Sunflower and Soybean Forum
Meeting held on 28 January 2025 at the offices of the Oilseeds Industry, 49 River Road, Woodmead and via MS Teams
Opening
Mr Ralf Küsel 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 Mr G Burger GrainSA Mr H Davies Eden Social Development Ms AS de Beer ARC-GCI Ms J Gcabashe ARC-GCI Mr M Jansen van Rensburg Dept Agriculture, Mpumalanga Mr G Keun CEO PRF/OPDT/OAC Ms W Louw SAGL Dr S Ma'ali ARC-GCI Mr P Malele ARC Ms C Mathekga GrainSA Ms N Mudzunga DALRRD Ms T Ntshangase NAMC Mr L Phaleng AFMA Ms M Pienaar GrainSA Ms S Rudolph RCL Foods Mr B Schultz SAGIS Ms J Tselentis SANCU Ms L van Blommestein RCL Foods Mr K van Huyssteen SANSOR Ms M du Preez PRF Ms A Schoeman PRF Via MS Teams
Ms A Botha OAC Ms L Breytenbach AFMA Ms L Bronkhorst ARC Mr T Clark RCL Foods Mr C Cloete Rolfes Agri Mr GP de Beer Researcher Mr S de Jager COFCO Ms N Joubert Senwes Dr G Kgatle GrainSA Mr J Kotzé SACOTA Prof S Lamprecht ARC-PPRI Mr I Lamprecht Dept Agriculture, Mpumalanga Mr P Lovelace CEOCO/SAOPA Mr V Mapfumari DALRRD Ms N Masango SAGIS Ms Y Moshidi JSE Mr V Mpumza JSE Mr W Oosthuizen GrainSA Me H Ottermann BFAP Mr C Pelster Agricol Mr T Phasoana ARC-PPRI Mr C Rasoesoe DTIC Me V Reyneke SAGIS Mr A Rossouw Agricol Me J Saayman-du Toit ARC-GCI Mr M Sposaro GDM Seeds Mr F Stella GDM Seeds Ms F Sundani Nedbank Mr M Swiegers Senwes Mr N van Burick Landbouweekblad Mr C van Coller Farmer Dr A van der Vyver SACOTA Mr S van Staden AFGRI Mr W Visagie Overberg Agri Apologies
Ms R Beukes DALRRD Mr A Bennett SACTA Mr CJ Louw GrainSA Prof F Meyer PRF Mr GL Roos Producer: Mpumalanga Dr L Rothmann UFS Ms M Scheepers DALRRD Mr A Theron PRF Personalia
Mr H Davies's brother passed away and sincere condolences were conveyed to him and his family.
Mr T Prinsloo from the ARC passed away and sincere condolences were conveyed to his family and colleagues.
Confirmation of the agenda
The Agenda was accepted with the following addition:
- Item 12.1.8 – Soybean Seed Quality
Approval of minutes
Minutes of a meeting of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 2 October 2024 and referral to the website
The minutes of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum meeting held on 2 October 2024 were considered and accepted as a true reflection of the meeting.
Resolution:
- That the minutes of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 2 October 2024 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
Steering Committee
OAC
- That the minutes of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 2 October 2024 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
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.
Weekly information on sunflower and soybean oilcake imports and exports
(Resolution 7.2.1.1 The Sunflower and Soybean Forum of 21/05/2024)
Mr Keun mentioned that the matter was discussed at various committees and that funding for the request was not approved.
Mr Keun mentioned that GrainSA was requested to submit a formal motivation regarding the importance of the information if they wish to continue with the request.
Mr Keun suggested that the forum step off the matter until such time GrainSA submitted the required motivation.
South African Supply and Demand Estimates Committee (SASDEC)
The latest Supply and Demand Estimates Committee report included in the agenda as Annexure C was 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
The latest Crop Estimates report included in the agenda as Annexure D was noted.
No further information was reported.
Value chain aspects
Processing
Mr Lovelace mentioned that processing was slow due to some of the crushing plants that were currently offline for maintenance during February and March, and also to the lack of raw material/stock.
