Farmers Explore Perennial Grains Amid Weather Extremes

Extreme weather is disrupting agriculture in both South Africa and the United States, with drought, heat, excessive rain, wind and hail threatening yields and complicating harvests. South Africa is ending an unusually abundant maize season with supplies sufficient for domestic and regional needs, but forecasters warn that a strengthening El Niño could bring a drier, more difficult 2026-27 planting season despite currently favorable soil moisture. Farmers in North Dakota have reported reduced canola, wheat and soybean prospects after heat, drought, high winds and hail damaged crops near harvest. In Kansas, drought-hit farmers are exploring perennial grains such as Kernza, which can be replanted less often and may improve resilience while reducing labor, water use and erosion, although lower yields, difficult harvesting and limited markets remain obstacles.