Europe’s drought leaves mixed farms with less crop to sell and less winter feed, Namibia’s livestock producers are cut off from premium markets after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, and Australian citrus growers look to the United States as existing export markets become increasingly crowded.
Also this week: US grain farmers confront sharply contrasting corn and wheat supplies, while India looks to turn millions of hectares of rice-fallow land into a second crop of pulses.
Presented by Simon Morris.
This week’s stories:-
Europe — Drought delivers a double blow to mixed farms
Europe’s exceptionally hot and dry summer is showing up in harvest results and winter forage stocks. Grain maize yields are forecast below the five-year average, while green maize grown for livestock feed has suffered even larger losses. We examine why mixed farms face the double pressure of lower crop income and higher livestock feed costs — and whether some producers will have to reduce herd numbers.
Africa — Foot-and-mouth disease disrupts Namibia’s export livestock sector
An outbreak in Namibia’s southern commercial farming zone has led to livestock movement restrictions and the suspension of the zone’s internationally recognised foot-and-mouth disease-free status. With premium export markets affected, farmers face delayed sales, additional feed costs and the possibility of market-ready animals backing up on farms.
Oceania — Australian citrus growers push for US market access
Citrus producers in Queensland, inland New South Wales and Western Australia want access to the US market as production expands and existing export destinations become increasingly competitive. Citrus Australia estimates that up to A$150 million in annual export earnings could be at stake.
North America — US corn piles up as wheat production falls
US farmers entered autumn with old-crop corn stocks 35% higher than a year earlier, including 787 million bushels still held on farms. Wheat growers face the opposite problem: 2026 production was 23% lower. We examine what the contrast means for storage, marketing, prices and 2027 planting decisions.
Asia — India targets a second crop from rice-fallow land
India wants paddy growers in eastern states to use residual soil moisture after harvest to establish pulses such as lentils and chickpeas. The potential prize is another saleable crop from otherwise idle land — but success will depend on seed availability, field conditions and reliable procurement.
Global Market Report
The widening contrast between abundant US corn and a much smaller wheat crop takes centre stage. Large corn carryover is increasing competition for storage and putting pressure on farm marketing decisions, while reduced wheat production presents a different problem: potentially stronger prices but considerably less grain for some growers to sell.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and this week’s headlines
00:45 Europe – Drought, maize losses and the winter feed squeeze
03:56 Africa – Foot-and-mouth disease hits Namibia’s livestock trade
06:38 Oceania – Australian citrus growers target the US market
09:59 North America – US corn stocks rise as wheat production falls
12:33 Asia – India pushes pulse production on rice-fallow land
15:45 Global Market Report — Corn abundance versus tighter wheat supplies
Contributors
Simon Morris – Presenter
Lukas Fischer – Europe Correspondent
Samuel Njoroge – Africa Correspondent
Claire Mitchell – Oceania Correspondent
Daniel Mercer – North America Correspondent
Ananya Rao – Asia Correspondent
Useful links