Mr Lovelace also mentioned that processors/crushers were concerned about the poor quality of local Soybeans delivered from certain areas since December 2024. The said issue poses a challenge for producing high-quality Soybean meal.
Mr Lovelace further mentioned that CEOCO had to reject about 40 trucks of Soybeans due to the discoloured (dark brown/black) Soybeans and also due to "Green" Soybeans that were delivered from specific silo's and the Soybeans also contained an odour. In contrast to Mr Lovelace's complaints Ms S Rudolph mentioned that RCL did not experience any quality issues in respect of soybean meal.
Mr Botma mentioned that aeration is very important for the storage of Soybeans.
Mr Davies mentioned that storing "Green" Soybeans was quite challenging. He noted that storage operators were blending Soybeans instead of keeping the "Green" Soybeans separate, which could cause problems. Mr Davies also mentioned that Soybeans were difficult to store in general. When stored in corrugated silos, the heat draws in moisture, which could damage the Soybeans.
Trading
Dr A van der Vyver mentioned that four (4) vessels arrived since November 2024 and the last vessel were expected by the end of February 2025. He said imports accounted to approximately 162 000 tons in total.
Dr A van der Vyver mentioned that before the imports, GMO event lists needed to be synchronised, which was a challenging task. SACOTA took the initiative to work closely with the seed companies and finalised the maize event lists, but the Soybean event lists were still outstanding and or work in progress.
Storage
The matter was discussed under discussion point 8.1.
Dispute Resolution Process
Ms Louw mentioned that the report of an appropriate sampling apparatus for dispute resolution purposes were submitted by SAGL to AgbizGrain.
Mr Keun mentioned that he had a discussion with Mr Lemmer regarding the sampling apparatus and that it was still with AgbizGrain for consideration and not implemented as yet.
Dr A van der Vyver mentioned that the sampling apparatus were still in a "testing" phase by the industry.
JSE/SAFEX
Mr V Mpumza referred to a market notice issued on 8 October 2024 "Market Notice" Number 300A/2024 regarding the "Update on Soya Bean Multiple Reference Point Model" and gave the following feedback:
- The JSE noted a 14.61% decline in physical deliveries which aligns with the crop size reduction;
- The JSE noted more silos facilitating physical deliveries in completion of futures contract, which aligns with the point around seeing disperse deliveries and eliminating the concentration risk of having a few silos facilitating delivery;
- The JSE noted that closer of demand point which does not demonstrate consistent demand on the model has an impact, therefore the JSE took a decision to implement a minimum monthly volume of 5000 tons per month in order to qualify as a reference point under the multiple reference point model. With that said, the following demand points will be excluded from the model for the 2025/26 marketing season:
- Delmas
- Nasrec
- Winterton (Aerodon); and
- The JSE noted a decrease in trading volume which correlates with the underlying crop size reduction.
In conclusion, the trial phase was nearing the end of the first year, and the JSE was anticipating an improvement in the underlying crop. The JSE issued preliminary location differentials for the 2025/26 marketing season.
SACTA
Dr E Briedenhann mentioned that the new SACTA levy for Soybeans was approved, but not yet published/gazetted, and that the collection of levies was on track.
Consumers of Oil Seeds
Ms J Tselentis enquired if the prices of Sunflower oil would increase in the coming year. Dr E Briedenhann responded that global oil prices were currently higher than expected, and that Sunflower oil was imported from Ukraine.
Ms L Blommenstein also responded, stating that there was a $100 difference in price between the old season and the new season. The importation of Sunflower oil from Ukraine was less than last year.
LEAF Services
Mr Keun mentioned that LEAF Services was excluding the Sunflower and Soybean Forum in all correspondence, but that the Chairperson of the Groundnut Forum informed him of correspondence received from LEAF Services. The matter would be addressed with LEAF Services.
Mr Keun mentioned that all the correspondence received from LEAF Services would be circulated to the forum members.
