Sunflower and Soybean Forum
Meeting held on 2 October 2025 at the offices of the Oilseeds Industry, 49 River Road, Woodmead and via MS Teams
Opening
Mr Gerhard Keun opened the meeting with prayer.
Welcome
The Chairperson, Mr Ralf Küsel, welcomed everybody present at the meeting.
Attendance
Present
Mr R Küsel Chairperson Mr J Botma OAC Dr E Briedenhann PRF/OAC Ms AS de Beer ARC-GCI Mr GP de Beer Researcher Ms J Gcabashe ARC-GCI Mr M Jansen van Rensburg DARDLEA Mr G Keun CEO PRF/OPDT/OAC Prof S Lamprecht ARC-PHP Mr C Louw GrainSA Ms W Louw SAGL Dr S Ma’ali ARC-GCI Mr W Makgoga ARC-GCI Mr T Phasoana ARC-PHP Ms M Scheepers Department of Agriculture Mr B Schultz SAGIS Mr A Theron PRF Ms L van Blommestein RCL Foods Mr K van Huyssteen SANSOR Ms M du Preez PRF Ms A Schoeman PRF Via MS Teams
Ms S Behane DBE Mr G Burger GrainSA Mr C Cloete Rolfes Agri Mr J Kotzé SACOTA Mr I Lamprecht DARDLEA Mr V Mapfumari Department of Agriculture Ms L Mellet NAMC Ms N Mudzunga Department of Agriculture Ms T Ntshangase NAMC Ms H Ottermann BFAP Mr R Pretorius OAC Dr L Rothmann UFS Mr L Schoonraad Corteva Mr F Stella GDM Seeds Ms F Sundani Nedbank Ms J Tselentis SANCU Mr N van Burick Landbouweekblad Mr C van Coller Farmer Dr C van der Merwe AgbizGrain Dr A van der Vyver SACOTA Ms H Vermeulen ARC Ms H Viljoen GrainSA Mr C Wegner PPECB By Invitation
Mr F Ferreira GeoTerra Image Apologies
Mr A Bennett SACTA Ms R Beukes Department of Agriculture Ms L Breytenbach AFMA Mr P Lovelace OAC/SAOPA Ms S Rudolph RCL Foods Personalia
None reported.
Confirmation of the agenda
The Agenda was accepted with the following addition:
Item 7.4 Presentation by Mr Fanie Ferreira from Geo Terra Image on the "Crop Condition Dashboard". Approval of minutes
Minutes of a meeting of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 21 May 2025 and referral to website
The minutes of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum meeting held on 21 May 2025 were considered and accepted as a true reflection of the meeting.
Resolution:
- That the minutes of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 21 May 2025 be accepted as a true and fair reflection of that meeting, and that the minutes be referred to the Oilseeds Industry’s website for publication.
Ms Du Preez
OAC
- That the minutes of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 21 May 2025 be accepted as a true and fair reflection of that meeting, and that the minutes be referred to the Oilseeds Industry’s website for publication.
Market aspects
Current Oil Seed Prices: Local and International
Dr Briedenhann gave a brief overview by way of a presentation on the status of the local and international Soybean and Sunflower markets, with aspects such as production, prices, supply and demand, amongst others, being covered.
SAGIS
(Resolution 7.2.1 of The Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 21/05/2025)
The contents of the latest SAGIS Weekly Bulletin and the latest Monthly Bulletin included in Annexure B were noted. Cognisance was taken that this and other data were published on the SAGIS website.
Mr Schultz gave a brief overview of SAGIS information by way of a presentation for the period 2015/16-2025/26.
Mr Schultz provided feedback on the request to investigate the possibility of reporting Soybean seed and Soybean oilcake as separate commodities in the reporting statistics. He mentioned that the reporting statistics have been updated and that no negative feedback has been received from industry role players.
