El Niño is moving from forecast to farm-level reality. Corn and vegetable growers in the Philippines are counting their losses, Malaysian producers are seeing slower crop growth as haze reduces sunlight, and South African farmers face difficult decisions as the summer planting season approaches.
In Japan, rice growers who increased production during the recent shortage are struggling to find buyers as prices collapse. Canadian Prairie farmers face a different problem: a promising harvest has been damaged by September rain, leaving growers with expensive drying bills and downgraded grain.
Meanwhile, South Australian farmers are preparing for a potentially record-breaking grain harvest after years of drought. But much of the expected income will go towards paying accumulated bills rather than funding expansion.
In France, emergency drought support is beginning to reach farms, although the speed of payments could determine whether growers can afford the inputs needed for their next production cycle.
Plus, the Global Market Report examines strengthening Asian rice export prices – and why growers in India and Vietnam face a very different market from their counterparts in Japan.
Presented by Simon Morris.
This week's stories:
Global — El Niño begins to reshape farming decisions
A strengthening El Niño is affecting agricultural production across Asia and southern Africa.
Asia — Japan’s rice shortage turns into a surplus problem
After shortages and high prices encouraged farmers to expand production, Japanese growers are now harvesting into a challenging market.
North America — Rain damages Canada’s Prairie grain harvest
September rain delayed harvesting across Western Canada, leaving spring wheat sprouted, lentils damaged and grain requiring extensive drying.
Oceania — Record South Australian harvest offers drought recovery
For farmers who have endured years of drought, an exceptional grain harvest is expected to produce about 13 million tonnes.
Europe — French drought support reaches farms
Emergency agricultural support is beginning to reach drought-hit French farmers.
Global Market Report — Asian rice export prices strengthen
Rice export prices have risen in India and Vietnam, supported by concerns about supply, currency movements and renewed Philippine import demand.
Chapters:
00:00:52 – Global: El Niño hits farming across three continents
00:04:51 – Asia: Japan’s rice market reverses
00:08:18 – North America: Canada’s rain-damaged grain harvest
00:10:52 – Oceania: Australia’s record harvest offers hope
00:14:32 – Europe: France’s drought support reaches farms
00:17:26 – Global Market Report: Asian rice prices strengthen
Correspondents:
Samuel Njoroge – Africa
Ananya Rao – Asia
Daniel Mercer – North America
Claire Mitchell – Oceania
Lukas Fischer – Europe
Useful links
El Niño – international climate monitoring (World Meteorological Organization)
South Africa – summer crop planting prospects (South Africa’s Crop Estimates Committee)
Japan – rice production and markets (Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
Canada – Prairie crop conditions (Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture)
Canada – grain quality and grading (Canadian Grain Commission)
Australia – South Australian grain harvest Grain Producers SA)
France – agricultural drought assistance (France’s Ministry of Agriculture)
Global Market Report – international rice markets (UN Food and Agriculture Organization)
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