South African News
South Africa Launches Largest Red Meat Stakeholder Survey
South Africa’s red meat industry has launched its most extensive stakeholder survey, Red Meat Voice 2025, inviting participation from across the value chain – from smallholder farmers to abattoirs. Spearheaded by Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), the initiative seeks to capture industry challenges, concerns, and opportunities to guide future policy, funding, and communication strategies under the Red Meat Industry Strategy 2030. Independent researchers are ensuring credibility and impartiality, while topics include trust in information sources, traceability, and perceptions of RMIS’s performance. Industry leaders stress that wide participation is essential to shaping a more resilient sector.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: August 26, 2025
Calls Grow for National Register to Prevent Double Dipping in Farmer Support
Agricultural leaders are calling for a national register of farmers receiving government support to curb “double dipping” and ensure wider access to development funding. At the South African Cultivar and Technology Agency’s stakeholder meeting in Pretoria, experts warned that repeated benefits for the same farmers hindered new entrants and perpetuated dependency cycles. Speakers highlighted poor management of equipment and lack of post-graduation support as major barriers to commercialising smallholders. Proposals included refurbishing idle machinery, holding beneficiaries accountable for maintenance, and shifting government support from late seed deliveries to long-term soil improvements such as lime and phosphate.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: August 27, 2025
African News
Morocco Records 32.8 Million Livestock as Drought Recovery Measures Advance
Morocco’s latest national census has counted 32.8 million livestock, marking a fragile recovery after nearly seven years of drought reduced herds by more than a third. The survey recorded 23.1 million sheep, 7.47 million goats, 2.09 million cattle, and 106,000 camels, though cattle and camel numbers remain about 30% below historic averages. The government has launched a MAD 6.2 billion recovery plan, including feed subsidies, debt relief, and breeding incentives to replenish herds and strengthen resilience against climate pressures. Additional investments in veterinary care and genetic improvement aim to safeguard rural livelihoods and national food security.
Read full story: Barlaman Today
Date Published: August 26, 2025
Global News
Four in Five Farmers Fear Collapse Within a Decade Amid Tax Row
A new poll has revealed deep anxiety in Britain’s farming sector, with 80% of farmers fearing their businesses will not survive the next ten years under Labour’s proposed inheritance tax reforms. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) survey of 500 farmers found more than 60% have considered selling their farms, while nearly nine in ten have already delayed investment. The government plans to cap agricultural and business property relief from April 2026, a move farmers warn will force sales, job losses, and reduced food security. Political fallout is significant, with no respondents backing Labour in the next election.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date Published: August 26, 2025
Cow Parade at Japan’s Oldest Mountain Ranch Draws Tourists
Visitors to Kozu Farm in Shimonita, Gunma Prefecture, are flocking to watch a unique spectacle — the daily march of around 70 Jersey cows along a mountain road to the milking parlour. Established more than 130 years ago, the 380-hectare ranch is Japan’s oldest Western-style mountain farm and operates at an altitude of 1,060 metres. During the grazing season, the cows travel between pastures covering nearly 10,000 kilometres in total. The farm also produces dairy products including ice cream, cheese, and its signature “golden butter,” prized for its rich yellow colour and flavour.
Read full story: The Japan Agricultural News
Date Published: August 26, 2025
Agricultural Drones Drive Green Transition and Boost Food Security
Over 500,000 agricultural drones are now in use globally, saving 330 million metric tons of water and cutting carbon emissions by more than 42 million tons, according to the White Paper on the Agricultural Drone Industry (2024/2025). Published by Farmers' Daily and DJI Agriculture, the report highlights drones’ expanding role in crop spraying, transport, sowing, and monitoring, with significant yield gains in regions such as Inner Mongolia. In China alone, the sector covered 173 million hectares in 2024, generating 13 billion yuan (£1.4bn) in value and nearly 500,000 jobs. Supportive policies worldwide are further accelerating adoption.
Read full story: China Daily
Date Published: August 27, 2025
Australian Truffle Growers Defend Premium Prices Amid High Demand
Australian black truffles are fetching between $2,000 and $3,500 per kilogram, a price growers argue is justified given the delicacy’s rarity, short fruiting season, and costly production. Farmers say truffles require exact conditions to grow, with success never guaranteed despite significant investment in orchards, soil preparation, and trained dogs. Some growers, such as Anthea Harrison near Mount Gambier, faced poor yields this season due to dry conditions, while others, like Adelaide Hills producer Katherine Faull, reported record harvests and booming demand. Industry experts stress that the fungi’s unique flavour, fleeting freshness, and limited supply underpin their high value.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: August 22, 2025
