South African News
Cannabis Cultivation in South Africa: Legal Routes, Challenges and Costs for Farmers
South Africa’s cannabis industry is limited to two legal cultivation paths: medical cannabis under SAHPRA or industrial hemp through the Department of Agriculture. While hemp permits are relatively easy and affordable to obtain, medical cannabis licences require pre-built facilities and rigorous compliance with international pharmaceutical standards, making them inaccessible for most local growers. Trenton Birch, CEO of Cheeba Africa, stresses the importance of understanding legal and market requirements before investing. Challenges include high start-up costs, lack of recognition for traditional growers, and a disconnect between cultivation and market demand.
Read full story: Farmer's Weekly
Date Published: July 18, 2025
FMD Vaccinated Cattle Must Be Branded, Warns Agriculture Minister
As South Africa rolls out its nationwide foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination programme, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has reaffirmed the legal requirement for all vaccinated cattle to be branded with an ‘F’ on the neck. This measure, mandated by the Animal Diseases Act, is vital for distinguishing vaccinated animals from infected ones during disease surveillance. Concerns have arisen over lapses in branding, which could lead to misdiagnoses, unnecessary quarantines, and damage to the red meat trade. Experts stress that only state veterinarians are authorised to administer vaccines and perform branding to ensure full compliance.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: July 17, 2025
African News
Mali Launches $78 Million Irrigation Project to Strengthen Food Sovereignty
Mali’s transitional government has launched the second phase of its major irrigation initiative, PDI-BS II, investing $78 million to boost agricultural productivity and food sovereignty. Supported by a 30 billion CFA franc loan from the West African Development Bank, the project will create 10,240 hectares of irrigated farmland and build 135 kilometres of rural roads in the Bani and Sélingué regions. Building on the success of the first phase, which significantly raised rice and vegetable output, PDI-BS II will also focus on youth and women’s empowerment through targeted training to enhance rural livelihoods and reduce community isolation.
Read full story: West Africa Weekly
Date Published: July 17, 2025
Global News
Indonesia to Double U.S. Wheat Imports in Landmark Trade Deal
Indonesia has signed a major agreement with U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) to double its wheat imports, committing to buy 1 million metric tons of U.S. wheat annually through 2030. This five-year deal, worth approximately $250 million per year, significantly benefits Kansas wheat farmers—key suppliers of Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat. The agreement follows regulatory changes and resolves longstanding trade barriers, reinforcing the importance of U.S. wheat in Indonesia’s expanding flour market. Backed by Kansas wheat checkoff investments and USDA efforts, the deal secures a stable export path in Southeast Asia’s competitive grain market.
Read full story: Farms.com
Date Published: July 17, 2025
India Launches Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana to Revitalise Agriculture in 100 Low-Performing Districts
India’s Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a six-year initiative aimed at transforming agriculture in 100 underperforming districts. Inspired by the Aspirational Districts Programme, the scheme targets areas with low productivity, limited crop diversity, and poor access to credit. It integrates 36 existing schemes across 11 ministries under one framework to boost productivity, improve irrigation, storage, and credit access. Emphasising decentralised planning, farmer participation, and monthly KPI-based monitoring, the programme will involve public-private collaboration, with NITI Aayog guiding implementation and evaluation to ensure sustainable agricultural growth.
Read full story: Global Agriculture
Date Published: July 17, 2025
Over 1,600 UK Poultry Farmers Issued Legal Warnings Over Fast-Growing Chickens
More than 1,600 UK poultry farmers and the country’s four largest chicken producers have received legal warnings from the Humane League UK, citing potential breaches of animal welfare laws due to the use of fast-growing broiler breeds. The move follows a Court of Appeal ruling confirming it is illegal to farm animals in ways that cause suffering linked to genetics. These broiler chickens, bred to reach slaughter weight in just 35 days, are associated with lameness and organ failure. Campaigners are urging food businesses to adopt the Better Chicken Commitment, promoting slower-growing, higher-welfare breeds.
Read full story: South West Farmer
Date Published: July 18, 2025
Maryland Farmers Embrace High-Risk Agronomy in TAPS Crop Challenge
The University of Maryland has launched its first Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) programme, allowing farmers to experiment with unconventional agronomic practices in a controlled, competitive setting. Hosted at the Wye Research and Extension Center, the initiative features 10 corn and 12 soybean teams trialling high-risk strategies such as extreme planting rates and minimal crop insurance. With plots simulating a virtual 100-acre field, participants make real-world decisions on planting dates, seed varieties, and nitrogen rates. The programme, modelled after Nebraska’s original TAPS, will reward yield, profitability, and nutrient efficiency, offering a valuable learning opportunity for East Coast producers.
Read full story: Farm Progress
Date Published: July 18, 2025
