World Farm Brief

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 farmsEurope’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 sectorAn 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 accessCitrus 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 fallsUS 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 landIndia 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 ReportThe 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and this week’s headlines00:45 Europe – Drought, maize losses and the winter feed squeeze03:56 Africa – Foot-and-mouth disease hits Namibia’s livestock trade06:38 Oceania – Australian citrus growers target the US market09:59 North America – US corn stocks rise as wheat production falls12:33 Asia – India pushes pulse production on rice-fallow land15:45 Global Market Report — Corn abundance versus tighter wheat suppliesContributorsSimon Morris – PresenterLukas Fischer – Europe CorrespondentSamuel Njoroge – Africa CorrespondentClaire Mitchell – Oceania CorrespondentDaniel Mercer – North America CorrespondentAnanya Rao – Asia CorrespondentUseful linksEuropean Commission JRC / MARSWorld Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)UK Government – animal products, food and feed import controlsCitrus AustraliaABC RuralUSDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)USDA Foreign Agricultural ServiceIndia Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

A foot-and-mouth disease outbreak inside Namibia’s internationally recognised disease-free zone has brought livestock movements to a halt, leaving cattle farmers unable to move or market animals and threatening valuable export trade.Meanwhile, a strengthening El Niño is already influencing decisions on farms from Southeast Asia to southern Africa.Australian growers are racing to get overseas workers onto farms before harvest, English farmers have seen an environmental support budget exhausted within hours, and US soybean growers are still waiting for diplomatic progress with China to translate into dependable demand.Plus, the Global Market Report examines the surge in diesel costs hitting US farmers during harvest.Presented by Simon Morris.This week's stories:Africa — Foot-and-mouth disease stops Namibia’s cattle tradeTen positive foot-and-mouth disease tests on a commercial farm near Karasburg have triggered nationwide restrictions on livestock movements and trade. For cattle producers, the immediate problem is not only disease risk but cash flow: animals intended for slaughter or sale must still be fed while farmers wait to discover when normal marketing can resume.Asia — El Niño moves onto the farm balance sheetEl Niño is becoming an immediate business issue for farmers across several continents. More than 223,000 farmers have been affected in the Philippines, while Thai rice growers are spending money pumping irrigation water and Indonesian oil-palm producers are reconsidering fertiliser applications. Zimbabwean farmers, meanwhile, are preparing for the risk before their main cropping season.Oceania — Australian growers race to secure harvest workersAn emergency process could speed up urgent Working Holiday Maker visa applications for overseas workers already contracted to Australian farms. Grain growers in Western Australia and cherry producers in Tasmania are among those worried that skilled workers will arrive too late. The crop, after all, will not wait for the paperwork.Europe — England’s green funding disappears within hoursThe second 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive application window closed on 22 September after its available funding was committed in less than six hours. Farmers still dealing with mapping, land-record or computer problems were left outside the scheme, raising questions about how future environmental support should be allocated.North America — US soybean growers await Chinese demandThe United States and China have extended their trade truce for another two months. But for soybean farmers bringing crops out of the field, the important question remains unanswered: will diplomacy translate into sustained Chinese buying? Growers must decide whether to sell, store or finance their harvested crop while they wait.Global Market Report — Diesel hits harvest marginsUS farmers face sharply higher diesel costs just as combines, tractors and grain lorries move into their busiest period. The Iowa Corn Growers Association says national on-highway diesel prices are almost 60% higher than a year ago and is seeking temporary relief, including allowing harvest-related road haulage to use tax-exempt dyed farm fuel.ContributorsSimon Morris – presenterSamuel Njoroge – Africa correspondentAnanya Rao – Asia correspondentClaire Mitchell – Oceania correspondentLukas Fischer – Europe correspondentDaniel Mercer – North America correspondentUseful linksNamibia foot-and-mouth disease outbreak (Government Update)El Niño and Asian agriculture (Associated Press)Philippines — El Niño agricultural losses (The Tribune)Australia — farm workers and Working Holiday Maker visas (ABC Rural)England — Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (Defra)US-China trade truce and soybean growers (American Soybean Association)US harvest diesel costs (Iowa Corn Growers Association)

