In The Spotlight
Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) is attracting increasing attention among African feed and broiler companies. (Image credit: DDGS)
Africa’s poultry industry is undergoing rapid growth, driven by rising consumer demand.
Yet, one constant remains a key challenge: feed cost and supply risk. For broiler producers across the continent, competitiveness still hinges largely on two staples—maize and soybean meal. Both are highly sensitive to currency fluctuations, seasonal scarcity, and global price swings, leaving producers vulnerable. As a result, modern poultry operations must rely not just on formulation expertise but also on ingredient flexibility and resilient supply chains.
Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) is attracting increasing attention among African feed and broiler companies. A recent commercial-scale trial in southwest Nigeria, supported by the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, offers the most rigorous local evaluation of DDGS to date. The study tested phased DDGS inclusion at levels up to 20%, monitoring growth performance, carcass yield, livability, and overall economics under real-world farm conditions.
Performance: Stable Growth and Resilient Flocks
The results were promising. Broilers fed DDGS-based diets performed comparably with conventional maize–soy formulations. Final body weights at 42 days matched industry standards, feed conversion ratios remained on target, and there was no negative impact on dressing percentage or key muscle yields. Organ development appeared normal across all test groups.
Perhaps most notably, birds in the highest DDGS inclusion group demonstrated stronger early weight gain and lower cumulative mortality. This suggests potential benefits for digestive development and overall flock resilience in tropical environments. Meat pH levels at 24 hours post-slaughter were slightly higher, often correlating with improved tenderness and water-holding capacity—traits increasingly valued in modern retail markets. In short, DDGS supported consistent production, early vitality, and carcass uniformity.
The Price Perspective
The trial occurred during a period when DDGS landed in Nigeria at a temporary premium compared to soybean meal, resulting in a modest rise in feed cost. However, as the report emphasises, pricing alone does not capture the strategic value. Shadow-price modelling placed DDGS’ cost-neutral value at roughly ₦610–₦620/kg. When operational benefits such as improved livability were factored in, the break-even point rose to ₦750–₦800/kg. In practical terms, a 20–25% spike in soybean meal prices or improved DDGS logistics could rapidly bring DDGS into cost parity. Such market fluctuations are routine in West African feed markets, making DDGS an important tool for risk management.
A Strategic Option for Feed Security
DDGS’ value proposition in Africa today is twofold:
A nutritionally sound, field-proven feed ingredient that is mycotoxin-free and already ground, reducing processing challenges.
A strategic hedge against protein and energy supply shocks, offering resilience in volatile markets.
As bulk import programs expand, the economics of DDGS strengthen. Large-scale vessel shipments into regional ports, aggregation across poultry, layer, and aquafeed sectors, and improved logistics coordination help stabilise landed costs. Markets that previously relied on bagged or containerised volumes often transition to bulk economics as adoption grows, positioning early DDGS users advantageously.
A Forward-Looking Feed Solution
The Nigerian trial confirms what many nutritionists have long suspected: DDGS can be successfully incorporated at commercial scale in Africa, with up to 20% inclusion in finisher diets without compromising production. More importantly, it highlights the significance of operational readiness. Mills that adopt DDGS now will move faster and trade smarter when price cycles and logistics favour the ingredient.
As Africa’s poultry and feed sectors mature, success will favour companies that combine technical rigour with procurement agility. DDGS provides a nutritional and strategic tool that helps producers move beyond a two-ingredient dependency, reducing exposure to maize and soybean price volatility. With supply chains deepening and bulk handling improving, DDGS is not merely an alternative—it is becoming a core component of modern African broiler feed.
Meriam Ben Saad, Administrative Assistant, Africa, U.S. Grains Council,said, "In this context, Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) has attracted growing attention in African feed and broiler companies. A recent commercial-scale trial in Nigeria, conducted in partnership with Amo Byng Nig.Ltd and supported by the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, provides the most rigorous local evaluation to date. The study examined phased DDGS inclusion up to 20% under real-world conditions in southwest Nigeria, monitoring performance, carcass yield, livability, and economics.''
