Temperature above 20°C was exprienced;
- Canola look healthy and vibrant; and
- Very positive conditions for growth.
Summer rainfall region
Eastern Cape
Prof Swanepoel reported that Canola cultivar evaluation trials were planted at five localities in the Eastern Cape. He mentioned that it was still too early to assess the season's outcomes, as the growth of the cultivars was slower and later, compared to the Western Cape.
Mr Schoeman reported that Canola was planted in Cradock and Cookhouse in the Eastern Cape, achieving a yield of 5 tonnes. The hectares planted decreased considerably. He mentioned that in Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, and Patensie, he was not aware of Canola being planted.
Other
Mr Lombard provided feedback regarding the summer rainfall area and mentioned that Canola hectares were expected to increase. Last year, there was a good yield for Wheat, and he emphasised that Canola's role would depend on how it fits in with the Maize production. The harvesting period was early, as Maize typically matures sooner than Wheat. The timing gives Canola a favourable advantage since Maize prices were generally higher. He mentioned that it remains a challenge in practice.
Mr Schoeman reported that the area was primarily focused on Maize production. He highlighted several challenges that need to be addressed, including optimal planting dates, frost risk, and the timing for experimenting with cultivars and planting dates and the choice of cultivars requires attention as well. Weed control poses a significant challenge, particularly because follow-up crops were complex and local expertise was limited. Producers were currently in a "wait and see" period. In Bergville and Winterton, only a few producers attempted planting Canola this season and reported that the Canola was looking promising. The same situation was observed in Lydenburg, Ohrigstad, and the surrounding valley. Mr Schoeman also said that in the Northern Cape, fewer producers were planting Canola following the previous successful Wheat season.
The Chairperson emphasised that, at this stage, the PRF would only monitor the situation and not get involved.
Weather forecast
Cognisance was taken of the documentation included in the Agenda as Annexure D.
Mr A le Roux reported that he submitted an article regarding the weather patterns and mentioned that more details would be given at the next meeting of the Canola Working Group.
Research
National cultivar trials 2025
Mr Lombard provided feedback on the cultivar trials and mentioned that new cultivars were planted, including a new TT cultivar that was faster than Alpha and appears promising. He mentioned that the cultivar trials experienced challenges with aggressive Blackleg infections, but no problems with snails and slugs were experienced.
Research projects: 2025/2026
Cognisance was taken of the documentation included in the Agenda as Annexure E.
Mr Keun mentioned that the PRF and OAC/OPDT were in the process of considering the research project applications for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Sclerotinia
Ms Nowers referred to the International Symposium on Plant Pathogenic Sclerotiniaceae that she attended, highlighting the slow progress of Sclerotinia research in the northern part of the country. She highlighted the challenges in obtaining precise answers. The monitoring project for the Western Cape was completed last year, during which years of data were collected. This year, she was analysing the data to identify ineffective control practices. She emphasised that research on Sclerotinia needs to focus on specific areas and mentioned the importance of continuing the monitoring of Sclerotinia, as its occurrence was very localised and not as intense as in previous years.
The Chairperson mentioned that the chemical industry should also collaborate with researchers, as the technical expertise at ground level was lacking, and the cost of chemicals was becoming prohibitively high.
Damage: Clethodim
No new information was available.
Blackleg
Dr Mostert reported that all the studies were completed and that a popular article would be submitted.
Fertilisation
The matter was discussed at a previous discussion point.
Further information regarding fertiliser be discussed at the next meeting of the Canola Working Group.
Bio-stimulants / Bio-fertilisers / Biological control
Mr Erasmus mentioned that they have been working on bio-stimulants for the past five years and have been collecting data during this time.
Prof Strauss referred to a trial that began on bio-stimulants for Sorghum and Wheat, with plans to continue the trial on Canola next year at both Tygerhoek and Langgewens.
The Chairperson requested Mr Erasmus to provide a brief overview of bio-stimulants at the next Canola Working Group meeting.
Resolution:
- That Mr Erasmus present a brief overview of bio-stimulants at the next Canola Working Group meeting.
