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AGRI NEWS NET- WEEKEND NEWS RUSH Summary of the Week News 1st March 2026

AGRI NEWS NET- WEEKEND NEWS RUSH Summary of the Week News 1st March 2026

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Meat prices in South Africa continued to rise faster than most other food categories in January 2026, driving much of the food inflation pressure despite overall food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation holding steady at 4.4% year-on-year (unchanged from December 2025), according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

The campaign to vaccinate South Africa's national cattle herd against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) gained momentum in several provinces over the past week, but North West is lagging with a very slow start.In North West, vaccinations had still not begun by Friday afternoon, 27 February 2026.

Minstens tien nuwe gevalle is geïdentifiseer in die gebiede van Vrede/Memel (twee), Reitz/Lindley (drie), Tweeling (drie), Boshof/Bultfontein (twee) en Thaba Nchu (een). Die departement van landbou en landelike ontwikkeling het met inenting van die beeste begin en bykomende entstowwe is verkry. Geen beweging van vee word toegelaat binne ’n radius van 10 km van die plase om verdere verspreiding te voorkom.

The first light frost occurred on Friday, 27 February 2026, in the Koue Bokkeveld near Ceres. There is a possibility that minimum temperatures could drop to 10 °C or lower across parts of the country next week.Areas known for cold conditions may see even lower minima on Monday, 2 March.

Rooibos, one of South Africa’s most iconic heritage products, is experiencing a fascinating moment: export volumes have reached an all-time high, yet the unique region where it grows—the Cederberg in the Western Cape—is facing hotter, drier conditions due to climate change.

Prof. Stephen Hawking se woorde – “Die grootste vyand van kennis is nie onkunde nie, dit is die illusie van kennis” – beskryf perfek ’n groot probleem in Suid-Afrika: besluitnemers wat dink hulle weet genoeg, maar herhaalde waarskuwings ignoreer en die volle werklikheid nie begryp nie.Die huidige bek-en-klouseer- (BKS) krisis is ’n direkte gevolg hiervan.

South African motorists are bracing for higher fuel prices effective Wednesday, 4 March 2026, based on the latest month-end data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) as of late February 2026.The CEF's under recovery figures (showing how much refiners are losing relative to import parity costs) have worsened significantly:

The Western Cape remains South Africa's primary winter crop province, producing the bulk of its wheat, barley, oats, and canola. While wheat faced challenges this season (resulting in a smaller crop than 2024-25), canola delivered a standout success story with a record harvest of 309,035 tonnes in the 2025-26 season—up 6% year-on-year.

For years, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was treated mostly as a distant news item or occasional report, something only affected farmers, vets, and frontline veterinary services truly understood the devastating long-term consequences of—economic ruin, herd losses, lost livelihoods, and threats to food security.

Die huidige bek-en-klouseer (FMD)-krisis is ’n klassieke voorbeeld. Staatsamptenare en departemente verantwoordelik vir nasionale biosekuriteit het jare se waarskuwings oor dreigings afgemaak as tydelike terugslae.

South Africa's dairy industry is under heavy pressure from the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, but Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) chief economist Bertus van den Heever assures there should still be enough milk to meet consumer demand through the coming winter months—though it may come at a higher cost.

Dr. Ivan Meyer, die Wes-Kaapse LUR vir landbou, ekonomiese ontwikkeling en toerisme, het vandeesweek 'n dringende beroep gedoen op mense om geen gesplete hoefdiere (soos beeste, skape of bokke) by landbou- of ander skoue in die provinsie toe te laat nie. Dit is deel van die stryd teen die voortslepende bek-en-klouseer- (FMD) uitbreking wat die land tref.

South Africa faces a painful contradiction: while more than 63% of households struggle with food insecurity—often at moderate to severe levels, with recent 2025–2026 reports showing around 63.5% affected and severe hunger hitting about one in ten female-headed homes—huge amounts of fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables never make it to people's tables.

