South African News
South Africa’s FMD Outbreak Puts Pressure on Meat Supply and Prices
South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak is disrupting the livestock value chain, with outbreaks rising from 836 in February to 2,403 by the end of June 2026. More than 5.4 million cattle have been vaccinated, while movement controls, quarantines and increased biosecurity requirements are creating financial and operational pressures for farmers, feedlots, auctions and abattoirs. However, South Africa is not currently facing a meat shortage, with risk-based controls allowing livestock movements and slaughter to continue. Meat prices are being driven by broader supply constraints, including farmers retaining breeding stock and lower cattle imports from Namibia.
Read full story: Bizcommunity
Date Published: August 12, 2026
Soil Fungus Offers New Hope In Fight Against African Armyworm
A naturally occurring soil fungus could provide a new way to control the African armyworm, one of the most destructive crop pests in eastern and southern Africa. South African entomologist Letodi Luki Mathulwe discovered the fungus killing armyworms during a 2025 outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal and laboratory tests confirmed its potential as a biological control. The pest damages crops including maize and sorghum, while contaminated grass can also make livestock sick. Existing chemical treatments are largely ineffective against mature infestations. Further testing is needed before the fungus can be developed into a product for farmers, but researchers believe it could reduce crop losses and livestock risks during future outbreaks.
Read full story: The Guardian
Date Published: August 12, 2026
African News
Namibia’s Minimum Wage Puts Pressure on Communal Farmers
Namibia’s agricultural minimum wage is creating financial pressure for some communal farmers, who say low incomes, limited market access and delayed livestock payments make it difficult to comply. The minimum wage rose to N$14 per hour in January and is due to increase to N$18 in January 2027. A government inspection found that some farmers also failed to provide employment contracts, payslips, Social Security registration and adequate accommodation or benefits. While some farmers say the higher wage is affordable, others argue they cannot sustain their businesses without reliable markets and timely payments. Government, farmers’ unions and the Namibia Farmworkers’ Union have until early September to propose solutions.
Read full story: The Namibian
Date Published: August 12, 2026
Global News
Record Asian Heatwave Destroys Crops and Threatens Farmers
Record-breaking heat across East Asia is causing severe losses for farmers, with crops in South Korea being damaged by extreme temperatures. Potato fields in Gangwon province have been left with crops that softened and collapsed in the heat, while watermelon and strawberry growers have also reported major losses. South Korea recorded a national high of 42.5C, alongside the deaths of more than 900,000 livestock and 1.4 million farmed fish. Japan experienced temperatures above 40C, while Hong Kong recorded its highest temperature on record at 36.9C. Scientists say climate change is intensifying heat extremes, increasing pressure on farmers to adapt.
Read full story: The Guardian
Date Published: August 13, 2026
Thai Sugar Producers Warn Of El Niño-Driven Supply Risks
Thailand’s sugar industry is preparing for a potential “super El Niño” that could bring severe drought and reduce sugar cane yields during the 2026–27 crop year. Khon Kaen Sugar Industry Plc expects production to fall to around 100 million tonnes, down from 106 million tonnes in 2025–26, as water shortages could encourage farmers to switch from sugar cane to more profitable cassava. Global sugar prices are already rising and could reach about 17 US cents per pound in 2027 as drought threatens supplies and Brazil diverts more cane to ethanol. Producers have been advised to slow exports and build stocks.
Read full story: Bangkok Post
Date Published: August 13, 2026
US Soybean Growers Seek New Markets as China Demand Falls
US soybean growers are adapting to sharply lower exports to China by increasing sales to other overseas markets and the growing biofuel sector. Just over 12 million tonnes of last year’s crop are expected to reach China, well below the roughly 25 million tonnes the country typically buys annually. Despite the decline, the American Soybean Association expects only a small reduction in production as farmers adjust their marketing strategies. Demand for soybean oil from the US biofuel industry has also surged, with record usage reported in May. However, growers remain keen for China to restore reliable purchases under its agreement to buy 25 million tonnes annually.
Read full story: South China Morning Post
Date Published: August 12, 2026
India Urged to Develop National Land Use Policy
India urgently needs a long-term national framework for managing its limited land resources amid growing competition between agriculture, urbanisation, industry, infrastructure, renewable energy and environmental conservation. The lack of coordinated planning risks the permanent loss of highly productive farmland as cities and infrastructure expand. A proposed National Land Use Policy would assess future land requirements, identify strategically important agricultural production zones and use satellite mapping and digital land records to guide development. The article also calls for a permanent National Land Use Commission to coordinate decisions across government departments, helping protect food security while allowing India’s economy and population to grow.
Read full story: Global Agriculture
Date Published: August 12, 2026
