The DLG Feldtage 2026 event is set to take place from 16 to 18 June at the International Crop Production Centre in Bernburg, Germany

Recognised as one of Europe’s leading field based events for crop production, it will bring together farmers, experts, and industry leaders to explore practical approaches to modern crop protection. The event will focus on helping farms make informed decisions through real world demonstrations and direct exchange with specialists.

Arable farming is facing growing pressure. Resistance among weeds and pests continues to rise, while key chemical solutions are steadily being withdrawn. At the same time, new pest challenges are emerging, making crop protection more complex than ever. Farmers are now expected to rely on a broader approach that combines crop rotation, soil management, careful variety selection, and precise use of crop protection products.

For decades, chemical crop protection has played a major role in securing stable yields, especially in highly specialised farming systems. However, this approach is becoming less reliable. The number of available active ingredients is shrinking, and resistance in weeds such as blackgrass is increasing. With strict approval processes across Europe and fewer new products entering the market, farmers are left with limited options.

This shift is pushing agronomic practices back into focus. Methods such as flexible soil cultivation, improved seedbed preparation, and adjusted sowing dates are becoming essential tools. Crop rotation is once again a key strategy, as diversifying crops can reduce the spread and dominance of problem weeds. Choosing competitive crop varieties and maintaining strong field hygiene also play an important role in long term success.

The DLG Feldtage 2026 event will highlight how these strategies work in practice. With around 300 exhibitors and more than 60 live demonstrations, visitors will see a wide range of solutions, from advanced spraying systems to mechanical weed control and integrated farming approaches. Interactive sessions, expert talks, and discussions will provide valuable insights into efficient and practical farming methods.

The event also offers a platform to explore future technologies, including digital tools, smart spraying systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence. By encouraging open dialogue between farmers and experts, the event aims to support farms in improving productivity, using resources wisely, and preparing for future challenges in agriculture.

Nigeria’s livestock sector is gaining fresh attention as a new development framework promises to open up opportunities across the industry.

The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Akajiugo Emeka Obegolu, has shared an optimistic outlook, stating that the initiative could create up to 350,000 jobs within its first two years.

According to Obegolu, the framework is designed to attract investment and support growth across the entire livestock value chain. Central to this effort is the planned Livestock Development Fund, which aims to make financing more accessible for farmers, processors, and other stakeholders. With better access to funding, businesses in the sector are expected to expand and improve their operations.

He also praised the current administration for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a timely and strategic move. This step, he explained, gives the sector the focused attention it needs to reach its full potential. Rather than taking direct control, the government is encouraged to create supportive policies and regulations that allow private investors to play a leading role.

The scale of opportunity within the livestock industry is significant. Obegolu noted that the sector could be worth around 33 trillion naira, covering areas such as meat production, dairy, leather, and poultry. With proper planning and investment, these segments can contribute strongly to economic growth.

He highlighted the importance of improving key areas such as feed systems, animal breeding, and veterinary services. Advancing techniques like artificial insemination and better genetics can help increase productivity and efficiency across farms.

Another major focus is the need to modernise how meat is processed and transported. Moving away from the traditional practice of transporting live animals over long distances, he suggested a system that relies on processed meat and cold chain logistics. This approach would reduce losses, maintain quality, and improve overall efficiency.

With growing collaboration between the government and private sector, the livestock industry is steadily moving towards a more structured and sustainable future. The proposed framework is expected to support job creation, improve food supply, and strengthen Nigeria’s wider economy.

At a key global meeting in Lyon, Qu Dongyu, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, called for stronger and faster efforts to advance the One Health agenda

Speaking at the fourth annual executive meeting of the Quadripartite partnership, he warned that gaps in capacity and a lack of stable funding are still slowing real progress.

The Quadripartite brings together the Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, World Health Organization, and World Organisation for Animal Health. This alliance aims to improve cooperation across sectors to better protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. At its core is the One Health approach, which encourages collaboration across disciplines to address shared challenges such as disease, food safety, and environmental risks.

During his opening remarks, Qu recognised the progress made in recent years, especially in strengthening cooperation and advancing the Joint Plan of Action. Still, he made it clear that progress has not been equal everywhere and that more must be done to turn plans into real change on the ground.

"This meeting is not only about taking stock - it is about accelerating action," Qu said. "We need to expand and scale One Health implementation at country and community level. We need to work collectively, bringing together our individual comparative advantages, in line with our connected yet distinct mandates."

He also highlighted the need to strengthen knowledge sharing and build stronger evidence to show the value of One Health investments. According to him, improving governance, encouraging scientific collaboration, and building stronger communities of practice will be essential for long term success.

As the FAO prepares to pass leadership of the partnership to the World Health Organization, Qu outlined key priorities for the future. These include scaling up action at country level, securing sustainable investment, and raising political awareness to keep One Health high on the global agenda.

He concluded by thanking partner organisations for their continued cooperation and reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to building more resilient and sustainable food systems worldwide.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a fresh step towards improving its dairy sector through a new agreement with Nestlé Nigeria Plc.

This partnership will lead to the creation of a Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre in the Federal Capital Territory, aimed at strengthening local production and improving the livestock value chain.

Speaking in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the agreement as more than a formal step. He explained that it is a practical move to tackle one of the sector’s biggest challenges, which is the lack of technical knowledge and hands on farming skills.

Despite Nigeria’s large cattle population, dairy output remains low. The Minister pointed out the gap clearly, stating, “The reality is that our traditional pastoral systems currently yield an average of merely one to two litres of milk per cow daily.” He explained that this situation is caused by several long standing issues.

“This low productivity is directly linked to a systematic deficit in modern husbandry practices, inadequate feed formulation and lack of clean portable water, as well as impact of climate change and a lack of proficiency in essential areas such as artificial insemination, herd health management and milk hygiene leading to huge post-harvest losses,” he added.

The new centre is expected to serve as a place where farmers can gain real experience and learn modern techniques. Maiha stressed the importance of practical learning, saying, “We are actively aware that theoretical knowledge, while important, cannot substitute for hands-on experience in farm management.”

He also highlighted the need to meet global standards. “Therefore I have directed that the curriculum for this centre must be rigorously benchmarked against the best standards in the global dairy industry.”

The training will focus mainly on practical work, covering areas such as breeding, animal care, feeding, hygiene, and farm management.

Nestlé Nigeria also shared its commitment to the project, noting its ongoing investment in dairy communities. “Through the project, Nestlé Nigeria has invested over 1.8 billion Naira to support dairy communities in and around Pai-Konkore and the Luger grazing reserves.”

This initiative is expected to improve productivity, increase farmers’ incomes, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on dairy imports.