South African News
Experts warn hemp boom in South Africa depends on markets and infrastructure
Growing interest in industrial hemp in South Africa is prompting experts to caution farmers that the crop’s success relies on more than simply planting it. At a Localisation Support Fund roundtable, researchers and industry stakeholders highlighted several barriers to large-scale commercialisation, including limited processing infrastructure, expensive imported seed and uncertain market access. Hemp has potential uses across sectors such as food, textiles and construction, but farmers typically need secure buyers and nearby processors to make production viable. Trials are currently being conducted on small plots to gather reliable data on yields and suitable genetics. While the sector could be worth up to R660 billion by 2040, experts say development must be gradual and value-chain driven.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: March 5, 2026
Faster rollout of farm technology could improve profits for South African grain farmers
Faster approval and adoption of new agricultural technologies could significantly boost profitability for South African grain farmers, according to experts at the Grain SA Research Meeting in Pretoria. Industry leaders highlighted the importance of speeding up access to innovations such as biological crop protection, artificial intelligence and data-driven farming systems. Delays in regulatory approvals, limited infrastructure and reliance on imported crop protection inputs currently slow technology adoption. At the same time, farmers face increasing pressures from climate variability, rising input costs and herbicide resistance. Despite these challenges, improved collaboration across the agricultural value chain, stronger policy support and investment in innovation could unlock substantial growth for the country’s grain sector.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: March 6, 2026
African News
Stakeholders push large-scale farming to address Nigeria’s food security challenges
Industry stakeholders in Nigeria are calling for a shift towards large-scale commercial farming to improve food security and reduce waste across the agricultural value chain. At a Lagos event, agribusiness leaders, government officials and financial institutions highlighted the limitations of the country’s fragmented smallholder farming system, which often leads to inefficiencies, post-harvest losses and investment risks. Origin Tech Group introduced a corporate farm model aimed at supporting farms of at least 1,000 hectares through financing structures, technical support and guaranteed markets. Participants also stressed the need for greater mechanisation, noting that Nigeria’s current levels remain far below international recommendations, limiting productivity despite the sector’s vast economic potential.
Read full story: The Gurdian
Date Published: March 6, 2026
Global News
Declining sheep numbers reshape UK farming and rural landscapes
Sheep numbers in the UK are falling sharply as upland farmers struggle with rising costs, changing consumer tastes and shifting agricultural policies. The national flock dropped to about 30.4 million in 2025, while breeding ewe numbers have reached their lowest level in living memory. Many farmers are reducing sheep production or switching to other livestock, such as cattle, to remain financially viable. Declining demand for lamb and mutton, increased competition from imports under post-Brexit trade deals and reduced subsidies have intensified pressure on the sector. At the same time, environmental policies encouraging biodiversity and alternative grazing systems are reshaping upland landscapes, raising questions about the long-term future of traditional sheep farming.
Read full story: BBC News
Date Published: March 6, 2026
Middle East conflict triggers global rush for fertilisers
Escalating conflict involving Iran has disrupted global fertiliser markets, prompting farmers worldwide to secure supplies amid fears of shortages and rising prices. Around one-third of global fertiliser shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns after Iran threatened to close the strategic shipping route. Prices for key inputs such as urea have surged, while natural gas costs (critical for fertiliser production) are climbing sharply. Farmers in the US, Europe, Asia and Australia are scrambling to secure supplies before planting seasons begin. Analysts warn that prolonged disruption could reduce crop yields and push up global food prices later in the year, particularly affecting farmers and consumers in developing economies.
Read full story: The Edge Malaysia
Date Published: March 6, 2026
New Zealand’s sheep and wool challenge competitors at World Shearing Championships
The World Shearing Championships in Masterton, New Zealand, have drawn more than 400 competitors from 24 countries, highlighting the country’s long-standing reputation for sheep and shearing expertise. Organisers have sourced sheep from across New Zealand to ensure consistent conditions for participants, many of whom are unfamiliar with the country’s outdoor-raised sheep and dense wool. Competitors from countries such as Japan and Mongolia have found the sheep particularly challenging compared with their own breeds. Defending champions and top contenders from Wales, Scotland, New Zealand and South Africa are competing across machine shearing, blade shearing and wool handling events, with finals expected to determine the leading teams in the global shearing community.
Read full story: RNZ (Radio New Zealand)
Date Published: March 6, 2026
India offers subsidies to promote donkey farming and revive declining population
The Indian government is encouraging farmers and entrepreneurs to invest in donkey farming through financial support provided under the National Livestock Mission. The scheme offers a capital subsidy of up to Rs 50 lakh, covering 50% of project costs for breeding farms that maintain at least 50 female and five male donkeys. The initiative aims to reverse a sharp decline in the country’s donkey population, which fell by nearly 60% between 2012 and 2019 due to mechanisation reducing demand for working animals. Officials say promoting breeding farms and indigenous livestock will help conserve native breeds while creating new rural income opportunities through livestock-based enterprises.
Read full story: NDTV
Date Published: March 5, 2026
