South African News
South African Farmers Urged to Prioritise Cash Flow Ahead Of El Niño
South African farmers have been urged to protect cash reserves and reassess planting and livestock decisions as forecasts point to a strong El Niño and potentially earlier-than-usual drought conditions. Although improved soil moisture, higher dam levels, stronger grain stocks and better technology offer advantages over the devastating 2015/16 drought, the risks remain uneven, particularly in the Free State, North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Agricultural economists recommend preparing cash flow budgets for different seasonal outcomes, prioritising productive land and livestock, and avoiding indiscriminate cost-cutting. Farmers facing repayment difficulties should approach lenders early to prevent a poor season triggering years of financial recovery.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date published: October 13, 2026
South African Farmworkers Demand Public Land Amid Rising Evictions
Around 150 farmworkers marched to Parliament in Cape Town, calling on Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson to release public land for housing and redistribution to agricultural workers. Organised by Women on Farms Project and worker unions, the protest followed a national platform involving around 15 organisations. Demonstrators highlighted rising evictions, particularly around Stellenbosch, and the insecurity faced by families who have lived and worked on farms for generations. Campaigners argued that limited land access contributes to poor living conditions and called for secure housing, land for small-scale farming and an urgent meeting with the minister. The department had not responded by publication.
Read full story: Food For Mzansi
Date published: October 15, 2026
African News
Rising Fuel Prices Threaten Irrigation Farming in Nigeria’s Taraba State
Farmers in Nigeria’s Taraba State warn that soaring petrol and diesel prices could force hundreds to abandon irrigation farming this season. Fuel costs have risen to N1,800–N1,900 per litre for petrol and around N2,200 for diesel in remote areas, adding to expensive fertiliser, tractor hire and labour. One farmer reported investing more than N3 million in rice production but failing to recover his costs. With fertiliser priced at N50,000 per bag and tractor services costing N140,000 an hour, farmers say low rice prices are undermining profitability, prompting some to switch to more lucrative cash crops.
Read full story: Daily Trust
Date published: October 15, 2026
Global News
Migrant Worker Shortages Leave Thai Fruit Unharvested as Wages Surge
Thailand’s agricultural and construction sectors are facing mounting labour shortages as border tensions with Cambodia and recruitment difficulties in Myanmar restrict the supply of migrant workers. In eastern Thailand, fruit growers are leaving lower-value mangosteens and rambutans to rot as daily wages have more than doubled in some cases, making harvesting uneconomical. Migrants account for around a tenth of Thailand’s workforce and up to 70% of its construction workforce. The government plans to recruit workers from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, alongside measures to legalise undocumented workers. However, growers warn that longer-term solutions may come too late for the next harvest.
Read full story: Japan Times
Date published: October 13, 2026
China’s Surplus Meat and Dairy Exports Intensify Global Competition
China’s expanding meat and dairy industries are turning surplus production into a growing export business, challenging established suppliers with lower prices. Government subsidies and investment aimed at strengthening food security have increased output, while changing domestic diets and weaker demand have left producers with excess supplies. Chicken exports reached US$2.6 billion in 2025, nearly double their 2020 value, while dairy exports are expected to reach US$600 million in 2026. Chinese poultry is gaining market share in the UK, EU and Asia, prompting concern among competitors and scrutiny over subsidies. However, food-safety concerns remain a challenge for Chinese exporters.
Read full story: Reuters
Date published: October 15, 2026
US Farm Debt Reaches Record High as Global Food Insecurity Outlook Improves
US farm debt has reached a record high of more than $605 billion, according to USDA estimates, although the true figure may be higher because traditional surveys overlook some alternative lending arrangements. Meanwhile, more than 70,000 members and supporters are expected to attend the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, where students can explore over 350 agricultural careers and develop leadership skills. The USDA also forecasts a decline in global food insecurity over the next decade, driven partly by rising incomes and easing food price inflation. However, an estimated 884.4 million people across 83 low- and middle-income countries will remain food insecure.
Read full story: Ag Info
Date published: October 15, 2026
Canada Invests Nearly $500,000 in Smart Lettuce Farming Technology
The Canadian government is investing up to $497,562 in a decision support system to help Quebec lettuce growers improve productivity, reduce waste and manage labour shortages. Developed through collaboration between the Association des producteurs maraîchers du Québec, researchers and technology providers, the system will combine weather forecasts with crop monitoring data to improve harvest planning and farm management. Building on research using drone imagery to predict optimal harvest dates at least two weeks in advance, the technology aims to help farmers allocate resources more efficiently, cut operating costs and strengthen the vegetable sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Read full story: Farms.com
Date published: October 14, 2026