South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and the DRC, the platform continues to expand opportunities for women shaping Africa’s digital future.(Image credit: Naspers and Prosus)
Five pioneering African female founders have been awarded more than US$100,000 in equity-free funding after emerging as winners of the Naspers–Prosus Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge, a competition created to spotlight women who are building technology solutions for real market needs across the continent.
The final event, held on 19 November 2025 in Johannesburg, brought together ten exceptional women founders representing a range of dynamic sectors including agritech, healthtech, climate technology, fintech, AI, and sustainable manufacturing. The timing of the finale aligned intentionally with Global Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, South Africa’s G20 Presidency, and the B20 Summit, amplifying the significance of the announcement on a global stage.
Interest in the Challenge was substantial, with 1,163 applications received from tech entrepreneurs across Africa during the one-month application window. This overwhelming response reflects not only the depth of innovation on the continent but also the growing momentum of Africa’s digital economy, projected to reach US$180bn by 2025. Despite this growth, women remain significantly underfunded, with female founders facing a US$42bn financing gap, a barrier the Challenge aims to help narrow.
Celebrating this year’s winners, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, South Africa CEO and Executive Director of Naspers and Prosus, highlighted the exceptional calibre of talent on display. “I’m immensely proud of our overall winner, Esther Kimani, who brings agricultural innovation through AI-powered pest detection solutions, as well as all the finalists who demonstrated their phenomenal tech solutions today - congratulations!” she said. “The winners represent the next generation of technology leaders building viable businesses that solve real problems across Africa and I can’t wait to witness their growth going-forward.”
Her comments were echoed by Prajna Khanna, Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President at Prosus and Naspers, who emphasised the potential of women entrepreneurs on the continent. “We received 1,163 applications from across the African continent, and the depth of talent was remarkable,” she said. “These founders are building real businesses with proven models that address significant market opportunities.”
The Challenge, developed with Lionesses of Africa, a community of 1.8 million women entrepreneurs, provides not only financial support but mentorship from seasoned investors, access to institutional networks, and guidance on scaling businesses across African markets. With finalists from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and the DRC, the platform continues to expand opportunities for women shaping Africa’s digital future.
TPC not only reinforces its role as a key player in Tanzania’s sugar and energy sectors but also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability.
TPC Limited is investing US$52mn to modernise Tanzania’s sugarcane value chain, with the construction of a new distillery in Moshi, Kilimanjaro.
The project is already 30% complete, with 70% of materials on site, and is expected to be operational by December 2026.
Once completed, the state-of-the-art facility will produce 16.3 million litres of Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) annually, along with 400,000 litres of technical alcohol for use in energy-efficient cooking stoves, reducing dependence on firewood and charcoal. Additionally, the plant will generate 8,000 tonnes of potassium fertiliser derived from molasses by-products to support more sustainable, chemical-free farming, and 400,000 litres of industrial-grade carbon dioxide for industries such as beverage manufacturing. A 6 MW power plant will also be installed, increasing TPC’s electricity contribution to the national grid from around 2–3 MW to 7 MW.
The expansion is expected to create approximately 1,800 jobs, prioritising youth employment and benefiting local communities. TPC’s strategic shift—from exporting raw molasses to producing higher-value industrial and energy products underscores the company’s commitment to both economic growth and sustainability.
Jaffari Ally, TPC’s CEO, noted that the new plant will enhance farmer productivity, while workers’ representatives highlighted that the project will strengthen competitiveness and improve wages as the company’s profitability grows. Politically, the launch coincided with celebrations marking over 20 years of partnership between the Tanzanian government and private investors under Sukari Investment, showcasing the success of public-private collaboration in driving TPC’s transformation.
The project supports Tanzania’s broader national priorities. By producing alcohol and fertiliser locally, TPC reduces import dependence, boosts government revenue through taxes, and adds value within the country. The technical alcohol contributes to cleaner cooking, while the power plant enhances sustainable energy supply.
