South African News
South African Agriculture Needs More Than Farmer Resilience
South African agriculture cannot sustain growth by relying on farmers to compensate for government failures, according to agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo and journalist Lourensa Eckard. Speaking at AgriSA’s annual congress, they highlighted the need for stronger public-private cooperation, clearer responsibilities and greater accountability. Although agricultural production has more than doubled since 1994 and exports have expanded significantly, infrastructure failures, unreliable municipal services and inadequate support continue to hinder progress, particularly for smaller producers. Panellists called for more effective use of public funding, improved rural infrastructure, better access to finance and technology, and implementation of existing agricultural development plans.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: October 18, 2026
Eastern Cape Agricultural Show Encourages Knowledge Sharing and Business Growth
Farmers from across the Joe Gqabi District Municipality gathered in Tlokoeng on 13 October for an agricultural show hosted by the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture. Producers involved in livestock, wool, mohair, pig farming and crop production showcased their enterprises, exchanged practical knowledge and explored ways to improve production and profitability. Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe emphasised the importance of developing commercially viable farming businesses to support food security and economic growth, while encouraging young people to enter the sector. Farmers highlighted the value of learning about animal feeding, breeding, product quality and value addition, alongside networking between established and emerging producers.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: October 19, 2026
African News
Tanzania’s Kisiki Hai Programme Boosts Harvests Through Tree Regeneration
Tanzania’s Kisiki Hai Programme is restoring more than 32 million trees across 500,000 hectares of farmland, helping farmers improve maize yields, soil fertility and water retention. Farmers in Dodoma reported significant production gains following tree regeneration, with one farmer increasing his harvest from six sacks of maize on two acres to up to 15 sacks per acre. Decomposing leaves are enriching soils, while regenerated trees provide shade and firewood. The LEAD Foundation is launching the Kijani mobile app, using GPS data to offer farmers tailored restoration advice and practical guidance. The initiative also supports climate resilience, environmental protection and national food security goals.
Read full story: All Africa
Date published: October 19, 2026
Global News
Brazilian Poultry Exports Could Improve Chicken Affordability in Europe
Brazilian poultry meat exports reached 500,300 tonnes in September 2026, an increase of 3.7% year on year, according to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA). The organisation’s president, Ricardo Santin, said Brazil accounts for more than 37% of the global poultry market and slaughters approximately 25 million chickens daily. He welcomed a favourable European Commission audit of Brazil’s poultry and honey supply chains, describing it as an important step towards resuming poultry exports to the EU. Santin said Brazilian chicken could complement European production, helping make meat more affordable for consumers.
Read full story: Agriland
Date published: October 18, 2026
Pakistani Farmers Demand Higher Wheat Support Prices Amid Rising Production Costs
Small farmers across Pakistan staged nationwide demonstrations organised by the Pakistan Kissan Rabta Committee (PKRC), demanding a guaranteed wheat support price of Rs5,000 per maund and an end to corporate land grabbing and genetically modified crops. Protesters cited soaring diesel, electricity, fertiliser and seed costs, alongside poor crop returns, as pushing smallholders towards financial collapse. They called for the restoration of the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) and stronger public procurement to protect farmers from middlemen and market cartels. The PKRC also urged land redistribution, fair water allocation and support for locally controlled seed systems to strengthen food security.
Read full story: Dawn
Date published: October 19, 2026
Research Offers Practical Drought Management Advice For Sheep Producers
Charles Sturt University research is helping Australian sheep producers make informed decisions during drought. Trials in the NSW Riverina found that Algimun supplements did not improve ewe reproductive performance or lamb survival, while grain-fed lambs receiving lick supplements gained an additional 6–7 kg over 70 days. A short lupin flush increased foetal numbers by 7 per cent, whereas additional roughage did not improve fertility. Single-bearing ewes achieved lamb survival rates above 92 per cent in both confinement and paddock systems. The findings provide practical guidance as forecasts indicate warmer conditions and below-average rainfall in parts of Australia.
Read full story: Charles Sturt University
Date published: October 19, 2026
Rising Costs and Trade Uncertainty Put US Farmers Under Pressure Ahead Of Midterms
US agriculture faces mounting financial pressure as rising production costs, weaker real farm income and trade uncertainty fuel concerns ahead of the 3 November midterm elections. USDA forecasts indicate that net farm income will fall by 5.5 per cent in real terms in 2026, while production expenses are projected to rise by $21.2 billion to $492.8 billion. Higher diesel and fertiliser costs are squeezing margins, while trade tensions with China threaten export markets for soybeans, maize, sorghum and beef. The next Congress will influence farm aid, crop insurance, conservation funding and future agricultural policy.
Read full story: AgroLatam
Date published: October 18, 2026
