South African News
Red Meat Revolution urges practical, profit-focused beef farming
South Africa’s beef producers were urged to prioritise profitability, efficiency and adaptability at the Red Meat Revolution Information Day held in Pretoria. More than 260 industry stakeholders explored how genetics, management and realistic breeding goals can improve sustainability under local conditions. International experts stressed profit per hectare over extremes in size or performance, warning against chasing trends that ignore commercial realities. Discussions highlighted easy-fleshing cattle, shorter mating seasons, grass-based systems and disciplined culling as key drivers of success. Speakers agreed that balanced, locally adapted cattle and sound management are essential for keeping the veld, the herd and farm finances healthy.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: January 26, 2026
Lack of land ownership blamed for struggles of black farmers in South Africa
South Africa’s black farmers are failing to scale commercially largely because they do not own the land they farm, limiting access to bank finance, according to agricultural leaders. Dr Theo de Jager argues that without title deeds, farmers cannot secure production loans and are forced to rely on slow, unreliable state funding. Business leader Michael Jordaan supports issuing title deeds to people living on communal land, saying this would unlock capital and create wealth for millions. Economist Wandile Sihlobo adds that government delays in releasing state-owned farmland and overreliance on long-term leases continue to undermine meaningful land reform and commercial agricultural growth.
Read full story: Newsday
Date published: January 26, 2026
African News
How long-term reform is reshaping Tanzania into an agricultural growth leader
Tanzania’s agriculture sector is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation after two decades of system-focused investment by AGRA. Working with government and private partners since 2006, AGRA has helped shift farming from subsistence to a market-oriented, investable sector. Key gains include a stronger seed industry, higher crop yields, improved extension services, and policy reforms that attract private capital. Food self-sufficiency now exceeds domestic needs, while farmer incomes and youth employment opportunities are rising. The focus is now on value addition, regional trade, and integrating women and young people into competitive agri-food value chains.
Read full story: Daily News
Date published: January 27, 2026
Global News
Suspected bluetongue case under investigation in County Down
A suspected case of bluetongue is being investigated at a farm near Portavogie, County Down, Northern Ireland, following preliminary test results indicating the presence of the virus. Samples have been sent to the UK National Reference Laboratory for confirmation. The case was identified during routine pre-movement testing of high-risk animals. Authorities have confirmed that no extension to the existing Temporary Control Zone is required. To ease financial pressure on farmers, DAERA is covering laboratory costs for pre-movement testing for a limited period. The investigation comes amid continued bluetongue cases across Great Britain during the 2025 season.
Read full story: farmer’s Guardian
Date published: January 27, 2026
Canadian farm groups condemn federal cuts to agricultural research
Farm organisations and the union representing Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada workers have criticised the federal government over sudden job cuts and the closure of seven research centres. The Agriculture Union warned the move would set agricultural progress back decades, highlighting the loss of historic facilities linked to major advances in sustainable farming and food security. Groups such as SaskOrganics and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture said the closures threaten vital research on crops, livestock and regenerative practices. Critics argue the cuts undermine innovation at a time of rising food prices, while unions say staff were given no warning of the decision.
Read full story: Castanet
Date published: January 26, 2026
Tailored carbon farming key to boosting profits and environmental gains
Carbon farming can deliver stronger climate, biodiversity and productivity benefits when practices are tailored to individual farms rather than applied uniformly, according to Professor Matthew Harrison of the University of Tasmania. Drawing on five years of collaborative research with farmers across southern Australia, Harrison found that site-specific solutions consistently outperformed blanket approaches. While many climate measures reduced farm profits, practices that delivered co-benefits—such as improved pastures boosting yields—proved financially viable. The research highlights the importance of stacking complementary practices, recognising different types of carbon storage, and ensuring farmers are properly rewarded for environmental services if climate solutions are to scale.
Read full story: Australian Rural and Regional News
Date published: January 26, 2026
Rising sugarcane prices put Pakistan’s cotton sector under pressure
A surge in sugarcane prices and incentives from mill owners is fuelling fears of a further decline in cotton cultivation in Pakistan, industry leaders warn. Weak enforcement of crop zoning laws has allowed sugarcane to expand into traditional cotton areas, contributing to falling cotton output and declining fibre quality due to pollution. Despite lower national production, cotton ginners are struggling to sell their crop, while textile mills increasingly rely on imports. Industry representatives argue that stricter zoning enforcement, lower energy costs and supportive tax policies are essential to revive cotton production and protect exports.
Read full story: Dawn
Date published: January 27, 2026
