South African News
High Input Costs Prompt SA Grain Farmers to Reconsider Crop Mix
South African grain farmers are reassessing crop choices ahead of the summer planting season as high input costs, large grain supplies and uncertain export markets squeeze margins. Fertiliser prices have risen 140% since 2019, while diesel costs are up 83% and herbicides 15%. Grain SA economist Heleen Viljoen said these pressures could encourage farmers to shift away from maize towards crops with lower input requirements or stronger profitability, with sunflower currently showing the greatest potential. Growing soybean and maize supplies are also increasing reliance on export markets, making efficient rail and road infrastructure crucial. Farmers must also ensure market readiness and compliance to access finance.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date published: September 30, 2026
Mamelodi Farmers Learn Low-Cost Soil Testing Techniques
Smallholder farmers in Mamelodi, Pretoria, are learning to assess soil health using simple, low-cost tools rather than relying solely on laboratory testing. Through participatory workshops led by the Agricultural Research Council-Natural Resources and Engineering (ARC-NRE), farmers learned to assess soil texture, structure, compaction, colour and water infiltration using items including spades, water bottles, buckets and rulers. The approach can reduce laboratory, transport and sample-processing costs while helping farmers monitor changes in soil condition throughout the growing season. Farmers also shared their knowledge with school learners, using gardens to demonstrate soil assessment, composting and sustainable land management.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date published: August 30, 2026
African News
Unfinished Dams Hamper Nigeria’s Food Security Efforts
Delays to major dam projects across Nigeria are limiting the country’s ability to expand irrigation, improve food production and strengthen resilience to unpredictable rainfall. More than 50 dams are reportedly ongoing or uncompleted, including long-delayed projects such as Kafin Zaki, Otukpo, Mangu, Ogbesse and Farin Ruwa. Government officials attribute delays to funding constraints, rising construction costs, technical challenges and the resettlement of affected communities, while acknowledging that progress is being made on some projects. Experts say completing the dams could support year-round farming, increase yields, create rural economic opportunities and reduce weather-related production losses, alongside benefits for water supply and power generation.
Read full story: The Guardian Nigeria
Date published: September 30, 2026
Global News
USDA Raises Regenerative Agriculture Funding To $1 Billion
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is increasing funding for its Regenerative Pilot Program from $700 million to $1 billion for fiscal year 2027, allowing more farmers and ranchers to adopt practices aimed at improving soil health, water quality and long-term resilience. The programme will retain whole-farm planning while giving producers greater flexibility in meeting conservation goals and lowering the resource concern threshold for the Conservation Stewardship Program from 100% to 75%. Funding will include $650 million through EQIP and $350 million through CSP, alongside improved monitoring, technical support and tracking. Producers can apply through their local NRCS Service Centre.
Read full story: US Department of Agriculture
Date published: September 29, 2026
Brazilian Regenerative Farming Group Calls for Greater Credit and Policy Support
A Brazilian coalition representing around 14,000 producers and farming organisations is calling for stronger government support to expand regenerative agriculture. The Frente Empresarial para a Regeneração da Agricultura (FERA) says high interest rates, producer debt, limited technical assistance and insufficient market recognition are restricting wider adoption. Its manifesto highlights reported benefits including improved water retention, drought resilience, pasture management, livestock capacity and restoration of degraded land. FERA is seeking credit that reflects the longer transition periods associated with regenerative systems, better extension services for remote producers and stronger market incentives, including greater recognition and access to premium markets for sustainably produced food.
Read full story: The Farming Forum
Date published: September 29, 2026
Russia Rejects Black Sea Grain Truce as Exports Remain Disrupted
Russia has rejected proposals to revive a Black Sea grain agreement, according to Ukraine’s agriculture minister, raising concerns that disruption to regional grain exports could persist for months. Ukrainian agricultural shipments fell to 1.13 million tonnes in August, less than half the volume recorded a year earlier, while alternative export routes can reportedly handle only around half of traditional capacity. Russian grain exports have also declined sharply following attacks on Black Sea and Azov Sea ports, with estimates indicating a 16-year low in August and September. The disruption is affecting both countries, which together account for around a quarter of global grain exports.
Read full story: Kyiv Post
Date published: September 29, 2026
Malaysia Emerges as Test Market for Korean Smart-Farm Technology
Malaysia is emerging as a key testing ground for Korean smart-farm technologies as both countries strengthen agricultural digitalisation and food-security initiatives. Korea is targeting $900 million in smart-farm exports and orders by 2029, while Malaysia is developing systems to validate digital technologies against local agricultural needs. Industry representatives argue that Korean companies must demonstrate their technologies under Malaysian conditions, taking account of crops, climate, infrastructure, costs and customer requirements. Existing Korea-Malaysia cooperation has already deployed AI-based smart fertigation, irrigation and pest-detection systems. A demand-led approach could help match Malaysian agricultural challenges with suitable Korean technologies and build locally relevant commercial evidence.
Read full story: KoreaTechDesk
Date published: September 30, 2026
