Background

The most important winter cereals in South Africa are wheat, malting barley and canola.

Common Names: Wheat, korong, koring, Kolo, Nqolowa
Scientific name: Triticum aestivum

Wheat is an important cereal crop ranking second after maize in terms of the area planted and produced. Annual wheat production in South Africa ranges from 1.2 to 2 million tons, with the country’s total requirement being 2.7 million tons.

Wheat is produced throughout the country, however production has declined in areas (ie. Free State) in recent years due to poor profitability and the high risks associated with production. However, wheat volumes per hectare have increased thanks to improved farming techniques and productivities.

The majority (75%) of South Africa’s wheat production is cultivated in the Western Cape, a winter rainfall region, where the crop is grown under dryland conditions.

Common Names: Barley, gars, ibhali, irhasi (photo)
Scientific name: Hordeum vulgare
Barley is a short seasonal crop. Around half of the world’s total production is used as livestock feed, whilst the balance is used for human consumption, in the manufacturing of foodstuff, and for malting, in the production of beer and spirit beverages. Most beer is brewed using malted barley.
South Africa’s total annual production of barley is around 225 000 to 250 000 tons and is grown by both commercial and subsistence farmers. Barley is planted under irrigation in the Northern Cape and on dryland in the Southern Cape. New varieties have led to production areas extending to the Swartland in the Western Cape.