Weeklikse Afrikaanse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Die Afrikaanse/Engelse Nuus is die afgelope paar dae op AGRI NEWS NET geplaas, saam met nog ander artikels.
On 25 July 2026, the Department of Agriculture launched an online system for cattle owners and livestock managers to apply for official authorisation to vaccinate against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).This marks the practical implementation of the voluntary vaccination policy.
In 2006, the Gates Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation launched AGRA, one of Africa’s biggest agricultural programs, with goals to double yields, double incomes for 30 million smallholder households, and cut hunger in half.By 2020 AGRA had received nearly $1 billion in funding, including about $650 million from the Gates Foundation.
Anthea Jeffery, author of Countdown to Socialism and head of policy research at the Institute of Race Relations, argues that Black Economic Empowerment has primarily benefited a small black elite with strong ANC political connections, rather than the majority of South Africans.
’n Groter kommer vir plaaslike uitvoerders as die nuwe premier van Brittanje, Burnham, is die moontlikheid dat Brittanje homself weer nader aan EU-reëls wil belyn. Dit sluit in om dieselfde sanitêre en fitosanitêre vereistes as die EU toe te pas op landbou-invoer. Dit is veral ’n bedreiging vir die plaaslike sitrus bedryf, want byna R4 miljard se Suid-Afrikaanse sitrus word jaarliks na Brittanje uitgevoer.
Potatoes remain a vital staple for South Africa’s food security, but price volatility often makes them unaffordable for low-income households. Industry leaders at the recent Potato SA Congress emphasised that the sector must move beyond strong production and focus more on supply chain efficiency, consumer demand, and data-driven planning.
Former Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter’s warning that the utility would lose wealthier residential and business customers to grid defection is now playing out.
One of the greatest benefits of the national grain yield competition is that farmers learn from each other about different cultivation methods and cultivars, without each having to test everything themselves.
There is growing unease in Southern Africa over South Africa’s dominance in regional agricultural trade. Countries like Namibia and Botswana have recently imposed temporary bans on South African fruit and vegetable imports, arguing they need to create space for local farming.
Regenerative agriculture indeed requires more than just changed practices such as no-till, cover crops, or rotational grazing. It needs crop species that actively engineer better soil ecosystems. Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L., low-THC varieties) stands out as one of the strongest candidates among broad-acre annual crops.
In 2006, the Gates Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation launched AGRA, one of Africa’s biggest agricultural programs, with goals to double yields, double incomes for 30 million smallholder households, and cut hunger in half.By 2020 AGRA had received nearly $1 billion in funding, including about $650 million from the Gates Foundation.
Pork prices in South Africa have fallen sharply from around R40/kg a few months ago to about R30/kg now, bringing relief to households.The drop is due to a sudden oversupply. Earlier this year, outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever raised fears of shortages and pushed prices up 25% from R32/kg to R40/kg. In response, imports were ordered.
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South Africa -Weeklikse Landbou Nuusoorsig - Weekly Agriculture News Summary 22 July 2026
- France/EU: Emergency farm bill grants temporary waivers for acetamiprid and flupyradifurone on key crops (hazelnuts, sugar beets, apples, cherries) despite environmental criticism. This circumvents broader EU pesticide restrictions and reignites debates on neonicotinoids/bee health.
- Scotland: New four-tier farm support system replaces EU subsidies, emphasizing food security, climate, and rural livelihoods (2024 Act).
- US: Farm bill negotiations stalled over climate/sustainability funding ties.
- Brazil: Eased GMO corn import rules to lower feed costs for poultry/pork.
- India: Extended non-basmati rice export ban for domestic price stability.
- China: New agricultural data governance law tightens controls on foreign agritech data collection.
- UK: Expanded carbon credit scheme for farmers (soil carbon, hedgerows).
- WOAH/Global: Scrutiny on FMD vaccine rules amid outbreaks.
- Canada: Best crop conditions in a decade (Prairies recovered via rains). Strong outlook for canola, wheat, lentils (~120M acres benefiting).
