Minutes
Minutes of the Canola working group meeting
held on 10 February 2026 at Beyerskloof, Koelenhof Road, R304, Stellenbosch
Opening
The Chairperson, Mr AP Theron opened the meeting with prayer.
Welcome
The Chairperson welcomed all present.
Attendance
Present
Mr A Theron Chairperson Mr R Badenhorst Overberg Agri Ms R Beukes * DOA Mr L Blignaut SU Mr P Blom Inteligro Dr E Briedenhann OAC Mr A Carstens Apeiro AG Mr D Coetzee Limagrain SA Dr I Crous Omnia Mr R de Villiers SU Mr S De Wet Limagrain SA Mr G Els Advanta Ms C Farinna SU Mr B Horn Agricol Mr J Jacobs Agricol Mr JG Jooste Villa Crop Protection Mr G Keun PRF Mr R Kirstein Villa Crop Protection Mr C Lambrechts SU Prof S Lamprecht Private Mr A le Roux SU Mr F le Roux Grain SA Mr P Lombard DAWC Ms S Lureman Overberg Agri Mr F Meiring Limagrain SA Prof F Meyer BFAP Mr D Moore SOILL Dr D Mostert SU Mr C Müller Agricol Mr C Nel Overberg Agri Ms W Louw * SAGL Ms L Nowers DAWC Mr C Schoeman Villa Crop Protection Dr HM Schreuder ARC-PPRI Ms S Shuku SU Mr B Schultz * SAGIS Ms L Smorenburg DAWC Mr Z Spammer SOILL Mr G Steyn SSK Prof PA Swanepoel PRF Mr MJ Swart Grain SA Prof J Strauss DAWC Ms K Truter Winfield United Dr C Viljoen SU Dr G van Coller ICA Online Mr S van der Berg SOILL Ms S van der Veen SU Mr AC van der Westhuizen Villa Crop Protection Ms M van Deventer SU Mr B van Niekerk ICA Online Mr JW Wessels SU Ms M du Preez PRF Ms S Brits * PRF * via videoconference
Apologies
Mr K Blanckenberg Grain SA Mr J Bruwer Bayer Mr A Erasmus Inteligro Mr R Schoeman Pioneer Mr J Smith YARA Ms A Swanepoel DAWC Mr N van der Merwe Barenbrug Personalia
Dr H Screuder was congratulated on receiving the John and Petakin Mildenhall best PhD prestigious award from the Southern African Society for Plant Pathology (SASPP) in recognition of top PhD research in plant pathology.
Approval of the agenda
The agenda was accepted without any additions or amendments.
- 7.6 Presentation – Mr A le Roux (Stellenbosch University)
Approval of minutes
Minutes of a Canola Working Group meeting held on 21 August 2025
The minutes of the Canola Working Group meeting held on 21 August 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 21 August 2025, be approved.
General overview and crop estimates
Current Oil Seed Prices: Local and International
Dr Briedenhann gave an overview of the global markets, highlighting the supply and demand for oilseeds, particularly soybeans. He indicated that soybean prices were under considerable pressure due to exceptional crop yields, especially from Brazil, which produced a record-breaking 182 million metric tonnes during the 2025/26 season. Locally, similar pressures were experienced due to the strong rand-to-dollar exchange rate and the reduced import parity. As a result, there was a surplus in soybean production, necessitating the export of over 400 000 tonnes of soybeans, which unfortunately could not be met and led to a large carryover into the new season. He also mentioned that the intention to plant soybeans appears promising, supported by favourable climate conditions, a wet season with normal yields and the increased carry-over stock. This scenario was likely to put substantial pressure on meal prices, with soybean meal prices discounted by up to R2 000 per tonne below import parity. As a result, there was considerable pressure on the potential pricing of canola meal. However, oil prices remained relatively stronger because there was less pressure stemming from global demand for canola biofuel, which helped maintain oil prices at reasonable levels.
Dr Briedenhann mentioned that the European price for canola remained firm since the beginning of the year, despite the strong crop production in Australia and Canada, which resulted in ample supply and good demand in Europe. In Europe, the price for a load of canola seed was +R9 000, while the price for canola oil was R20 000 per tonne. Moving forward, the canola meal was expected to come under significant pressure from alternative oilcakes, while the oil price remains stable. Canola seed prices would remain relatively unchanged compared to the previous year.
Mr Spammer reported that there would be adequate stock available and that the price would remain more or less the same as the previous year. He mentioned that the trade deal between China and Canada would take effect in March 2026, removing a significant amount of canola from the market and further supporting prices. He said that the market was healthy and positive, with capacity for farmers to plant more canola.
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 the 2024/2025 marketing year, the information in respect of producer deliveries, processing and exports to Kenia, as well as the inspection of stock 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 feedback regarding the Canola Crop Estimates, referring to:
- Area planted
This season marked the largest area ever planted with canola in South Africa. - Production
- Yield
The 2025 canola crop was the largest crop ever recorded in the country. - District yields; and
- Ratio: Canola vs other winter crop areas.
The Chairperson expressed gratitude to Ms Beukes for the valuable information.
- Area planted
Winter rainfall region
Swartland
Feedback was given about the challenges experienced during the previous season:
- Rain started late;
- Late planting;
- No weed management during planting; and
- Chemical products versus generic products.
Southern Cape
Feedback was given about the challenges experienced during the previous season:
- Weed management before planting time;
- Moisture during planting;
- Challenges with snails;
- Dry September; and
- High temperatures of up to 37°.
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 last year's data has not yet been fully analysed. The yields ranged between 1 and 2 tonnes p/ha, and the crops were performing well. The final results would be shared as soon as it’s available.
