South African News
Vaccinated cattle infected with FMD in KwaZulu-Natal amid calls for faster national vaccine rollout
FMD Response SA has warned that new cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in vaccinated cattle in KwaZulu-Natal show the urgent need for a rapid and coordinated national vaccination campaign. The organisation said immunity can weaken over time and stressed that cattle should be vaccinated within a strict six-to-eight-week period to halt transmission. It also called for greater private sector involvement to speed up vaccinations nationwide. Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union urged authorities to officially gazette the lifting of disease management restrictions, warning that ongoing uncertainty continues to damage the livestock industry and broader agricultural economy.
Read full story: Independent Online (IOL)
Date published: May 12, 2026
South African farmers seek alternatives as Middle East conflict drives fertiliser costs higher
South African farmers are increasingly turning to regenerative and soil-focused farming methods as fertiliser prices surge following disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February 2026 caused sharp increases in the cost of imported fertilisers, with urea prices rising by 59% in one month. Agricultural experts warned that South Africa’s heavy reliance on imported fertiliser leaves farmers vulnerable to global supply shocks, while higher fuel prices are adding further pressure. Some producers are now reducing synthetic fertiliser use through biological soil programmes, composting and precision agriculture to lower costs and improve long-term soil health.
Read full story: Daily Maverick
Date published: May 11, 2026
African News
Nigeria launches AI-driven farming initiative to reduce food losses and boost productivity
Nigeria’s Ibom Innovation Network has launched Project TAT AI, an initiative designed to modernise agriculture through artificial intelligence, automation and climate-smart technology. The programme aims to address labour shortages during harvests and reduce severe post-harvest losses that contribute to food inflation and waste. Technologies such as robotic harvesting systems, IoT-enabled storage facilities and predictive climate tools will be tested directly on farms under a “Lab-to-Land” model. The project brings together universities, engineers and technology experts, with organisers saying it will improve food security, strengthen farmers’ resilience and support young innovators by protecting and commercialising locally developed agricultural technologies.
Read full story: The Nation Nigeria
Date published: May 11, 2026
Global News
Heatwaves and fertiliser shortages place India’s farming sector under growing strain
India’s agricultural sector is facing mounting pressure from severe heatwaves and a global fertiliser shortage linked to conflict in West Asia. Rising temperatures are expected to reduce wheat and rice yields, particularly in key farming states such as Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Dry weather and anticipated weak monsoon rainfall are also likely to increase reliance on already limited irrigation systems. At the same time, disruptions to fertiliser supplies caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and export restrictions from major producers including China and Russia are threatening farm productivity. The article urges authorities to accelerate climate-resilient farming measures and provide stronger support to farmers.
Read full story: Daily Hunt
Date published: May 11, 2026
Japanese farmers fear losses as rice oversupply sends prices falling
Japanese rice farmers are facing growing uncertainty as a sharp increase in rice stocks and weaker consumer demand push prices down after last year’s shortages. Private rice inventories have reached their highest level in a decade, reversing the supply crisis that caused prices to surge during the so-called “Reiwa rice turmoil” of 2024–2025. Farmers and wholesalers are now struggling with falling prices despite rising production costs, including fertiliser, labour and machinery expenses. Concerns have also grown over inconsistent government policy, with authorities shifting between encouraging increased production and limiting output to match demand, leaving many producers uncertain about future planting decisions.
Read full story: ChosunBiz
Date published: May 12, 2026
Vietnamese poultry farmers face mounting losses as prices fall below production costs
Poultry farmers in southern Vietnam are struggling as chicken and egg prices continue to decline below production costs amid oversupply and weak consumer demand. Broiler and egg prices in major farming regions such as Dong Nai, Tay Ninh and Binh Duong have fallen sharply since early 2026, leaving many producers selling at a loss while inventories rise. Sluggish post-holiday consumption, unstable exports to Cambodia and rapid growth in poultry stocks have intensified pressure on the sector. Industry experts are encouraging farmers to reduce restocking and expand into processed poultry products, while new export opportunities, including access to the South Korean market, could support longer-term recovery.
Read full story: Avi News
Date published: May 12, 2026
Australian farmer confidence falls sharply as production costs surge
Farmer confidence in New South Wales has dropped dramatically as rising fuel and fertiliser prices place severe pressure on agricultural businesses. A new NSW Farmers survey found input costs for fuel and fertiliser had risen by 80%, while freight, chemicals and labour costs also increased significantly. Around 80% of farmers expect business conditions to worsen over the next year, with many already reducing production intensity or altering cropping and livestock plans. NSW Farmers warned that food security and regional economies were under threat and called on state and federal governments to introduce urgent relief measures, including tax reductions, lower freight costs and expanded access to low-interest finance.
Read full story: Mirage News
Date published: May 12, 2026
