True to its theme 'Resilience through Innovation', Grain SA's 2026 NAMPO Harvest Day highlighted the economic realities facing South African grain producers as the country's agriculture industry continues to move forward despite challenges

While the sector evolves, experts observed that producer profitability, long-term competitiveness and practical market solutions will be the key factors driving change. 

The shifting price-cost dynamics between rising production costs and producer income are redefining profitability as broader food security and economic stability issues that surpass farming.

Producer profitability took centre stage during a panel discussion titled 'To Farm or Not to Farm: The Economic Reality', facilitated by Theo Vorster and featuring Grain SA chairperson, Richard Krige, Hansie Viljoen, Jaco Minnaar and Japie Grobler.

A central question posed to the panel asked, “If you were starting today, would you choose to farm -- and what would need to change for that answer to be yes?”

Panellists agreed that tackling climate change has been a big challenge for the agricultural sector, which has also adversely impacted the economy at large. Improved profitability, more predictable policy frameworks, stronger logistics systems, expanded market opportunities and greater long-term investment certainty were established as the needs of the hour.

“We cannot separate sustainability from profitability,” said Krige. “If producers are not profitable, investment slows, succession becomes uncertain, and food security is placed at risk.”

Throughout the day, Grain SA also highlighted the urgent need to improve market access and move surplus grain more efficiently through export channels and value-chain development.

Aviagen has announced the promotion of Murat Yakar to General Manager of Aviagen Arabia, marking a strategic step forward as the company continues to expand its footprint across the Middle East and surrounding regions

This appointment highlights Aviagen’s long-standing commitment to developing talent from within its own ranks. Murat was selected following a comprehensive internal process, reinforcing the company’s focus on identifying, nurturing and advancing high-potential leaders. His progression reflects a broader corporate philosophy centered on sustainable growth, leadership continuity and investment in people.

Since joining Aviagen in 2016, Murat has played a pivotal role across Türkiye, the Middle East and Africa. Over the years, he has taken on increasing levels of responsibility, contributing to key initiatives and playing an instrumental role in driving regional performance. His experience across diverse markets has equipped him with a strong understanding of both operational demands and customer needs, positioning him well for his new role.

Within his role, Murat will lead the establishment and development of Aviagen Arabia’s operations, a critical component of the company’s broader regional strategy. His leadership will play a pivotal role in driving growth, strengthening customer relationships and ensuring that Aviagen’s global standards are effectively implemented at a local level.

The timing of the appointment is particularly notable, as the poultry sector across the Middle East continues to evolve, shaped by rising demand, technological advancement and increasing focus on food security.

As Aviagen continues to build momentum in the TMEA region, the promotion of Murat Yakar represents more than a leadership change – it underscores a clear direction of growth, stability and confidence in the future. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Aviagen Arabia, with a strong emphasis on expansion, customer collaboration and delivering long-term value across the region.

Kenya's smallholder agriculture industry will be supported with private-sector local currency securitisation led by anchor investor, IDH Farmfit Fund, with the transaction structured by Kaleidofin in partnership with agri-finance company Apollo Agriculture

Structuralising capital for rural lending is the need of the hour, and the currecy securitisation move will generate smallholder finance with the development of institutional credit markets. Approximately US$2.1mn has been mobilised through Apollo Agriculture to secure smallholder farmer credit in Kenya for agricultural inputs. About 51% of the 23,839 smallholder farmers covered by the portfolio are women, while 22% are first-time borrowers. 

“This transaction demonstrates how innovative financial structures can unlock capital for smallholder farmers at scale,” said Roel Messie, CEO of IDH Investment Management, which manages the IDH Farmfit Fund. “Building investable opportunities in agriculture requires both capital and enabling infrastructure, and this partnership brings those elements together.” 

Kaleidofin’s ki platform that caters to underserved segments by converting granular agricultural loans into investable securities in local currency, materialised the securitisation.

Apollo Agriculture leverages ki's AI-driven risk intelligence system in assessing creditworthiness. Apollo focuses on supporting farmers who does not have a background in credit.

“This is a meaningful step in building efficient, scalable funding for smallholder agriculture and validates our tech-enabled business model,” said Eli Pollak, CEO of Apollo Agriculture. “By converting receivables into working capital, we are able to lower our cost of funds and expand access to affordable, local currency financing for farmers.”

Austrian manufacturer Pöttinger’s latest innovation in operational convenience and cost effectiveness is the AEROSEM seed drill, which comes with multiple hopper systems

There are options of a standard hopper, with or without precision combi seeding (PCS), and a double hopper with a pressurised hopper system. The standard hopper holds 1,250 litres of seed material and can be expanded by a further 600 litres.

Standard hopper has a capacity of 450 litres for maize (2 x 225 litres) and 800 litres for fertiliser. The optional hopper extension increases the capacity to 650 litres of maize (2 x 325 l) and 1200 litres of fertiliser.

The PCS version, on the other hand, adds precision metering separator elements to the seed drill hopper for economical precision sowing of maize seed. The 2000l-capacity double hopper is equipped to handle application rates of up to 520 kg/ha. Its pressurised hopper system unlocks new agronomic strategies, offering a one-stop shop for the drilling of different-sized seeds, depositing fertiliser granules, or sowing a companion crop.

For sowing using the single-shoot method, the double hopper is partitioned 60:40 and has a separate metering unit for each hopper. This means that different components can be optimally mixed and placed together in the same seed slot.

Both the hopper options in the AEROSEM M is driven by the intelligent distribution system (IDS) that controls each outlet via the bus system. This option unlocks diverse prospects for contract work and machinery rings when it comes to handling coulter pipes and tramlines.

The high output AEROSEM seed drill is equipped with precision metering and rugged coulter system to efficiently place the seed at the right position for assured results.

Challenging operating conditions are simplified with consistent distribution from the injector metering system. High yields are ensured for the combined effect of the precision metering system, the large and versatile distribution head, and the coulter rail with dual disc coulter system.

The double-disc coulters are easy to adjust and can reach a pressure point of up to 60 kg. The dual disc coulters have been especially modified by Pöttinger to sow maize so that every seed is optimally embedded in the seed slot. When the seed exits the coulter pipe it is carefully pressed down by the firming roller.

Right after, the optional harrow tines cover the seed with soil. The dual disc coulters work well even on clayey soil that contains considerable plant residues, and at high driving speeds.

Whether deployed together with a power harrow or compact combination, the Pöttinger AEROSEM M brings consistency to seed placement, optimised weight distribution, and high sowing accuracy.

As Africa’s farming sector is experiencing the transition phase in digital adaptation, a region-specific integrated approach of traditional application alongside technology can be the practical way forward.

Convenient and cost-effective precision farming offerings such as Pöttinger’s AEROSEM M can make adaption easier for smallholder farmers, making a difference where it matters. Once this can be initiated on the ground level, deploying further advanced applications such as geographic information system (GIS), global positioning system (GPS) or variable rate technology will be a matter of time.