Manila, Philippines

From 16 to 18 June 2026, Bernburg in Saxony-Anhalt will once again become the central hub for modern crop production as the DLG Feldtage returns to the fields of the International DLG Crop Production Centre.

Set on DLG’s expansive 600-hectare trial farm near Leipzig, the open-air event is gearing up to showcase practical farming innovations under the inspiring theme “Crop Production out of the Box”. With more than 150 exhibitors already registered, the organisers are still welcoming further participants via dlg-feldtage.de.

Recognised as the leading international field exhibition for crop professionals, DLG Feldtage brings together farmers, agronomists, machinery experts and researchers seeking hands-on insights into the future of crop production. This year’s programme spans everything from plant breeding and crop protection to fertilisation strategies and cutting-edge agricultural machinery. Visitors can look forward to a rich mix of demonstrations, expert knowledge and real-world trial plots, supported by popular formats including DLG Spotlights, Expert Stages and Pop-up Talks.

The thematic DLG Spotlights are set to be a major draw. The “Planting Green” Spotlight will delve into direct drilling into living cover crops, with live plots demonstrating soil-friendly techniques, nutrient efficiency and modern weed management approaches. Equally compelling is the “Value Chain for Quality Wheat” Spotlight, which traces how premium wheat quality is upheld from field to processing, illustrating the collaboration required across agriculture, trade and milling. Meanwhile, the “Organic Farming” Spotlight will highlight diverse rotations, robust crop choices and practical advice for organic growers looking to refine both production and marketing.

Across the site, visitors will find dedicated meeting zones for discussions on oil and protein crops, resilient cropping concepts and strategies for navigating weather-related risks. As always, machinery demonstrations are a core attraction. Across six themed areas from direct seeding and deep tillage to mechanical weed control 66 machine combinations will take to the field, each accompanied by expert commentary and presented once per day.

Following its successful debut in 2024, FarmRobotix returns with the latest robotics, automation tools and AI-driven innovations for crop production. A special demonstration area will spotlight autonomous field systems, offering a glimpse of how technology may redefine farming in the years ahead.

Beyond the plots and machines, the DLG Plaza will serve as the social and professional heart of the event, hosting expert talks, panel sessions, regional food and relaxed networking. Short and sharp Pop-up Talks will take place at exhibitor stands and Spotlight areas, covering timely topics such as fertilisation and crop protection. The popular DLG CropNight will also make its return, inviting attendees to unwind with live music, food and summer drinks. Camping facilities will be available for visitors wishing to stay on site.

For more information please visit www.dlg-feldtage.de

Nigeria has once again reaffirmed its pivotal role in safeguarding West Africa’s livestock sector, strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against transboundary animal diseases that continue to threaten food security and rural livelihoods across the sub-region.

At the opening of the Regional Training on Strengthening Capacities for PPR and Other Transboundary Animal Diseases held in Abuja, the Federal Government emphasised that collaborative action is essential to accelerate livestock transformation and protect millions of households dependent on the sector.

Addressing participants, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, highlighted the nation’s strong commitment to advancing the Pan-African PPR Eradication Programme and strengthening Africa’s collective resilience. According to her, Nigeria is implementing extensive upgrades to its animal health surveillance systems to better detect, monitor, and prevent cross-border disease spread.

Dr. Akujobi noted that the Federal Government is deepening surveillance mechanisms by enhancing the National Animal Disease Information System, fostering stronger laboratory–field coordination under the One Health approach, and expanding partnerships with ECOWAS-RAHC, AU-IBAR, FAO, and WOAH to ensure that national animal health initiatives align with broader regional and continental strategies. These efforts reflect Nigeria’s leadership in harmonising disease control frameworks across West Africa.

She further explained that Nigeria’s decision to host the regional training demonstrates its readiness to support neighbouring countries in capacity building, technical cooperation, and coordinated surveillance. According to her, disease outbreaks in rural communities go beyond animal losses—they weaken resilience, disrupt local economies, and slow down agricultural advancement. She stressed that the continent must shift from reactive emergency responses to proactive, data-driven surveillance systems if Africa is to meet the global PPR eradication target by 2030.

Highlighting ongoing challenges, Dr. Akujobi pointed out that the region continues to face a range of transboundary and zoonotic threats including Foot and Mouth Disease, African Swine Fever, Anthrax, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. These diseases, she said, collectively undermine food systems, livestock productivity, and household incomes. She called for stronger collaboration among veterinarians, epidemiologists, laboratory scientists, border authorities, wildlife regulators, and pastoral communities, noting that each stakeholder plays a critical role in prevention and control.

In his address, the FAO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Tofeek Braimah, emphasised the severe socio-economic impact of PPR, describing it as one of the most destructive viral diseases affecting sheep and goats. He reiterated that although the 2030 eradication goal is ambitious, it remains achievable through sustained political commitment, strong partnerships, and synchronised regional action. Dr. Braimah reaffirmed FAO’s unwavering support to member states and regional institutions in their animal health efforts.