Weekly information on sunflower and soybean oilcake imports and exports
(Resolution 7.2.1.1 of The Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 21/05/2025)
Mr Keun gave some background regarding the application submitted by GrainSA for “Weekly information on Sunflower and Soybean oilcake imports and exports”. Due to budget constraints, the application previously could not be approved, but were again discussed together with the additional motivation by GrainSA at the RPC meeting held on 1 October 2025 and referred to the OAC meeting scheduled for 22 October 2025 for consideration.
Resolution:
- That the matter regarding "Weekly information on Sunflower and Soybean oilcake imports and exports", be referred to the OAC meeting scheduled for 22 October 2025 for consideration.
Mr Keun
OAC
SSF
- That the matter regarding "Weekly information on Sunflower and Soybean oilcake imports and exports", be referred to the OAC meeting scheduled for 22 October 2025 for consideration.
South African Supply and Demand Estimates Committee (SASDEC)
The contents of the latest Supply and Demand Estimates Committee report included in the agenda as Annexure C were noted.
Ms Ntshangase gave a brief overview by way of a presentation on the South African Supply and Demand Estimates and relevant information.
Crop Estimates
Mr Fanie Ferreira from Geo Terra Image gave a presentation on the "Crop Condition Dashboard" that was being utilised by the Crop Estimates Committee and GrainSA.
The contents of the latest Crop Estimates report included in the agenda as Annexure D, were noted.
Cognisance was taken of the contents of the presentation by the Crop Estimates Committee regarding the preliminary areas planted for Soybeans and Sunflowers. An overview was provided of the areas planted with Sunflower and Soybeans during the period 2010-2025.
Value chain aspects
Processing
Ms Van Blommenstein raised a concern regarding lower oil yields for Sunflower from the previous season.
Ms Van Blommestein also referred to the lack of demand for Sunflower oilcake.
Ms Van Blommestein mentioned that SAFEX traded higher due to increased oil prices, but Sunflower prices decreased due to the higher number of hectares being planted.
Trading
Mr Kotze mentioned that the international market was extremely complex at this stage due to the political issues between China and the US.
Mr Kotze also mentioned that South Africa was not trading at export parity yet.
Storage
No new information was reported.
Dispute Resolution Process
Dr Van der Merwe mentioned that a new Chairperson needed to be elected for the Maize Technical Committee and Dr M Human has been elected and appointed.
Dr Van der Merwe also mentioned that a Maize Technical Committee meeting was scheduled for 20 October 2025 and that self-regulating would be discussed. Mr Keun mentioned that the OAC would be represented at the mentioned meeting.
JSE/SAFEX
No new information was reported.
SACTA
Dr Briedenhann gave a presentation on behalf of Mr Bennett.
- Soybean Levy Collection Report – End February 2025
- Collection efficiency: 92%
- Soybean Levy Distribution – September 2025
- Market share & distribution calculations reviewed by SACTA’s auditors; and
- Distribution approved by SACTA Board of Directors.
- Levy Fund to be distributed: R104 400 000.00
- Grain Marketing Season: 1 March 2024 – 28 February 2025
- 1,8 million ton crop
- Number of Beneficiary Seed/Technology Companies: 13
- 2025 Annual Stakeholder Engagement Meeting (ASEM)
- 19th of August 2025 – Evening Meet & Greet event
Some 50 attendees - 20th of August 2025 – Main Event
Some 200 virtual and “in-person” attendees
- 19th of August 2025 – Evening Meet & Greet event
- Soybean Levy Collection Report – End February 2025
Consumers of Oil Seeds
No new information was reported.
LEAF Services
The contents of the document included in Annexure E, were noted.
Production: Soybeans and Sunflower
Producer Matters
KwaZulu-Natal
General
The Chairperson noted that Soybean yields were above average, despite flooding damaging some fields.
The Chairperson noted that some farmers had to replant after a cold front, which came with rain and damage to their crops.
Mpumalanga and Gauteng
General
Mr Janse van Rensburg mentioned that rain was widespread in the Ermelo area.