Since privatisation in 2000, when 75% of TPC was sold to a private investor, the company has experienced remarkable growth. Sugar production increased from 36,000 tonnes to around 120,000 tonnes, while sugarcane yields rose from 66 to 150 tonnes per hectare.
Through this major investment, TPC not only reinforces its role as a key player in Tanzania’s sugar and energy sectors but also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, economic development, and community well-being.
Smart Climate Ag provides a practical roadmap for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture in South Africa.
UPL Corporation has unveiled Smart Climate Ag, a climate-positive initiative designed for commercial row-crop farmers in South Africa.
The programme blends regenerative farming practices with biological and sustainable inputs, enabling farmers to maintain high productivity while reducing environmental impact.
A standout feature of Smart Climate Ag is the opportunity for farmers to generate and sell verified carbon credits, turning sustainable practices into tangible financial returns. During the pilot phase, UPL issued 26,102 carbon credits across 2,884 hectares, demonstrating that environmental stewardship can also benefit farmers economically.
The programme, developed in collaboration with carbon-project developer Orizon Agriculture and certified by Verra, a leading global carbon-standard body, promotes several key sustainable practices. These include cover cropping to protect and enrich soil, reduced tillage to preserve soil structure, lowering reliance on synthetic fertilisers, and the application of UPL’s NPP biosolutions to support soil health. Collectively, these methods enhance soil fertility, increase carbon sequestration, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately producing carbon credits that farmers can trade on the voluntary market.
Farmers involved in the pilot have praised the initiative for its long-term impact. Maize farmer Callie Meintjes from Free State explained her personal motivation: “We are borrowing [the land] from our children … I was taught to return something I borrowed in a better condition than it was before.” Her statement reflects a growing mindset among South African farmers who prioritise land stewardship alongside crop yields.
UPL plans to scale Smart Climate Ag beyond the pilot phase, expanding to additional crops, regions, and farmers. This growth aligns with the company’s broader Gigaton Carbon Goal, which aims to remove 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2040. Marcel Dreyer, UPL’s Regional Head for Africa, highlighted the programme’s dual benefits: “By restoring carbon to soils, they improve soil health and maintain productivity — while the extra income from carbon credits provides greater financial security in a changing climate.”
The pilot, also known as “CarbonSmart,” has already demonstrated measurable benefits, including increased soil organic carbon, enhanced fertility, improved water retention, and additional income through carbon credits. By linking regenerative farming with market incentives, Smart Climate Ag provides a practical roadmap for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture in South Africa.
EIMA International has established itself as one of the world’s most influential exhibitions for agricultural and gardening machinery.(Image credit: EIMA)
EIMA International has established itself as one of the world’s most influential exhibitions for agricultural and gardening machinery.
Held every two years in Bologna, Italy, the event is organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, alongside BolognaFiere. Since its launch in 1969, EIMA has grown into a major platform for manufacturers, industry experts, and buyers seeking the latest advancements in agro-mechanical technology.
The exhibition draws a diverse international audience, with companies from across the globe presenting cutting-edge machines and equipment. Delegates from more than 80 countries attend each edition, underscoring the event’s global reach and economic relevance. Hosted across an impressive 375,000 m², including 122,000 m² of dedicated exhibition space, EIMA offers visitors unmatched access to innovations that are shaping the future of farming.
EIMA International is organised into 14 distinct merchandise sectors, covering every aspect of modern agriculture. These range from engines, irrigation systems, soil-working and sowing equipment to harvesting machinery, crop protection technologies, components, and transport solutions. The structure of the fair allows visitors to explore the full agricultural supply chain in one location.
Alongside the main sectors, EIMA features several highly specialised themed showcases that highlight emerging trends. EIMA Components focuses on essential parts and accessories, while EIMA Green offers a hub for garden machinery and green-space maintenance tools. EIMA Energy is dedicated to renewable power for agriculture and forestry, and EIMA Idrotech spotlights advanced irrigation and water-management systems. One of the most forward-looking areas is EIMA Digital, where exhibitors present precision-farming technologies, electronics, and digital systems designed to boost efficiency and sustainability.