- Western Europe: Wet July delays harvest; wheat quality concerns.
- US Midwest: Heatwave risks to corn pollination (Iowa/Illinois monitored).
- Argentina: Soybean forecast raised on favorable La Niña.
- Australia: Record avocado exports despite logistics; new H5 bird flu cases in terns.
- East Africa: Improved maize planting via drought relief/seed distribution (2M smallholders).
- Pakistan: Floods damage 15% of Punjab cotton.
- South Africa: Strong avocado exports to EU.
- Global: FAO highlights persistent high fertilizer prices (~30% above 2021).
- Africa: Agritec Africa 2026 in Nairobi (150 exhibitors). Kenya launches Sonalika tractors (20-125HP) via Elgon franchise. Nedbank/PrysWys digital finance platform sees 80% growth. Climate-Smart Agribusiness Partnership launched.
- Global: John Deere AI autonomous sprayers (18% input reduction in US/Brazil pilots). Indian drone spraying startup raises $200M. Vertical farming expands to UAE. Satellite soil carbon monitoring adopted by 12 governments. EU mandates blockchain traceability for coffee imports (deforestation rules).
- Broader: Embedded finance in input buying; $12B YTD in agri-logistics (cold chains, ports).
- FMD: Global crisis prompts private vaccination debates (e.g., South Africa).
- EU: Tighter livestock transport welfare rules (max journey times).
- US: Dairy invests in 3-NOP methane-reducing feed.
- Brazil: Beef exports surge to China (ASF concerns elsewhere).
- Southeast Asia: Newcastle disease outbreaks; vaccination ramps up.
- Alternative Protein: Lab-grown chicken approved in Singapore, Israel, Qatar.
- Feed: Costs easing with better corn/soy supplies. Seaweed supplements cut dairy methane ~25% (NZ/Ireland trials).
- Women in Ag summit (Soul To Soil 2026, Pretoria).
- Mediterranean diet research influencing policy.
- 40% EU retailers adopt AI food waste reduction.
- 9% global rise in climate-smart practices (cover crops, no-till).
- France eases water-storage rules.
- Australia launches regenerative ag certification.
- UN/others pushing broader adoption.
- Wheat prices fell ~8% on strong Canadian outlook.
- Traceability and farm-level data increasingly key for financing/ESG.
- Food security driving policy (export bans, subsidy shifts, GMO easing).
- Innovation as a mitigator for climate/labor/regulation pressures.
- Sustainability mainstreaming (carbon, regenerative, methane) but with pushback on implementation costs/speed.
28 Best South Africa News Podcasts
EL NINO
As of late July 2026, climate agencies are in strong agreement that a significant El Niño event is underway and intensifying. The IRI July 2026 outlook gives a 100% probability of El Niño conditions persisting from July-September 2026 through early 2027, with no chance of La Niña during that period. The mid-July model ensemble projects this will become a strong to very strong event, peaking in October-December 2026 when 23 of 26 models forecast Niño 3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies of +2.0°C or higher.NOAA’s GFDL SPEAR predictions from 1 July 2026 also show continued intensification through fall, with all 30 ensemble members indicating a peak comparable to the strongest El Niños of the past century. The WMO and other forecasters flagged the shift as early as May-July 2026, following a neutral start to the year.The expected impacts are already being factored into forecasts. WMO and NOAA warn of a near-global dominance of above-normal land temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns. For emerging markets, a "super El Niño" raises risks of drought in parts of Asia, including a likely weak Indian monsoon, and heavy rains in parts of South America, which could push up food prices and inflation. NOAA specifically highlighted increased risk of high-tide coastal flooding in the US due to the combination of sea level rise and El Niño.In the Southern Hemisphere, NIWA notes about an 80% chance of strong El Niño intensity through July-September 2026, with peak conditions expected in the austral summer of 2026-27 and potential for active, windy weather in New Zealand. The African Development Bank has warned the event could cost African economies $10-20 billion and worsen food and water security.In short, by 29 July 2026 El Niño is firmly established, forecast to strengthen to a historically powerful event by late 2026, and is expected to drive warmer global temperatures, altered rainfall, and significant economic and agricultural impacts worldwide.
