South African News
US to suspend South Africa from duty-free African trade programme
The US will suspend South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) from 1 January 2027, citing concerns over human rights, corruption, trade barriers and national security. The decision threatens preferential access for South African exports, including automotive components, citrus fruit and wine. South Africa exported approximately $1.7 billion in goods to the US under the programme in 2025, making it the largest beneficiary. Although the government has pledged support for affected industries, it says AGOA accounts for only 10% of its exports to the US and is accelerating efforts to diversify export markets.
Read full story: CNBC Africa
Date published: November 2, 2026
Herbicide-resistant weeds pose growing threat to South African crop productionHerbicide resistance is becoming an increasing challenge for South African farmers, with common pigweed, Palmer amaranth, ryegrass and fleabane among the species showing resistance to multiple herbicide groups. Overreliance on glyphosate, limited herbicide rotation and continuous cropping are contributing to the problem. New DNA-based testing developed through the Herbicide Action and Resistance Platform (HARP) aims to improve early detection and identify emerging resistance hotspots. However, effective management still depends on integrated weed control, including crop and herbicide rotation, field scouting and preventing surviving weeds from producing seed. Even a single resistant plant can rapidly replenish the soil seedbank.
Read full story: Farmers Weekly
Date published: November 3, 2026
African News
Solar irrigation offers Kenyan farmers climate resilience, but financing remains a barrier
Solar-powered irrigation could help Kenyan smallholder farmers reduce their vulnerability to unreliable rainfall and rising fuel costs, according to a World Bank and GOGLA report. Solar pumps allow farmers to draw water from rivers and boreholes without relying on diesel or grid electricity, potentially improving production consistency and reducing operating expenses. However, high upfront costs and limited access to credit remain major obstacles, particularly for farmers with low incomes and little collateral. Kenya's government is exploring results-based financing to reduce equipment costs, alongside a 10-year irrigation development plan targeting more than five million farmers and 350,000 acres by 2035.
Read full story: The Star
Date published: November 3, 2026
Global News
Sarsabz farmers dominate Punjab wheat yield competition
Farmers using Fatima Fertilizer's Sarsabz Nitrophos and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) secured all three provincial titles and 119 of 120 district-level positions in Punjab's 2025–26 Wheat Yield Competition. The top-performing farmer, Sajjad Hussain from Muzaffargarh, achieved 69 maunds and 39.4kg per acre, more than double the indicative national average of 33 maunds. The results highlight the potential contribution of balanced crop nutrition and agronomic advice to improving wheat productivity. Government representatives also highlighted support measures, including a Rs4,500/maund wheat support price and Rs150 billion in interest-free loans for one million farmers.
Read full story: Business Recorder
Date published: November 3, 2026
Japanese researchers investigate ways to stop invasive alligator weed spreading
Scientists at Toyo University in Japan are investigating ways to suppress the regeneration of alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), an invasive aquatic plant threatening waterways, agricultural land and flood management infrastructure. The weed can regenerate from stem fragments as small as 1cm, making conventional removal methods largely ineffective. Chiba Prefecture has spent more than ¥1.7 billion on control efforts, with flooding further accelerating its spread. Early experiments suggest continuous exposure to light may slow regeneration, although further research is needed to confirm the finding. Scientists are investigating how temperature, light and nutrient availability influence the plant's growth.
Read full story: News On Japan
Date published: November 3, 2026
Chinese farmers withhold corn supplies as prices remain subdued
Chinese farmers are holding back corn sales in anticipation of higher prices, helping to stabilise domestic markets after a 1.42% decline during October. Grade 3 yellow corn averaged 2,174.29 yuan/t on 30 October, down from 2,205.71 yuan/t at the start of the month. Increased supplies from the new harvest, cheaper imported alternatives and weak feed demand have weighed on prices. Falling Chinese hog and egg prices are further undermining feed consumption. SunSirs analysts expect corn prices to remain relatively low in November, with ample supplies and sufficient processor inventories limiting the potential for recovery.
Read full story: UKr Agro Consult
Date published: November 2, 2026
New Zealand milk production reaches record high
New Zealand milk production increased by 3.5% to a record 21.8 billion litres in the 2025/2026 season, produced by 4.72 million dairy cows across 10,268 herds. Milk solids rose by 4.5% to 2.02 billion kilograms, while the average herd size increased to 460 cows. Despite the growth in production, the number of dairy herds fell by 102 over the year. Breeding performance also improved, with 84.8% of cows mated through artificial insemination and the six-week in-calf rate reaching a record 70.2%. Farmers received an average NZ$10.44/kg of milk solids.
Read full story: Agriland
Date published: November 3, 2026
