Sunflower and Soybean Forum
Meeting held on 21 May 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 everyone present at the meeting and extended a special word of welcome to Dr Charl van der Merwe from AgbizGrain and Dr Huibré Schreuder from ARC-PPRI, who were attending their first meeting of the forum.
Attendance
Present
Mr R Küsel Chairperson Mr J Botma OAC Ms R Beukes Department of Agriculture Dr E Briedenhann PRF/OAC Mr G Burger GrainSA Ms P Fourie AFMA Mr M Jansen van Rensburg Dept Agriculture, Mpumalanga Mr G Keun CEO PRF/OPDT/OAC Mr C Louw GrainSA Ms W Louw SAGL Mr P Lovelace CEOCO/SAOPA Mr L Phaleng AFMA Ms M Scheepers Department of Agriculture Mr B Schultz SAGIS Dr C van der Merwe AgbizGrain Mr K van Huyssteen SANSOR Ms M du Preez PRF Ms A Schoeman PRF Via MS Teams
Ms AS de Beer ARC-GCI Mr GP de Beer Researcher Dr G Kgatle GrainSA Mr J Kotzé SACOTA Prof S Lamprecht ARC-PPRI ARC-PPRI ARC-API Ms C Leswifi Department of Agriculture Dr M Lubinga NAMC Dr S Ma’ali ARC-GCI Ms J Mabuso Department of Agriculture Mr S Mahlangu SACTA Mr P Malele ARC Mr V Mapfumari Department of Agriculture Ms C Mathekga GrainSA Ms N Mudzunga Department of Agriculture Ms T Ntshangase NAMC Mr W Oosthuizen GrainSA Me H Ottermann BFAP Mr C Pelster Agricol Mr T Phasoana ARC-PPRI Mr GL Roos Producer: Mpumalanga Mr A Rossouw Agricol Dr H Schreuder ARC-PPRI Dr D Strydom GrainSA Mr A Theron PRF Ms L van Blommestein RCL Foods Mr N van Burick Landbouweekblad Mr C Wegner PPECB Apologies
Ms A Botha OAC Ms L Breytenbach AFMA Mr C Cloete Rolfes Agri Mr H Davies Eden Social Development Mr A Jordaan Bayer Ms W MacPherson Andermatt Mr C Rasoesoe DTIC Dr L Rothmann UFS Ms S Rudolph RCL Foods Ms J Tselentis SANCU Mr C van Coller Farmer Dr A van der Vyver SACOTA Personalia
The following birthdays were acknowledged:
Ms A de Beer 21 May Dr E Briedenhann 22 May Confirmation of the agenda
The Agenda was accepted with the following addition:
Item 12.1.7 "Green" Soybeans
– Purple stains on soybeansApproval of minutes
Minutes of a meeting of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 28 January 2025 and referral to webpage
The minutes of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum meeting held on 28 January 2025 were considered and accepted as a true reflection of the meeting.
Resolution:
- That the minutes of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 28 January 2025 be accepted as a true and fair reflection of that meeting, subject to a minor amendment, 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 28 January 2025 be accepted as a true and fair reflection of that meeting, subject to a minor amendment, 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.
Mr Lovelace mentioned that no Sunflower seeds would be exported for the current season, and that all the Sunflower seeds would be crushed.
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 for the period 2015/16-2025/26.
The Chairman requested Mr Schultz if there was a possibility to report the Soybean oilcake separately. Mr Schultz responded that some co-workers assisting but that the quantity was small.
Mr Keun mentioned that he will request Mr Schultz to investigate if it was possible to split Soybean oilcake separately on the reporting statistics.
Ms Ntshangase mentioned that co-workers of the Supply and Demand Estimates Committee also requested for the Soybean oilcake to be reported separately to enable them to see the separate figures for imported oilcake.
Mr Louw mentioned that GrainSA also supported the suggestion that Soybean oilcake be reported separately.
Resolution:
- That Mr Schultz of SAGIS be requested to investigate the possibility to report Soybean seed and Soybean oilcake separately as a commodity on the reporting statistics.
Mr Keun
RPC
OAC
SSF
Weekly information on sunflower and soybean oilcake imports and exports
Mr Keun mentioned that a formal motivation was received from GrainSA and would be referred to the OAC for consideration.