Through enhanced cooperation, innovative surveillance, and strengthened regional coordination, Nigeria aims to lead West Africa towards a more secure and resilient livestock future.

Kenya is positioning itself as a potential major beneficiary of the United Arab Emirates’ newly launched US$1bn Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Development initiative, a strategic move that could significantly accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The initiative comes at a crucial moment as Kenya shifts from AI policy formulation to large-scale implementation across key economic and social sectors.

The fund was unveiled at the G20 Summit by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who noted that the programme reflects the UAE’s commitment to sustainable growth through global partnerships and innovative financing models targeting emerging economies.

For Nairobi, the timing could not be better. Kenya recently rolled out its National AI Strategy 2025–2030, a roadmap that places strong emphasis on international collaboration to unlock AI-driven growth. The strategy prioritises digital public infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, climate resilience and education, while also aiming to establish Kenya as Africa’s leading hub for AI research, innovation and real-world application.

According to government estimates, fully implementing the strategy will require at least KSh152 billion (approximately US$1.19bn), underlining the need for external funding and strategic partnerships.

Speaking at the launch of the strategy in March, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy William Kabogo said its success would depend on adequate financing and robust regulatory frameworks.

“Kenyan policymakers and technology stakeholders are expected to explore avenues for collaboration as the country seeks to move from AI ambition to measurable impact. If leveraged effectively, the UAE-backed fund could provide Kenya with both capital and strategic partnerships needed to accelerate AI adoption, reinforcing its bid to become a continental leader in responsible and inclusive AI-driven development,” he said.

The UAE’s AI for Development initiative is designed to support Africa’s economic and social progress by strengthening digital infrastructure, modernising government services and boosting productivity. These goals closely align with Kenya’s national development priorities, particularly in agriculture and healthcare, where AI technologies are expected to improve efficiency, service delivery and long-term resilience.

The programme will be implemented by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) under the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, in partnership with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, further highlighting the scale and credibility of the initiative.

European spraying innovation has taken a bold leap into the South African agriculture sector with the arrival of Vicar mist blower sprayers, a technology reshaping the way growers manage crop protection.

Developed over 40 years ago by Italian engineer Vincenzo Caroli in collaboration with LTS in Germany, this advanced sprayer design has become synonymous with intelligent airflow, high efficiency, and exceptional coverage. Now imported by Ikapa Trading in Grabouw, Vicar sprayers are fast becoming a favourite among farmers seeking smarter, faster, and more precise spraying solutions.

What sets the Vicar system apart is its pioneering radial turbine technology, which independent consultant Mike Heath who has witnessed decades of machinery evolution believes to be a game-changer. Unlike conventional axial flow sprayers that rely on propeller blades and lose speed as air moves through housings and deflectors, Vicar sprayers use a single turbine resembling a water wheel. This turbine sucks air in from both sides and moves it radially at a 90° angle, producing a consistent, high-velocity air stream.

The uniquely designed cast aluminium housing forces air through calibrated outlets only, resulting in a uniform exit speed of 250km/h to 280km/h at 540 PTO. Crucially, this system achieves optimal spray delivery while requiring up to two to three times less air volume than axial flow designs dramatically improving efficiency.

Vicar sprayers are also fitted with 360° rotating spray heads, each equipped with up to eight nozzles that move with the airflow for precise application. Heath explains that this makes every model adaptable: vineyards, orchards, tree crops, flowers, vegetables and dense plantations can all be targeted with outstanding coverage. The Vicar 540 reaches 12m per side and 25m in height, while the Vicar 450 covers 4m per side and up to 15m high ideal for vineyards and orchards. The 456 model enhances multirow spraying for modern high-density crops.

Vicar’s airflow control technology also allows operators to manipulate spray direction and prevent turbulence. Upper outlets can create an “air ceiling” to keep spray low for young crops, while lower outlets deliver targeted protection. With reduced drift up to 90% less environmental pollution, as tested by the Julius Kühn-Institut—Vicar ranks among the few sprayers meeting Germany’s strict regulations.

Heath adds that the sprayers’ ability to work faster at high air speeds means farmers can double their operational pace compared with axial fan sprayers. “Being able to work faster and spray multiple rows is allowing Vicar clients to substitute at least two conventional sprayers with one Vicar sprayer,” he notes.

Built for stability, especially on hilly terrain, Vicar’s trailed models feature double-axle frames, three-point linkage attachment, adjustable wheels and a short-turn system that improves manoeuvrability. Tanks include clean-water reservoirs for easy flushing, reducing contamination risks and enhancing longevity.

Despite being pricier than traditional sprayers, co-owner Neels Thiart says the machines pay for themselves quickly thanks to superior performance and durability. In Europe, their second-hand value remains exceptionally high: “In Europe you are able to sell one of these sprayers second-hand for almost the same price as you bought it,” he says.

With unmatched penetration, reduced drift, precision airflow and long-term value, Vicar sprayers are proving to be a formidable investment for South African farmers striving for smarter, more sustainable crop protection.