To enhance the visitor experience, the event is divided into two phases. The opening days are set aside exclusively for business professionals, enabling targeted networking and commercial negotiations. The remaining days welcome a wider audience, including gardening enthusiasts and small-scale growers.
In recent years, EIMA has hosted around 1,750 exhibitors from approximately 50 countries, displaying more than 60,000 models of machinery and equipment. Its scale and reputation firmly position it as a leading global event for agricultural machinery, landscaping technologies, and green innovation.
The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the country’s agricultural value chain, with a strong focus on hands-on learning and long-term farmer support.
The Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) has introduced a new and intensive training programme for its inspectors, aiming to raise cocoa quality standards and boost Liberia’s position in the international cocoa market.
The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the country’s agricultural value chain, with a strong focus on hands-on learning and long-term farmer support.
Dahn Sayee, Director General explained that the programme is designed to give inspectors the technical knowledge needed to distinguish between different cocoa qualities and to guide farmers and cooperatives towards producing cocoa that meets global expectations. “The training is intended to empower our inspectors, who will get involved with our extension programs, train farmers, and train cooperatives to be able to deliver quality cocoa both locally and internationally,” said, Sayee.
He further stressed the need for Liberia’s cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and other agricultural commodities to meet the requirements of international buyers. “We want to make sure that we impart quality knowledge to our staff so that they are able to provide quality training for farmers,” he said. According to him, LACRA’s role is deeply rooted in supporting farmers at every stage of production, adding, “Our work at LACRA is to empower farmers. This is where the empowerment starts--with staff who will engage with farmers in their villages and farms, through cooperatives, to understand the entire process of marketing cocoa--from harvesting, fermentation, and drying to getting the cocoa to the market.”
The training, which began on Monday, 17 November 2025, brings together more than 30 inspectors. Once trained, they will serve as master trainers, helping farmers and cooperatives nationwide adopt best practices in production, processing, and storage. The sessions placed heavy emphasis on practical fieldwork, such as assessing cocoa beans, inspecting farms, and evaluating warehouse standards to ensure consistent quality control.
“This training is mostly practical because we want our inspectors to be able to identify the different types of cocoa beans and learn how to conduct inspections on the warehouses,” said Godia Alpha Kortu Gongolee, LACRA’s Deputy Director for Operations. She highlighted that “Quality control begins on the farm,” emphasising the need for inspectors to ensure full compliance with production standards.
The programme also addressed common issues such as mould, which often results from poor harvesting and storage techniques and has previously affected exports to high-demand markets, including the European Union. Conducted in partnership with GROW-2, and supported by UNIDO and the Swedish Government, the training will conclude with an assessment to evaluate participants’ competencies.
Following similar training in October 2025, LACRA’s continued investment in inspector development demonstrates Liberia’s dedication to improving agricultural standards and expanding its footprint in global markets.
The initiative is designed to channel substantial capital into priority agricultural value chains.
In a significant push to strengthen climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria, the UK Government is partnering with Propcom+ and Welcome2Africa International to spearhead a Strategic Agribusiness Deal Room aimed at attracting private sector investment.
The initiative is designed to channel substantial capital into priority agricultural value chains, supporting a more inclusive and market-driven economic transformation across the country.
The Deal Room which took place in Lagos on 18–19 November 2025, will serve as a dynamic investment marketplace. Over twenty carefully screened agribusinesses will present their opportunities to potential financiers, spanning a diverse range of sectors including grains, cassava and starch products, livestock, bioethanol, food processing, mechanisation, agri-technology, and renewable energy. These enterprises were selected based on their growth potential, commercial readiness, and contributions to building a more resilient agricultural ecosystem.