Top Headline News on Farmingportal & Agri News Net 29 July 2026
- World Farming Agriculture and Commodity News – 27 July 2026: Global pork prices remain weak due to stagnant demand and oversupply (North America supply modestly higher). Brazilian soybean farmgate prices rose ~4% in July, prompting selling amid storage constraints. US-Chile expanded approved American beef cuts (34 new ones effective mid-July).
farmingportal.co.za
- Export Expansion Critical for SA Agriculture: Emphasis on growing exports for long-term sector growth amid domestic challenges.
- Weekend News Rush (Agri News Net Summary ~26 July): Covers drought relief funds to Northern Cape livestock farmers, reinforced biosecurity in poultry after avian flu cases, and other weekly developments.
- Other Recent Farmingportal Topics:
- Vital soil correction using micronised lime for open-field farming.
- Energy crisis threats to global food supply chains in 2026.
- Plant trade potentially spreading invasive species but aiding climate adaptation.
- Viewpoints on grocery bill profits and gluten/modern wheat/GMO understanding.
- Wildlife/agri overlaps (tourist stress on safari animals, trophy hunting impacts on leopards).
- Continues emphasis on "What Farmers Must Focus On in the Future" (weather, soil, water, consumers, government policies) — urging data-driven approaches for volatility.
- Weekend recaps often include SA-specific items like drought relief, poultry biosecurity, and market summaries.
- Related podcast-style content covers livestock emissions truths, visceral fat health risks in farming communities, and mitochondrial health.
- Mechanization & Finance: Continued momentum with platforms like PrysWys and tractor access.
- Climate & Crops: Attention to weather volatility, with global parallels (e.g., strong Canadian crops, India monsoon recovery).
- Policy: Ramaphosa Farmgate developments and export-focused strategies remain relevant.
- Sustainability: Regenerative practices, carbon initiatives, and women in agriculture events building toward the Pretoria summit.
- Daytime highs averaging around 16–18°C nationally, cooler in highveld areas (e.g., Johannesburg/Gauteng ~15–17°C) and milder along coasts (Cape Town ~17°C daytime). Nighttime lows can drop to 5–8°C inland, with frost risk in some areas.
Western Cape: Winter rains continue (Cape Town averages ~13 rainy days and 164mm for the month). This supports winter grain crops (wheat, barley) and soil moisture recharge.
- Interior (Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, etc.): Mostly dry and sunny with occasional cold fronts bringing light rain or wind. Frost possible in low-lying areas.
- Short-term (next few days from late July): Regional forecasts typically show stable winter patterns with cold fronts moving through the south and possible scattered showers. No major heat waves expected (this is winter).
- Field Crops (Maize, Soybeans, etc.):
- Record or near-record corn (maize) harvest recently completed/ongoing (~18 million metric tons estimated).
- Summer grains and oilseeds planting for the next season underway or imminent, with farmers targeting ~4.5 million hectares (up ~1% year-on-year). Optimism driven by recent favourable conditions and improved genetics/practices.
- Horticulture (Fruits & Vegetables): Strong yields expected from prior favourable weather, supporting exports (e.g., avocados hitting records).
- Livestock: Mixed but improving. Challenges from Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) persist, with vaccination drives and private sector options under discussion. Feed costs easing in some areas due to ample grain supplies.
- Positive growth expected, supported by La Niña-influenced rains earlier, expanded planting, and export momentum.
- Agriculture remains a key driver of rural jobs, food security, and regional exports (Southern Africa relies on SA grain).
- El Niño Watch: Growing concerns about a potential shift toward El Niño later in 2026 or into 2026/27 summer season. This could bring hotter, drier conditions, increasing drought risk for summer crops (maize, soybeans). Farmers are urged to prepare with data-driven risk management, soil health focus, and water efficiency.
Other Factors: Input costs, port/logistics improvements, biosecurity (poultry/livestock diseases), and policy stability (including land and trade issues).