Mr Pretorius mentioned that planting of Sunflower in the Davel, Morgenzon, Standerton and Secunda areas increased for the current season.
North West and Limpopo Province
General
Mr Botma noted a shift from Maize to Soybean and Sunflower in the North West province.
Mr Louw mentioned that the soil moisture was better than in the previous years. Mr Louw also mentioned that farmers in the Western Regions were currently harvesting, while those in the Eastern Regions have begun planting Maize.
Mr Van Coller mentioned that at the moment more Sunflower were harvested than Soybeans.
Free State
General
No new information was reported.
Eastern and Northern Cape and South Western Districts
General
No new information was reported.
Soybean value chain
Mr Keun mentioned that the next meeting of the Soybean Value Chain was scheduled for 8 October 2025.
Mr Keun also mentioned that during the said meeting, Dr Briedenhann would present in respect of the project conducted by the University of Stellenbosch on the quality of Soybean oilcake, and Dr Van der Vyver arranged with Mr Kevin Andrews from Seaboard Trading to do a presentation on oilcake margins and trading.
Mr Keun also highlighted the following aspect that was still being attended to by the Soybean Value Chain:
- Application by AFMA for the reduction of import duties on Soybean meal imports.
Sunflower value chain
Dr Briedenhann mentioned that the next meeting of the Sunflower Value Chain was scheduled for 8 October 2025.
Dr Briedenhann highlighted the following aspects that were continuously being addressed by the Sunflower Value Chain:
- High oil content Sunflower seed; and
- Sclerotinia.
Research
Soybeans
National cultivar trials
Ms De Beer provided a brief overview of the National Soybean cultivar trials of the 2024/2025 season by way of a presentation, referring to 32 cultivars with a maturity group varying from 4.8 to 7.0, 7 companies participated in the cultivar trials, and 13 new cultivars were included in the cultivar trials which made up for about 40% of the cultivar trials. 37 Trials were planted. 10 Trials were not successful, of which 6 trials were terminated, 1 trial was not planted, and 3 trials had high CV%.
Ms De Beer mentioned that 32 cultivars would be included in the cultivar trials for the 2025/2026 season. 5 (Five) of these were new cultivars, and 7 (seven) companies would participate in the trials.
Prof Lamprecht and Dr Rothmann enquired about how the results of the cultivar trials were impacted by treated and untreated seed.
The Chairman proposed adding a discussion point on treated and untreated seed of the cultivar trials to the agenda of the next meeting.
Mr De Beer provided a brief overview of the results of the Soybean cultivar trials in the west for the 2024/2025 season by way of a presentation.
Mr De Beer mentioned that Leeudoringstad had an average yield of 2.6 tons/ha, Sannieshof had an average yield of 1,7 tons/ha, Hoopstad had an average yield of 5 tons/ha, Migdol's 1st planting date of 15 November 2024 had an average yield of 2,7 tons/ha and the 2nd planting date of 3 February 2025 had an average yield of 2,4 tons/ha.
Sclerotinia
Dr Rothmann mentioned that Sclerotinia were detected at 5 (five) localities, which are Kokstad, Leeudoringstad, Delmas, Bethlehem and Greytown. Dr Rothmann also mentioned that Greytown were the most affected, followed by Bethlehem.
Rhizobium
The contents of the documents included in Annexure F, were noted.
Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS)
Mr T Phasoana provided a brief overview on the Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) research project by way of a presentation.
Mr T Phasoana mentioned that the Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) research project aims to understand and manage this fungal disease affecting Soybeans. Since project initiation, significant progress was made, including the identification of Fusarium isolates associated with SDS and the development of a molecular qPCR probe for rapid detection. Phase 1 (2021/22-2022/23) objectives were to identify SDS-causing Fusarium spp. associated with SDS in South Africa, determine the geographic spread within major Soybean production regions of South Africa and investigate methods used for the detection and diagnosis of SDS in South African Soybean fields. Phase 2 (2023/24-2024/25) objectives were the development of management strategies, evaluating cultivar resistance/tolerance and the evaluation of seed treatment.