The event is expected to unlock over US$5mn in potential investment and trade commitments, creating significant opportunities for small and medium enterprises. Olumide Ojo, Strategy Director at Propcom+, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “The programme provides an important platform to deepen private sector participation in Nigeria’s agrifood sector.” He added that connecting high-potential SMEs with investors will strengthen market systems while expanding opportunities for farmers, women, and rural communities.
Echoing this sentiment, Bamidele Seun Owoola, CEO of Welcome2Africa International, said: “Showcasing promising Nigerian agribusinesses to investors creates avenues for long term partnerships that can support shared economic progress.” He underlined the organisation’s commitment to fostering sustainable capital flows into Africa’s food and agriculture sectors.
Aligned with Propcom+’s mission to build stronger agricultural markets, enhance SME capacity, and promote low-carbon growth, the Deal Room aims to provide lasting impact. Following the Lagos sessions, programme leads will continue offering participating companies technical assistance, investor follow-ups, due diligence support, and guidance towards successfully closing investment deals. By linking high-potential agribusinesses with strategic investors, the initiative sets the stage for sustainable growth and a more resilient Nigerian agrifood sector.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
A Hub for global collaboration. (Image credit: VIV MEA)
VIV MEA 2025 is set to return to Abu Dhabi from 25–27 November, bringing together an impressive showcase of international agricultural innovation.
Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this year’s event will feature dedicated pavilions from the United States, France, and Korea—each presenting technologies designed to strengthen the Middle East’s food security, boost sustainability, and improve efficiency across the animal protein supply chain.
American Pavilion: Advancing Regional Food Security
With the support of the U.S. Commercial Service, the American Pavilion will unite 20 leading suppliers offering solutions across the full animal production spectrum. Exhibitors will present innovations in feed ingredients, livestock genetics, poultry production technology, feed processing systems, grain storage, and more.
Madison Martin, VIV North American Representative at IMEX Management, emphasises that the USA Pavilion highlights technologies that enhance sustainability, productivity, and biosecurity. Both long-standing suppliers and first-time participants will introduce advancements in animal health, feed efficiency, and production technology responding directly to the region’s rising need for reliable and efficient food production systems.
French Pavilion: Leading Innovation Across the Value Chain
The French Pavilion will host 28 companies, including five exhibitors making their debut at VIV MEA. Covering farm equipment, breeding, feed solutions, processing technology, and veterinary care, the pavilion underscores France’s strong reputation in high-quality agricultural systems.
Anne-Marie Brault, Operational Activities Project Manager at Business France, notes that French exhibitors offer solutions rooted in quality, durability, and innovation. A key trend this year is the use of plant-based and natural products, including probiotics and phytotherapy, to enhance animal health.
Highlights include Agri Réseaux International’s ARIonline market intelligence platform; Difagri’s DIFATOX, which blends yeast and plants to combat mycotoxins; Laboratoires ACI’s AGRICHOC TOTAL; SIPENA’s protected potassium carbonate for supporting cows under heat stress; STI Biotechnologies’ METALAC Postbiotic; and Technivet Equine’s phytogenic and bioresonance-based animal health products.
Korean Pavilion: Advanced Veterinary and Diagnostic Solutions
Organised by the Korea Animal Health Products Association (KAHPA), the Korean Pavilion will feature 11 companies specialising in vaccines, diagnostics, and veterinary pharmaceuticals. Gee-Myung Kim, Team Leader of KAHPA’s Planning Department, explains that Korean exhibitors aim to deepen partnerships in the Middle East and Africa by offering “proven quality veterinary medicine.” Korean companies will present poultry vaccines including those targeting Newcastle Disease—advanced diagnostic systems, and functional formulations that strengthen immunity and energy metabolism to boost livestock productivity.
Recognising the region’s diverse species, Korean exhibitors will also showcase specialised products for camels, racehorses, and companion animals.
A Hub for Global Collaboration
Together, the American, French, and Korean pavilions will provide a comprehensive platform for industry professionals to explore new technologies, connect with global manufacturers, and build long-term partnerships that support the region’s agricultural advancement.
