In The Spotlight
Pork and beef demand might see contraction.
While cyclical and structural factors will continue to affect animal protein production in 2026, demand will rise by 14% by 2035, said Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior global specialist in animal protein at Rabobank while speaking at AFMA’s 12th Animal Feed Conference at Sun City
With long-term demand mostly driven by poultry and eggs, the world will seek animal protien largely from emerging markets, especially Asia, Latin America and Africa.
For now, seafood is leading production growth, followed by poultry, as pork and beef might see contraction, marking the first reduction in global terrestrial species output in six years. Mulder said that Rabobank is expecting a tight cattle supply with high prices, with the poultry industry looking strong, especially when considering global animal protein consumption.
“The animal protein market will grow by 1,4% per year, and in 2026 this growth will be driven by poultry, eggs, and seafood,” he said.
“While we expect feed costs to remain steady, in both mature and developing markets, a focus on increasing efficiency and productivity will be critical at the farm and processor level.”
Geopolitical volatilities are impacting trade policies, and new agreements can provide a boost to the industry.
“El Niño weather risk is rising for the rest of the year, and although the phenomenon leads to drier conditions in the Southern Hemisphere, it normally also leads to more bullish prices,” he said.
MTC's PE2 reinforced gloves can be a good fit for sugarcane farmers.
Mbabane Trading Company (MTC) is offering a wide range of farming essentials from protective clothing and footwear to reliable hand tools that will support farmers withstand any demanding conditions while in the field
MTC designs its products with practicality, durability and value in mind to suit farmers' needs. To address mud exposure, for example, MTC's Egoli boots serve as sturdy footwear. Its Jonsson reflective overalls is a practical workwear, which also retains visibility to protect workers working around vehicles, machinery or in low-light conditions.
MTC's PE2 reinforced gloves can be a good fit for sugarcane farmers who have to work around sharp cane leaves under wet conditions, tackling mud, dust and long working hours. Lasher cane knives with a solid blade and wooden handle, which are widely used in sugarcane farming, are also available at MTC. Farmer files are offered as well for sharpening and the maintenance of farm tools.
Cutting and maintenance tools besides, MTC also stocks safety goggles for eye protection against dust, debris and other hazardous exposure.
MTC's strategy is driven by farmers' safety, with quality gear designed to make life easier for them. Of everyday items, it supplies Jerry cans for the transportation and storage of liquids around the farm.
MTC's store at Unit 2, Riverside Centre at the Mbabane Industrial Site serves as a convenient one-stop shop for farmers.
IPM ESSEN unites global supply and demand in one place. (Image source: IPM ESSEN)
Global trade fair for horticulture, IPM ESSEN will be opening its doors to international partners for expansion accross new markets with wider networking and long-term business opportunities
Set to be held in Germany from 26 to 29 January 2027, IPM ESSEN will be introducing a new international delegation programme, which will see partcipation from both key and emerging markets. There will be an engaging presentation of products, concepts and innovations in the green sector. The delegation will comprise not only international trade associations and industry organisations but political institutions and economic development agencies as well.
“IPM ESSEN unites global supply and demand in one place. With the new delegation programme, we are systematically expanding this matchmaking function and creating additional opportunities to connect international IPM participants with one another. This is how personal encounters lead to new projects and long-term partnerships,” said Oliver P Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen.
Participants can take away valuable practical insights from exchanges with horticultural businesses, breeders, nurseries and garden centres in North Rhine-Westphalia.
IPM ESSEN will have a dedicated Innovation Centre Horticulture Technology promoting future-oriented fields such as climate adaptation, resource efficiency, peat reduction, automation and artificial intelligence.
The IPM Discovery Centre will display innovative POS concepts and ensure modern shopfitting ideas for retailers are staged to maximum effect. Exhibitors from all areas of horticulture can tap into easy brand positioning by integrating their products and novelties into high-profile sales concepts. The presentation is practical, trend-oriented and emotive, directly within the application context.
FederUnacoma offers tractors to levelling machines and weed-control robots. (Image source: FederUnacoma)
Highly specialised FederUnacoma machineries for operations in rice fields were on display at the recently concluded Riso – International Rice Festival in Vercelli, organised by the Province and City of Vercelli alongside the National Rice Authority (Ente Nazionale Risi) and Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies (MASAF)
From tractors to levelling machines and weed-control robots, there are technologies dedicated to each stage of production to ensure maximum efficiency.
With more than 230,000 hectares under cultivation, and of high-quality varieties, rice production drives Italy's agriculture scene. To secure rice generation stability against factors such as drought, low market prices and foreign competition, technology is the most scientific way to manage uncertainties, according to FederUnacoma. The 17 innovative machines on display included tractors powerful and versatile enough to work across ploughing, sowing, irrigation and harvesting.