Die eerste miljoen dosisse bek-en-klouseer-entstof (van Biogénesis Bagó uit Argentinië) het vandeesweek by O.R. Tambo-lughawe aangekom – 'n historiese mylpaal en die grootste enkele invoer ooit – maar boere en kenners in noordelike KwaZulu-Natal beskou dit as 'n druppel in die emmer (of see) gegewe die skale van die uitbreking.

South Africa's food price inflation outlook for 2026 remains cautiously optimistic despite ongoing concerns over foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle and African swine fever in pigs, which could pressure meat supplies and prices.Many households already spend a large share of income on food, making sharp rises a major worry.

Bill Gates is the largest private farmland owner in the US with 275,000 Acres. In Washington state, his potato fields are so massive they are visible from space. And a significant portion of those potatoes are processed into French fries for McDonald's.

Agri SA and the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) have signed a formal memorandum of cooperation with Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) to focus on upgrading critical provincial road corridors in the Free State – a key step towards aligning national infrastructure planning with the real logistics needs of agriculture.

Gewysigde bek-en-klouseer-vereistes (vanaf 24 Februarie 2026)Die Departement van Landbou het dringende wysigings aan die beheer- en bestuursvereistes vir bek-en-klouseer (FMD) aangekondig om verligting vir geaffekteerde boere te bring terwyl die volledige nuwe vereistes gefinaliseer word.

The total harvest is estimated at 19.82 million tonnes – down just 3% from last season’s very strong (second-largest on record) crop of about 20.4 million tonnes.

Suid-Afrikaners kan nou tot R2 miljoen per kalenderjaar buiteland toe oordra sonder belastingklaring of spesiale wisselkoersbeheer-goedkeuring. Dit is 'n verhoging van die vorige R1 miljoen limiet vir die enkel-diskresionêre toelaag (Single Discretionary Allowance).

Tongaat Hulett Limited (THL), the iconic sugar giant with a history of more than 130 years since 1892, is on the brink of collapse. On 12 February 2026, the business rescue practitioners (BRPs) approached the KwaZulu-Natal High Court to end the failed rescue process and place the company under provisional liquidation.

Die 2025/2026-druiwe-seisoen was vir Suid-Afrikaanse produsente uitdagend weens ongunstige weer vroeg in die seisoen en laat reën in die Hexriviervallei. Dit het noukeurige wingerdbeheer en buigsame bedryfsbesluite vereis.

At a cattle farmers' day on Dr Pieter de Kock’s Trekpad farm near Thabazimbi, ARC veterinarian Dr Aamira Vally warned how tough the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus is and why strict biosecurity is non-negotiable.

Vrystaat Landbou (VL) uit sy ernstige kommer oor die eerste bevestigde uitbreking van bek-en-klouseer (FMD) in Lesotho die afgelope naweek. Die gevalle is aangemeld in die Botha-Bothe-distrik (noordelike deel, naby die grens met Suid-Afrika se Vrystaat), sowat 15 km suidoos van Clarens, naby die Golden Gate Highlands Nasionale Park.

Kenya's coffee auction delivered a disappointing performance in Sale 19, with a notable drop in prices and a sharp decline in confirmation rates sparking fresh worries in the sector.The overall average price settled at USD 299 per 50kg bag – down from USD 315 in the previous sale (Sale 18) and well below the season's running average of USD 374 up to Sale 18.