Weeds and Weed Resistance
No new information was reported.
Research Projects: 2025/2026 Financial Year
Mr Keun mentioned that the project proposals for the 2025/2026 financial year were finalised.
Mr Keun also mentioned that the project proposals for the 2026/2027 financial year were under consideration and that the outcome would be available by the end of November 2025 or beginning of December 2025.
"Green" Soybeans
The contents of the document included in Annexure G, were noted.
Mr Keun referred to the project "A systematic review of agronomic and environmental drivers of green Soybean seed occurrence with implications for oil and meal quality" conducted by Dr Haarhoff and Prof Swanepoel.
Mr Keun mentioned that a popular article was published in the September 2025 edition of the Oilseeds Focus covering the "General Overview" and that the second part, focusing on "Management Practices" would be submitted in January 2026 for publication in the March 2026 edition of the Oilseeds Focus.
"Purple" Soybeans
The contents of the documents included in Annexure H, were noted.
Soybean Seed Quality
No new information was reported.
Sunflower
National cultivar trials
Dr S Ma’ali gave a brief overview by way of a presentation of the National Sunflower Cultivar Trials of the 2024/2025 season. 28 Trials were planted and 4 trials were unsuccessful.
Dr S Ma’ali mentioned that 17 cultivars would be included in the cultivar trials for the 2025/2026 season. 4 (Four) of these were new cultivars.
Sclerotinia
Dr Rothmann mentioned that there were no registered products for Sunflower, but that the SASRN was busy with trials in this regard.
Weeds and Weed Resistance
No new information was reported.
Research Projects: 2025/2026 Financial Year
The matter was discussed under discussion point 12.1.6.
Technology transfer
Articles
The contents of the articles, included in Annexure I, were noted.
Information Days 2025
The Chairperson requested that any dates of "Information Days" be forwarded to the Administration for circulation to the SSF members.
Videos
The Chairperson requested that educational videos be forwarded to Ms Du Preez for uploading on the website.
Oilseeds Focus
Dr Briedenhann mentioned that the editorial committee was busy with the December 2025 edition of the Oilseeds Focus.
"Grow for Gold" National Yield Competition | Grain SA
Mr Louw gave feedback on the "Grow for Gold" National Yield Competition of 2025.
Soybean Symposia
The contents of the articles, included in Annexure J, were noted.
Mr Keun mentioned that the videos of the presentations of the Soybean Symposia held on 29 July 2025 at the CSIR could be accessed here.
Additional matters
None.
Election of office bearers
Election of Chairperson
Mr Keun said the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson were elected in alternate years and were elected for a term of three years. He called for nominations for the position of Chairperson and added that the person elected would represent the Soybean Forum on the Oilseeds Advisory Committee for a term of three years. He said that the term of office would commence on 1 March 2026 and would end in February 2029.
Mr Küsel mentioned that he is not available for another term.
Mr JP Botma was nominated for the position and duly elected as Chairperson of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum as representative of the Soybean Forum on the Oilseeds Advisory Committee.
Mr Keun mentioned that the election for the position of Vice Chairperson would take place during the meeting scheduled for January 2026.
Resolution:
- That Mr JP Botma was duly elected as Chairperson of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum and as representative of the Soybean Forum on the Oilseeds Advisory Committee for the term 1 March 2026 until the end of February 2029.
Mr Botma
Mr Keun
SSF
OAC - That it be noted that the election for the position of Vice Chairperson of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum would take place during the meeting scheduled for January 2026.
Mr Keun
SSF
OAC
- That Mr JP Botma was duly elected as Chairperson of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum and as representative of the Soybean Forum on the Oilseeds Advisory Committee for the term 1 March 2026 until the end of February 2029.
Dates of meetings for 2026
- 28 January 2026
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, the meeting was adjourned.