South African News
Sudden ‘tiger heart’ deaths devastate calves in South Africa’s FMD-hit herds
South African farmers are reporting a sharp rise in sudden calf deaths linked to ‘tiger heart’, a distinctive post-mortem finding increasingly associated with active foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks. The condition, marked by severe heart muscle damage, is killing mainly unvaccinated suckling calves aged two to nine months, often without warning. Veterinarians say young animals may show no classic FMD symptoms before dying. Experts describe the losses as unprecedented and warn that, without urgent access to FMD vaccines, deaths will continue. The outbreak is causing serious economic and emotional strain across beef and dairy sectors.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: January 12, 2026
Mngeni smallholders revive indigenous crops to boost food security and resilience
Smallholder farmers in Mngeni village in South Africa’s Eastern Cape are strengthening food security and livelihoods by reviving indigenous crops, practising organic farming and working through local partnerships. Organised under the Kwangakungalunga Multi-Purpose Co-operative, farmers have benefited from training, infrastructure and technical support from African Solutions to African Problems and the Agricultural Research Council. Renewed cultivation of crops such as okra, pumpkin, beans and cowpeas is improving nutrition, climate resilience and income potential. While market access remains a challenge, the initiative shows how community-led support can drive sustainable rural development.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date published: January 13, 2026
African News
EU and Nigeria unveil new frameworks to bolster farmers and food sovereignty
European and Nigerian policymakers have set out new frameworks to strengthen support for farmers, stabilise incomes and boost domestic food production. In Brussels, EU agriculture ministers framed food supply as a matter of sovereignty, proposing protected funding under the Common Agricultural Policy, a €293.7bn partnership fund and a €6.3bn crisis safety net to manage climate and disease shocks. Measures to ease fertiliser costs are also planned. In Nigeria, the Economic Summit highlighted agriculture as central to growth, calling for stronger value chains, better infrastructure, policy consistency, digital innovation and improved security to unlock agribusiness potential.
Read full story: Nigerian Tribune
Date published: January 13, 2026
Global News
Falling global grain prices deepen pressure on Mexican farmers
Mexican grain producers are facing mounting financial strain as prices for maize, wheat and soya fall sharply following an unexpected report from the US Department of Agriculture. The report pointed to higher planted areas, yields and global stocks, pushing international futures prices down. For Mexico, the impact is compounded by a stronger peso, which further reduces the value of grain sales in local currency. Large volumes of unsold maize from recent harvests are adding to market pressure, forcing farmers to sell at unsustainable prices. Analysts warn that profitability is under serious threat without better marketing and risk management.
Read full story: Mexico Solidarity Media
Date published: January 12, 2026
Japan backs plant factories as minister visits Oishii Farm facility
Japan’s agriculture minister, Norikazu Suzuki, has visited a research and development facility being built by Oishii Farm in Hamura, western Tokyo, highlighting government support for plant factories as a future source of stable food supply. Suzuki said such facilities could also become a new income stream for Japan. The US-based company, which grows strawberries and tomatoes in controlled environments, plans to base most of its research and development in Japan. The visit follows renewed government emphasis on investing in plant factories to safeguard food production from climate-related disruptions.
Read full story: Japan Times
Date published: January 13, 2026
Bord Bia steps up China push as Irish beef exports resume
Bord Bia is preparing a major market relaunch in China following confirmation that Irish beef exports have reopened after a suspension since October 2024. The move, announced by Irish ministers and Chinese customs authorities, will see promotional activity intensify around Chinese New Year. Bord Bia plans trade and marketing events in Shanghai, Beijing and at major food fairs, supported by a €3.45m EU-funded beef and lamb campaign. Industry representatives have welcomed the reopening as a vital boost for farmers, restoring access to a key market and underlining confidence in Ireland’s food safety and traceability standards.
Read full story: Agriland
Date published: January 12, 2026
China unveils open-source AI model tailored for agriculture
China has launched its first open-source large language model designed specifically for agriculture, marking a milestone in the use of artificial intelligence in the sector. Developed by Nanjing Agricultural University, the model, called Sinong, is trained on an extensive and highly specialised agricultural dataset covering fields from crop breeding and veterinary medicine to agricultural economics and smart farming. Researchers addressed common AI weaknesses such as inaccurate outputs by enhancing reasoning and contextual understanding. By releasing Sinong as open source, the developers aim to lower barriers to AI adoption, encouraging collaboration and innovation across agricultural research, business and technology communities.
Read full story: China Daily
Date published: January 13, 2026
