South African News
Western Cape Implements Mandatory FMD Milk Traceability
The Western Cape province in South Africa has introduced compulsory traceability measures for milk to combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). This new regulation requires all milk producers, transporters, and processors to maintain detailed records of milk movements. The initiative aims to enhance disease control and ensure food safety by enabling swift identification and containment of potential FMD outbreaks. Implemented by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, this measure reflects a proactive approach to livestock health management and aligns with international best practices in the dairy industry.
Read full story: Agriorbit
Date Published: January 10, 2025
South African Ostrich Farmers Advised to Strategise for Upcoming Season
Ostrich production in South Africa is projected to rise by approximately 7%, from 140,000 birds slaughtered in the 2023/24 season to 150,000 in 2024/25. This increase is attributed to favourable returns on feathers and leather, stable meat prices, and reduced feed costs following the end of a prolonged drought in the Klein Karoo region. However, market pressures persist, with declining demand for ostrich feathers in China and the EU potentially leading to lower prices in the forthcoming season. Farmers are urged to consider these factors when purchasing ostrich chicks. Additionally, challenges in chick production have been noted, with some breeders reporting significant declines in egg production and hatchlings, possibly due to recent cool and wet weather conditions.
Read full story:Farmers Weekly
Date Published: January 9, 2025
African News
Water Shortages and Ageing Dip Tanks Threaten Zimbabwe's Livestock Sector
Zimbabwe's livestock industry is facing significant challenges due to severe water shortages and deteriorating dip tank infrastructure. Prolonged drought conditions have led to depleted water sources, adversely affecting animal health and productivity. Additionally, many dip tanks, essential for controlling tick-borne diseases, have fallen into disrepair, exacerbating livestock vulnerabilities. Farmers are calling for urgent government intervention to rehabilitate water facilities and dip tanks to safeguard the livestock sector, which is crucial for the nation's economy and food security.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: January 10, 2025
Global News
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Poised to Decide on Sugarcane Price Increase
The Uttar Pradesh government is expected to announce a decision on raising the State Advised Price (SAP) for sugarcane in the near future. A sub-committee led by the Cane Commissioner has already convened, with a subsequent meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary anticipated soon. Farmers have been advocating for a price hike to offset rising production costs, while sugar mill owners express concerns over declining sugar recovery rates and potential financial strains. The forthcoming cabinet decision will significantly impact the state's sugarcane sector.
Read full story: Agro Spectrum India
Date Published: January 13, 2025
Bayer and Neste Collaborate to Develop Renewable Fuel Feedstocks
Bayer and Neste have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop winter canola as a biomass-based feedstock for renewable products, including biofuels. The collaboration aims to establish a winter canola ecosystem in the Southern Great Plains of the United States, with Bayer planning to launch its hybrid TruFlex winter canola by 2027. This initiative is expected to provide farmers with a profitable rotational crop option, enhance soil health, and contribute to the decarbonisation of transportation and energy sectors by supplying low-carbon feedstocks.
Read full story: Agriland
Date Published: January 11, 2025
Brazil's Agricultural Machinery Market Shows Robust Growth
Brazil's agricultural machinery market is experiencing significant growth, with tractor sales reaching 45,000 units in 2021. This figure is notable compared to Europe's 215,000 units sold in 2022. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.75%, potentially reaching 62,000 units by 2028. Major global manufacturers, including AGCO, John Deere, CNH, Mahindra, and Kubota, are actively competing in this expanding market. Brazil's vast agricultural landscape, encompassing 92 million hectares under cultivation, contributes to its status as the world's second-largest grain exporter. While there are concerns about deforestation, the government is focusing on enhancing productivity on existing farmland, making Brazil an attractive market for advanced agricultural technology.
Read full story: Agriland
Date Published: January 11, 2025
Germany Reports First Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Nearly 40 Years
German authorities have confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in a herd of water buffalo near Berlin, marking the country's first case since 1988. The infected animals have been euthanised, and containment measures, including a 3km exclusion zone and a 10km monitoring zone, are in place. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, though it poses no danger to humans. The source of the infection is under investigation. The last FMD outbreak in Europe occurred in Bulgaria in 2011.
Read full story: Reuters
Date Published: January 10, 2025