Drought-hit dairy farmers in France face difficult decisions over winter feed and herd numbers, while catastrophic floods in Nepal have destroyed crops, livestock and productive farm assets.In Australia, mango growers worry that migration changes could leave them short of workers during a narrow harvest window. US farmers await clarity as a new Farm Bill moves through Congress, and Kenyan authorities investigate allegations that tea growers have been short-changed at collection centres.Plus, the Global Market Report examines rising physical wheat prices around the Black Sea — and why stronger international values do not necessarily mean better returns at the farm gate.Presented by Simon Morris.This week’s stories:Europe — Normandy dairy farmers count the cost of droughtIn France’s Pays d’Auge, drought has turned a difficult grazing season into a winter-feed crisis. Dairy farmers are buying expensive hay, drilling emergency forage crops and considering whether to reduce herd numbers. We hear how those decisions could affect milk production and farm productive capacity well beyond this winter.Asia — Nepal floods destroy crops and productive assetsAugust flash floods along the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli river corridor damaged more than 1,800 hectares of paddy and vegetables. Livestock losses have added to the damage, raising the prospect that some smallholders could lose not just one harvest, but several production cycles.Oceania — Mango growers face harvest labour uncertaintyMango growers in Australia’s Northern Territory are preparing for a short, intensive harvest amid uncertainty over changes to migration rules. The question is whether enough suitably skilled workers will reach remote orchards at precisely the right time.North America — US Farm Bill advances, but uncertainty remainsThe US Senate Agriculture Committee has advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 in a narrow party-line vote. The proposals could affect risk management, conservation, agricultural finance, specialty crops, research and biofuels — but farmers still cannot be certain what the final legislation will contain.Africa — Kenya investigates tea weighing complaintsFive tea-collection clerks have been arrested in Kericho County following complaints from growers about the weighing of green-leaf deliveries. The case highlights a fundamental issue for smallholders: the price farmers receive matters only if their crop is measured accurately.Global Market Report — Black Sea wheatPhysical wheat prices in Romania and Bulgaria reached roughly three-and-a-half-month highs as risks surrounding Ukrainian ports and shipping supported Black Sea values. But disrupted export routes mean the international price tells only part of the story. For farmers, what matters is the price actually available at the farm gate.ContributorsSimon Morris – PresenterLukas Fischer – Europe CorrespondentSamuel Njoroge – Africa CorrespondentClaire Mitchell – Oceania CorrespondentDaniel Mercer – North America CorrespondentAnanya Rao – Asia CorrespondentUseful links:Normandy drought and dairy farming (Le Monde)Nepal floods - agriculture and livestock losses (UN Food and Agriculture Organization)Nepal flood damage assessment (Radio Nepal)Australia’s mango harvest and migration changes (SBS News)US Agricultural Act of 2026 (US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry)Kenya tea weighing investigation (The Star)Black Sea wheat market (Prospex Agro)

After 25 years of negotiation, the European Union and Mercosur have signed their landmark trade agreement — opening prospective new markets for South American agriculture while raising concerns among European beef, poultry and sugar producers.In Mozambique, severe flooding has submerged tens of thousands of hectares of crops, leaving smallholders facing lost harvests and the cost of planting again. Canadian canola growers have been offered a route back into the Chinese market, while a parasitic plant is driving some Indian farmers out of mustard production.Meanwhile, Greek farmers have moved from roadblocks into negotiations with the government as delayed payments and high operating costs continue to squeeze cash flow.Plus, the Global Market Report examines a record US corn crop — and why extraordinary physical production is creating another problem for farmers as stocks build and prices remain under pressure.Presented by Simon Morris.This week's stories:South America – EU-Mercosur agreement finally signedAfter 25 years of negotiation, the European Union and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay have signed the EU–Mercosur agreement. For South American cattle, poultry, sugar and ethanol producers, it offers prospective access to a valuable European market. European farmers see the other side of the equation: potentially greater competition from producers operating under different cost and regulatory structures. The agreement is signed, but its farm-gate winners and losers are far from settled.Africa – Mozambique floods submerge staple cropsFlooding in Mozambique has submerged rice, maize and other crops at a critical stage of the growing season. For smallholders, the damage represents not only lost food but seed, fertiliser, labour and expected income already invested in the crop. The immediate question is whether water will recede soon enough for farmers to replant — and whether they can afford to do so.North America – China offers Canadian canola a route backCanadian canola growers have a new date in their marketing calculations. A preliminary agreement with China is expected to cut the combined tariff on Canadian canola seed from about 85% to approximately 15% from 1 March.Asia – Hidden parasite drives Indian growers out of mustardOrobanche, or broomrape, attacks mustard underground by attaching itself to the crop’s roots. By the time farmers can see the parasite, much of the damage may already have occurred.Europe – Greek farmers move from roadblocks to negotiationsMore than a month of Greek farm protests has begun to give way to negotiations. The government has offered measures on electricity and fuel, but farmers continue to face a more immediate cash-flow problem.Global Market Report – Record US corn crop weighs on returnsUSDA has confirmed an extraordinary 2025 US corn crop of about 17 billion bushels. Record yields and increased harvested area have pushed projected ending stocks above 2.2 billion bushels.ContributorsSimon Morris – presenterMaría Fernández – South America correspondentSamuel Njoroge – Africa correspondentDaniel Mercer – North America correspondentAnanya Rao – Asia correspondentLukas Fischer – Europe correspondentUseful linksEU-Mercosur – full agreement and ratification process (European Commission)Mozambique – flooding and agricultural impact (Fews Net)Canada-China canola agreement (Canadian Government)India – Orobanche threatens mustard production (Indian Express)Greece – government response to farm protests (Greek Government)United States – record corn crop (USDA pdf)

