FARMERS BRACE FOR CHALLENGING SUMMER South Africa's agricultural sector is entering the 2026/27 summer production season in a stronger position than during the devastating 2015/16 drought, despite forecasts of a powerful El Niño weather event. High dam levels, healthy grain stocks, improved soil moisture and advances in farming technology have boosted preparedness. However, warmer and drier conditions could still threaten major grain-producing regions, livestock production and farmer incomes. Industry leaders warned against complacency, noting that many farmers already face pressure from high fertiliser, fuel and finance costs. Stakeholders have called for stronger early warning systems, better access to finance and greater support for climate-resilient farming practices. Full story - ln.run/agPs7 Pictured - Wandile Sihlobo, Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land

TRANSNET SMASHES WORLD RECORD Transnet Freight Rail has claimed a new world record after successfully operating a 7.6km-long train made up of 696 wagons on the Sishen-Saldanha line. The achievement is set to surpass the previous record set by Australia's BHP in 2001. The test was designed to assess the performance of longer trains and gather operational data that could help increase capacity on one of South Africa's most important export corridors. The milestone demonstrates Transnet's engineering capabilities and supports efforts to improve freight rail efficiency and economic growth. Full story - ln.run/Fj9se

AGRI TRUST ASSETS HIT R2.76BN South Africa’s Agricultural Industry Trusts have increased their combined asset base to R2.76bn. According to the National Agricultural Marketing Council, trust assets grew by approximately R154-million, or 5.9%, during the 2024/25 financial year. The Maize Trust recorded the largest increase in value, while the National Lucerne Trust achieved the fastest percentage growth. The funds play a vital role in supporting agricultural research, farmer development, transformation initiatives, skills development and market expansion. Full story - ln.run/9DssH Pictured - Dr Simphiwe Ngqangweni, Chief Executive Officer of the NAMC