DEKALB, a brand of Bayer Crop Science, launched commercially in South Africa in 2005. Bayer acquired Monsanto* and its flagship maize seed brand in 2018 to continue its legacy and further build on the research and development of hybrid seed technology and biotech benefits.
In South Africa DEKALB's maize hybrids are available in conventional (non-GMO) and genetically modified ranges, with both single and stacked gene versions available in the country.
Our hybrids are all locally produced and adapted for South Africa’s commercial and smallholder farmers in the eastern, western, water table and irrigation production areas. As a premier maize seed brand in South Africa, DEKALB is known for its yield potential, resilience against disease as well as built-in protection against certain pests and herbicides in the genetically modified range.
Maize is a staple in the diet of most South Africans and is critical to food security in the country and to the rest of Africa. It contributes to 50-60% of the local population’s carbohydrate intake and is primarily consumed as “pap”, a maize meal porridge enjoyed across different regions, economic standings, and cultures in the country. It is also a very important feed crop to livestock farmers and for meat, milk and egg production.
South Africa is a net exporter of maize, and depending on the conditions, the country’s farmers produce 15-17 million tons on 2,5-3 million hectares annually.