With a wide-ranging programme focused on organic arable farming, the DLG Feldtage 2026 is all set to return at the International DLG Crop Production Center, Bernburg, from 16-18 June, exploring the theme 'Crop Production out of the Box'

The event will explore the use of ridge cultivation systems in organic farming as a concept for resilient and economically viable arable production. There will be information on organic markets and insights for organic farmers, new entrants as well as conventional farmers entering the organic farming segment. Demonstration farms specialising in organic agriculture will present innovative operational models on-site.

The DLG Spotlight 'Organic Farming' at the 2026 Feldtage will shed light on organic crop production. Trial plots will feature regionally adapted crops, and field vegetables, demonstrating their role within viable regional value chains.

A complete crop rotation will illustrate the potential of stockless organic farming systems in dry regions. There will be demonstrations and exchanges on mechanical weed control in spring crops using a hoe with 45 cm row spacing.

Agroforestry is another key theme, with demonstration plots showcasing establishment methods and the benefits of agroforestry systems in arable farming.

Ridge cultivation offers new approaches for both organic and conventional farming. In addition to classical ridge crops, farmers can grow cereals, legumes, maize and other crops using ridge systems.

This approach is characterized by loose soil structure with stable crumb formation, improved root development and enhanced soil water management.

Beyond crop management, the DLG Spotlight “Organic Farming” also provides insight into technical innovations, using Vitatill technology as an example. Key focuses include:

precise shallow cultivation (flat or contour-based), deep strip loosening below plough or cultivator layers, partial seeding and advanced mechanical crop care.

The machinery demonstrations at the DLG Feldtage will feature seven thematic areas with a total of 66 machinery combinations.

Key topics include soil-friendly and efficient tractor operation, mechanical weed control using harrows in spring durum wheat and using hoes in maize; deep non-inversion tillage before drilling; direct seeding and strip-till systems in cover crops and stubble,

The FarmRobotix area will showcase field robots in practical use, providing an overview of the current state of development of autonomous agricultural systems. All demonstrations are led by expert commentary and will take place live once per day during the event.

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.”

Designed for emerging farmers, cooperatives and smart agricultural programmes across sub-Saharan Africa, the MBS SmartFarm Platform has been deployed following a three-month applied research pilot at the Sustainability Institute in Lynedoch, Stellenbosch

The platform reported marked improvements in soil health and water management, after close monitoring of soil moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, water consumption, and real-time climatic conditions across the SI’s community garden.

With this platform, Africa gets its first IoT-native precision agriculture model to embed enterprise-grade cybersecurity at its architectural foundation. Community food production initiatives, and institutions operating within sustainability-driven and development-finance supported programmes across Sub-Saharan Africa can leverage the application.

“The integration of smart agriculture technologies within our garden is not only about improving yields and resource management, but also about deepening experiential learning; transforming the garden into a living laboratory for innovation,” said Mulweli Nethengwe, research and strategy analyst, Sustainability Institute. 

“Soil health is the foundation of food security and for too long, the intelligence needed to protect it has remained out of reach for the farms and communities that need it most. The MBS SmartFarm Platform changes that. What we are bringing is a contribution to the long-term resilience of food systems across this continent, backed by evidence, built for African conditions, and designed to serve the people who feed us.” said Tandi Rouse, co-founder and director, MyBitSecure Technologies (Pty) Ltd.