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 Resistance among weeds and pests continues to rise, while key chemical solutions are steadily being withdrawn.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.

VIV Worldwide is entering a new phase of global development with the appointment of Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide by Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs | VNU Group.

The move signals a renewed focus on expanding the international reach of the VIV brand and strengthening its role as a leading platform for the global livestock and agrifood industry. The announcement also comes at an important time as preparations gather pace for major upcoming VIV events around the world.

The appointment arrives just months ahead of VIV Europe 2026, which will take place from 2 to 4 June at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. This edition is particularly significant as it marks the 25th anniversary of the event, one of the most recognised trade gatherings for professionals across the feed to food chain. At the same time, the organisation is also preparing to launch VIV Select India, which will make its debut from 22 to 24 April in New Delhi, opening new opportunities in one of the fastest growing livestock markets.

Hall’s promotion reflects the organisation’s confidence in her leadership and international outlook. Jeroen van Hooff, President and CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, emphasised the impact she has already made within the organisation. "From the very start of her time at Jaarbeurs in 2025, Natasha has made a clear mark on the development of VIV Asia, where her international work experience and strategic vision contributed to growth, positioning and market connection. Her new role sets her up for the next step within the organisation and for further developing VIV as a globally leading B2B platform for the poultry and livestock sector."

In her new role, Hall will oversee the complete global VIV portfolio across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East and Africa region. Her responsibilities include the international VIV trade shows along with VIV Connect and the VIV Trade Forums. A key priority will be expanding the global network of exhibitors, visitors and industry partners while strengthening the international visibility of the VIV brand.

With more than a decade of experience in the exhibitions industry in Dubai, Hall brings strong international expertise to the role. "I see VIV as a unique global platform that brings together the entire feed to food chain, and I consider that integrated approach to be an important differentiating strength," said Hall.

Her appointment also comes during a milestone year for the brand. VIV Europe 2026 will celebrate its 25th edition and will also mark the decision to move the event to a biennial schedule from 2028 onwards. "VIV Europe has grown into a reliable and forward-looking platform where strategy, technology and business come together. The anniversary edition in June will once again bring hundreds of international exhibitors and thousands of professionals from the global feed to food chain to Utrecht — a recognised hub for agrifood innovation, science and sustainable chain development."

The African Development Bank Group has pledged US$15mn to the SPE PEF III private equity fund, signalling strong support for businesses that are ready to move beyond their early stages and expand across Africa

This step reflects a wider ambition to strengthen the private sector by helping mid sized companies that often face difficulty securing long term funding.

Managed by SPE Capital, the SPE PEF III fund is primarily focused on North Africa, while also exploring promising opportunities in parts of sub Saharan Africa. Its purpose is straightforward: to provide financial backing to companies that want to grow, enter new markets, and improve how they operate. By focusing on this phase of development, the fund fills an important gap between early stage investment and large scale corporate financing.

The investment approach centres on sectors that are seen as essential for long term economic progress. Industrial activity is one of the main priorities, covering areas such as manufacturing, packaging, and food processing. These industries play a key role in strengthening local production and reducing reliance on imports. Another focus lies in business and industrial services, including logistics, outsourcing, and financial technology, which help companies operate more efficiently. The third area is human capital, which includes healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education, all vital for both social wellbeing and economic stability.

Beyond direct funding, the investment is expected to attract further interest from other investors. Institutions like the African Development Bank often act as early supporters, helping to reduce risk and encourage wider private sector involvement. This can lead to increased flows of capital into African markets and a more active investment environment.

Overall, the move supports the Bank’s broader mission to drive economic growth, create jobs, and expand business opportunities across the continent. By improving access to finance and backing key industries, this initiative is set to help African businesses grow in a steady and sustainable way while becoming more competitive in regional and global markets.

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.