21 July '26 - Today in Farming

South African News

Rooibos seeds to travel to the International Space Station for pioneering South African research

A batch of indigenous rooibos seeds from the Cederberg will become the first known South African indigenous plant seeds sent into space as part of the Rooibos in Space initiative. The seeds will travel to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission, where they will spend around six weeks exposed to microgravity and space radiation before returning to Earth. Researchers, growers and learners from seven Cederberg schools will compare the space-flown seeds with a control group, assessing germination, growth and plant development. The exploratory project also aims to inspire interest in science, technology and space research through hands-on educational participation.

Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly 

Date published: July 20, 2026

Vegetable farming deserves greater recognition as a driver of inclusive growth

South Africa’s vegetable sector is playing an increasingly important role in food security, rural development and economic resilience, yet it remains overshadowed by larger export-focused agricultural industries, argues Boineelo Keraetswe of Manelo Keraex19. She highlights the resilience of small and emerging farmers who continue producing quality vegetables despite facing challenges such as limited finance, inadequate infrastructure, rising input costs and restricted market access. Keraetswe calls for greater investment in rural infrastructure, practical skills development, improved market opportunities and stronger partnerships between government, the private sector and farming communities to unlock the sector’s potential for job creation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.

Read full story: African Farming 

Date published: July 20, 2026

African News

Ghana urged to curb food imports to strengthen markets for local farmers

Dr Charles Nyaaba, Chief Executive Officer of the Upper East Farmers’ Cooperative Credit Union, has called on the Ghanaian government to tighten food imports, particularly rice, to protect local farmers and improve market opportunities. He argues that illegally imported food is flooding the market, leaving warehouses full of unsold maize and rice and discouraging farmers from increasing production. While welcoming government purchases through the National Food Buffer Stock Company, he says these account for only a small share of available produce. Dr Nyaaba also recommends stronger border controls, import quotas based on production shortfalls and greater sourcing of food for the School Feeding Programme from local farmers.

Read full story: Ghana Business News 

Date published: July 19, 2026

Global News

EU beef production forecast to decline as cattle numbers continue to fall

European beef production is expected to continue declining as shrinking cattle numbers reduce supplies across the EU. According to the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), production fell by 4.1% last year and is forecast to drop by a further 2.2% in 2026, with another decline expected in 2027. Tight supplies are likely to keep retail beef prices high despite lower farmgate prices, while beef availability and live exports are also projected to fall. The report suggests imports from South America will increase to offset shortages, although a planned EU ban on Brazilian beef could reshape trade flows and encourage Brazil to expand exports to the UK.

Read full story: The Scottish Farmer 

Date published: July 19, 2026

Canada invests C$1.65 million in AI tools to support climate-smart farming

The Canadian government is investing up to C$1.65 million in Toronto-based A.U.G. Signals Ltd. to develop artificial intelligence tools that will help farmers monitor crop health, predict yields and adapt to climate change. Funded through the AgriScience Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the three-year project will combine satellite imagery, drone data and field observations to provide real-time insights into crop growth, biomass, drought conditions and expected yields. Working with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the company will validate the AI models to improve on-farm decision-making, productivity, sustainability and resilience across the country's agricultural sector.

Read full story: WestCentralOnline.com

Date published: July 19, 2026

Farm data sharing could become New Zealand agriculture’s next competitive advantage

KPMG believes the future value of New Zealand agriculture will increasingly depend on how farm data is shared and used, rather than food production alone. Global head of agribusiness Ian Proudfoot says artificial intelligence can generate far greater insights when data is shared across the agricultural value chain, although success will depend on people’s ability to interpret and act on the information. The article also examines how major agricultural technology providers manage farm data ownership, with most allowing farmers to retain ownership of their own information while differing in how generated and aggregated data can be accessed, transferred or reused if they switch providers.

Read full story: Farmers Weekly 

Date published: July 20, 2026

Climate change puts Pakistan’s livestock sector under growing pressure

Climate change is increasingly threatening Pakistan’s livestock sector, with rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and shrinking grazing land reducing productivity and increasing disease. In Upper Chitral, the yak population has fallen sharply over the past 15 years, prompting the government to launch a conservation and breeding project. Farmers across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa report declining milk yields, rising fodder costs and growing financial losses linked to extreme heat. Researchers are introducing heat-tolerant cattle breeds and developing improved vaccines, while experts say wider adoption of climate-smart livestock management, including better water use, resilient breeds and enhanced disease control, is essential to protect the sector.

Read full story: The Express Tribune 

Date published: July 20, 2026