Mr Keun
Canola Working Group
Canola Planning Committee
Dr Viljoen gave a presentation on Weed Control, referring to the following:
Why is it so difficult to control?
- Characteristics
- Cross pollination;
- Herbicide resistance;
- Delayed germination; and
- Competitive in numbers.
- Research completed
- Ongoing Research
- Alternative methods
What if the herbicides are not working anymore - Conclusion
- The use of cultivar practices does indeed have the potential to suppress weeds; and
- Change of cultural practices does also affects wheat establishment, which can affect production.
- Unexpected results
Effect of herbicide on the wheat. - Current smaller projects
- Crop competition in pots
– Wheat with ryegrass
– Canola with ryegrass - Confirming multiple herbicide resistance – for publication
- Cletodim and atrazine antagonism
- Preliminary non-target site resistance testing
Linked to larger PhD study - Future research
- Crop competition in pots
- Past research guides
- Greenhouse gas emissions of HWSC;
- HWSC in Southern Cape;
- Herbicide formulation effects on Wheat and Canola;
- Effects of bio stimulants on the efficacy of herbicides; and
- Weed population dynamics in regenerative and conservation agriculture.
- Alternative methods
The Chairperson thanked Dr Viljoen for her presentation.
- That Mr Erasmus present a brief overview of bio-stimulants at the next Canola Working Group meeting.
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:
SSK Winter Grain Day, Riversdale 27 August 2025 SKOG 28 August 2025 Hopefield Information Day 19 September 2025 Overberg Agri Roodebloem 25 September 2025 Videos
No new information was reported.
Oilseeds Focus
Mr Keun mentioned that the new edition of the Oilseeds Focus would be available on 1 September 2025.
Canola Articles
The meeting noted the contents of the Canola related articles, included as Annexure G, in the agenda.
Other
The Canola Market
No new information was reported.
Canola producers
Price and back payments
Mr Pyper mentioned the possibility of a back payment in September on the minimum price contract.
Income and Cost Budgets
The Chairperson 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
The Chairperson gave feedback and mentioned that more hectares of Lupins were planted and looked excellent. He mentioned that the overall planting of Lupins was not very successful and suggested that a more feasible model should be explored.
Chemicals and Resistance
The matter was discussed during a previous discussion point.
Seed
Seed availability
It was reported that sufficient seed would be available for the upcoming season and that obtaining seed earlier would assist in creating a buffer stock.
The Chairperson referred to Prof Strauss's comments regarding the fact that 65% of Australia’s Canola was genetically modified (GM). He said that the risks of contamination continue to be a management issue and that finding an alternative could be a lengthy process.
Seed germination
Mr Lombard mentioned that in the trials, both large and small seeds were planted at varying depths, some shallow and others deeper. The data collected from the Riversdale trial was positive, but he would wait until after the harvest for a final assessment. He said that the large seeds had a higher establishment percentage and that the trial would be repeated. Riversdale had sufficient moisture, while at Langgewens, moisture levels dropped two days after planting. He emphasised that the challenges were not significant enough for the seeds to be exposed.
SACTA
Dr Briedenhann mentioned that SACTA’s Annual Stakeholder Engagement Session (ASEM) was held on 20 August 2025.
Speakers considered for future Canola Meetings
(Resolution 12.1 of the minutes of the Canola Working Group held on 5/06/25)
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
- Mr A le Roux – Weather patterns.
Resolution:
That the following speakers be invited to give a presentation at future Canola Working Group meetings:
- Dr D Mostert – Triazine tolerance;
- Mr J van Zyl – Bio-stimulants; and
- Mr A le Roux – Weather patterns.
Mr Keun
Canola Working Group
Additional matters
Slugs and Snails
The Chairperson emphasised that managing snails was a challenge and that it was essential to determine the necessary actions by involving the appropriate role players.
Dates for future meetings
The next meeting of the Canola Working Group and the Canola Planning Committee be scheduled for 11 February 2026. The dates for the 2026 meetings be circulated.
Adjournment
The Chairperson thanked everybody for their inputs. There being no further matters for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 13h00.