There were multi-purpose blades for constructing solid embankments designed to consistently maintain water level without leaks or seepage. Levelling blades ensuring uniform water distribution were displayed as well. In addition to these – also on display at RISO’ – were precision seeders, electric telescopic loaders for CO₂-free operation in the field, combine harvesters fitted with specialised harvesting attachments, and reaper-binders for harvesting in dry-farmed rice fields.
An agricultural robot was present demonstrating cultivation operations such as weeding with precision. “The technologies produced by Italian manufacturers are capable of managing rice paddies with extreme precision, complying with the phytosanitary parameters imposed by the European Union, conserving water resources and significantly reducing labour costs,” said Mariateresa Maschio, president of FederUnacoma, “and thus enable production costs to be kept in check in a sector...such as the rice industry, which currently offers low profitability”.
“Our Federation’s presence at the RISO event strengthens our collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry,” said Simona Rapastella, director-general of FederUnacoma, “and forms part of a comprehensive programme which, in recent years, has included exhibitions and machine demonstrations at the main events dedicated to agriculture. This is precisely to highlight how mechanisation is a fundamental tool for the competitiveness of Italian production, and how machinery can be a valuable ally for agricultural businesses.”
Agroecology can be the solution to food security.
Agroecology is driving the African Union Commission's food security policies as it calls for increased investments in the sector so that it generates employment opportunities for a growing youth population
Announced during the recently held Africa Regional Youth Summit on Agroecology and the Future of Africa's Food Systems in Kampala, this move will address the continent's food systems to reduce import dependency.
Haile Abebe of the African Union's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) who spoke during the summit highlighted the commercial significance of agriculture and how it can be more that just a tool for subsistence.
“Agriculture is no longer simply about producing food. It is about science, technology, entrepreneurship, finance, digital innovation, logistics, processing, manufacturing, trade, climate resilience and value addition,” Abebe said.
With the right skills and technology, alongside financial means and market access, Africa's predominantly youth population can be channelised towards the region's wider agrifood sector. Prioritising the transformation of agrifood systems requires advancing agroecology.
“Agroecology can be part of this solution. It opens opportunities for young people across the agrifood system - from soil health, seeds and bio-inputs to irrigation, digital agriculture, processing, packaging, logistics, green energy and market development,” said Abebe.
Other opportunities include organic and bio-fertiliser production, ecological seed systems, agroforestry, water conservation, food processing, packaging and marketing.
BAITS3 deliver comparatively nuanced animal registration and traceability.
Veterinary authorities are deploying the Botswana Animal Information and Traceability System (BAITS) to accelerate monitoring of livestock movement as cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) become apparent in Kgatleng District
The BAITS system supports the management of movement with revised movement controls. Movement management depends on animal identification, traceability, veterinary checks and other disease-control requirements. The system helps in tracking livestock registration and ownership records.
The system allows veterinary authorities to verify an animal’s registered ownership and location and to support movement controls alongside vaccination records, quarantine measures and veterinary inspections.
BAITS2 is now upgraded to BAITS3 to deliver comparatively nuanced animal registration and traceability. BAITS3 is also digitally equipped to support livestock owners in registering animals, recording ownership transfers and arrivals, reporting deaths and updating veterinary information.
BAITS3 is central to Botswana’s broader FMD-control approach, which involves zoning, vaccination, quarantine, surveillance and restrictions on animal movement. This practice aligns with the vision of World Organisation for Animal Health.
The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has advised farmers to update livestock records and ensure animals carry required identification, including ear tags and brands. This helps to check rapid spreading by localising disease risks within specific control zones.
The Ministry is prioritising precautionary measures against suspected FMD cases at several crushes in the Oodi and Mochudi extension areas. It has initiated investigations and prohibited livestock movements in Disease Control Zone 11, except within the designated containment area, and imposed additional restrictions in Zones 3, 8, 9 and 10.
Africa is willing to coordinate policy and trade across borders.
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) convened while AGRA hosted a roundtable at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda
Ministers or their representatives from Nigeria, Uganda, Niger, Mali, Malawi, Rwanda and Ethiopia as well as Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, former President of Botswana, participated in the session. The Ministers expressed their desire to collaborate in areas of livestock value chains, unlock investment, expand market and trade, and build partnerships needed to scale livestock solutions across the continent.
