The extreme heatwave that has hit the Western and Northern Cape over the past few days has caused havoc for farmers in the middle of the harvest season, with temperatures going beyond the 40 degrees Celsius mark.
Calla du Toit, procurement director at Tru-Cape Fruit, said it is too early to determine the full impact of the heatwave as they were currently in the midst of it.
“Sunburn and heat stress on the trees, which can affect fruit size, particularly for later cultivars such as Joya and Pink Lady, are a significant risk at this stage, and we are implementing measures to mitigate these effects.
“We are irrigating all orchards that still have fruit on a daily basis. Fortunately, Ceres received some rainfall recently (Friday night), up to 30 mm in some areas. And, following the hailstorm three weeks ago, several areas also benefited from rain, ensuring that we have sufficient water in the dams for irrigation,” Du Toit said.
Unbearable heat impacts fruit and livestock
According to Du Toit, a large portion of the fruit has already been harvested.
“Consequently, the volume of orchards requiring irrigation has decreased dramatically. During the heatwave, we try to work later in the evening when temperatures are cooler for the workers, giving them proper rest during the heat of the day,” Du Toit explained.
Louisa Bezuidenhout, a livestock farmer in Upington in the Northern Cape, said the heat has been unbearable for a couple of weeks, making it difficult for operations to run smoothly.
“It is so bad that you will see livestock scrambling for shade. The water we pour for it does not last; we constantly have to pour water. Also, for us working on the farm, the wind is hot, day or night, there is no difference.
“The area on its own is always hot; this heatwave has added an extra layer of hotness that is too much to bear for all of us,” she said.
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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised farmers and farmworkers to exercise caution during the heatwave, such as wearing protective clothing, working in shade when possible, and keeping hydrated.
The SAWS warned that with these high temperatures, the risks of veld fires also have the potential to cause damage, especially in farming communities.
Outlook for the coming months
While farmers in the southern part of the country are barely coping with the heat, the weather service indicated that farmers across South Africa’s summer rainfall regions could benefit from wetter conditions in the coming months.
The SAWS forecasts above-normal rainfall for most summer rainfall areas during late summer and autumn, which could support crop growth and improve grazing conditions for livestock. Good rainfall at this stage of the season may help sustain crop development and replenish soil moisture reserves.
However, the weather service warned that excessive rainfall may also present challenges, particularly in areas with poor drainage. Waterlogged soils can damage crops and prevent or delay harvesting operations.
While much of the country is expected to receive good rainfall, some interior areas may remain relatively dry. Parts of the Free State, North West and Northern Cape could experience below-normal rainfall during the autumn months, requiring careful resource management, the SAWS advised.
Managing farm risks
With varying conditions expected across regions, farmers are encouraged to adopt practical risk management strategies.
These include implementing soil and water conservation practices, improving water harvesting and storage, and ensuring proper drainage systems to reduce the risk of waterlogging in high rainfall areas. Farmers should also remain vigilant for increased pest and disease pressure, which often accompanies wet conditions.
Livestock producers are advised to monitor herd health and keep vaccinations up to date to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks that may occur during prolonged wet weather.
The SAWS also advises farmers to monitor updated weather information regularly, as seasonal forecasts are revised monthly and may change, particularly for longer lead times.
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