EIMA International has established itself as one of the world’s most influential exhibitions for agricultural and gardening machinery.(Image credit: EIMA)
Africa’s leading agri investment Indaba returns to Cape Town in 2025. (Image credit: African Agri Investment)
Its goal is to create bacteriocin-rich extracts from specially engineered lactic acid bacteria.
Nigeria is stepping up its fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with an innovative agricultural research project aimed at finding safer, home-grown replacements for antibiotics commonly used in livestock and fish farming
A team of scientists from Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Spain are joining forces at the University of Ilorin to develop a locally produced and affordable solution that supports farmers while protecting animal health.
The project, named BAC4RumA, is funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the UK’s Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF). Its goal is to create bacteriocin-rich extracts from specially engineered lactic acid bacteria - natural substances that can effectively replace antibiotics in treating diseases in cattle and fish.
Project leader in Nigeria, Dr. Ismail Odetokun, explained that early laboratory results are encouraging. The new extracts have shown stronger results than traditional antibiotics in tackling infections such as mastitis in cattle and bacterial diseases in fish. According to him, the research team is now preparing for field trials, with many farmers already showing interest in adopting these safer and more sustainable solutions.
Highlighting the growing danger of AMR, Najete Safini of IDRC described it as a “silent pandemic” that threatens both food production and public health. She emphasised the need to build Nigeria’s own capacity to respond, saying that home-grown solutions would offer stronger, long-term protection for the nation’s food systems.
Mahmoud Eltholth of Royal Holloway University of London added that the partnership focuses on sustainability by empowering Nigerian scientists and research institutions to develop animal health innovations locally, reducing dependence on imported drugs.
With livestock and aquaculture contributing over US$33 trillion to Nigeria’s economy annually, experts believe this research could transform the agricultural sector. By providing farmers with safer alternatives to antibiotics, the project has the potential to boost productivity, protect animal welfare, and safeguard millions of livelihoods.
If successful, the BAC4RumA initiative could position Nigeria as a leading example for other African countries seeking to reduce antibiotic use in agriculture while strengthening their food security and export potential.
PRISMA project outcomes in relation to agricultural priorities across West Africa and the Sahel.
The partnership was announced during the Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance (SAFTA) Forum on November 4, 2025.
Smart Climate Ag provides a practical roadmap for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture in South Africa.
UPL Corporation has unveiled Smart Climate Ag, a climate-positive initiative designed for commercial row-crop farmers in South Africa.
The programme blends regenerative farming practices with biological and sustainable inputs, enabling farmers to maintain high productivity while reducing environmental impact.
A standout feature of Smart Climate Ag is the opportunity for farmers to generate and sell verified carbon credits, turning sustainable practices into tangible financial returns. During the pilot phase, UPL issued 26,102 carbon credits across 2,884 hectares, demonstrating that environmental stewardship can also benefit farmers economically.
The programme, developed in collaboration with carbon-project developer Orizon Agriculture and certified by Verra, a leading global carbon-standard body, promotes several key sustainable practices. These include cover cropping to protect and enrich soil, reduced tillage to preserve soil structure, lowering reliance on synthetic fertilisers, and the application of UPL’s NPP biosolutions to support soil health. Collectively, these methods enhance soil fertility, increase carbon sequestration, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately producing carbon credits that farmers can trade on the voluntary market.
Farmers involved in the pilot have praised the initiative for its long-term impact. Maize farmer Callie Meintjes from Free State explained her personal motivation: “We are borrowing [the land] from our children … I was taught to return something I borrowed in a better condition than it was before.” Her statement reflects a growing mindset among South African farmers who prioritise land stewardship alongside crop yields.
UPL plans to scale Smart Climate Ag beyond the pilot phase, expanding to additional crops, regions, and farmers. This growth aligns with the company’s broader Gigaton Carbon Goal, which aims to remove 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2040. Marcel Dreyer, UPL’s Regional Head for Africa, highlighted the programme’s dual benefits: “By restoring carbon to soils, they improve soil health and maintain productivity — while the extra income from carbon credits provides greater financial security in a changing climate.”