- Weather & climate resilience
- Soil & water management
- Data-driven decisions
- Export orientation
- Consumer & sustainability demands
Fertiliser Prices in South Africa – 22 July 2026
Here is the latest overview of major dam levels across South Africa as of -July 2026:National Summary
|
Fertiliser Type
|
Average Price (R/ton)
|
Monthly Change
|
vs. Year Ago
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
LAN (28)
|
~R19,125
|
-4%
|
Significantly higher
|
Some easing in nitrogen markets
|
|
Urea (46)
|
~R21,009
|
+5%
|
+91%
|
Strong increase
|
|
MAP
|
~R22,860
|
+8%
|
Higher
|
Key for summer crops; phosphate pressure
|
|
Potassium Chloride (KCl)
|
~R11,242
|
+7%
|
Higher
|
Rising due to global factors
|
- Overall Trend: Local prices are ~57% above the previous year. Monthly changes in June were mixed, but input costs for the upcoming season stay high.
sagrainmag.co.za
- Rand Impact: The rand traded at ~R16.42/USD in June, influencing landed import costs (most fertilisers are globally traded).
- Global Pressures: Elevated energy prices, Middle East tensions, constrained Chinese exports, and shipping issues support higher prices. World Bank projections flagged potential ~30% global rises in 2026 before easing in 2027.
- Local Context: Prices reflect international benchmarks but are moderated somewhat by domestic blending and logistics. For summer grain producers, MAP increases are notable as phosphate is often bought ahead of planting (October/November onwards).
- 2026/27 Season Implications: Farmers face higher input costs for the next planting cycle. This adds pressure on margins, especially combined with El Niño weather risks. Efficiency measures (precision application, soil testing) and hedging are increasingly important.
This is CRA MEDIA .
AMT
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||
|
White maize |
R 3 508,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-28 |
1.38 % |
R 3 460,20 |
||
|
Yellow maize |
R 3 565,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-28 |
1.45 % |
R 3 514,00 |
||
|
Soybeans |
R 7 930,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-28 |
0.44 % |
R 7 895,00 |
||
|
Sunflower seed |
R 10 130,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-28 |
0.80 % |
R 10 050,00 |
||
|
Wheat |
R 6 080,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-28 |
-2.16 % |
R 6 214,00 |
||
|
Sorghum (IPP) |
R 4 680,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-24 |
4.49 % |
R 4 479,00 |
||
|
Groundnuts (IPP Randfontein)) |
R 20 928,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-24 |
3.64 % |
R 20 193,00 |
||
|
Cotton (IPP) |
R 11 350,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-24 |
2.25 % |
R 11 100,00 |
||
|
Soy Meal (US derived price) |
R 11 408,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-24 |
1.28 % |
R 11 264,00 |
||
|
Chop |
R 2 900,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-24 |
9.43 % |
R 2 650,00 |
||
|
Lusern (Grade 1) |
R 3 900,00 |
per Ton |
2026-07-24 |
0.00 % |
R 3 900,00 |
||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||
|
Bananas |
R 8,51 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-2.52 % |
R 8,73 |
||
|
Apples |
R 9,08 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-1.84 % |
R 9,25 |
||
|
Oranges |
R 2,48 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-9.49 % |
R 2,74 |
||
|
Avocados |
R 16,95 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-2.75 % |
R 17,43 |
||
|
Grapes |
R 48,67 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-2.41 % |
R 49,87 |
||
|
Mangos |
R 21,00 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-43.47 % |
R 37,15 |
||
|
Pears |
R 7,16 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-24.31 % |
R 9,46 |
||
|
Pineapples |
R 10,20 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-2.58 % |
R 10,47 |
||
|
Peaches |
R 33,44 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
14.60 % |
R 29,18 |
||
|
Lemons |
R 4,16 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-8.77 % |
R 4,56 |
||
|
Nectarines |
R 47,27 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
53.27 % |
R 30,84 |
||
|
Naartjies (Mandarins) |