Mr Keun also mentioned that SAGIS would be requested to submit an updated quote regarding the weekly information on Sunflower and Soybean oilcake imports and exports.
Resolution:
- That the matter regarding "Weekly information on Sunflower and Soybean oilcake imports and exports", be referred to the OAC 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 for consideration.
- That Mr Schultz of SAGIS be requested to investigate the possibility to report Soybean seed and Soybean oilcake separately as a commodity on the reporting statistics.
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
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
Mr Lovelace mentioned that rain delayed the harvesting of Soybeans and resulted in a shortage of stock.
Mr Lovelace also mentioned that Soybean stock arrived at the crushers with a too high moisture level and was unusable during mid to late April.
Mr Lovelace further mentioned that a high percentage of Sclerotinia was detected on Sunflower, forcing crushers to reject the consignments.
Trading
Mr Kotze gave the following feedback regarding trading related aspects:
- The synchronisation process in terms of soybeans have now been finalised for Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the US. Meaning that imports of GM soybeans can now be imported from these countries;
- There were no further deep-sea imports anticipated in the coming months. However, the synchronization process remains crucial for understanding and preparing for future seasons where demand may arose again;
- The total imports for 2024/25 season amounted to 154,000 tons. This was sourced predominantly from the US, making up 151,590 tons; some containers were also imported from Ukraine (1,956 tons), and smaller amounts were imported from Eswatini and Zambia;
- Total exports amounted to 150,000 tons, mostly to Zimbabwe. These exports are expected to decline as the crop in the neighbouring country and countries like Zambia also seem to be better; and
- No vessels booked for Soybean exports for the coming season, and although some market participants feel the crop was higher than the current crop estimate, the price was still too high. If the price declined below export parity, some exports for the deep-sea could be expected.
Storage
Dr Van der Merwe mentioned that AgbizGrain members tested the sampling probe and the protocol. Inputs need to be submitted by the end of May 2025, and feedback on the outcome would be made available to the forum members.
Dispute Resolution Process
The contents of the document included in Annexure E, were noted.
Ms Louw mentioned that SAGL requested the manufacturer to apply a serial number to the sampling device as well as a certificate to enable the device to be traceable.
Ms Louw also mentioned that SAGL compiled a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to use the sampling device correctly.
JSE/SAFEX
No feedback.
SACTA
Mr Mahlangu mentioned that the collection of the levies were on track.
Consumers of Oil Seeds
No new information was reported.
LEAF Services
No new information was reported.
Production: Soybeans and Sunflower
Producer Matters
KwaZulu-Natal
General
The Chairperson mentioned that rain made it difficult to harvest, but crops were above average even though flooding destroyed some of the fields.
Mpumalanga and Gauteng
General
Mr Janse van Rensburg mentioned that 70-80% of the western part of Mpumalanga was harvested, but 70-80% of the eastern Mpumalanga must still be harvested.
North West and Limpopo Province
General
Mr De Beer mentioned that rain made it difficult to harvest. However, the farmers took desperate measures by gathering the crop harvested into piles and arranging it in windrows to dry out until it could be threshed. Despite the challenges, good yields were obtained.
Free State
General
Mr Botma mentioned that farmers in the sandy areas (Wesselsbron and Hoopstad) managed to harvest their crops.
Mr Botma also mentioned that in the Bothaville area only ± 30% of harvesting was completed. Despite the challenges, good yields were obtained.
Eastern and Northern Cape and South Western Districts
General
No new information was reported.
Soybean value chain
Mr Keun mentioned that Fertasa would be invited to the next meeting of the Soybean Value Chain to provide information regarding fertiliser research and the association's role in the industry.
Mr Keun also highlighted the following aspect that was still being attended to by the Soybean Value Chain:
- 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;
- Planting dates; 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 34 localities and mentioning that of the 32 cultivars included in the cultivar trials, 13 were new technology cultivars. 36 Trials were planted, of which 2 trial sites had 2 planting dates. 7 Trials were not successful, of which 6 trials were terminated, and 1 trial was not planted.
