Compared to the last five years, crop condition in South Africa showed an above average level between July and August, but below average in the two months after—a period getting close to the harvesting time for wheat and barley. Additionally, agronomic indicators show a 12% reduction in rainfall (RAIN) compared to average, while temperature (TEMP) increased by a very significant 2.9°C. Despite a radiation (RADPAR) increase of 2%, the biomass production potential (BIOMSS) fell 13% compared to the five-year average.

Most parts of Orange Free State and North West Province showed quite low maximum VCI. In contrast, the Mediterranean southern coastal areas—major growing areas of most winter crops, showed relatively good maximum VCI between 0.8-1.0. The spatial NDVI clusters and profiles further show high values in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the southwestern and eastern cape which are citrus producing areas, indicating a fairly good overall production.

Since the growing period is just about starting in the western half of the country, no specific assessment can be made currently about the forthcoming 2015/16 maize crop

(a) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI 

 (b) Maximum VCI

(c) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA and the coresponding NDVI departure profiles