The collaboration will address a widening gap between Africa’s potential and its performance. Even after owning a notable portion of the world's resources, Africa has to spend nearly US$100bn on food imports annually. Meanwhile, animal-source foods are the most expensive food group for Africans, for whom healthy diets are the furthest out of reach, with demand projected to grow 280 percent by 2050.
What can be the most promising interventions for improving livestock productivity were discussed at the meeting. Topics included livestock genetics to quality feed and animal health initiatives, as well as what large-scale delivery actually requires, and the conditions needed to move from livestock plans to implementation.
“Clearly Africa doesn’t lack solutions for its livestock sector. What it lacks is scale and productivity. Closing this gap between what Africa produces and what it imports is the key to delivering on the promise of the continent’s $1trillion annual agribusiness potential,” said Appolinaire Djikeng, ILRI Director General. “Today’s commitments show ministers are ready to move from proven innovations to the investment and regional trade that turn them into a continent-wide blueprint for self-reliance.”
“Africa does not lack livestock potential. We do not lack animals. We do not lack farmers. We do not lack science and technical knowledge. We certainly do not lack demand. And, increasingly, we do not lack policy recognition. What we have lacked is the ability to connect all these pieces and deliver at scale. Africa’s livestock priority is no longer recognition. It is delivery,” explained Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, Chair of Council Zimbabwe National University of Science and Technology, extraordinary Professor University of Pretoria, Co-Chair Food Planet Prize.
“We already know what works. The task now is coordinating policy and trade across borders, so proven livestock solutions can scale from one country to a continent. That is what the Integrated Regional Livestock Value Chain program is built to do, and what today’s commitments move us closer to,” said Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
Biosecurity practices can boost overall performance even at a low cost for pig producers. (Image source: DLG)
Disease prevention and herd health management require continuous health monitoring and farm-tailored vaccination programmes
Sound management practices include maintaining barn hygiene, access controls, early detection and modern preventive measures. Such practical solutions for economic livestock production will be addressed at the DLG Expert Stage: Biosecurity and Feed Safety by EuroTier, which is set to return in Hanover, Germany, from 10 to 13 November. There will be specialist presentations and panel discussions covering current challenges and practical solutions, from modern hygiene concepts and feed quality assurance to innovative technologies for herd management and disease prevention. Experts from farming, science, industry and advisory services will present the latest developments and future-oriented production and housing concepts.
Animal health remains central to effective livestock production, driving the significance of biosecurity management. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to addressing epidemics like African swine fever (ASF), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to name a few. The right hygiene protocols can break infection chains and restore economic losses.
Optimised barn climate and customised feeding strategies can help boost overall performance even at a low cost for pig producers. Strict adherence to biosecurity measures, including herd depopulation and restricting movements, has made a huge difference in curbing the African swine fever.
Biosecurity practices have also helped check the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Preventive measures such as maintaining consistency in barn and personnel hygiene, or vehicle disinfection, among others can protect farms keeping cloven-hoofed animals.
Biosecurity in the poultry sector can prevent seroious threats like avian influenza, with proper cleaning and disinfection practices. Alkaline cleaners can wipe out fat and protein residues, followed by disinfection with approved products and effectiveness testing through environmental swabs.
The separation of clean and dirty areas, changing footwear and clothing, regular handwashing and visitor logs are standard practice. External vehicles should avoid entering farm premises whenever possible. If vehicles must visit multiple farms, cleaning and disinfection are essential. Preventing contact between wild birds and feed, water or outdoor areas is also crucial, while rodent and insect control remain important components of disease prevention.
IPM ESSEN unites global supply and demand in one place. (Image source: IPM ESSEN)
The Kigali Convention Centre will host VIV Africa 2026. (Image source: VNU Exhibition)
Africa is willing to coordinate policy and trade across borders.
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) convened while AGRA hosted a roundtable at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda
Ministers or their representatives from Nigeria, Uganda, Niger, Mali, Malawi, Rwanda and Ethiopia as well as Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, former President of Botswana, participated in the session. The Ministers expressed their desire to collaborate in areas of livestock value chains, unlock investment, expand market and trade, and build partnerships needed to scale livestock solutions across the continent.
The collaboration will address a widening gap between Africa’s potential and its performance. Even after owning a notable portion of the world's resources, Africa has to spend nearly US$100bn on food imports annually. Meanwhile, animal-source foods are the most expensive food group for Africans, for whom healthy diets are the furthest out of reach, with demand projected to grow 280 percent by 2050.
What can be the most promising interventions for improving livestock productivity were discussed at the meeting. Topics included livestock genetics to quality feed and animal health initiatives, as well as what large-scale delivery actually requires, and the conditions needed to move from livestock plans to implementation.
