South African News
Regenerative “Farmfluencers” Bring Fresh Energy to South African Agriculture
The RegenZ Farmfluencer Challenge is showcasing a bold new side of South African agriculture, as five Western Cape farmers document their attempts to grow 25kg of string beans using regenerative methods. Equipped with soil-building products, expert mentorship, and a small plot of land, each farmfluencer is sharing their progress online to demystify regenerative farming and highlight its creativity and appeal. Participants include apple farmer Jack Hanekom, steward farmer Brad Anderson, and former engineers Matt and Sofia Wagner, each bringing a unique perspective to soil health, sustainability, and modern farming culture.
Read full story:Farmers Review Africa
Date Published: November 17, 2025
ARC Honours South Africa’s Top Dairy Producers for 2025
South Africa’s leading dairy farmers were recognised at the 2025 ARC National Master Dairyman Awards in Stellenbosch, where JK Basson Family Trust, Van Niekerk Boerdery BK, Letsolo PT Dairy, and Goedemoed Correctional Services claimed the top titles across major categories. Additional honours went to Packwood Farm for best somatic cell count and to JK Basson Family Trust for best intercalving period. Industry experts highlighted the growing importance of genetics, animal health, automation, and precision farming in boosting efficiency and sustainability. Speakers also warned of pressing global challenges, including succession issues, rising costs, labour shortages, and financial pressures on dairy producers.
Read full story:Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: November 18, 2025
African News
IoT Startup Aquamet Helps West African Fish Farmers Boost Yields with Smart Water Monitoring
Ghanaian startup Aquamet is helping modernise West Africa’s aquaculture industry with an IoT-enabled water quality probe and mobile app designed to reduce fish losses caused by poor pond management. The device remotely monitors dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature, sending real-time alerts via SMS and app notifications. Additional features such as feed estimation, record keeping, and advisory tools support farmers in improving productivity. Founded by Frank Owusu and his colleagues Priscilla Brempong and Gabriel Lorlornyo, Aquamet now works with around 500 farmers, who report yield increases of 10–15%. The company plans to expand to Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire within five years.
Read full story: Hackster
Date Published: November 17, 2025
Global News
Europe Must Shift from Pilot Projects to Systemic Support to Scale On-Farm Renewable Energy
Renewable energy technologies in European agriculture (solar, wind, and biomass) are ready to scale, but progress is held back by fragmented deployment and a lack of supportive financial and policy frameworks. Solar is the most mature, with innovations such as Next2Sun’s vertical panels and H2arvester’s mobile units enabling energy generation without compromising food production. Small-scale wind and distributed biomass systems are technically viable but depend on better business models and accessible finance. The EU-funded HarvRESt project is working to close these gaps, testing solutions in real farm settings and building tools to help farmers adopt clean energy with confidence.
Read full story:Climate KIC
Date Published: November 17, 2025
NZ Vets Urge Holistic Disease Control as Antimicrobial Resistance Threatens ‘One Health’
The New Zealand Veterinary Association is issuing an urgent warning that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious “One Health” threat, affecting humans, livestock, pets, and the wider environment. Despite New Zealand cutting antibiotic sales for animals and plants by nearly 50% since 2017, vets caution that resistant bacteria continue to evolve, demanding sustained action. The NZVA calls on dairy and livestock producers to adopt a holistic disease-control approach, treating antibiotics as a last resort. Strong biosecurity, vaccination, hygiene, nutrition, housing, monitoring, and staff training are essential. Farmers are encouraged to work closely with veterinarians to develop tailored, integrated health strategies.
Read full story:eDairy News
Date Published: November 17, 2025
China Sets 2030 and 2035 Targets to Modernise State Forestry Farms
China has released new guidelines to accelerate the modernisation of its state forestry farms, aiming to strengthen their role in ecological protection, green development and improved local livelihoods. The plan, issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and other government bodies, sets a 2030 goal for establishing a preliminary modernised system with high-quality natural resources and strong ecological functions. By 2035, this system is expected to be largely complete, supporting national ecological security and advancing forest and grassland industries. Authorities will enhance policy support, upgrade infrastructure and coordinate efforts to build a modern national forestry framework.
Read full story:China Daily
Date Published: November 18, 2025
Indian Farm Exports Surge Despite Trump Tariffs and Global Price Pressures
India’s agricultural exports have outperformed overall merchandise exports this fiscal, rising 8.8% to $25.9 billion between April and September 2025. Strong growth in non-basmati rice, buffalo meat, marine products, coffee, and fruits and vegetables has offset the impact of new US tariffs. Seafood exporters, facing effective duties above 58%, have diversified towards Asian and European markets. Coffee earnings have soared on the back of high global prices, while easing export restrictions and favourable monsoons have supported grain shipments. However, softer global commodity prices and US tariff pressures pose risks for the remainder of 2025–26, even as trade negotiations show signs of progress.
Read full story:Indian Express
Date Published: November 17, 2025