Production: Soybeans and Sunflower
Producer Matters
KwaZulu-Natal
General
Mr Davies mentioned that the crops were looking promising for commercial farmers in the Bergville, Winterton, Loskop, and Estcourt areas. Developing farmers were making good progress. In the Newcastle area, developing farmers who planted early had to replant their crops by hand.
The Chairperson mentioned that the north of KwaZulu-Natal had lots of flood damage due to rain, but the potential was still good.
Mpumalanga and Gauteng
General
Mr Davies mentioned that the crops were looking good in the Komatipoort area.
The Chairperson mentioned that the Soybeans were not looking good in the Standerton, Balfour and Hendrina areas.
Ms M Pienaar mentioned that the farmers planted more Sunflowers than Soybeans due to rainfall. However, the Soybean plantings were not looking promising.
North West and Limpopo Province
General
Mr Davies mentioned that the crops were looking good in the Limpopo area, but due to farmers planting in the low-lying areas, the heavy rain caused the rivers to wash away all the crops.
Ms M Pienaar mentioned that farmers in the Limpopo area planted Soybeans instead of Sorghum because of the heavy rainfall.
Mr J Botma mentioned that the crops in the North West were looking good, and farmers who planted early could expect an average yield compared to those who planted later.
Mr G de Beer mentioned that this planting season was particularly challenging. The first trials were planted in Schweizer-Reneke on 16 November 2024 and the second trials were planted on 3 January 2025. He also mentioned that Hoopstad was the driest he had ever seen and urgently needs rain.
Free State
General
Ms M Pienaar stated that the Western Free State was very dry and urgently needs rain, while the plantings in the Eastern Free State were thriving.
Mr J Botma mentioned that plant population in the Northern Free State was not looking good due to the heat. He also mentioned that the Soybean production in the sandy soils experienced difficulty.
Eastern and Northern Cape and South Western Districts
General
Mr Davies mentioned that there was no interest in planting Soybeans in the Eastern Cape due to the very little support offered by the Department of Agriculture.
Soybean value chain
Dr E Briedenhann mentioned that Croplife done a presentation at the previous Soybean Value Chain meeting in respect of their role and related matters. Fertasa would be invited to the next meeting of the Soybean Value Chain to provide information in respect of their role and fertiliser research.
Dr E Briedenhann also highlighted the following aspects that were still being attended to by the Soybean Value Chain:
- AFMA tariff application; and
- Transport differential.
Sunflower value chain
Dr Briedenhann highlighted the following aspects that were continuously being addressed by the Sunflower Value Chain:
- High Oil sunflower seed; and
- Sclerotinia.
Research
Soybeans
National cultivar trials
Ms A de Beer provided a brief overview of the National Soybean cultivar trials of the 2024/2025 season by way of a presentation, referring to the localities and mentioned that of the 32 cultivars included in the trials, 14 were new technology cultivars.
Mr G de Beer referred to the trials he was responsible for and mentioned that 2 trials in Schweizer-Reneke, 1 trial in Hoopstad, 1 trial in Leeudoringstad and 1 trial in Sannieshof were planted, but rain was urgently needed.
Sclerotinia
Dr G Kgatle mentioned that the Sclerotinia research was coordinated by the SASRN, with the current focus on management strategies. Dr Kgatle also mentioned that fewer cases of Sclerotinia were detected in the previous season.
The Chairman mentioned that Sclerotinia was observed in cooler areas, and farmers were spraying their crops to manage it.
Rhizobium
The contents of the document included in Annexure E, were noted.
Mr Keun mentioned that the first report was received from Prof Hassen regarding the Rhizobium project funded by the NRF.
Mr Keun also mentioned that a "popular article" written by Prof Hassen would be published in the March 2025 edition of the Oilseeds Focus.
Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS)
Mr T Phasoana mentioned that since the project initiation, the ARC-PPRI have successfully identified SDS-associated fungal isolates, evaluated their pathogenicity and virulence, and developed a qPCR molecular tool for rapid pathogen detection in plants and soil (phase one). Phase two of the SDS project are currently in progress and focuses on evaluating seed treatments and screening Soybean cultivars for tolerance to SDS under glasshouse conditions. In 2023/2024, seed treatment trials evaluated twelve different treatments, both registered and non-registered compounds, for their effectiveness against SDS and results from the seed treatment trials indicated one promising treatment significantly reducing root rot severity, SDS foliage symptoms, and improving plant growth. In 2024/2025, 27 cultivars from 8 companies were screened for tolerance in the glasshouse trial, though some delays occurred due to late seed shipments from companies. Future work includes conducting additional glasshouse trials combining the most promising tolerant cultivars with the effective seed treatment. This phase two aims to identify effective management practices to control SDS.
Prof S Lamprecht mentioned that the sampling for the DALRRD SDS surveillance project will be done again this season. The project is conducted to ensure that Fusarium virguliforme is not present in Soybean plants and soil close to export silos as well as seed in export silos which is a requirement for export of Soybeans to China. Sampling is conducted on four farms each in the Eastern Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. This will be the fourth year of sampling. The project was originally initiated by GrainSA for the first year and were thereafter funded by DALRRD. During the past season SDS was reported from eight of the twelve farms included in the survey. Fusarium virguliforme was not present in any of the samples, only Fusarium brasilliense and Fusarium sp. nov. were obtained. Following the implementation of the protocol for the detection of F. virguliforme, 147 497 ton (5% of the 2022/2023 production) of Soybean was exported to China which significantly benefited the industry. Techniques were also optimised for the molecular detection and quantification of F. virguliforme and F. brasilliense to assist with the rapid detection and quantification of these fungi. A technique developed in our laboratories as part of a PhD study can also detect all the SDS-causing Fusarium spp. that have been reported worldwide. This is a very valuable tool for future research on SDS of Soybean.
Weeds and Weed Resistance
Dr G Kgatle mentioned that GrainSA hosted a "Weeds and Weed Resistance" workshop with researchers and chemical companies in 2024 and a "Weeds Science Network" was established.
Dr G Kgatle also mentioned that "Amaranthus" was found in the northern regions of South Africa, while "Rye" was detected in the southern regions. He also mentioned that the University of Pretoria was compiling a list of chemicals and herbicides that farmers could use to control these weeds.
"Wilde Lusern/Jaagsiektebossie" (Crotalaria)
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 under consideration and will be finalised at the OAC meeting scheduled for 3 February 2025.
Mr Keun also mentioned that a list of approved research projects would be included in the agenda of the next meeting and would also be published on the OAC/OPDT website.
"Green" Soybeans
Dr E Briedenhann mentioned that a literature review on "Green" Soybeans was necessary, and the RPC would take responsibility for commissioning such a review.
Soybean Seed Quality
Mr R Küsel mentioned that the quality of seeds bought from seed companies was not up to standard, and that germination problems were experienced. Additionally, it was found that long growers were present among short growers.
Mr K van Huyssteen suggested that in such cases the farmers should engage with the seed companies. If they did not receive a response, they should escalate the issue to SANSOR, which would address it with the Department of Agriculture.
Sunflower
National cultivar trials
Dr S Ma'ali gave a brief overview by way of a presentation of the National Sunflower Cultivar Trials.
Sclerotinia
The matter was discussed under discussion point 12.1.2.
Weeds and Weed Resistance
The matter was discussed under discussion point 12.1.5.
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 F, 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.
Mr Keun mentioned that the Protein Research Foundation and the Oilseeds Advisory Committee were planning Soybean Symposia on 29 or 31 July or 5 and 7 August 2025. The final dates would be circulated once the venues were finalised. It was also noted that an international speaker from EMBRAPA would be invited.
Mr Keun referred to a Rhizobium Workshop hosted by Fertasa at the CSIR on 10 April 2025.
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 March 2025 edition of the Oilseeds Focus.
"Grow for Gold" National Yield Competition | Grain SA
Ms M Pienaar mentioned that a fourth category was included for Sunflower in the 2025 competition which will entail the oil content.
Additional matters
None.
Dates of meetings for 2025
- 21 or 22 May 2025 (Date to be confirmed)
- 2 October 2025
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, the meeting was adjourned.