South African News
Agri graduates urged to make smarter study choices as job market tightens
South African agricultural students are being warned that poor course and college choices are contributing to rising graduate unemployment. With more than 5,000 Agri graduates currently without work, industry voices say the sector is oversaturated and demands more specialised, practical skills. Experts recommend niche fields such as veterinary science, stronger links between training and employer needs, and early exposure to hands-on farm work. Farmers and educators also stress the importance of attitude, work ethic and industry-supported bursaries. Calls have been made for colleges, particularly in rural areas, to overhaul curricula so graduates are better prepared for real-world agricultural work.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date published: January 28, 2026
Why South Africa’s agriculture sector is poised for a strong 2026
South Africa’s agricultural sector is expected to perform strongly in 2026, supported by favourable weather, easing input costs, resilient export demand and improved logistics. A La Niña-driven rainfall pattern has boosted crop plantings, soil moisture and dam levels, lowering irrigation costs and encouraging higher production. Moderating fuel and fertiliser prices, alongside cheaper animal feed, have improved farming margins, particularly in livestock. Export growth remained robust despite trade disruptions, aided by better port performance. Progress on biosecurity, including plans for national foot-and-mouth disease vaccination, has further strengthened confidence, underpinning a positive outlook for the year ahead.
Read full story: Zawya
Date published: January 27, 2026
African News
ActionAid project expands support for nearly 3,000 women farmers in Nigeria
More than 2,900 smallholder women farmers in Nigeria have gained improved access to essential agricultural services through ActionAid’s SUPIA II project, implemented between 2022 and 2025. The initiative focused on strengthening public investment in agriculture through policy advocacy, gender-responsive budgeting and farmer engagement. Delivered nationally and across eight states, the project helped raise agricultural budgets, improve food and nutrition security planning, and enhance women’s participation in decision-making. ActionAid says the programme boosted productivity, livelihoods and accountability, while empowering women farmers to see agriculture as a sustainable business rather than subsistence alone.
Read full story: Nan News
Date published: January 28, 2026
Global News
UK farming rules to be simplified in bid to cut water pollution
The UK government has announced proposed changes to agricultural regulations aimed at reducing water pollution while making compliance easier for farmers. With 41% of England’s waterways affected by agricultural pollution, the plans include tighter controls on spreading sewage sludge on farmland, potentially bringing it under Environmental Permitting Regulations. At the same time, existing water rules for agriculture will be streamlined to remove duplication and complexity. The reforms support the Environmental Improvement Plan and wider water system overhaul, alongside increased inspections, advisory support and funding schemes to help farmers protect water quality and farm more sustainably.
Read full story: Gov.uk
Date published: January 27, 2026
Flooding forces Jakarta rice farmers into early harvests
Severe flooding in Jakarta has forced rice farmers to harvest their crops early after days of intense rainfall inundated paddy fields. The floods, which struck on January 27, led to yield losses of up to 30%, with standing water making harvesting difficult and labour-intensive. Farm workers were forced to drag rice across flooded fields, wading through water up to 80 centimetres deep. Farmers also reported increased damage from birds feeding on the crops. Wet-harvested rice had to be sold at reduced prices, worsening income losses and raising concerns about disruption to the next planting season.
Read full story: Independent Observer
Date published: January 28, 2026
Malaysian farmers protest UPOV move, warning of risks to seed and food sovereignty
Farmers, Indigenous groups and activists in Malaysia have protested against the government’s plan to join the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), warning it could undermine seed and food sovereignty. Demonstrators argue that aligning national law with UPOV would restrict farmers’ rights to save, share and reuse seeds, while strengthening corporate control over agriculture. Critics say the move threatens biodiversity, raises seed and food prices, and weakens parliamentary sovereignty. The Socialist Party of Malaysia has called for broader consultation, cautioning that seeds should remain a shared resource, not a commercial commodity.
Read full story: News Click
Date published: January 28, 2026
Working dog auction smashes records with $320,000 raised in North Island sale
A long-running working dog auction in New Zealand’s North Island has raised an unexpected $320,000, driven by strong demand from sheep farmers benefiting from high lamb prices. More than 60 dogs were sold at the Parapara-Makirikiri Sheep Dog Trial Club auction near Whanganui, with fierce bidding despite poor weather. The top-priced heading dog sold for $12,200, while leading huntaways exceeded $10,000. Organisers said a shortage of skilled farm dogs and limited time for farmers to train their own animals boosted prices. Proceeds from the auction will support the club’s annual sheep dog trials.
Read full story: New Zealand Herald
Date published: January 27, 2026