Mr De Beer mentioned that the first rain was received only in mid-November. Planting occurred at Hoopstad and Leeudoringstad on 13 November 2024, at Sannieshof on 14 November 2024, and the first planting took place at Migdol/Schweizer-Reneke on 15 November 2024. A second planting was conducted on 3 January 2025. The trial at Migdol was damaged by hail and heavy rain.
Sclerotinia
Dr Kgatle provided a brief overview of Sclerotinia by way of a presentation and gave feedback on the work done by the research network (SASRN), particularly regarding the evaluation of chemicals and biological agents.
Dr Kgatle also referred to the following matters:
- The request to write an article for the Oilseeds Focus regarding the current progress on SASRN;
- The "Weeds and Weed Resistance" Workshop hosted by GrainSA during 2024; and
- The research done by Prof J Vorster from UP,SAHRI on Palmer Amaranthi.
Rhizobium
The contents of the document included in Annexure F, were noted.
Mr Louw mentioned that Fertasa hosted a Rhizobium workshop on 10 April 2025. It was noted that the presentations were available on YouTube.
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 June edition of the Oilseeds Focus.
Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS)
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, the project has made significant progress, including the identification of Fusarium isolates associated with SDS and the development of a molecular qPCR probe for rapid detection. Phase two of the SDS project is currently in progress, and it involves the evaluation of twelve fungicide seed treatments and screening 27 cultivars for tolerance potential under glasshouse conditions. Key results include the identification of a promising seed treatment that reduced root rot severity and foliar symptoms, as well as two soybean varieties showing tolerance potential. Glasshouse trials are currently ongoing, combining these effective seed treatments and the most promising tolerant cultivars. This phase of the project is expected to identify an effective management practice to control SDS.
Prof S Lamprecht mentioned that the survey to determine the incidence of Fusarium virguliforme on soybean plants and in soil collected from four farms each in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Free State was conducted during the last week in February and the first week in March. Foliar symptoms of SDS were recorded from one farm in Mpumalanga, one farm in the Eastern Free State and two farms in KwaZulu-Natal. SDS-causing Fusarium species were isolated with conventional methods from eight of the fields sampled and was molecularly detected in samples collected from eleven of the farms. However, no F. virguliforme was detected in any of the samples. Fusarium virguliforme was also not detected in any of the 24 seed samples and washings from these samples that were obtained from SAGL during 2024. To ensure accurate results, both conventional and molecular methods are currently employed for the detection of F. virguliforme in soybean plants, soil and seed to facilitate soybean exports to China.
Weeds and Weed Resistance
The matter was discussed under discussion point 12.1.2.
Research Projects: 2025/2026 Financial Year
The contents of the document included in Annexure G, were noted.
Mr Keun mentioned that a new project "A systematic review oagronomic and environmental drivers of green Soybean seed occurrence with implications for oil and meal quality" conducted by Dr S Haarhoff and Prof PA Swanepoel was approved by the OAC and would to be included on the project schedule.
"Green" Soybeans
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" approved by the OAC.
Mr Keun mentioned that if problems were experienced with "purple soybeans", it could be referred to the RPC to consider a project or survey to be conducted. Mr Louw raised a concern about purple stains on soybeans received from the farmers. Dr Kgatle mentioned that the purple stain/blotch was caused by cercospora kikuchii. Dr Lamprecht mentioned that the purple blotches do not affect the yield, and that farmers need to consider seed transmission, as that was how the fungus were spread.
Mr Van Huysteen mentioned that the purple soybeans were currently sporadic.
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.
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 H, were noted.
Information Days 2025
Mr Keun mentioned that the Soya Symposia were scheduled as follows:
- 29 July 2025 – CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria
- 31 July 2025 – Nampo Park, Bothaville
Mr Keun also mentioned that a preliminary programme would be shared on the various social media platforms.
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 June 2025 edition of the Oilseeds Focus.
"Grow for Gold" National Yield Competition | Grain SA
Mr Louw mentioned that entries for the "Grow for Gold" National Yield Competition were to close on 15 August 2025 and the awards evening was scheduled for 23 September 2025.
Additional matters
None.
Dates of meetings for 2025
- 2 October 2025
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, the meeting was adjourned.