Flooding across 42 Thai provinces has submerged more than 260,000 hectares of farmland, leaving rice growers facing the loss of two cropping seasons and livestock producers counting the cost of millions of dead or missing animals.
In the United States, farmers question whether emergency diesel measures will make much difference after much of the harvest fuel bill has already been paid. South African dairy producers are confronting the possibility that foot-and-mouth disease vaccination and biosecurity will become permanent business costs.
Meanwhile, Australia is heading towards a sharply divided harvest. Drought-hit northern growers are cutting failed cereal crops for fodder and selling cattle, while farmers farther south prepare for potentially exceptional grain yields.
In Europe, new EU emissions rules give larger pig and poultry businesses a clearer timetable for investment in housing, feeding and manure management.
Plus, the Global Market Report examines an 18-month high in sugar futures as Brazilian harvest disruption, higher oil prices and El Niño concerns combine to tighten market expectations.
Presented by Simon Morris.
This week's stories:
Asia — Thailand’s floods threaten two cropping seasons
Severe flooding across 42 Thai provinces has affected approximately 263,000 hectares of farmland, predominantly rice.
North America — US farmers question late diesel relief
President Donald Trump’s emergency diesel measures are intended to ease the impact of fuel prices more than 70% higher than a year ago.
Africa — South African farmers confront permanent FMD costs
South African dairy and cattle producers are increasingly treating foot-and-mouth disease as a recurring business risk rather than an occasional emergency.
Oceania — Australia’s harvest divides north and south
Australia is approaching harvest with two very different agricultural economies.
Europe — New emissions rules reshape livestock investment
The European Commission has adopted common operating conditions for larger pig and poultry farms under its revised emissions directive.
Global Market Report — Sugar prices reach an 18-month high
Sugar futures have climbed to approximately 20.73 US cents a pound, their highest level in 18 months.
Contributors
Simon Morris — presenter
Ananya Rao — Asia correspondent
Daniel Mercer — North America correspondent
Samuel Njoroge — Africa correspondent
Claire Mitchell — Oceania correspondent
Lukas Fischer — Europe correspondent
Useful links
Thailand – flooding and agricultural damage (MOAC)
United States – emergency diesel measures (White House)
South Africa – foot-and-mouth disease (South African Department of Agriculture)
Australia – crop conditions and harvest prospects (Australian government)
European Union — livestock emissions rules
Global Market Report — sugar production and trade (International Sugar Organization)
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