South African News
Dormer sheep emerge as top choice for South African crossbreeding programmes
South African sheep farmers are increasingly turning to the Dormer breed for crossbreeding, thanks to its ability to pass on economic traits such as rapid growth, high fertility, adaptability, and strong mothering ability. Though Dormer lambs are small at birth, they are vigorous and gain weight quickly, improving flock survival rates and profitability. The breed’s white, kemp-free wool adds further value, covering routine farm costs while enabling easy crossbreeding with Merino and other white-woolled breeds. Its efficiency in feed conversion and success under both intensive and extensive conditions reinforce its reputation, with Dormer rams excelling in national competitions.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: September 1, 2025
Farm women march on parliament demanding land rights and reform
Around 150 farmworkers, mostly women, marched to parliament in Cape Town demanding urgent action on stalled land reform. Organised by the Women on Farms Project (WFP), the protest called for legislation prioritising farm women, expropriation of land for redistribution, and a halt to farm evictions. Campaigners highlighted that despite South Africa’s strong agricultural exports, millions face food insecurity while many farmworkers themselves go hungry. Central to their demands is the “One Woman, One Hectare” campaign, aimed at granting women land for independence and food security. The minister of land reform has promised to consider their memorandum.
Read full story: Food for Mzansi
Date published: August 30, 2025
African News
35 million African rice farmers to benefit from long-term conservation programme
Over 35 million smallholder rice farmers across Africa are set to benefit from a landmark agreement between the Crop Trust and AfricaRice to safeguard rice diversity and production. The deal secures permanent funding for AfricaRice’s genebank in Côte d’Ivoire, home to over 21,000 rice seed samples, including unique African species vital for developing climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties. With rice demand in Africa growing nearly 6% annually, the programme aims to strengthen food security, reduce reliance on imports, and support farmers with improved varieties such as NERICA and ARICA. AfricaRice becomes only the fourth genebank globally to secure this partnership.
Read full story: Guardian Nigeria
Date published: September 1, 2025
Global News
EU demand drives UK dairy exports to record £1.1bn in 2025
UK dairy exports soared to a record £1.1 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 20% increase fuelled by strong European demand. France led the surge with a 41% rise to £82m, followed by Spain (up 40%), Germany (25%), and the Netherlands (15%). Beyond Europe, exports also grew significantly in the US (30%), Asia and Oceania (22%), and the Gulf states (28%). The growth follows an ambitious international push by the AHDB, which supported UK companies at 14 global events. The levy board says the momentum reflects expanding opportunities for British dairy worldwide.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date published: September 1, 2025
U.S. farmers warn of crisis as corn and soybean prices collapse amid trade war
Rural America faces mounting economic strain as plunging corn and soybean prices combine with persistently high production costs. Corn prices have fallen more than 50% since their 2022 peak, while soybeans are down 40%, leaving farmers struggling to cover input expenses. Agricultural trade groups, including the National Corn Growers Association and American Soybean Association, have urged President Donald Trump and Congress to expand export markets and prioritise trade talks with China, once the U.S.’s largest soybean customer. With credit conditions worsening and farm incomes squeezed, farmers warn they cannot withstand a prolonged dispute without urgent support.
Read full story: MSN News
Date published: August 31, 2025
9,000-year-old barley harvest in Uzbekistan challenges Fertile Crescent farming origins
Archaeologists have uncovered 9,200-year-old evidence of wild barley harvesting in southern Uzbekistan, reshaping views of agriculture’s origins. Excavations at Toda-1 Cave revealed barley grains, sickle blades, and grinding stones, showing that local foragers used advanced tools to reap and process cereals alongside nuts and fruits. The findings suggest that farming-related practices were not limited to the Fertile Crescent but spread more widely across Eurasia. Researchers argue that long-term human-plant interaction, rather than sudden population or climate pressures, may have led to gradual domestication. This discovery highlights Central Asia’s overlooked role in early agricultural development.
Read full story: Arkeo News
Date published: September 1, 2025
AU and Ethiopia praise Africa-China partnership in boosting agriculture and food security
African Union and Ethiopian officials have highlighted the growing importance of Africa-China cooperation in tackling food insecurity and advancing agricultural development. Speaking during a visit to an urban agriculture demonstration centre in Addis Ababa, officials praised Chinese support in introducing modern farming technologies, greenhouse systems, and new crop varieties. They stressed that Africa, with 60% of the world’s arable land, has the potential to become a global breadbasket with the help of strategic partners like China. The collaboration focuses on climate-smart agriculture, productivity gains, and smallholder-driven growth to reduce poverty and strengthen food security.
Read full story: Xinhua
Date published: September 1, 2025
