South Africa News
Golden Canola Fields Signal Record Harvest in South Africa
South Africa’s Western and Southern Cape regions anticipate a record-breaking canola harvest in 2024, with 145,000 hectares cultivated. Ideal weather conditions, including consistent rain and mild temperatures, have spurred exceptional crop growth. Farmers and Southern Oil (Soill) highlight resilience amid early season challenges, predicting a production surge of 25% year-on-year to 294,000 tonnes. This milestone reinforces community development and sustainability, while fostering optimism for future agricultural success.
Read more / source: Food For Mzanzi
Date Published: November 21, 2024
Gugulethu Mahlangu Wins R250,000 for Eco-Friendly Aquaponics Farm
Gugulethu Mahlangu, owner of House Harvest, received R250,000 from the Xero Beautiful Business Fund for her innovative aquaponics farm in South Africa. The women-led enterprise uses 90% recycled water and sustainable practices, producing pesticide-free food while minimising environmental impact. The prize will support expansions like solar energy and improved facilities, further advancing community upliftment and sustainability goals. Mahlangu's success highlights the potential of small businesses to drive meaningful change.
Read more / source: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: November 20, 2024
African News
Asia-Africa Partnership to Strengthen Soil Health Technologies
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is fostering collaboration between Asia and Africa to enhance soil health. At the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) meeting in Rome, ICRISAT discussed aligning its African soil labs with regional initiatives like AFRILAB. By harmonising soil testing methods and advancing analytical services, the initiative aims to improve sustainable agriculture across continents. ICRISAT’s efforts underscore its commitment to global soil health and research quality.
Read more / source: African Farming
Date Published: November 20, 2024
Global News
World Food Prices Reach 18-Month High
Global food prices surged to their highest levels since April 2023 in October, driven by significant increases in vegetable oil prices, which rose 7.3% month-on-month. Other commodities, including cereals, dairy, and sugar, also saw price hikes, influenced by adverse weather, supply constraints, and rising crude oil costs. However, meat prices slightly declined due to increased supply and weak demand for certain types. The figures were released in the UN FAO’s latest Food Price Index report.
Read more / source: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: November 18, 2024
Sustainable Pheromone Pest Control Solutions Launched for Indian Farmers
Provivi and Godrej Agrovet have partnered to introduce eco-friendly pheromone-based pest control technologies to India, targeting key pests like the Yellow Stem Borer in rice and Fall Armyworm in corn. These biodegradable solutions aim to reduce chemical pesticide use, supporting sustainable agriculture while enhancing yields for millions of farmers reliant on these essential crops. This collaboration underscores the commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship in pest management.
Read more / source: AgriBusiness Global
Date Published: November 18, 2024
A pair of farmers credit cover crops and starter fertiliser for their success
A father and son team credit cover crops and starter fertiliser for achieving better-than-expected yields on their 1,600-acre Ohio farm, despite challenging weather. Using precision planting and expanding cover crop acreage, they improved moisture retention and crop resilience. While corn and soybean yields fell slightly from record highs, sustainable practices like drone spraying and variable-rate technology boosted efficiency and savings. Looking ahead, they plan to experiment with interseeding cover crops and manage costs amid low commodity prices and high inputs, while maintaining diversified income streams such as seed sales.
Read more / source: Farm Progress
Date Published: November 21, 2024
Jet fuel mandate could harm feed markets
The growing push for ethanol-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could disrupt global feed markets. The U.S. corn industry, heavily invested in ethanol, is lobbying for policy changes to qualify corn ethanol for SAF tax credits under the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. Current U.S. SAF production goals may reduce corn availability for exports, affecting feed competitors like Canadian barley. Similar initiatives are emerging globally, including in Brazil and the EU, increasing pressure on crop and feed markets. The debate underscores tensions between sustainability goals and agricultural priorities.
Read more / source: The Western Producer
Date Published: November 20, 2024
