South African News
El Niño Prompts South African Grain Producers to Reassess Production Plans
South African grain producers are being encouraged to reassess their 2026/27 summer production plans in light of the current El Niño event, rather than automatically changing them. Key factors include existing soil-water reserves, soil type, planting date, cultivar choice, input costs and financial resilience. Regional differences in maize yield response to heat and rainfall mean that not all fields carry the same level of risk. With variable maize production costs exceeding R20 000/ha in some areas, lower yields could significantly increase production costs per tonne and erode margins. The outlook highlights the importance of reviewing field-level investment and planting decisions while recognising the limitations of seasonal rainfall forecasts.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date published: September 28, 2026
Free State Records New FMD Case Despite 1.66 million Cattle Vaccinated
The Free State has recorded one new clinically confirmed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case in the Fauresmith state veterinary area, bringing the province’s total to 799. Of these, 155 remain active and under quarantine, while 644 have been resolved. More than 1.66 million cattle have received FMD vaccinations through the province’s national risk-based vaccination programme, with a further 5,895 vaccinated by farmers. The provincial agriculture department said vaccination is being prioritised in infected and high-risk areas, while limited vaccine availability remains a constraint. Farmers have also been urged to report suspected cases promptly, isolate affected animals and comply with movement restrictions.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date published: September 28, 2026
African News
Limited Cashew Processing Capacity Creates Investment Opportunities in Tanzania
Tanzania’s limited cashew processing capacity is creating opportunities for investment as the country targets annual production of one million tonnes of raw cashew nuts by 2030. The country produced 617,684 tonnes in 2025/26, but currently processes less than 30% of its crop. The government is encouraging private-sector investment in processing, storage, transport, drying and other value-added activities to reduce post-harvest losses, increase farmer incomes and create employment. Expanding processing capacity could also support exports of value-added products, with the Chinese market offering further potential following a zero-tariff agreement, subject to completing registration requirements.
Read full story: Daily News
Date published: September 28, 2026
Global News
MEPs Push Back Against Proposed Cuts to Standalone CAP Budget
European Parliament members are resisting proposed changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as concerns grow over a significant reduction in agricultural funding from 2028. The European Commission has proposed €300 billion for agriculture between 2028 and 2034, compared with €386.6 billion under the current CAP, representing a reduction of more than 20% before inflation. MEPs have opposed plans to fold CAP funding into wider National and Regional Partnership Plans, arguing that agriculture needs a dedicated budget. The Commission says €300 billion would provide a minimum guarantee, while farm organisations warn that reduced funding could weaken farm incomes and food security.
Read full story: The Scottish Farmer
Date published: September 27, 2026
Hot Summer Drives Up Costs and Cuts Harvests for Jersey Farmers
Jersey farmers are facing sharply lower yields and higher production costs following the island’s hottest summer on record. Average temperatures from June to August reached 20.5°C, compared with a 30-year average of 17.7°C, while dry conditions increased the need for irrigation. Pumpkin growers reported repeated irrigation and higher diesel costs, while cereal production at one farm fell by 50%. Apple growers experienced even greater losses, with one orchard producing just three to four tonnes compared with a typical 60 to 70 tonnes. Farmers warned that increasingly hot, dry summers could require changes to crops and farming practices, while the government is considering how support could be reprioritised
.Read full story: BBC News
Date published: September 28, 2026
Mexico’s Grain Production Falls Short of Domestic Demand
Mexico’s grain production is expected to remain insufficient to meet rising domestic demand in 2026/27, increasing reliance on imports for food, feed and processing. Corn production is forecast to fall nearly 2% to 24.5 million tonnes, while imports are expected to rise more than 2% to 26.8 million tonnes as livestock demand grows. The US supplied 99% of Mexico’s corn imports in 2025/26. Wheat production is forecast to increase nearly 5% to 1.8 million tonnes, but imports are also expected to rise. Rice production is forecast to decline 6%, driving higher imports, while sorghum production and imports are both expected to fall.
Read full story: Milling Middle East & Africa
Date published: September 28, 2026
India’s Ethanol Expansion Deepens Corn Shortage and Raises Feed Costs
India’s growing use of corn for ethanol is intensifying competition for grain between the fuel, food and livestock sectors. Corn accounted for around 37% of ethanol production in 2025/26, requiring about 12.6 million tonnes of grain, despite a record 55 million-tonne corn harvest. Poultry producers are facing higher feed costs, with corn prices rising to Rs27–28/kg and egg production costs increasing significantly. A weaker monsoon and reduced corn and soybean planting could create a shortfall of up to 17 million tonnes in the coming season, prompting calls for duty-free imports. Expanding corn production could also reduce land available for oilseeds and pulses.
Read full story: Ukr Agro Consult
Date published: September 28, 2026
