South African News
Versatile workhorses: telehandlers revolutionise South African agriculture
South African farmers are increasingly adopting telehandlers—versatile lifting machines combining forklift and crane capabilities—to enhance productivity across multiple agricultural tasks. These multipurpose machines can lift, load, transport and feed with a single boom, replacing the need for multiple specialised tools. Their adaptability, efficiency and ability to handle diverse attachments make them a cost-effective solution, particularly in remote and under-served rural areas. As agriculture intensifies, the use of telehandlers is reshaping farm operations, offering a practical boost to productivity and mechanical support where it’s most needed.
Read full story: Engineering News
Date Published: June 18, 2025
Smart finance reshapes farming as cash remains king
While cash continues to play a vital role in farming, experts from John Deere Financial (JDF) argue that strategic financing is increasingly essential for sustainable agricultural growth. By blending cash flow with smart credit options, farmers can invest in productivity-enhancing equipment, diversify income, and manage risk more effectively. JDF, alongside partners like Grain SA and Absa, tailors finance solutions based on farmers’ business stages, from scaling youth to debt-conscious retirees. Emphasis is placed on technology adoption, sustainability, and flexibility—such as equipment rental—to build resilient operations. Ultimately, a balanced approach to finance is helping reshape the future of farming in South Africa.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: June 18, 2025
African News
Classroom without walls: Zambian farmers empowered through hands‑on learning
Smallholder farmers in Zambia are benefiting from Farmer Field Schools—practical, farm‑based training programmes that teach climate‑resilient agriculture through peer learning and experimentation. Supported by UNDP under the SCRALA project, farmers study topics such as risk planning, sustainable crop and livestock integration, and income diversification, including beekeeping and goat rearing. These community‑led schools boost technical know‑how, foster local innovation and strengthen livelihoods, with many participants going on to mentor others in their villages.
Read full story: UNDP Zambia
Date Published: June 18, 2025
Global News
Scottish farmers express concern over cheaper imported meat amid trade talks
Scottish farmers have voiced deep apprehension regarding the potential influx of low‑cost meat imports following proposed trade agreements. They warn that relaxing import standards could undercut local producers by allowing competitor products that don't meet the UK's existing quality controls. Farmers highlight the risk of a race to the bottom in meat standards, urging the government to enforce safeguards ensuring imported products adhere to the same environmental, animal welfare, and food safety regulations as domestic produce. Their campaign calls for clear, legally binding assurances to protect the integrity of Scottish farming.
Read full story: BBC News
Date Published: June 19, 2025
Geography guards Brazil—US-style bird flu outbreak averted for now
Brazil has managed to avoid a widespread bird flu epidemic, similar to the one that devastated US poultry flocks, thanks in part to its varied geography—natural barriers like the Amazon, Andes and coastal ranges have shielded interior commercial farms. A single outbreak in May led to the culling of 17,000 birds, with over 141,000 more pre-emptively culled. Although no new commercial cases have occurred for more than a month, the virus is now endemic in wild birds, posing ongoing risks. Authorities continue strict biosecurity measures and remain watchful for potential inland spread and future incidents.
Read full story: Reuters
Date Published: June 18, 2025
Cambodia bans Thai fruit and vegetables amid escalating border tensions
Cambodia has officially banned imports of Thai fruit and vegetables, alongside media and internet restrictions, escalating a dispute sparked by a deadly border clash on 28 May that killed a Cambodian soldier. This action follows Thailand's tightening of border measures—reduced operating hours at crossings, restrictions on movement, and selective checkpoint closures. Cambodia has also lodged a case at the International Court of Justice over multiple disputed areas, while Thailand favours bilateral negotiations. Large pro-government rallies in Phnom Penh are reinforcing Cambodia’s hardline stance as both nations maintain heightened military readiness along their shared frontier.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date Published: June 17, 2025
Rice emerges most resilient staple amid global warming challenges
A major study highlights rice as uniquely robust against climate change compared to other global staples like wheat, soy and maize. While rising temperatures and extreme weather threaten yield reductions across most crops, rice shows minimal projected declines—and may even benefit from warmer nights, particularly in wet South and Southeast Asian regions. Its adaptability stems from both intrinsic crop characteristics and farmers' ability to adjust cultivation practices. However, concerns remain around climate-driven nutritional changes, such as greater soil arsenic and reduced protein content in staple grains.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date Published: June 19, 2025
