South African News
Adverse Weather Drives South African Litchi Price Surge Ahead of Festive Season
South Africa’s litchi prices are set to rise during the festive season, as nearly half of the 2024 crop was lost to frost and extreme heat. Current prices for a 2kg carton range from R130 to R140. The low supply is driving higher export volumes to capitalise on strong international demand before Madagascar’s shipments arrive. South Africa, with 1,360 hectares under litchi cultivation, faces tough competition globally but benefits from its premium fruit quality.
Read more / source: Farmer’s Weekly
Published: December 3, 2024
South Africa Celebrates Beef Industry Excellence at ARC Awards
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently hosted its prestigious National Beef Performers Awards, recognising top achievers in South Africa’s beef industry. Awards celebrated outstanding cattle breeding, herd management, and mentorship, with categories such as the Best Elite Cow, Platinum Bull, Emerging Beef Farmer of the Year, and Mentor of the Year. This year’s winners demonstrated excellence in performance data, including traits like reproduction, maternal abilities, and growth rates. The awards highlight the importance of sustainable and advanced livestock practices in the country. These accolades also aim to inspire emerging farmers to enhance productivity and embrace innovation in beef farming.
Read more / source: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: December 4, 2024
African News
Satellite Data Enhances Farming Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa
A University of Leicester research project leverages Earth Observation (EO) technologies to address food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using tools like satellite monitoring and weather modelling, the initiative helps farmers better manage challenges posed by climate change. A mobile app delivering real-time weather data is central to the effort, enabling informed decisions. The project emphasises engaging local communities, especially women, to overcome adoption barriers and integrate indigenous knowledge. This participatory approach aims to foster sustainable agricultural practices and resilience to extreme weather conditions.
Read more / source: African Farming
Date Published: December 3, 2024
Global News
Indonesian Farmers Unite for Sustainable Fruit Fly Management
Indonesian farmers are combating fruit fly infestations in mango crops using a community-driven area-wide management approach. This strategy, supported by ACIAR, uses lures and targeted baiting instead of blanket insecticide spraying, significantly reducing infestation rates and nearly eliminating crop damage. Farmers now achieve higher-quality, market-preferred mangoes, boosting incomes by approximately AUD 900 per hectare. Expansion plans include integrating these practices into other regions and crops, safeguarding local agriculture and export potential. Training workshops also aim to extend these benefits across the Indo-Pacific.
Read more / source: ACIAR
Date Published: 3 December 2024
Dairy-Beef Systems Offer Major Emissions Savings for New Zealand Farmers
An AgResearch study reveals that integrating dairy-beef cattle into beef farming could cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 48%. Fast-finishing systems are key, as earlier slaughter reduces the animals' carbon footprint. Dairy-beef calves, which utilise emissions allocated primarily to dairy production, provide a sustainable alternative for non-replacement calves. Supported by Fonterra and other organisations, the study underscores dairy-beef integration as a tool for reducing the agricultural sector’s climate impact while enhancing efficiency in meat production.
Read more / source: Farmers Weekly NZ https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/farm-management/dairy-beef-offers-potential-for-significant-emissions-savings/
Date Published: December 4, 2024
U.S. Soybean Futures Rebound Amid South American Crop Pressures
U.S. soybean futures gained on Tuesday, recovering from earlier losses due to short-covering and bargain buying. However, strong crop forecasts in Brazil, poised to harvest a record soybean crop, limited further gains. Corn and wheat saw mixed trading, pressured by abundant global grain supplies and challenges in the agricultural sector, such as Cargill layoffs and a Tyson plant closure. U.S. export sales supported soybeans, but global competition, a strong U.S. dollar, and trade uncertainties added pressure. Australian wheat harvests exceeded expectations, further impacting U.S. market prospects.
Read more / source: Canadian Cattlemen
Date Published: December 3, 2024
Could Shifting Farmworker Demographics Move U.S. Farms to Mexico?
A shift in the demographics of farmworkers, combined with rising labour costs, is challenging U.S. agriculture. A decline in migrant workers from Mexico, due to economic growth there and stricter U.S. immigration policies, has led to higher wages for farmworkers. This has made U.S. agriculture less competitive, while Mexico’s lower labour costs and expanding crop production offer a more attractive option for farms. The future may see U.S. farms either automating or moving production to Mexico to maintain profitability.
Read more / source: Seed World
Date Published: December 2, 2024