“Clearly Africa doesn’t lack solutions for its livestock sector. What it lacks is scale and productivity. Closing this gap between what Africa produces and what it imports is the key to delivering on the promise of the continent’s $1trillion annual agribusiness potential,” said Appolinaire Djikeng, ILRI Director General. “Today’s commitments show ministers are ready to move from proven innovations to the investment and regional trade that turn them into a continent-wide blueprint for self-reliance.”
“Africa does not lack livestock potential. We do not lack animals. We do not lack farmers. We do not lack science and technical knowledge. We certainly do not lack demand. And, increasingly, we do not lack policy recognition. What we have lacked is the ability to connect all these pieces and deliver at scale. Africa’s livestock priority is no longer recognition. It is delivery,” explained Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, Chair of Council Zimbabwe National University of Science and Technology, extraordinary Professor University of Pretoria, Co-Chair Food Planet Prize.
“We already know what works. The task now is coordinating policy and trade across borders, so proven livestock solutions can scale from one country to a continent. That is what the Integrated Regional Livestock Value Chain program is built to do, and what today’s commitments move us closer to,” said Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
Pork and beef demand might see contraction.
BAITS3 deliver comparatively nuanced animal registration and traceability.
The delegation examined intelligent seedling equipment.
As part of China-Africa cooperation programme, more than 10 experts and scholars from South Africa visited Jinhua in East China's Zhejiang province to explore the city's development and achievements, with their itinerary also comprising Wuzhou Ancient City and the China-Africa (Jinhua) Agricultural Science and Innovation Park
The delegation examined intelligent seedling equipment and took a tour of the China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Exchange Center. They got to see firsthand Jinhua's agricultural innovation capabilities.
At the China-Africa (Jinhua) Agricultural Science and Innovation Park in Changshan township, Wucheng district, the delegation sampled specialty agricultural products such as lotus seeds and sweet potatoes cultivated by the Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences. These were meant for consumption like fruits, and were highly appreciated. China-Africa agricultural cooperation were explored through insightful exchanges on modern agricultural technologies.
This visit is part of the lead-up to the 2026 China-South Africa Seminar on Human Rights in Hangzhou. Before the seminar, participants have conducted field visits in Jinhua and Hangzhou to deepen their understanding of local advancements and collaborative efforts in agriculture.
Agroecology can be the solution to food security.
Ecovado's plant will be driven by the Alfa Laval processing line.
The training is part of Federal Government’s wider mechanisation programme.
The graduation of 250 Nigerians marked the first cohort of the National Agricultural Mechanisation Service Providers Training Programme organised by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) in collaboration with Agcoms International Trading Limited, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
The partnership reflects an administrative structure where FMARD will provide policy oversight; NADF serves as the implementing authority; Agcoms brings private-sector equipment, technical and training expertise; and ITF provides training and assessment support. The original programme design calls for two operators per tractor, helping to extend operating hours while ensuring that equipment is handled and maintained properly.
This comes as part of the Federal Government’s wider mechanisation programme, with this phase involving 2,000 John Deere 5E Series tractors and associated implements to be supplied by Agcoms. The larger programme targets 4,000 tractor operators and mechanics.
The programme was born out of the necessity to modernise Nigeria's agriculture, questioning the operation, maintenance and use maximisation of existing tractors over making available new ones. This demanded a shift of focus towards investing in human capacity to boost farm productivity and lower production costs.
The programme falls in line with the agricultural policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which considers agricultural mechanisation central to Nigeria’s food-security challenge. It has in mind the best interests of smallholder farmers, working to improve access to modern machinery, reducing dependency on manual labour and increase yields.
MTC's PE2 reinforced gloves can be a good fit for sugarcane farmers.
FederUnacoma offers tractors to levelling machines and weed-control robots. (Image source: FederUnacoma)
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MTC's PE2 reinforced gloves can be a good fit for sugarcane farmers.
FederUnacoma offers tractors to levelling machines and weed-control robots. (Image source: FederUnacoma)
The training is part of Federal Government’s wider mechanisation programme.
Zoomlion's participation is part of a broader Hunan business delegation.
The plant in Congo assembles models of 75 and 130 horsepower.
The range is purpose-built for mixed farming operations. (Image source: New Holland)
Government is especially prioritising dairy sector to boost food security. (Image source: GAA)
The C1450T is built to increase capacity. (Image source: John Deere)
The company’s slurry handling equipment come with competitive price ranges.
The project is set to become an exemplary climate-smart agriculture.
The company officially launched its Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) equipment and services at its Africa headquarters in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.(Image credit: xylem)
(Image credit: Power Factor Systems)