The pilot, also known as “CarbonSmart,” has already demonstrated measurable benefits, including increased soil organic carbon, enhanced fertility, improved water retention, and additional income through carbon credits. By linking regenerative farming with market incentives, Smart Climate Ag provides a practical roadmap for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture in South Africa.
Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) is attracting increasing attention among African feed and broiler companies. (Image credit: DDGS)
TPC not only reinforces its role as a key player in Tanzania’s sugar and energy sectors but also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability.
NECO’s innovative drying technology offers a more effective, consistent, and efficient way to dry grain. (Image credit: ABC Africa Group)
When it comes to drying grain, maintaining the right kernel temperature is crucial to ensuring the final product meets high-quality standards.
Overheating the grain during the drying process can lead to irreversible damage, affecting the overall quality. Studies have shown that even kernel temperatures as low as 60°C (140°F) can significantly harm the grain’s quality. This is why many buyers of grain, especially those dealing with specialty crops, insist that their suppliers use lower drying temperatures to prevent heat damage.
Traditional dryers often struggle to maintain uniform drying conditions. In these systems, while some grains are exposed to temperatures that do not exceed the critical threshold, many others are subjected to temperatures far beyond what is ideal. This inconsistency can result in significant quality issues, including heat damage, stress cracks, and a decrease in test weight. Unfortunately, lowering the drying temperature to avoid this damage comes at a cost: it negatively impacts the dryer’s efficiency and capacity.
However, NECO dryers address these challenges by offering a solution that delivers consistent and even drying throughout the grain batch. With their innovative design, NECO dryers ensure that each kernel receives the same level of exposure to the heated air, preventing overheating and preserving the grain’s integrity. This process results in higher-quality grain with fewer stress cracks, no heat damage, and better test weight, all while maintaining optimal drying efficiency.
The Science Behind Grain Drying
Grain is typically dried by passing heated air through it, allowing the air to flow around each kernel. Because the air starts with low humidity, it has a strong capacity to absorb moisture. As the air flows through the grain, it absorbs moisture from within the kernels, and the evaporative cooling effect reduces the temperature of the wetter kernels. This process helps ensure that the grain doesn't heat up too quickly, preventing potential damage.
However, as the grain becomes drier, less moisture evaporates, and the temperature of the kernels rises closer to the temperature of the heated air. In traditional dryers, especially crossflow dryers (often called screen dryers), this process leads to uneven drying. Grain in the centre of the drying column is exposed to heated air for an extended period, resulting in over-drying and overheating. Meanwhile, the grain on the outer edges of the column remains under-dried due to inadequate exposure to the hottest air. This inconsistency not only compromises grain quality but also reduces the efficiency and capacity of the drying system.
How NECO Mixed-Flow Dryers Offer a Better Solution
NECO's mixed-flow dryers tackle these issues head-on by constantly moving the grain past a series of unique hot air ducts. This ensures that every kernel is exposed to the hottest air at different points throughout the drying process, promoting even drying across the entire batch. The continuous movement of the grain, combined with the gentle mixing, helps prevent overheating and ensures that no kernels are exposed to excessive heat for too long.
Additionally, the design of the NECO dryer improves airflow through the grain, enhancing both drying efficiency and capacity. The even exposure to hot air ensures that all grain is dried uniformly, with none of it being over-dried or under-dried. As a result, kernel temperatures remain consistently low, preserving grain quality, reducing stress cracks, and eliminating heat damage. The outcome is a higher-quality product with improved test weight, making NECO dryers an ideal choice for farmers and grain processors who value both efficiency and superior grain quality.
NECO’s innovative drying technology offers a more effective, consistent, and efficient way to dry grain. With uniform exposure to heat, these dryers eliminate the risks associated with traditional systems, ensuring that every batch of grain meets the highest quality standards.
