South African News
Empowering Young Agripreneurs for a Sustainable Agricultural Future
Afrika Tikkun's Agripreneurship Programme is equipping South African youth with essential skills to combat hunger and foster food security. Operating in Diepsloot, Sasolburg, and Empangeni, the programme trains young individuals in sustainable farming practices, entrepreneurship, and agricultural management. Graduates have successfully transitioned into roles within retail sectors and are establishing their own agricultural ventures. This initiative aligns with the 2024 World Food Day theme, promoting the right to nutritious food for a better future. By integrating practical training and community engagement, Afrika Tikkun is nurturing a new generation of agripreneurs committed to sustainable food systems.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: June 4, 2025
Ramasodi to Lead Lekgotla on Agricultural Transformation
Mooketsa Ramasodi, South Africa's Director-General for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, is set to headline the upcoming Lekgotla focused on agricultural transformation. With over a decade of experience in the sector, Ramasodi's leadership is anticipated to drive forward policies aimed at enhancing food security, promoting sustainable farming practices, and addressing historical inequities in land ownership. The Lekgotla serves as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate on strategies that will modernise the agricultural landscape, ensuring it contributes effectively to the nation's economic growth and social development.
Source:Read full story: Food for Mnanzi
Date Published: June 4, 2025
African News
Namibia Eyes Rice Self-Sufficiency Amid Soaring Imports
Namibia is seeking to develop sustainable, large-scale rice production to reduce its dependency on imports, which cost the country N$314.1 million over two years. Despite rice cultivation efforts at Kalimbeza, the University of Namibia’s Ogongo Campus, and among small-scale farmers, domestic output remains insufficient to meet national demand. The Namibian Agronomic Board highlights significant growth potential in rice farming, particularly in water-rich zones like Zambezi and Kavango. Expanding local production could improve food security, create jobs, and support regional trade. Namibia currently imports rice mostly from South Africa, China, and Thailand, with high domestic consumption continuing to drive demand.
Read full story: New Era Live
Date Published: June 3, 2025
Global News
Virtual Fencing Gains Traction Among Canadian Beef Producers
Virtual fencing technology is gaining momentum among Canadian beef producers as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional physical fencing. By using GPS-enabled collars, producers can remotely manage grazing areas, enhancing pasture utilisation and reducing infrastructure costs. Studies, such as those conducted at the University of Alberta, have demonstrated that cattle can adapt to virtual boundaries with minimal training, maintaining high conception rates and effective containment. This innovation is particularly beneficial in regions prone to wildfires, where rebuilding physical fences can be prohibitively expensive. As the technology continues to evolve, it holds promise for transforming livestock management practices across Canada.
Read full story: Canadian Cattlemen
Date Published: June 2, 2025
Brazil's 2024/25 Corn and Soybean Crop Forecasts Raised Amid Improved Yields
Brazil's agribusiness consultancy AgRural has increased its forecasts for the 2024/25 corn and soybean crops, attributing the adjustments to improved agricultural yields across several states. The country's total corn production is now projected to reach 128.5 million metric tons, up from a previous estimate of 124 million metric tons. Similarly, soybean production is expected to rise to 171 million metric tons, surpassing the earlier forecast of 168 million metric tons. These revisions reflect positive developments in key producing regions, indicating a potential boost to Brazil's agricultural output for the season.
Read full story: Successful Farming
Date Published: June 3, 2025
DAGI App Enhances Smart Parasite Management for New Zealand Farmers
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has partnered in the development of DAGI (Drench and Grazing Integration), a digital tool aimed at improving parasite management on farms. Set for beta release in Spring 2025, DAGI integrates real-time data to create heatmaps identifying paddocks with high parasite and resistance risks. This enables farmers to make informed grazing decisions, reduce drench usage, and slow the development of drench resistance. Developed by South Canterbury vet Ryan Luckman, DAGI applies Wormwise principles to enhance lamb growth and farm sustainability. The tool will be piloted on approximately 100 farms, with beta participants offered a subscription at NZ$600 per year.
Read full story: Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Date Published: June 4, 2025
Uttar Pradesh Advances Agricultural Innovation with International Centres of Excellence
Uttar Pradesh is enhancing its agricultural sector by establishing Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in collaboration with international partners, including Israel and the Netherlands. These centres, located in Mirzapur, Bundelkhand, and Barabanki, focus on cultivating dragon fruit, citrus fruits, and flowers and vegetables, respectively. The initiative aims to introduce advanced farming techniques, improve crop yields, and promote sustainable practices. With this expansion, Uttar Pradesh now ranks second in India for the number of CoEs, reflecting its commitment to modernising agriculture and boosting rural economies.
Read full story: Times of India
Date Published: June 4, 2025
