South African News
El Niño Raises Risk of Hot, Dry Conditions for South African Farmers
South African farmers are being urged to prepare for potentially below-normal rainfall and high temperatures during the 2026/27 summer season as El Niño conditions persist. The Department of Agriculture warned that dry conditions and heat stress could cause crop failures, livestock losses, water shortages, and increased pest and disease pressure. Farmers are advised to conserve soil moisture through climate-smart and conservation agriculture practices, select suitable drought-tolerant cultivars and use water efficiently. Livestock producers should avoid overstocking, maintain adequate feed and water supplies, and use rotational grazing. Farmers are also encouraged to monitor weather warnings and act early to reduce climate-related risks.
Read full story: Independent Online (IOL)
Date Published: September 3, 2026
Foot-And-Mouth Disease Costs South Africa’s Dairy Industry More Than R1 Billion
South Africa’s worst-ever foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak has caused more than R1 billion in losses to the dairy industry, while placing significant emotional strain on farmers and farmworkers. Infected cattle can suffer painful blisters, mastitis, reduced appetite and severe drops in milk production, with some surviving animals later requiring culling. Farmers have also faced higher medicine and labour costs, as well as lengthy quarantine restrictions. The outbreak has been linked to failures in disease monitoring, livestock movement controls and vaccination. However, farmers are cautiously optimistic as vaccination efforts expand, with calls for all cattle to receive twice-yearly vaccinations to bring the epidemic under control.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date Published: September 4, 2026
African News
Botswana Urged to Prioritise Cattle Productivity Over Herd Size
Botswana’s plan to increase its national cattle herd from around 1.6 million to as many as five million by the end of the decade should focus on productivity and farmer incomes rather than animal numbers alone. The article questions whether the target is supported by adequate feasibility, economic or carrying-capacity studies. Low calving rates, land degradation, water scarcity and foot-and-mouth disease could constrain expansion. Improving nutrition, genetics, animal health, grazing management and water use could raise beef production without reaching five million cattle. Greater value could also be created through branded, premium beef and processed products, increasing export earnings and rural incomes.
Read full story: The Botswana Gazette
Date Published: September 4, 2026
Global News
Thailand Cancels 600,000-Tonne Corn Import Plans as Domestic Supply Improves
Thailand has cancelled plans to import at least 600,000 tonnes of feed corn under the ASEAN Free Trade Area after domestic supplies improved in key growing regions affected by flooding. The move is expected to support domestic corn prices and farmers’ incomes. Authorities have also asked importers to delay shipments under the country’s 572,400-tonne WTO tariff-rate quota, with only about 120,000 tonnes now expected to arrive in December 2026 and most of the remainder deferred until 2027. Thailand consumes around 9 million tonnes of corn annually but produces only about 5 million tonnes, leaving a substantial shortfall normally met through imports and alternative feed ingredients.
Read full story: UkrAgro Consult
Date Published: September 4, 2026
Australian Farmers Call for Balanced Approach to Water Reform
Australia’s National Farmers’ Federation has called for water reforms that balance healthy river systems with agricultural production and the needs of regional communities. Its submission to the independent review of the Water Act 2007 argues that environmental improvements should not rely primarily on recovering more water, but also address issues such as poor water quality, invasive species, river connectivity and infrastructure. The NFF is seeking greater consideration of the social and economic impacts of water policy, while maintaining the reliability of existing water entitlements. It also supports science-based, outcomes-focused and transparent decision-making that recognises the contribution and sacrifices of farming communities.
Read full story: Fresh Plaza
Date Published: September 3, 2026
Peruvian Subsidiary to Strengthen Support for Commercial Berry Growers
Vaighai Agro Products has established a new subsidiary, Vaighai Agro Eco S.A.C., in Peru to provide faster local support and product availability to commercial horticultural growers. The company, which supplies coco coir substrates to more than 75 countries, is targeting Peru’s expanding blueberry sector as well as strawberry, greenhouse vegetable and nursery production. The subsidiary will provide technical advice on selecting substrates suited to different growing systems and climates, while supporting local growers and distributors. Backed by five manufacturing facilities in India, the move forms part of Vaighai Agro’s wider strategy to strengthen partnerships and expand its presence across Latin America.
Read full story: Horti Daily
Date Published: September 3, 2026
US Farm Exports to China Plunge 66% As Washington Signals Potential Trade Shift
US agricultural exports to China fell 66% in 2025 to around $8.4 billion, as tariffs and weaker Chinese demand for US soybeans reduced trade. Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Washington, US officials have indicated that agriculture and non-tariff barriers could feature in new announcements. Rather than pursuing a comprehensive trade agreement, Washington is reportedly seeking progress on specific market-access issues. Changes to regulatory requirements, inspections, certifications and other barriers could help US exporters, but farmers will be looking for actual purchases rather than diplomatic commitments. Soybeans are likely to be closely watched, although no specific commodities have yet been confirmed.
Read full story: AgroLatam
Date Published: September 3, 2026