China has begun 2026 with new restrictions on beef imports, protecting its domestic cattle industry while shifting market risk towards producers in Brazil, Australia and other major exporting countries.In Kenya, one of the driest short-rains seasons on record has left crops failing and livestock entering the dry season in deteriorating condition.US row-crop farmers finally have firm figures for federal bridge payments, while Argentina’s wheat growers are bringing in a record harvest — and facing the challenge of storing and selling it.Meanwhile, Polish farmers have taken tractors onto roads across the country in an attempt to influence the proposed EU–Mercosur trade agreement before it takes effect.Plus, the Global Market Report looks at China’s new beef quotas and the implications for cattle prices and trade around the world.Presented by Simon Morris.This week's stories:Asia – China puts new limits on global beef importsChina has introduced country-specific quotas for beef imports from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Shipments exceeding a country’s annual allocation face an additional 55% tariff. Brazil and Australia enter 2026 particularly exposed, raising questions about processor demand, cattle prices and where displaced beef might be sold.Africa – Kenya’s failed rains hit crops and livestockKenya’s October-to-December short rains delivered only 30–60% of normal rainfall across many areas. Crops in marginal farming counties have withered or failed to germinate, while deteriorating pasture, water supplies and livestock condition are putting pastoral businesses under increasing pressure.North America – US farmers get firm bridge-payment ratesUSDA has published payment rates for its Farmer Bridge Assistance programme. Corn growers qualify for $44.36 an acre and soybean growers $30.88. The money provides farmers and lenders with firmer numbers for spring cash-flow planning, but growers warn that emergency assistance does not solve the underlying problem of weak crop markets.South America – Argentina brings in a record wheat cropArgentine wheat growers are finishing an exceptional harvest, with the country’s main grain exchanges forecasting production of between 27.1 million and 27.7 million tonnes. Attention is now turning from yield to margins as farmers decide how much grain to sell, store or hedge while the huge crop puts pressure on logistics and prices.Europe – Polish farmers mobilise against EU-Mercosur dealFarmers demonstrated at more than 160 locations across Poland as opposition to the proposed EU–Mercosur trade agreement intensified. Cattle, poultry, sugar and arable producers fear greater competition from South American imports and are pressing for stronger safeguards before the agreement advances.Global Market Report — China’s beef quotasChina’s new beef regime does not immediately impose a 55% tariff on every shipment. The additional duty applies once individual countries exhaust their annual allocations. That makes the speed at which Brazil, Australia and other exporters use their quotas a key market indicator.ContributorsSimon Morris — presenterAnanya Rao — Asia correspondentSamuel Njoroge — Africa correspondentDaniel Mercer — North America correspondentMaría Fernández — South America correspondentLukas Fischer — Europe correspondentUseful linksChina: new beef import safeguardsAustralia: reaction to China’s beef quotas (ABC Rural)Kenya: short-rains failure and food security (Fews Net)Kenya: farmers adapt to drought and heat (The Star)United States: Farmer Bridge Assistance payments (USDA Farm Service Agency)Argentina: record wheat harvest (Reuters)Poland: farmers protest against EU–Mercosur agreement (Polish Radio)