South African News
Strong harvests boost farm machinery sales in South Africa
Robust crop production and expanded planting areas are sustaining demand for agricultural machinery in South Africa, despite ongoing sector challenges. According to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, tractor sales reached 669 units in February 2026, a 5% year-on-year increase, while combine harvester sales rose to 19 units, up 63% from January. Data from the South African Agricultural Machinery Association shows strong momentum following a successful 2025, when tractor sales grew 19%. Higher plantings of summer grains and oilseeds, covering 4.62 million hectares, along with solid financial returns from the previous harvest, have supported machinery purchases. Although the 2025–26 crop estimate of 19.82 million tonnes is slightly lower than last season’s record output, it remains encouraging.
Read full story: Food for Mzansi
Date Published: March 10, 2026
South African poultry sector achieves global efficiency but faces export and policy hurdles
Poultry producers in South Africa have overtaken the United States in technical efficiency, ranking second globally behind Brazil, according to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy competitiveness report. The industry now processes around 23 million birds weekly, supported by strong investment and highly efficient production cycles. However, export disruptions linked to tensions affecting shipments to the United Arab Emirates and congestion at Port of Jebel Ali threaten market balance, with output growth outpacing domestic demand. At the same time, the failure to remove VAT on poultry and delays in veterinary approvals and avian influenza vaccination programmes are limiting expansion, leaving producers struggling to convert technical success into sustainable market growth.
Read full story: Agri News
Date Published: March 9, 2026
African News
Agriculture project boosts livelihoods for women and youth farmers in South Sudan
A development initiative is helping small-scale farmers in South Sudan improve food production, incomes and climate resilience. The Empowering Women and Youth to Drive Sustainable Agriculture project, funded through the India, Brazil and South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, supports about 1,200 beneficiaries, around 60% of them women. Farmers in areas including Rejaf West have received irrigation systems, fencing, seeds, tools and climate-smart agriculture training. The programme has improved yields, strengthened market links with traders in Juba and enabled farmers to generate income, improve nutrition and farm more consistently despite climate and resource challenges.
Read full story: United Nations Development Programme
Date Published: March 9, 2026
Global News
Rising diesel prices add pressure on Brazilian farmers during harvest
Farmers in Brazil are facing rising production costs as diesel prices climb due to higher global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East. The increase comes at a critical time when producers are harvesting a record soybean crop and planting the country’s second corn crop, which accounts for most of Brazil’s maize production. Brazil imports about 30% of its diesel, leaving the agricultural sector exposed to global price fluctuations. In key farming regions in the centre-west and south, diesel prices have risen by about one to 1.5 reais per litre, with some reports of limited supply as fuel distributors restrict sales.
Read full story: UKr Agro Consult
Date Published: March 10, 2026
Middle East conflict drives up fertiliser costs for Australian farmers
Australian farmers are facing soaring urea prices and potential shortages due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, with costs already rising by around 20 per cent. Urea, a critical nitrogen fertiliser for crops such as wheat, barley, oats, and vegetables, is almost entirely imported, leaving farmers exposed to global supply disruptions. Industry experts warn that while farmers must absorb these increased production costs, grocery prices are unlikely to rise immediately, as agricultural inputs make up only a small portion of consumer costs. Continued conflict, however, could reduce urea availability, threatening crop quality and farm profitability.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: March 10, 2026
Farmers protest in Delhi over India-US trade deal and crop prices
Hundreds of farmers and industrial workers gathered near Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding that the government halt concessions to the US in trade negotiations and legislate minimum crop prices. Protesters criticised proposed imports of DDGS, a US ethanol byproduct, and potential cuts to soybean oil duties, arguing these measures would disadvantage Indian farmers. Rising energy costs from the Middle East conflict add to their challenges. Farmers also renewed calls for legal guarantees on minimum support prices to protect against volatile markets and rising input costs, highlighting slow progress since the repeal of three farm laws in 2021.
Read full story: Business Standard
Date Published: March 9, 2026
UK farm businesses urged to prepare for EU agri-food trade deal
UK farmers and agri-food businesses are being advised to prepare for the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU, expected to take effect by mid-2027. The deal aims to simplify trade, cut costs, and reduce paperwork for exporters and importers, helping restore British produce to European markets. Defra highlighted that UK food exports to the EU have fallen by 22% since 2018, costing nearly £4 billion. The agreement will streamline certification processes, improve supply chain efficiency, and enhance market access, though businesses must align with EU standards and begin adjusting practices now.
Read full story: Agriland
Date Published: March 9, 2026