South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and the DRC, the platform continues to expand opportunities for women shaping Africa’s digital future.(Image credit: Naspers and Prosus)
GEA’s new water-saving solution is a game-changer for dairy farmers looking to reduce their environmental footprint and operational costs.(Image credit: GEA)
Most Read
-
Fully automated cherry truss tomato harvesting robot 'Artemy.' (Image source: DENSO)
-
STATEC BINDER offers the perfect addition with its automatic palletizing solutions:(Image credit: STATEC BINDER)
-
The funding will support Liberia’s agricultural sector by promoting sustainable practices aimed at increasing the resilience of smallholder farmers. (Image source: Ministry of Finance & Development Planning)
-
Henri Hekman, CEO of AgroCares (left) and Casper Niesink, Director Global Solutions and Services at Trouw Nutrition. (Image source: AgroCares)
-
Valis Plus improves control programmes. (Image source: Certis Belchim)
-
AgDevCo’s mezzanine loan of US$9.5mn will enable Agventure to continue to develop its canola oil production capabilities. (Image source: AgDevCo Ltd)
-
On the show floor, New Holland will have more than 15 pieces of equipment, from combines to high-horsepower tractors to round balers. (Image source: CNH)
-
The Myco'Kingdom platform gathers seven functionalities for identifying, assessing, preventing and managing mycotoxin risk. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
Marel’s WingMaster is a flexible module, providing a precise anatomic wing cut with perfect skin coverage for mid-wing as well as drumette. (Image source: Marel))
-
The project aims to make Somalia self-sufficient in broiler production and contribute to the development of the livestock sector. (Image source: TİKA)
Latest News
-
Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) is attracting increasing attention among African feed and broiler companies. (Image credit: DDGS)
-
South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and the DRC, the platform continues to expand opportunities for women shaping Africa’s digital future.(Image credit: Naspers and Prosus)
-
TPC not only reinforces its role as a key player in Tanzania’s sugar and energy sectors but also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability.
-
Smart Climate Ag provides a practical roadmap for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture in South Africa.
-
The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the country’s agricultural value chain, with a strong focus on hands-on learning and long-term farmer support.
-
The NDFR seeks to establish a precise, real-time, geo-referenced, and disaggregated database of farmers across Nigeria. (Image credit: AgroNigeria)
-
The initiative is designed to channel substantial capital into priority agricultural value chains.
-
MoFA intends to formally recognise schools that successfully operate school farms during the National Farmers’ Day celebration on 5 December 2025 in Ho. (Image credit: MoFA)
-
Understanding the impact of US tariff retreat on South African Farmers.
-
PRISMA project outcomes in relation to agricultural priorities across West Africa and the Sahel.
More Articles
South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and the DRC, the platform continues to expand opportunities for women shaping Africa’s digital future.(Image credit: Naspers and Prosus)
GEA’s new water-saving solution is a game-changer for dairy farmers looking to reduce their environmental footprint and operational costs.(Image credit: GEA)
NECO’s innovative drying technology offers a more effective, consistent, and efficient way to dry grain. (Image credit: ABC Africa Group)
Angonabeiro continues to support national farmers while promoting innovation, quality, and sustainability in the country’s coffee sector.
LEMKEN’s precision seeding portfolio and extend its presence in key agricultural markets worldwide. (Image credit: LEMKEN)
Healthy soil is the starting point of every harvest. (Image credit: Husqvarna)
TThe liquid fertiliser system integrates seamlessly with most modern drills.(Image credit: Grange Machinery)
The new CCT is ideal for those looking to improve efficiency in the field.(Image credit: Grange Machinery)
Ascenso’s VF technology has been designed precisely with many challenges in mind.(Image credit: Ascenso Tyres)
The facility aims to transform locally produced red palm oil into refined vegetable oil.
Modern greenhouses will allow the continuous cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables throughout the year.
LaserFly – For a Healthy Future.(Image credit: Pantec Biosolutions AG)