South African News
Grain SA Awards Celebrate Excellence and Innovation in Grain Farming
Hansie Viljoen of Viljoen Boerdery has been named the 2025 Grain SA/Syngenta Grain Producer of the Year at the Grain SA Farmer of the Year Awards in Johannesburg. Recognised for his diversified farming operations across the Free State, North West, and Botswana, Viljoen’s success highlights the importance of innovation, sustainability, and family involvement in agriculture. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen praised farmers for their resilience, while other honourees included Rameshego Sarah Mahladi, Itumeleng Naphtaly Mongane, Madinda Jabulani Mashinini, and Botlhale Jacob Tshabalala. The awards underscored the vital role of adaptability and sustainable practices in shaping the future of farming.
Read full story:Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: November 2, 2025
Eleven KZN Farmers to Receive Commercial Farms Under Government Land Initiative
Eleven state-owned commercial farms in KwaZulu-Natal are set to be transferred to local farmers following a new memorandum of understanding between the provincial departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Public Works and Infrastructure, and Economic Development. The initiative aims to boost food security, rural economies, and job creation. MEC Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa highlighted that access to land is vital to tackling hunger and empowering women and youth. The departments will assess each farm’s viability for crop and livestock production, ensuring recipients receive agricultural and financial support to revitalise underused land.
Read full story:Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: November 2, 2025
African News
Production, Not Consumption, Key to Ending Nigeria’s Poverty Trap
Nigeria’s persistent poverty, despite its vast natural resources, stems from weak production capacity rather than lack of wealth, argues Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Industrialisation at the African Development Bank Group. He contends that overreliance on neoliberal policies has prioritised financial stability over manufacturing and productivity. To achieve inclusive growth, Nigeria must shift to a production-driven economy that invests in infrastructure, technology, and value addition, particularly in agriculture. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka highlights industrial strategies such as Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones as crucial to transforming rural areas and creating sustainable jobs.
Read full story:The Guardian
Date published: November 3, 2025
Global News
Can Scottish Farming Bridge Its Carbon Gap?
Farmers such as Johnnie Balfour in Fife are showing how carbon-negative agriculture can work through techniques like mob grazing, which keeps cattle outdoors and reduces emissions from feed and machinery. However, Scotland’s path to net zero by 2045 faces major challenges after the government ruled out cutting livestock numbers, a move that contradicts Climate Change Committee advice to reduce herds by 26% by 2035. Proposals to offset emissions through more tree planting and hedgerows are falling short, with forestry targets missed and limited carbon gains expected. Ministers must now outline precise, workable strategies to close the 1.2 million tonne carbon gap.
Read full story:BBC News
Date published: November 3, 2025
Midwest Soybean Farmers Still Struggle Despite Renewed Chinese Purchases
China has agreed to buy 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans this year—less than half its usual imports—leaving Midwestern farmers seeking other buyers. While new soybean-crushing plants in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and North Dakota have boosted domestic processing, economists say this growth cannot offset reduced Chinese demand. Farmers are increasingly storing crops and waiting for better prices amid record yields and low market returns. Though China pledged to resume larger purchases in coming years, analysts remain cautious, noting Brazil’s dominance and limited U.S. processing capacity could prolong challenges for American soybean producers.
Read full story:KCUR
Date published: November 3, 2025
Unseasonal Rains Slash India’s Grape Yields, Driving Up Global Prices
Heavy, untimely rainfall has caused up to a 30% drop in grape yields across India’s key producing regions of Nashik and Sangli, Maharashtra, threatening exports and fuelling a likely 10–15% price surge in global markets. The downpours, which began in May and persisted into October, disrupted flowering and increased pest infestations, particularly fruit flies. Exporters warn that reduced supply will affect Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Industry experts say varietal innovation and climate resilience will be crucial to safeguard India’s grape sector against future weather shocks.
Read full story:Global Agriculture
Date published: November 3, 2025
Kalonji and Fennel Trials Show Promise for Northern Australia’s Spice Industry
Researchers at CQUniversity’s Institute for Future Farming Systems are reporting record results from this season’s kalonji and fennel trials at Emerald’s Central Queensland Smart Farm. The project, run in partnership with the CRC for Developing Northern Australia, aims to establish new spice industries to diversify the region’s agriculture. Early results suggest both crops could achieve competitive yields similar to those in India, offering a viable local alternative to imports. With grower guides now available, scientists believe fennel, kalonji, and sesame could soon become valuable additions to northern Australia’s farming landscape.
Read full story:Country News
Date published: November 3, 2025