Other
Mr Lombard gave feedback on the summer rainfall area and mentioned that training would be held in Delmas and Groot Marico. Potential expansions in Natal, Bergville and canola trials in the Free State were noted. The average yield from irrigated crops was lower than expected. The producer's interest in continuing to grow canola and selecting the appropriate cultivars for planting. He also reported that no Blackleg infections were observed. In the Oranje River irrigation area, where no sclerotinia spray was applied, the reported infection rate was 80%.
Weather forecast
Mr A le Roux gave a presentation regarding: “Climate Drivers of Canola Production: Understanding and Modelling Current and Future Production Potential in the Swartland region of the Western Cape”, highlighting the following:
- Importance of canola;
- Climate change drivers (2050);
- Aim;
- Evaluating climate-driven yield responses in canola: insights from 12 years of data from South Africa;
- Treatments;
- Cultivars;
- Average rainfall during growing season (ARG);
- Average Rainfall (AFR) + Rainfall Days (RDF) during flowering;
- Average temperature during seedling stages (ATS);
- Average temperature (AFT) + heat stress days (HF) during flowering;
- Phytotron Study: Phenological and photosynthetic reproductive and yield;
- Treatments;
- Climate;
- Cultivar growing season length; and
- Cultivar herbicide tolerance.
- Materials and methods; and
- Phenological and thermal time
- Treatments;
- Steady stage gas exchange;
- Reproductive structures;
- Yield and quality;
- Agronomic implications; and
- Acknowledgements.
The Chairperson thanked Mr Le Roux for his presentation.
Research
National cultivar trials 2026
The Chairperson mentioned that Mr Lombard would be planting the National Cultivar Trials funded by the OAC/OPDT.
Research projects: 2026/2027
Mr Keun mentioned that the applications for the OAC/OPDT research projects for the financial year 2026/2027 would be available at the end of February 2026.
Sclerotinia
During the discussion of the matter, it was mentioned that:
- Spraying was carried out according to schedule;
- The associated risks were low;
- Results for the Sclerotinia requisition test would be available at the Overberg Agri Reproductive Information Day, indicating no infection;
- The biological control trial results showed a 32% infection rate;
- Three cultivars were used, each with different flowering dates; and
- In the 2026 trials, there would be a greater emphasis on control measures.
Damage: Clethodim
No new information was reported.
Blackleg
Professor Strauss mentioned that a trial conducted at Riversdale utilised bio-stimulants to manage Blackleg disease.
Slugs and Snails
Mr Lombard reported that challenges were experienced with snails and slugs, and mentioned that snails prefer not to inhabit cultivated land and thrive better during wet summers.
Diamondback moth
Dr Van Coller referred to the Diamondback moth and mentioned that it was the third most important insect disease in Australia.
Mr Lombard mentioned that it was observed in the Malmesbury district a few years ago.
Fertilisation
No new information was reported.
Technology transfer
Canolafokus
The meeting noted the articles published in the Canola Focus, included in the agenda as Annexure F.
Information days 2026
The meeting noted that the following information days were scheduled for 2026:
Dr Mostert would contact Mr Keun regarding the information days that would be organised by the university.
Pre-plant Information Day, Rietpoel 5 March 2026 Pre-plant Information Day, Langgewens 24 March 2026 Conservation Agriculture Conference 5-6 August 2026 Ruminant Day 13 August 2026 SKOG 26 August 2026 Hopefield Day 18 September 2026 30th Farmers' Day – Roodebloem 23 September 2026 Videos
No new information was reported.
Oilseeds Focus
The meeting noted the contents of the December issue.
Canola Articles
The meeting noted the contents of the Canola related articles, included as Annexure G, in the agenda.
Other
The Canola Market
The matter was discussed during a previous discussion point.
Canola producers
Price and back payments
No new information was reported.
Income and Cost Budgets
No new information was reported.
SKOG
It was noted that the SKOG day was scheduled for 26 August 2026.
Alternative Crops
Lupins
During the discussion of the matter, it was mentioned that:
- One of the seed companies was interested in sourcing Lupin seeds;
- DWCA initiated a program for alternative crop trials at Langgewens; and
- The collection of levies by SACTA in respect of lupins.
Chemicals and Resistance
The Chairperson highlighted the ongoing challenges with delays in the registration of chemical products that were experienced.
It was noted that problems with the effective control of Clethodim, and dosages were increased, yet resistance worsened. This issue needs to be addressed.
Seed
Seed availability
During the discussion of the matter, it was mentioned that:
- Seed companies were positive;
- Sufficient seed would be available;
- Correct varieties would be available; and
- Ordering of canola seed increased.
Seed germination
No new information was reported.
SACTA
The meeting noted the contents of the article, included in the agenda as Annexure H.
Speakers considered for future Canola Meetings
(Resolution 12.1 of the minutes of the Canola Working Group held on 21/08/25)
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; and
- Mr A Erasmus from Inteligro would request Mr Jan van Zyl to provide a brief overview of biostimulants at the next Working Group meeting.
Resolution:
That the following speakers be invited to give a presentation at future Canola Working Group meetings:
- Dr D Mostert – Triazine tolerance; and
- Mr Jan van Zyl – Biostimulants
Mr Keun
Canola Working Group
Additional matters
Department of Agriculture: Amendments to the Regulations relating to the grading, packing and marketing of canola intended for sale in R.S.A.
The meeting noted the contents of the articles, included in the agenda as Annexure I.
Dates for future meetings
The next meeting of the Canola Working Group was scheduled for 4 June 2026.
Adjournment
The Chairperson thanked everybody for their inputs. There being no further matters for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 13h00.