08 May '25 - Today in Farming

South African News

Fuel Price Decline Offers Timely Relief to South African Farmers

South African farmers are benefiting from a recent reduction in fuel prices, which is timely given the current agricultural season. The decrease in diesel and petrol prices is particularly advantageous as farmers engage in activities such as planting winter crops and harvesting summer grains. This price drop alleviates some of the financial pressures caused by rising input costs, including electricity tariffs and the national minimum wage increases. However, experts advise that sustained relief will depend on the stability of fuel prices over the coming months. 

Read full story: Agricultural Economics Today
Date Published: May 6, 2025

North West Urges Early Applications for 2026 Agricultural College Intake

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is encouraging prospective students to submit applications early for the 2026 academic year at Taung Agricultural College (TAC) and Potchefstroom College of Agriculture (PCA). Applications opened on 1 April 2025 and will close on 31 October 2025. MEC Madoda Sambatha emphasised the importance of timely applications to secure placements in these specialised diploma programmes, which are vital for the province's agricultural sector. TAC offers a Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation), while PCA provides a Diploma in Agriculture (Mixed Farming). Admission requirements include specific subject levels and point scores, with application forms available on the Department's website. 

Read full story: Food for Mzansi
Date Published: May 6, 2025

African News

Innovative Mechanization Transforms Smallholder Farming in Southern Zambia

Joe Akombaetwa, a farmer and innovator from Dumba Camp in Mazabuka District, is revolutionising smallholder agriculture in Southern Zambia through climate-smart mechanisation. Since 2021, he has been providing paid mechanisation services under the Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) project. His notable innovation includes modifying a Chinese single-row, no-till multi-crop planter into a double-row planter using a T-bar, significantly improving planting efficiency. Additionally, he redesigned the seed placement system to enhance early plant growth by reducing side separation between seed and fertiliser openers and developing a flexible seed-covering kit. Akombaetwa's hands-on approach exemplifies how tailored mechanisation solutions can address the unique challenges faced by smallholder farmers in dryland regions. 

Read full story: CIMMYT
Date Published: May 6, 2025

Global News

Trump's Tariffs Open Doors for Brazilian Agriculture Amid Global Trade Shifts

Donald Trump's recent global tariff policies have inadvertently created significant opportunities for Brazilian agriculture. Following China's imposition of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports—including a 125% tariff on soybeans—Brazilian farmers are poised to fill the gap in global markets. Brazil's poultry sector remains unaffected by recent bird flu outbreaks, enabling it to supply meat to Asian markets like Japan, which has historically imported 40% of its beef from the U.S. Additionally, a pending trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, which includes Brazil, could further boost Brazilian exports by eliminating 90% of tariffs between the blocs.

Read full story: The Pinnacle Gazette
Date Published: May 7, 2025

Northland Farmers Face Financial Strain Due to Poor Internet Connectivity

Farmers in Northland, New Zealand, are experiencing significant financial losses and operational challenges due to inadequate internet connectivity. Federated Farmers Northland president Colin Hannah reports that some farmers must travel to towns with better internet access to complete essential tasks like NAIT data entry and compliance forms. The lack of reliable internet also hampers health and safety efforts, as well as educational opportunities for rural students. While initiatives such as Starlink and telehealth services at maraes have provided some relief, the high costs and limited coverage options remain barriers for many in the region. 

Read full story: Rural News
Date Published: May 7, 2025

Laos Implements Animal Import Ban and Vaccination Campaign Following Anthrax Outbreak in Thailand

In response to an anthrax outbreak in Thailand's Mukdahan Province, Laos has heightened surveillance and imposed a temporary ban on the importation of all animals and animal products from Thailand. The ban encompasses livestock such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses, as well as any animal-derived products. Lao authorities are conducting thorough inspections and disinfection of vehicles arriving from Thailand to prevent the spread of the disease. Vaccination campaigns are underway in high-risk areas, and the public is urged to monitor livestock for symptoms and report any unusual signs to authorities.

Read full story: The Nation Thailand
Date Published: May 7, 2025

China Targets Reduced Feed Grain and Soybean Meal Usage to Strengthen Food Security

China has unveiled an action plan aiming to reduce the proportion of grain in animal feed to 60% and soybean meal to 10% by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance food security amid global trade uncertainties. The country has already decreased soybean meal usage from nearly 18% in 2017 to 13% in 2023 by shifting to lower-protein feeding patterns. The plan also includes measures to minimise grain losses, such as reducing food waste and spillage during transport and storage. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs aims to decrease average feed consumption in large-scale livestock farming by over 7% from 2023 levels by 2030. 

Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date Published: May 6, 2025