South African News
FMD Response SA Urges Clearer Vaccination Plan to Halt Disease Spread
FMD Response SA has called on South Africa’s government to urgently clarify its Foot-and-mouth disease vaccination strategy, warning that the current rollout timeline may fail to achieve herd immunity and stop transmission. Spokesperson Andrew Morphew said vaccination must be delivered rapidly and in synchronised six- to eight-week windows to create simultaneous immunity across cattle herds, rather than being spread out over the year. He argued that isolated vaccination leaves animals vulnerable and cited recent infections in vaccinated dairy cattle in KwaZulu-Natal as evidence of rollout risks. The group urged a more disciplined, biologically aligned campaign, supported by private sector participation, to protect South Africa’s livestock industry.
Read full story: Politics Web
Date published: May 20, 2026
Goat Export Plan Could Open New Income Stream for Communal Farmers
A South African goat farming initiative aims to capitalise on growing global demand for goat meat by building an intensive production and export system that could generate annual turnover of R1.2 billion. Led by farmer Albie Horn through Lambco Karoo Mega Herd Operations, the plan seeks to improve year-round supply, genetics and carcass quality while targeting export markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The model also aims to create opportunities for communal and small-scale farmers through contract production, skills development and market access. Horn says the project could strengthen South Africa’s goat value chain, create jobs and help farmers transition towards more commercial livestock production.
Read full story: African Farming
Date published: May 21, 2026
African News
Tanzania Set for Third Consecutive Record Coffee Harvest
Tanzania’s coffee sector is expected to achieve another record harvest in the 2026-27 season, driven by favourable weather, strong global prices and expanding cultivation. Production is forecast to reach 96,000 tonnes, a 10.3% increase on the previous season and the third consecutive year of growth. New plantations coming into production, improved rainfall and stable temperatures have boosted yields, while higher prices have strengthened farmer support through cooperatives. Coffee exports are also expected to rise modestly, with Tanzania’s balanced production of arabica and robusta supporting earnings. Export revenues have more than doubled over the past five years, highlighting the sector’s growing economic importance.
Read full story: Ecofin Agency
Date published: May 20, 2026
Global News
Mexico Eyes Higher Beef Exports as Screwworm Disrupts Livestock Trade
Mexico’s meat industry is aiming to double beef exports to the United States next year as it seeks to offset heavy losses caused by a year-long border closure on live livestock due to a screwworm outbreak. Ranchers have been forced to keep and feed cattle for longer before processing them domestically for export, increasing costs across the sector. Beef exports to the U.S. have already risen, but volumes remain relatively limited as the industry adjusts. Authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak through sterile fly releases and the construction of a new production facility, while livestock sector losses have reached an estimated $1.8 billion.
Read full story: Successful Farming
Date published: May 20, 2026
Indonesia Says Strong Agriculture Is Shielding Rural Economy
Indonesia’s agriculture minister says the country’s rural communities are relatively protected from the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar due to robust domestic food production, rising agricultural exports and growing national food reserves. The government reported higher export earnings and lower imports in 2025, while key staple foods are largely produced domestically, helping strengthen rural economic resilience amid global uncertainty. Indonesia now holds more than 5 million tonnes of rice reserves and says most strategic food commodities have reached self-sufficiency. The government is also investing in downstream agricultural processing to increase export value and reduce reliance on raw commodity exports.
Read full story: Jakarta Daily
Date published: May 21, 2026
Severe Heatwave Disrupts Daily Life Across Northern India
A prolonged heatwave has swept across northern India, forcing people to alter daily routines as temperatures reach extreme levels and public spaces empty during the hottest hours. In several states, including Uttar Pradesh, markets and roads have closed in the afternoons, while farmers have shifted to night-time work to avoid dangerous daytime conditions. The India Meteorological Department forecast temperatures of around 45C in New Delhi, where cooling shelters have been set up. Schools have also been disrupted, with early holidays declared in some areas. Authorities have urged residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activity during peak heat, as experts link the worsening conditions to climate change trends.
Read full story: Gazette Herald
Date published: May 21, 2026
EU Unveils Plan to Strengthen Fertiliser Supply and Food Security
The European Commission has announced a new fertiliser action plan aimed at improving food security by supporting farmers facing rising costs, supply disruptions and price volatility. The initiative is designed to reduce Europe’s dependence on imported fertilisers while strengthening domestic production and encouraging more sustainable farming practices. Measures include financial support for farmers, a liquidity scheme to ease cash flow pressures, and incentives for improved nutrient management and the use of organic and bio-based alternatives. The plan also focuses on boosting the EU fertiliser industry through decarbonisation, reducing regulatory barriers and improving market transparency. Officials say the strategy will enhance resilience across the agricultural sector.
Read full story: EU Reporter
Date published: May 21, 2026
