South African News
Breeding, training, and trust: raising South Africa’s champion sheepdogs
Jurie van der Vyver’s border collie, Cap, wowed crowds at the South African Sheepdog Association’s Nampo Cape exhibition, demonstrating the sharp instincts and discipline that earned him the South African Novice Champion title. Cap’s exceptional ability stems from a prized bloodline, tracing back to Welsh world champions, combined with years of patient training and trust-building. Van der Vyver emphasises that while genetics play a role, consistent handling, discipline, and a strong bond are what make a truly great sheepdog. Farmers worldwide are increasingly relying on such highly trained dogs to fill labour gaps and improve livestock handling efficiency.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: September 17, 2025
Kalliergo launches next-generation vertical farming systems to boost food security in Southern Africa
Cullinan-based startup Kalliergo Farming has unveiled its Next Gen GeoTowers and the modular Hydra Tower system, advancing affordable vertical farming across Southern Africa. Crafted from UV-stabilised, food-safe materials, the towers support a wider variety of crops while drastically reducing space, water use, and growing time. Farmers in South Africa and neighbouring countries report increased yields and efficiency, even under water and power constraints. With the new Hydra system offering scalable aeroponic and fogponic options, Kalliergo aims to expand into Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia, strengthening sustainable food production in the region.
Read full story: Vertical Farming Daily
Date Published: September 16, 2025
African News
Low-cost, water-smart farming solutions offer hope for African agriculture
Experts at a Water Security Africa webinar, hosted by ESI Africa, emphasised the urgent need for water-smart farming practices across the continent, where agriculture consumes nearly 70% of water withdrawals. Affordable tools such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting tanks, and shade nets can help smallholders cut waste and improve yields. Nature-based measures like mulching, cover crops, and night irrigation were also highlighted as cost-effective options. Pilot projects in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria have already shown success, but access to financing, supply chains, and local manufacturing remain key challenges to scaling solutions.
Read full story: ESI Africa
Date Published: September 16, 2025
Global News
Finland’s food security model shows Europe how to prepare for future crises
Finland has built a robust food preparedness system that could serve as a blueprint for Europe in times of crisis. With an 80% food self-sufficiency rate, more than 40,000 farms, and strategic grain reserves capable of feeding the population for nine months, the country is well positioned to withstand supply chain shocks. Innovations such as a Nordic-adapted rapeseed cultivar, emergency fuel reserves, and strong public-private partnerships further strengthen resilience. At household level, citizens are encouraged to keep 72-hour emergency kits, ensuring self-sufficiency during disruptions. Experts argue Europe must adopt similar strategies to safeguard food systems against future pandemics, conflicts, and climate shocks.
Read full story: The Guardian
Date Published: September 16, 2025
Frostar Foods transforms Indian farming with farmer-first frozen food model
Uttar Pradesh-based Frostar Foods is revolutionising Indian agriculture by combining contract farming, cold chain technology, and farmer training into a farmer-first model. By guaranteeing buybacks at fair prices, the company shields over 120 farmers from volatile mandi rates while ensuring predictable income. Frostar has saved more than 8,000 tonnes of crops from waste through rapid freezing and advanced cold storage, strengthening food security and farmer livelihoods. Its Kisan Mitra programme trains farmers in sustainable practices, spreading knowledge across communities. With over 20,000 tonnes of crops delivered, Frostar is redefining frozen food as safe, preservative-free, and socially empowering.
Read full story: YourStory
Date Published: September 17, 2025
Normalised weather boosts South American sowing prospects
Favourable weather conditions are supporting strong crop potential across Argentina and Brazil as the 2025 sowing season gets underway. In Argentina, recent rains eased drought in western regions, allowing wheat, barley, and sunflower crops to establish well, with maize sowing imminent. Brazil’s southern states benefit from above-average moisture reserves, promising healthy wheat yields and smooth planting of maize and rice. Soybean sowing, beginning mid-September, is expected to progress quickly with timely pre-monsoon rains. With no major El Niño or La Niña disruptions, prospects remain high for cereals, oilseeds, and other key crops such as sugarcane, citrus, and coffee.
Read full story: UKr Agroconsult
Date Published: September 16, 2025
Kelantan farmers warn of 80% padi yield loss due to water shortages
Over 3,000 farmers in Kelantan fear their padi yields could plummet by up to 80% next month after severe water shortages disrupted their June–July seeding. Covering more than 15,000 hectares across Kota Baru, Pasir Puteh, Bachok, Tumpat, and Pasir Mas, many fields have turned to grass instead of rice. Zuha Ismail, chairman of the Kelantan Farmers’ Association (Pesak), said delays and rotational supply from the Kemubu pumping house came too late to save crops. With the crisis ongoing for four consecutive seasons, farmers warn they may stop planting unless the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority resolves the issue.
Read full story: New Straits Times
Date Published: September 17, 2025
