South African News
Second Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Shipment to South Africa Delayed
The arrival of South Africa’s second shipment of 700,000 foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine doses from the Botswana Vaccine Institute has been delayed. Initially expected by 8 October, the consignment is now described by the Ministry of Agriculture as “expected soon.” Once received, the vaccines will undergo a 24-hour quarantine before being distributed. Priced at R99 per dose, the vaccine acts as a safeguard for livestock farmers, with costs shared between government import fees and handling by Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP). Administration remains restricted to state veterinarians.
Read full story:African Farming
Date Published: October 10, 2025
Official Goat Statistics Understate South Africa’s Informal Market Reality
South Africa’s official goat meat statistics significantly underestimate the true size of the market, with the informal sector dominating national slaughter figures. While reports from the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) estimate a national herd of 7.8 million goats, fewer than 0.5% of animals are processed through formal abattoirs. Red Meat Industry Services recorded under 10,000 goats slaughtered commercially between November 2024 and August 2025, compared to over three million estimated in informal markets. Most goats are traded live for traditional, religious, or household slaughter, where prices often exceed formal market rates.
Read full story:Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: October 10, 2025
African News
Over 200 Meme Farmers Receive Agricultural Boost from SOWEDA
More than 200 farmers in Cameroon’s Meme Division have benefited from agricultural support provided by the South West Development Authority (SOWEDA) under the World Bank-funded PULCCA Project. During a ceremony in Mabanda, Kumba III, SOWEDA distributed organic fertilisers and maize threshers aimed at improving farm productivity and income. Officials praised the initiative for empowering rural farmers and strengthening food security. Beyond input distribution, SOWEDA also pledged to resume rehabilitation works on the vital Loum–Kumba road to improve market access for agricultural produce.
Read full story:Pan African Visions
Date Published: October 9, 2025
Global News
RBC Launches $5 Million ‘RBC Generate’ to Strengthen Prairie Agriculture
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has announced a $5 million initiative called RBC Generate to boost sustainability, innovation, and trade within Prairie agriculture. The programme aims to empower local farming communities through skills training, industry partnerships, and support for global market access. RBC emphasised that the investment reflects a long-term commitment to resilient, environmentally responsible food production. The initiative has been welcomed as a positive step for Canada’s agri-food sector, with RBC shares rising 0.62% to $203.77 following the announcement.
Read full story:Finimize
Date Published: October 9, 2025
Wool Prices Rebound as Demand for Natural Fibres Rises
Sheep farmers across the UK are welcoming a long-awaited recovery in wool prices, with recent sales showing a year-on-year increase of nearly 20% to £1.18 per kilogram. British Wool attributes the rebound to a global decline in sheep numbers and renewed consumer interest in sustainable, natural materials. Chairman Jim Robertson said prices are once again covering shearing costs, while operations head Billy Hewitson described the industry as being in a “resurgence stage.” With growing international demand - particularly from China - the future looks promising for the once-struggling wool sector.
Read full story:BBC News
Date Published: October 9, 2025
Malaysia Slashes Agriculture Budget by 81% to Prioritise High-Impact Sectors
Malaysia’s government is dramatically reducing its 2026 agriculture development budget by 81.3% to RM551 million, down from RM2.94 billion in 2025 - the sharpest annual cut in over a decade. According to the Fiscal Outlook and Federal Government Revenue Estimates report, funding will instead focus on sectors with greater economic impact, including transport, trade and industry, energy, environment, and housing. Despite overall development expenditure rising 1.8% to RM81 billion, agriculture, education, and security face reductions as the government shifts resources toward infrastructure, industrial growth, and environmental resilience.
Read full story:The Edge Malaysia
Date Published: October 10, 2025
Japan Turns to Laser Drones in Battle Against Bird Flu
Japan has begun deploying autonomous laser drones to protect poultry farms from avian influenza, following one of its worst outbreaks earlier this year that saw 4.6 million chickens culled nationwide. Developed by NTT e-Drone Technology, the BB102 drones use red and green laser beams to harmlessly deter wild birds - key carriers of the virus - from landing near farms. The initiative, supported by government subsidies, forms part of Japan’s growing investment in precision agriculture and AI-driven biosecurity. Experts say the system could offer a model for other nations facing similar zoonotic disease threats.
Read full story:Indian Defence Review
Date Published: October 9, 2025
