South African News
South Africans Turn to Lifestyle Farms as Rural Retreats
Rising Cape Town property prices and municipal costs are encouraging urban buyers to consider lifestyle farms as second homes and holiday retreats. Areas including the Klein Karoo, Montagu and Swellendam are attracting interest, particularly properties within about three hours of Cape Town. Secure water supplies are a key consideration for household use, livestock, orchards and small-scale farming, alongside good road access. Buyers are also attracted by greater space, privacy and opportunities for self-sufficiency and supplementary agricultural income. However, agricultural properties can require larger deposits and shorter loan terms than conventional homes, making financing an important consideration.
Read full story: BusinessTech
Date Published: October 4, 2026
Strong Livestock Turnout at Nampo Alfa Despite FMD
Strict biosecurity measures and high vaccination compliance enabled Nampo Alfa 2026 to host a strong livestock exhibition despite ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) challenges. Held at the Nampo grounds outside Bothaville on 2 and 3 October, the event was the first major livestock show north of the Orange River to allow extensive livestock participation under current disease-control conditions. All exhibited animals had to be vaccinated and comply with an industry protocol covering veterinary inspections before departure and at the showgrounds. Organisers reported more animals than in the previous two years, reflecting breeder confidence in the measures. The event also marked the 10th anniversary of the Old Mutual Wealth Interbreed Championship.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: October 2, 2026
African News
Improved Sheep Breeding Creates New Rural Business Opportunities in Ethiopia
Community-based sheep breeding in Doyogena, Ethiopia, is delivering measurable improvements in animal performance while creating new income opportunities for farmers, women and young people. At a September field day, farmers showcased breeding rams reaching around 30kg at six months and finished sheep reaching 50kg at about one year. Eight community-based breeding programmes involving more than 1,100 members are linking genetic improvement with feed production, animal health, finishing and livestock marketing. More than 3,000 breeding animals have reportedly been sold, while cooperative marketing and premiums for high-quality breeding rams are helping farmers capture greater value. Women-led breeding groups are also gaining regional recognition.
Read full story: ICARDA
Date Published: October 5, 2026
Globa News
Farmers Face Severe Financial Pressure After Record-Breaking Summer
Farmers in Derbyshire are facing significant financial pressures following the UK’s hottest summer on record and widespread drought. Poor crop yields, damaged grassland and failed crops have been compounded by higher fuel and fertiliser costs, leaving some farmers reporting a severe squeeze on margins, fragile confidence and crisis-level cash flow. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported highly variable and disappointing 2026 harvest yields, with England receiving just 65% of average spring rainfall. Farmers also warned that some are reducing crop production or leaving the industry. A £2 million RABI support fund is providing eligible farmers with grants towards household living costs.
Read full story: BBC News
Date Published: October 4, 2026
Colombia Minister Limits Rice Planting Warning To La Guajira
Colombia’s agriculture minister has clarified that his warning against planting rice applies specifically to La Guajira, where he says high production costs, low yields and water requirements make the crop unviable. The comments have sparked criticism from rice growers and lawmakers as producers face prices below break-even levels after two years of losses. Paddy rice in Huila was selling for about 193,200 pesos per 125kg carga in late September, compared with estimated break-even costs of 208,000–209,000 pesos. Growers warn that reduced planting, alongside potential El Niño conditions, could tighten domestic supplies. The government has yet to indicate whether the advice will become formal policy.
Read full story: The Rio Times
Date Published: October 4, 2026
Rural Issues Take Centre Stage Ahead of New Zealand Election
Rural issues are expected to feature prominently ahead of New Zealand’s November 7 general election, with farmers highlighting concerns including the cost of living, healthcare, forestry, road maintenance, pest control and centralisation of services. Farmers Weekly is visiting rural communities to gauge priorities and what voters want from the next government. The rural sector is currently benefiting from strong dairy and sheep and beef returns, although arable farmers continue to face difficult conditions. Despite 72% of farmers reporting a profit, confidence remains fragile, with nearly 30% expecting conditions to worsen over the next year compared with just 12% anticipating improvement.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date Published: October 5, 2026
Green Pakistan Initiative Brings 1,147 Acres of Barren Land into CultivationThe Green Pakistan Initiative has brought 1,147 acres of previously barren land in the Jhal Jhao area of Awaran district, Balochistan, into agricultural production. Following land rehabilitation, farmers have begun growing wheat, cotton, onions, vegetables and fruit crops, creating new opportunities for rural livelihoods and employment. The development is expected to increase local crop production and contribute to food security, while also benefiting businesses and workers involved in farming, transport and related services. Authorities say the project demonstrates the potential to convert underused land into productive farmland and forms part of wider efforts to strengthen agricultural development and the rural economy in Balochistan.
Read full story: Balochistan Pulse
Date Published: October 4, 2026