R 6,65 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-12.27 % |
R 7,58 |
||
|
Blueberries |
R 72,15 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-16.17 % |
R 86,07 |
||
|
Grapefruits |
R 4,37 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
14.70 % |
R 3,81 |
||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Potatoes |
R 60,74 |
per 10Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-3.89 % |
R 63,20 |
||||
|
Tomatoes |
R 11,12 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-16.14 % |
R 13,26 |
||||
|
Carrots |
R 5,67 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-6.74 % |
R 6,08 |
||||
|
Onions |
R 90,91 |
per 10Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-11.61 % |
R 102,85 |
||||
|
Cabbage |
R 3,35 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
15.92 % |
R 2,89 |
||||
|
Garlic |
R 59,79 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
9.59 % |
R 54,56 |
||||
|
Spinach |
R 5,07 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
30.67 % |
R 3,88 |
||||
|
Sweet Potatoes |
R 4,08 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
0.74 % |
R 4,05 |
||||
|
Peppers |
R 17,71 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
2.19 % |
R 17,33 |
||||
|
Chillies |
R 7,86 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
4.94 % |
R 7,49 |
||||
|
Pumpkins |
R 2,63 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
8.23 % |
R 2,43 |
||||
|
Mushrooms |
R 85,51 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-3.68 % |
R 88,78 |
||||
|
Butternuts |
R 4,91 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-1.80 % |
R 5,00 |
||||
|
Green beans |
R 24,86 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
8.94 % |
R 22,82 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Sheep A2/3 |
R 109,29 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
0.11 % |
R 109,17 |
||||
|
Feeder Lamb (Dual Purpose) |
R 58,87 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
3.79 % |
R 56,72 |
||||
|
Sheep AB2/3 |
R 91,00 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-0.55 % |
R 91,50 |
||||
|
Sheep B2/3 |
R 83,50 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
0.60 % |
R 83,00 |
||||
|
Sheep C2/3 |
R 80,00 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-3.03 % |
R 82,50 |
||||
|
Wool 20 micron - Non RWS |
R 261,00 |
per Kg |
2026-06-12 |
0.00 % |
R 261,00 |
||||
|
Wool 20 micron - RWS |
R 278,00 |
per Kg |
2026-06-12 |
0.00 % |
R 278,00 |
||||
|
Mohair - Ave Non RWS |
R 419,00 |
per Kg |
2026-06-05 |
0.00 % |
R 419,00 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Beef A2/3 |
R 73,50 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
7.30 % |
R 68,50 |
||||
|
Weaners (200-250kg) |
R 48,56 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
5.50 % |
R 46,03 |
||||
|
Beef AB2/3 |
R 70,50 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
5.22 % |
R 67,00 |
||||
|
Beef B2/3 |
R 63,00 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
1.61 % |
R 62,00 |
||||
|
Beef C2/3 |
R 60,00 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-2.44 % |
R 61,50 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Kids (under 30kg) |
R 60,32 |
per kg |
2026-07-24 |
-15.55 % |
R 71,43 |
||||
|
Medium (30-40kg) |
R 64,52 |
per kg |
2026-07-24 |
5.08 % |
R 61,40 |
||||
|
Large (above 40kg) |
R 36,21 |
per kg |
2026-07-24 |
-20.85 % |
R 45,75 |
||||
|
Ewes (Goats) |
R 55,81 |
per kg |
2026-07-24 |
-2.74 % |
R 57,38 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Poultry Frozen |
R 32,92 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
0.00 % |
R 32,92 |
||||
|
Poultry fresh |
R 38,68 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
0.00 % |
R 38,68 |
||||
|
Poultry IQF |
R 35,37 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
0.00 % |
R 35,37 |
||||
|
Product Name |
Price |
Quantity Type |
Date |
Change |
Previous Price |
||||
|
Pork Porkers |
R 30,93 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-0.03 % |
R 30,94 |
||||
|
Pork Baconers |
R 29,39 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
-2.23 % |
R 30,06 |
||||
|
Pork Sausage |
R 24,10 |
per Kg |
2026-07-24 |
0.46 % |
R 23,99 |
||||
