South African News
Farm.co.za relaunches with a smarter supplier directory and more
As South Africa heads for a record grain harvest, the businesses that keep farmers moving have a sharper way to be found. Farm.co.za has rolled out a major platform upgrade — a rebuilt directory of more than 4,200 agricultural suppliers, enhanced business listings, and a foundation for much more to come.
Read full story: Farm.co.za
Date Published: July 30, 2026
South Africa Set for Record Grain Harvest
South Africa is on course to produce its largest-ever grain and oilseed harvest, with the 2025/26 maize crop forecast to reach 17.3 million tonnes, according to the Crop Estimates Committee. The record harvest is expected to help ease pressure on food and livestock feed prices, benefiting consumers who rely on staple maize products. Agricultural experts have also reported increases in sunflower seed and sorghum production. However, persistent late-season rainfall has delayed harvesting, leaving grain deliveries to commercial silos behind last year's pace despite the strong overall outlook. The Free State, Mpumalanga and North West provinces are expected to produce around 82% of the maize crop.
Read full story: Farm and Livestock News
Date Published: July 27, 2026
Western Cape Flood Repairs Could Cost More Than R2 Billion
Repairs to flood-damaged roads across the Western Cape are expected to cost more than R2 billion, with final costs likely to increase as damage assessments continue. More than 200 roads were severely affected by flooding in May 2026, disrupting farming communities by limiting access to markets, labour and transport routes. Although around 80% of previously closed roads have reopened through temporary repairs, major reconstruction work is expected to take several years and depends on emergency funding from the national government. Authorities also plan to rebuild damaged infrastructure to higher resilience standards to better withstand future extreme weather events.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: July 28, 2026
African News
Botswana Reveals Scale of Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land
The Botswana government has released new figures showing the extent of foreign ownership of agricultural land across the country. Of 601 ranches and farms managed under the Tribal Grazing Land Policy and related schemes, 31 are owned by non-citizens, while 570 belong to Botswana citizens. Foreign ownership is concentrated in areas such as the Tawana Land Board and the Pandamatenga Special Economic Zone, where several commercial farms are owned by foreign companies or individuals through legal transfers. The government said restrictions on land transactions will be strengthened as part of wider land management reforms to encourage greater citizen ownership.
Read full story: News and All
Date Published: July 27, 2026
Global News
Somerset Farmers Warn of Worst Drought In 50 Years
Farmers in Somerset say this summer’s hot, dry weather has created the worst drought conditions since 1976, with crops failing and water supplies running dangerously low. Met Office data shows the county is experiencing one of its driest summers on record, with just 1.4mm of rain recorded during most of July. Some growers have lost half of their recently planted crops, while others report lower yields and concerns over livestock and irrigation. Agronomists estimate crop yields across southern England are down by around 25%, raising concerns that reduced production could contribute to higher food prices if dry conditions continue.
Read full story: BBC News
Date Published: July 27, 2026
Drought And Crop Failures Threaten Indonesia’s Food Production
Indonesia is facing widespread crop failures as an intensified El Niño-driven drought reduces water supplies and extends the dry season, threatening food production. Farmers across several provinces have reported severe losses to rice and maize crops, with drought, pests and disease damaging harvests. Official figures already show rice production has declined over recent months, and experts warn output could fall further during the second half of 2026 if dry conditions persist. While the government says irrigation measures and rice reserves will help maintain supplies, researchers caution that prolonged drought could undermine food security and the country’s ambitions to become a global food hub.
Read full story: Asia News Network
Date Published: July 28, 2026
China Expands AI And Technology to Boost Food Production
China is increasing food production while reducing the use of land, water and agricultural chemicals by investing heavily in artificial intelligence, advanced machinery and improved crop breeding. The government says agricultural science and technology now account for more than 64% of productivity growth, with AI, drones, robots and smart harvesting equipment becoming more widely used. Mechanisation rates have also increased, while fertiliser and pesticide use has fallen despite higher grain production. China plans to further expand protected agriculture, aquaculture and biotechnology to strengthen food security and diversify production, while continuing to improve farming efficiency and sustainability.
Read full story: China Daily
Date Published: July 28, 2026
Brazil Challenges EU Rules On Antimicrobial Controls
Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry has criticised new European Union requirements for animal product exports, calling it unacceptable to demand proof that antimicrobial use has been controlled throughout an animal’s entire life before exports are approved. The dispute follows the EU’s decision to remove Brazil from its list of approved exporters from September unless it meets the new standards. Brazil insists its inspection and certification systems are reliable and says it remains committed to complying with importing countries’ requirements through ongoing technical discussions. Industry groups have warned that a nationwide antimicrobial ban could increase production costs for livestock farmers.
Read full story: Valor International
Date Published: July 27, 2026
