{
  "id": 6648764,
  "title": "AGRICULTURAL SQUEEZE: Bread & Wine: When the wheat stops paying (Part Four)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/agricultural-squeeze-bread-wine-when-the-wheat-stops-paying-part-four",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T21:56:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-09-10-bread-wine-when-the-wheat-stops-paying-part-four/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the fourth installment of a six-part series on agricultural struggles, Micheil Smuts of Swartland, South Africa, explains how conventional wheat farming has evolved over the past 140 years. Traditional methods involved deep ploughing to bury weeds, but Smuts now leaves the topsoil undisturbed to conserve moisture and reduce erosion. However, this change has led to increased use of herbicides, as the spraying must be more frequent to control the persistent weeds.\n\nFertilizers have also become a larger expense, as they strengthen the competing weeds. Smuts acknowledges that conservation farming helps protect the soil in one way but relies heavily on herbicides in another. The agricultural year starts with canola in April, followed by wheat in early May. Wheat requires immediate moisture for strong germination, and fertiliser applications continue through June, July, and August to enhance protein levels. Rainfall in September is crucial for the crop. Canola is harvested in October, while wheat is gathered from late October to November.\n\nThe farming process requires significant investment in machinery and equipment. A second-hand tractor and air seeder can cost around R4 million, while a larger planting combination may reach R10 million. Combine harvesters are also essential. Once harvested, wheat is stored in a silo and sold through brokers or marketing companies. Smuts serves as a director in a farmer-owned marketing business established by his father, but this does not shield him from market pressures. South Africa is a net wheat importer, and local prices are determined by international wheat prices. Many farmers must sell their produce to a limited group of large buyers, leaving them with little control over sale timing.\n\nIn comparison to other countries, South Africa’s wheat yields are relatively low, averaging only three tonnes per hectare or less. In contrast, France achieved an average yield of 7.4 tonnes per hectare in 2025. European support systems differ, but the major issue remains the same: machinery and many inputs are imported, while the wheat price is dictated by global markets. Smuts laments that direct input costs have risen by about 65% between 2016 and 2026, while farmgate wheat prices have only increased by roughly 36%. He bluntly states that machinery prices have doubled in just five years, while income has not kept pace.",
  "summary": "On Grasrug, held by one family for 140 years, Micheil Smuts explains why conventional wheat now requires less ploughing, more spraying and an annual gamble that many farmers can no longer afford.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Maverick",
        "title": "Industry Reality: Bread & Wine: What it takes to grow a glass of wine (Part Three)",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/industry-reality-bread-wine-what-it-takes-to-grow-a-glass-of-wine",
        "published": "2026-09-09T22:08:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}