South African News
Long-term vision vital for the future of South Africa’s wine industry
Long-term decision-making is essential for the survival of South Africa’s wine industry as it confronts rapid technological change and falling global wine consumption, agricultural economist Dr Jan Greyling has warned. Speaking at an industry event, Greyling stressed that farming decisions often span decades, while technology adoption in agriculture is far slower than commonly assumed. He highlighted the enduring value of research investment, the growing influence of artificial intelligence, and structural declines in wine consumption worldwide. As volumes shrink but values rise, producers face a strategic choice between premiumisation and cost efficiency, with greater emphasis needed on market development and consumer insight.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date published: January 26, 2026
Foot-and-mouth outbreak branded worst livestock crisis since rinderpest
South Africa’s livestock sector is facing its gravest threat since the rinderpest outbreak of 1892, industry leaders have warned, as ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks disrupt farming and events nationwide. The cancellation of the 2026 Bloem Show’s cattle and small stock competitions highlights the scale of the impact on breeders. In a joint statement, industry bodies called for unity, competent leadership and close cooperation between farmers, veterinarians and government. They proposed urgent measures including the use of DIVA vaccines, independent testing of local virus strains, and strict traceability and vaccination rules to restore a “new normal” by mid-2026.
Read full story: African Farming
Date published: January 26, 2026
African News
Mozambique reels as worst floods in a generation leave hundreds of thousands stranded
Severe flooding in southern and central Mozambique has destroyed homes, crops, and livestock, leaving hundreds of thousands of people at risk and straining relief efforts. Farmers in low-lying areas, including Marracuene and Hobjana, report total losses of cattle, goats, pigs, and rice fields, with some forced to seek shelter in schools and churches. Rising waters from the Inkomati River, worsened by dam releases in South Africa, continue to threaten farmlands, transport, and food supplies. Authorities and international rescue teams are assisting stranded residents, but ongoing rain and damaged infrastructure are hampering recovery. Many farmers face uncertainty over whether to rebuild in flood-prone zones or start anew elsewhere.
Read full story: BBC News
Date published: January 25, 2026
Global News
Brazil’s vast cropland expansion potential tempered by finance and infrastructure hurdles
Brazil could theoretically add up to 70 million acres of cropland by converting degraded pasture, a 30% increase on current cropped area, but a large-scale shift is far from guaranteed. While soybean production has surged and demand from China remains strong, high interest rates, low commodity prices and the high cost of soil rehabilitation limit farmers’ ability to invest. Heavy reliance on imported fertiliser, exposure to a single export market and underdeveloped transport and storage infrastructure add further risk. Analysts say any conversion would be gradual, and that US farmers remain better protected by finance, markets and government support.
Read full story: Farm Progress
Date published: January 26, 2026
Carney rules out Canada–China free trade amid Trump tariff warning
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said his government has no plans to pursue a free trade agreement with China, rejecting claims by US President Donald Trump that such talks are under way. The comments follow Trump’s threat to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if Ottawa deepens economic ties with Beijing. Carney stressed that Canada is complying with its North American trade obligations and that recent engagement with China has been limited to resolving specific disputes. The episode underscores the growing strain on Canada as it balances its relationship with its largest trading partner, the US, against managing trade with China.
Read full story: Beijing Times
Date published: January 25, 2026
Solan’s mushroom gene bank fuels a quiet farming boom across India
India’s mushroom industry is being transformed by the ICAR-Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR) in Solan, the country’s only institute dedicated to mushroom science. Through its national gene bank, research programmes and high-demand training courses, the centre has helped lift national production from about 6,000 tonnes in the 1990s to roughly 400,000 tonnes today. Farmers from across India credit the institute with creating profitable, climate-independent livelihoods, including entrepreneurs who have built large-scale businesses. While production leadership has shifted to plains states such as Bihar and Odisha, Solan remains the intellectual and genetic backbone of India’s expanding mushroom economy.
Read full story: The Print
Date published: January 26, 2026
NFU Scotland supports government stance against lynx reintroduction
NFU Scotland has backed the Scottish Government’s opposition to reintroducing lynx, warning that the return of large predators would pose unacceptable risks to livestock, farm businesses and animal welfare. As public consultations and engagement events begin across the Highlands and Moray, the union has urged farmers and crofters to make their concerns heard. While acknowledging claims of ecological benefits, NFU Scotland said there is insufficient evidence to predict how lynx would behave in Scotland’s extensive sheep systems. It also raised questions over responsibility, long-term costs and compensation, arguing that reintroduction would introduce unnecessary risks to already challenging farming environments.
Read full story: FarmingUK
Date published: January 26, 2026
