South African News
Conservation Agriculture Strengthens Grain Farm Resilience
Conservation agriculture can help grain farmers build resilience against climate, pest and disease pressures by strengthening the links between soil health, crop management and environmental conditions. Speakers at the 13th Jack Human Conservation Agriculture Week highlighted research showing that disease outbreaks are strongly influenced by seasonal conditions, while pulses can improve soil nitrogen, break disease cycles and support weed management. Changing climates are also increasing pest challenges, making integrated pest management and accurate identification more important. Researchers stressed that healthy soil is fundamental to sustainable yields, improving water storage, infiltration and root development and helping crops withstand drought, heat, wind and other stresses.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: August 17, 2026
Organised Agriculture Key to Building South African Farm Resilience
Strong producer organisations, public-private partnerships and reliable infrastructure will be vital for South African agriculture to withstand economic, climate and biosecurity pressures, speakers at Agri Western Cape’s annual congress said. Farmers face growing risks from droughts, floods, fires, rising input costs and foot-and-mouth disease, while infrastructure and port inefficiencies threaten export competitiveness. Speakers stressed that collaboration between producers, government and industry is essential for disaster response, climate adaptation and maintaining food security. They also called for better agricultural data to strengthen industry representation and policy influence, while highlighting the changing role of the state and the need for agriculture to develop its own solutions.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: August 17, 2026
African News
Kenya Turns to Youth Agribusiness to Reduce Food Import Dependence
Kenya is turning to young entrepreneurs to strengthen domestic food production and reduce its reliance on imports amid climate change, rising demand and geopolitical disruptions. A new Model County Youth in Agrifood Systems Strategy aims to increase youth participation across the food value chain, including agricultural technology, mechanisation, logistics, processing, storage and marketing. Kenya remains heavily dependent on imports, producing about 311,000 tonnes of wheat in 2024 against consumption of 2.25 million tonnes, while around 95% of edible oil is imported. Government investment in irrigation and food production could create further opportunities for youth-led agribusinesses.
Read full story: The Star
Date Published: August 18, 2026
Global News
CommBank Partners With NFF to Support Australian Agriculture
Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) has been named the National Farmers’ Federation’s (NFF) exclusive banking partner as part of a new collaboration aimed at strengthening the resilience, profitability and long-term growth of Australian agriculture. Announced at the NFF Leaders’ Summit in Canberra, the partnership will focus on agricultural career pathways, innovation, technology and artificial intelligence, as well as the role of natural capital in improving farm performance. The agreement builds on CommBank’s 114-year history of supporting farmers and agribusinesses. The NFF said the partnership would help address opportunities and challenges facing Australia’s $100 billion agricultural sector.
Read full story: Commonwealth Bank
Date Published: August 18, 2026
New Zealand Livestock Numbers Shift Further Towards Beef Cattle
New Zealand’s livestock mix continued to move towards beef cattle in the year to June 2026, with beef numbers rising 3.3% to 3.96 million while sheep numbers fell 2% to 22.78 million. Beef growth was supported by strong livestock returns, feed availability and farmer preference for trading and finishing cattle. Despite the smaller sheep flock, the lamb crop is forecast to remain broadly stable at 19.75 million, helped by strong ewe lambing rates. Beef cattle numbers increased across both islands, while ewe and hogget numbers declined. The figures reflect a longer-term shift in land use and farm policy, including dairy conversion, forestry and changing livestock returns.
Read full story: Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Date Published: August 17, 2026
Pakistan Seeks Egypt’s Expertise to Increase Cotton Yields
Pakistan is seeking Egypt’s technical expertise to increase cotton yields and improve crop quality, with both countries agreeing to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and food security. Pakistan’s food security minister highlighted Egypt’s experience in cotton varieties, quality seed, crop management, water-efficient irrigation, climate-resilient farming and agricultural technology. Proposed collaboration includes exchanges between research institutions, joint trials, expert training and sharing of best practices. The two countries also identified potential cooperation in biotechnology, mechanisation, livestock, horticulture and seed development. Egypt said it was ready to support greater agricultural exchanges, particularly drawing on its experience farming in water-scarce and arid conditions.
Read full story: The Express Tribune
Date Published: August 18, 2026
Thai Farmers Struggle to Protect Crops from Elephant Raids
Thai farmers are facing growing conflict with wild elephants, which can destroy crops, damage property and threaten livelihoods as habitat loss pushes the animals into agricultural areas. Crops including cassava, maize and sugarcane attract elephants, while their protected status limits farmers’ ability to defend their land. Communities have tried measures such as electric fencing, chilli barriers, beehives and planting less attractive crops, but elephants can learn to overcome deterrents. A group of US university students studying elephant conservation in Thailand gained a greater understanding of the difficult balance between protecting wildlife and safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods, with conflicts potentially continuing across generations.
Read full story: Farm Progress
Date Published: August 18, 2026
