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

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing evidence-based policies aimed at modernising the country’s livestock sector, positioning it as a major driver of economic growth.

This was emphasised by the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during a courtesy visit from Her Excellency Philda Nani Kereng, High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to Nigeria, on Friday, 12th December 2025, at the Ministry in Abuja.

Minister Maiha highlighted the need for Nigeria to move beyond outdated livestock systems and adopt structured reforms that boost productivity, encourage value addition, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for farmers and other stakeholders along the livestock value chain.

“The Botswana experience is a major inspiration. Your nation has achieved in 50 years what the world continues to study, and we are interested in domesticating many of those lessons,” he said.

He added, “Nigeria, as the largest market in Africa, is ready to expand its livestock sector to compete globally, while also partnering with Botswana to accelerate the journey,” noting Botswana’s notable achievements in beef exports to Europe, transboundary disease management, and the integration of technology in livestock traceability.

Minister Maiha also stressed Nigeria’s readiness to learn from Botswana’s model as the Ministry embarks on a plan to rehabilitate and modernise 417 grazing reserves across the country into structured ranching ecosystems.

In response, High Commissioner Kereng highlighted Botswana’s five-decade success in beef production and export to Europe, attributing it to deliberate policies, strong governance, and extensive support systems for farmers. She explained that Botswana’s livestock sector evolved from a rural development model focused on agriculture, supported by legislation and policies enabling farmers to produce high-quality cattle for both livelihood improvement and national economic growth.

Her Excellency further noted that Botswana’s beef sector, second only to diamonds in national revenue, thrives on strict disease-control measures, communal land management, targeted veterinary interventions, and highly subsidised farmer support programmes.

She outlined areas for potential collaboration with Nigeria, including beef quality improvement through enhanced genetics, modern abattoir practices, disease management, veterinary protocols, vaccine production, livestock traceability, and grazing management, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing sustainable and competitive livestock development.

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is poised for renewed growth following sweeping regulatory reforms that will see several statutory fees scrapped or significantly reduced from the coming year.

The government-led initiative is expected to ease the cost of doing business for farmers, boost productivity and strengthen the country’s food security and export potential.

The reform programme, coordinated by the Office of the President and Cabinet with support from the Treasury and technical assistance from the World Bank, targets more than 20 permits and levies across the livestock, dairy and stockfeed industries. Treasury officials confirmed that once the measures are gazetted, agriculture will be the first sector to benefit before similar reforms are extended to other areas of the economy.

Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Davis Marapira said the new adjustments would begin to take effect with the implementation of the national budget, typically in January.

“The fee adjustment policy takes effect when the budget is implemented, which is usually in January. The impact of that policy must be felt through lower prices for customers,” he said.

According to a Treasury press statement, Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector has long been burdened by excessive regulations, high compliance costs and overlapping institutional mandates. Dairy farmers, for instance, previously required up to 25 permits from 12 agencies, while feed manufacturers needed 23 permits from 10 departments. Beef cattle farmers faced 18 requirements, abattoirs 20, dairy processors 21 and feed processors 23.

The reforms aim to eliminate duplication, simplify compliance and improve efficiency and competitiveness across the agricultural value chain. Among the key changes is the removal of the Agricultural Marketing Authority livestock and cattle levy, the biosafety permit, as well as borehole water abstraction charges and user fees.

Additional reforms include the abolition of farm registration certificates for small and medium-scale farmers, a sharp reduction in dairy processor registration fees from an annual US$350 to a once-off US$50, and a cut in feed manufacturing registration fees to a flat US$20. Livestock movement clearance fees have been halved, while import permits for livestock genetics such as heifers and bulls have dropped from US$100 to US$20.

Export-related costs have also been reduced, with dairy export permits falling from US$900 to US$10, and meat export permit fees lowered to US$100 annually. Environmental impact assessment licence fees have been slashed from 1,5% to 0,05% of project value, capped at US$100 000, and are now payable during operations rather than upfront.

“The government is elevating efforts to retain agriculture as the mainstay and engine of the economy, [and is] cognisant of its crucial role in job creation, particularly for the rural population, supporting 65% of livelihoods and the bulk of the country’s exports,” the Treasury said.

Meanwhile, Marapira cautioned that fee reductions alone would not automatically translate into lower consumer prices.

“The question is whether we have discipline at every level – from the farmer to the middlemen, abattoir, processor, and butcher. Otherwise, someone will take advantage of the government’s fee reductions to make bigger profits. It needs a holistic approach from all of us.

“Some want profit margins of as much as 200%, [or even] 50% in a US dollar environment where the currency is stable. But the government will have heard your concerns as farmers, as retailers,” he added.

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.