South African News
Mpumalanga Promotes Climate-Smart Farming to Counter Climate Change
The Mpumalanga government is spearheading a climate-smart farming initiative to mitigate climate change impacts, including droughts, wildfires, and storms. At the recent Climate-Smart Summit, MEC Mpumi Hlophe emphasised collaboration among stakeholders and expert guidance for sustainable solutions. Jabu Mahlangu of the National African Farmers Union praised the proactive approach, highlighting the importance of technology and digital tools to ensure food security. The summit stressed the need for adaptive agricultural practices to combat global warming’s threats to crops, water resources, and livelihoods.
Read more / source: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: December 3, 2024
Self-Taught Farmer Turns Passion for Poultry into Success
Salome Mosima, a self-taught farmer in Limpopo, overcame limited resources and harsh conditions to establish a thriving poultry business. Using her father’s unused plot, she learned farming basics through social media and manuals, starting with 200 broiler chicks. Despite challenges like extreme heat and remote location logistics, Mosima has built a loyal clientele and aims to expand into commercial farming. Her story inspires others to pursue their goals resourcefully and diligently, proving success is possible with determination and creativity.
Read more / source: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: December 2, 2024
African News
Japanese Support Boosts Sesame Farming in Zimbabwe
Japan has donated R90 million to aid 37,000 smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, focusing on sesame cultivation to enhance food security and climate resilience. The three-year initiative supports sustainable farming practices, value chain development, and the construction of sesame storage facilities in Mwenezi District. Japanese trading firm Itochu Corporation is involved in completing the project’s market-oriented goals. Sesame, a drought-resistant and low-cost crop, is seen as a viable income source in arid areas. Policymakers view it as a key tool for climate adaptation.
Read more / source: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: December 2, 2024
Global News
AI Technology Aids in Preserving Cranberry Quality During Storage
Ocean Spray, a prominent cranberry cooperative, has implemented artificial intelligence to enhance the storage conditions of cranberries. The AI system, developed in collaboration with Koidra, monitors and adjusts temperature and humidity levels in storage facilities. This technology has led to a significant reduction in berry deterioration, with rot rates decreasing from 20% to just 2-3%. The system's ability to maintain optimal conditions has resulted in improved fruit quality and reduced waste. Ocean Spray plans to expand this AI-driven approach to all its receiving stations, potentially revolutionising cranberry storage practices across the industry
Read more / source: Farm Progress
Published: December 3, 2024
China's Soybean Self-Sufficiency Drive Falls Short of Targets
China's ambitious plan to boost domestic soybean production is struggling to meet its goals. The country aimed to increase production to 23 million tonnes by 2025, but current forecasts suggest it will fall short by 2.5 million tonnes. Despite substantial subsidies and various initiatives, China's self-sufficiency rate is expected to reach only 17.8% in 2024, marginally higher than five years ago. Analysts attribute this shortfall to competition with corn for limited arable land and the challenge of incentivising farmers to switch crops. However, some experts suggest that China's soybean demand may have peaked due to demographic changes and evolving dietary habits, potentially affecting future import needs.
Read more / source: The Western Producer
Published: December 2, 2024
Alliance Group Unveils AI-Powered Meat Quality Insights for Farmers
Alliance Group, a New Zealand-based meat processing company, has introduced artificial intelligence technology to provide real-time insights into meat quality for its farmer-shareholders. The Meat Eating Quality (MEQ) system uses AI-powered probes to analyse intramuscular fat in lamb and marbling in beef, key indicators of meat quality. Farmers can access this data through a bespoke dashboard, enabling them to make informed decisions about breeding, feeding, and livestock management. The technology aims to help farmers consistently meet top quality standards and deliver premium meat to consumers. Alliance plans to offer regional benchmarking data by the end of 2024 to further assist farmers in optimising their livestock quality
Read more / source: Farmers Weekly NZ
Date Published: December 3, 2024
Loopworm Receives EU TRACES Certification for Silkworm Pupae Products
Loopworm, a sustainable food and feed company, has obtained EU TRACES certification for its silkworm pupae-derived products. This certification allows the company to export its innovative, high-protein silkworm-based offerings across the EU market. The recognition supports Loopworm’s efforts in providing alternative protein sources, contributing to sustainable food production.
Read more / source: Agro Spectrum India
Date Published: December 3, 2024
