Lower inflation and interest rates are opening a window for South African farmers to expand and strengthen their operations in 2026, but success will depend on careful borrowing and long-term planning.
Source: Mathias Beckmann via
PixabayAccording to Daneel Rossouw, head of sales for agriculture at Nedbank, the improving financial environment gives farmers a chance to invest in productivity, resilience and future growth rather than simply reacting to economic pressure.
Interest rate relief creates strategic opening
'Interest rates have declined over the past few years, and inflation is now around 3.5%,' Rossouw notes. 'While these figures suggest more room for interest rate cuts, we've seen very little increase in agricultural debt. Farmers need to start thinking about good debt – the kind that funds growth and enables strategic investment – rather than simply reacting to market pressures.'
After several years of elevated borrowing costs, 2025 marked the start of a meaningful monetary easing cycle. The South African Reserve Bank's decision to lower the repo rate to 6.75% in November reflects easing inflationary pressures and a more balanced growth outlook.
"For agriculture, this signals a more supportive financing environment, but one that should still be approached with discipline," he adds. "Farmers should use this window to consolidate balance sheets, invest in productivity and climate resilience, diversify markets and revenue streams, and strengthen financial buffers against climatic and geopolitical risks."
Three themes from 2025 shaping agriculture in 2026
Looking back at 2025, Rossouw highlights three major themes that continue to shape the sector going into 2026:
1. Animal production and biosecurity
Animal production, spanning beef, poultry, pork, and other livestock, is by far the largest sector in South African agriculture. Biosecurity has become a critical issue for growth and export performance, with challenges such as foot-and-mouth disease underscoring the need for industrywide collaboration.
2. Global trade and tariffs
International market shifts, including changes to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and import tariffs, created both uncertainty and urgency for farmers and exporters. While certain crops saw some relief, high-value exports like citrus and table grapes faced pressures, highlighting the importance of market diversification and financial planning to absorb shocks.
3. Climate and weather extremes
Flooding, droughts, and unpredictable rainfall patterns have affected multiple provinces and crop types. These events highlight the need for climate-smart agriculture, investment in resilience, and long-term risk management.
Long-term planning and collaboration
Rossouw emphasises that these challenges highlight the importance of strategic financial management.
'Farming isn't a short-term game,' he says. 'It's a 5- and 10-year plan business. Those who anticipate market shifts, invest prudently, and manage risk will be best positioned to grow sustainably.'
Collaboration is also key.
'Working together – across organised agriculture, agribusinesses, and government – is critical, especially for biosecurity and market access. Collective planning, aligned with sound financial strategies, enables the sector to respond with agility and confidence.'
Rossouw emphasises that cultivating a strong, proactive relationship with a financial partner is critical for navigating challenging periods. "We encourage our clients to see us as a trusted partner and to openly discuss any difficulties they may be facing.
"This enables us to provide tailored support, such as bespoke, cash-flow-friendly financing and loan restructuring for short-term funding – just as we are doing for clients affected by the recent floods in Limpopo."
Investment and technology key to future growth
Other strategies for successfully navigating 2026 include:
1. Long-term planning with flexibility: Developing five- to 10-year plans while maintaining the ability to respond quickly to market changes or policy shifts is essential for sustainable growth.
2. Investing in growth with good debt: Strategic borrowing to fund expansion or modernisation can pay dividends, particularly in high-value sectors such as export-oriented fruit production.
3. Climate-smart and technology-driven farming: Data, scouting apps, and modern agritech reduce risk and improve efficiency, enhancing profitability even in unpredictable conditions.
For farmers, the takeaway is clear: 2026 offers opportunities for those who plan strategically, invest wisely, and leverage available financial tools. With careful debt management, attention to market signals, and a long-term vision, South African agriculture can weather current challenges and emerge stronger and more competitive.
