South African News
Foot-and-mouth outbreak labelled South Africa’s worst livestock disaster
South Africa is facing its most severe livestock farming crisis on record as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to spread nationwide. Theo de Jager, chair of Saai and Agri All Africa, has described the outbreak as unprecedented, citing rapidly rising case numbers since it began in KwaZulu-Natal in April 2025. Despite the vaccination of more than 930,000 animals, the disease has not been contained, fuelling fears of export bans and higher meat prices. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has acknowledged serious shortcomings, with nationwide cattle vaccination planned from February 2026. De Jager has criticised the lack of accountability and limited options available to farmers.
Read full story: Business Tech
Date published: January 7, 2026
Practical sheep feedlot training aims to strengthen South Africa’s agricultural skills base
South Africa’s agriculture sector is under pressure to improve food security, sustainability and productivity, highlighting the need for skilled workers with hands-on experience. Agri Skills Transfer has addressed this gap by developing the country’s first sheep feedlot on a practical training farm. The facility operates as a “living classroom”, giving students real-world exposure to livestock handling, animal welfare, feedlot management and modern agricultural technologies. Trainees learn skills ranging from animal behaviour and health management to nutrition, breeding and sustainable practices. The initiative sets a new benchmark in agricultural education and aims to expand into a national network of practical training farms.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: January 8, 2026
African News
Sahel farmers gain most by combining climate-smart farming innovations
Smallholder farmers in West Africa’s Sahel achieve far better results when climate-smart farming technologies are used together rather than individually, new research shows. A study of more than 3,300 households in Mali and Niger found that combining improved seed varieties, agrochemicals and sustainable land management significantly increased crop yields, income and resilience to climate shocks. Farmers using full or partial technology packages earned substantially more than those relying on a single innovation or traditional methods. The findings suggest climate-smart agriculture works best as an integrated system, supported by access to credit, extension services and rural infrastructure.
Read full story: Phys Org
Date published: January 8, 2026
Global News
French farmers drive tractors into Paris to oppose EU–Mercosur trade deal
French farmers staged a high-profile protest in Paris by driving dozens of tractors into the capital at dawn, voicing opposition to the EU–Mercosur free trade agreement. Organised by the Rural Confederation union, the demonstration targeted symbolic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Farmers fear the deal will expose them to unfair competition from cheaper agricultural imports from South America, particularly Brazil. Protesters are also angry over the government’s handling of a nodular dermatitis outbreak, which has led to cow culls. Similar protests have taken place elsewhere in France and across Belgium.
Read full story: Gulf Today
Date published: January 8, 2026
Carney to visit China for talks on agriculture, trade and tariffs
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is due to visit China from 13 to 17 January to discuss agriculture alongside wider trade, energy and security issues. The talks come as Chinese tariffs continue to hit Canadian agricultural exports, with duties of up to 100% on canola products and peas, and significant tariffs on pork and seafood. The measures have cost canola farmers an estimated $800 million in losses in 2025. The visit follows earlier ministerial talks and signals renewed efforts to ease tensions sparked by Canada’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminium.
Read full story: Farms.com
Date published: January 7, 2026
AI-driven carbon accounting offers new income stream for Indian farmers
Auri Grow India Ltd has launched CarbonKrishi, an AI-powered platform designed to help Indian farmers earn income from carbon credits by adopting sustainable farming practices. The initiative aims to connect up to 100,000 farmers with global voluntary carbon markets, potentially generating significant value from verified carbon sequestration and emissions reductions. Using AI analytics, satellite data and soil intelligence, the platform measures farm-level carbon outcomes and manages complex reporting requirements. By turning sustainability into a revenue opportunity rather than a cost, CarbonKrishi positions agriculture as a growing contributor to global decarbonisation while creating a scalable, technology-led business model.
Read full story: Agro Spectrum India
Date published: January 8, 2026
Australia’s seed market set for steady growth driven by climate-smart farming
Australia’s seeds market is expected to grow from USD 1.3 billion in 2024 to USD 1.5 billion by 2033, reflecting a steady shift towards adaptive and sustainable agriculture. Demand is rising for high-yield, disease-resistant and climate-resilient seed varieties as farmers respond to climate pressure, mechanisation and precision farming. Government-backed research, investment in breeding programmes and growing interest in organic and regenerative farming are also supporting the sector. While growth is moderate, opportunities lie in export markets, specialty crops, digital seed distribution and innovations tailored to drought and heat resilience.
Read full story: Vocal Media
Date published: January 8, 2026