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Urea prices are approaching $500 per tonne in key markets, but a downturn looks imminent unless geopolitical instability—particularly escalating U.S.-Iran tensions—disrupts supply flows from the Middle East.In the Middle East, prices edged slightly higher this week following India's recent tender, where buyers contracted for 1.3 million tonnes (out of 1.5 million sought) at $508–512/t CFR for March shipment. This tender provided market clarity after weeks of speculation, pushing urea up nearly $100/t since the start of 2026 and nearing seasonal peaks. Over 3 million tonnes were offered, reflecting strong interest.Iran has resumed full production and is building export stocks, but is discounting aggressively—sales reported at $430/t FOB this week (down $5 from last week, with unconfirmed lower levels). This creates a large gap below the Middle East benchmark (~$500/t), signaling potential downward pressure. Concerns persist about U.S. military action against Iran impacting exports from the Gulf region.Egyptian prices fell from $505–510/t to the $480s, as time is short for large European sales despite improved demand there. Netbacks to Russia have weakened due to rising Baltic freight costs from ice issues. U.S. prices were moderately lower amid quiet trade and high import stocks needing inland movement before spring demand surges. Brazil saw minimal activity, with prices nominated in the low $480s but bids rejected around $450.Ammonium sulphate edged higher due to Chinese New Year slowdowns and March maintenance turnarounds in the caprolactam sector (halting amsul output), potentially supporting short-term upward momentum until urea declines substantially.In Europe, easing wet weather is allowing ammonium nitrate application to pick up, though Russian AN remains tight from domestic spring demand and plant damage from Ukrainian drone attacks. AN and CAN prices are flat for now, with buyers weighing delays for possible nitrogen price drops against securing timely supply.Phosphates remain tight globally due to limited availability and fears of disruptions in the Arab Gulf (e.g., via Straits of Hormuz if U.S.-Iran conflict escalates). India's DAP benchmark jumped $30 to nearly $710/t CFR, driven by worldwide shortages despite China staying out. Higher production costs are being passed on, risking demand destruction or higher crop prices if affordability constraints bite. U.S. DAP dipped short-term from heavy imports ahead of spring, creating a temporary surplus, while MAP continues rising (e.g., Brazil around $735/t CFR despite low buying).The 3–6 month phosphate outlook is challenging for consumers—China expected absent until August, with no clear supply relief, pointing to further price increases.Potash stayed stable amid subdued trade (holidays) and producers gearing up for Northern Hemisphere spring demand. It's more affordable than phosphates but vulnerable if farmers cut overall fertilizer spend.Energy inputs: Brent crude rose to around $72–73/bbl (up from under $58 earlier in 2026) on U.S.-Iran risks and ongoing nuclear talks, though it eased briefly before reacting higher. European TTF gas fell to $10.5/MMBtu with improving spring weather; U.S. Henry Hub at $2.8/MMBtu followed normal seasonal decline.The rand strengthened to R15.9/USD (up 1.3% week-on-week), supporting some import cost relief.Swap quotes (latest direct hedge, USD):
  • Urea Arab Gulf gran FOB: March up +15–20 to 480–495 bid/ask; April +15–30 to 470–475.
  • MAP Brazil CFR: March slightly down to 720–730.
The Indian tender supported short-term urea swaps (especially March), but major demand is seasonally declining, and prices are expected to ease in coming months unless Middle East conflict disrupts flows. Forwards from April onward may offer short-selling opportunities. MAP swaps reversed mildly lower for March despite firm international trends, possibly reflecting low Brazilian seasonal demand.Overall, urea appears near seasonal peaks with downside risks ahead, phosphates face sustained tightness and upward pressure, and potash holds steady into spring. Geopolitics remains the wildcard.

Here are 50 curated headlines reflecting the latest developments in global agriculture as of 27 February 2026. They draw from major reports, policy shifts, market outlooks, disease challenges, trade deals, sustainability efforts, and regional updates across the US, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond.

  1. USDA Farm Income Forecast Drops for 2025–2026 Despite Record Government Payments – Net farm income projected at $153.4 billion in 2026.
  2. US Crop Sector Faces Another Challenging Year in 2026 – High inputs and policy uncertainty pressure margins.
  3. Federal Aid Payments Bring Relief Amid US Farm Financial Stress and Biosecurity Concerns.
  4. USDA Food Price Outlook 2026: 3.1% Rise Expected, Beef Prices Stay High but Eggs Ease.
  5. Avian Flu Outbreaks Surge in Multiple US States – 15 commercial flocks hit in one state alone in February.
  6. US Farmers Eye Slight Corn Acreage Cut for 2026 – Projected at 94.9 million acres, soybeans steady at 84.9 million.
  7. Commodity Classic 2026 Underway – RFD-TV Covers Farmer-Led Event in San Antonio.
  8. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs – Impact on US Ag Trade Remains Unclear.
  9. US-Indonesia Trade Deal Praised by Farmers – Boosts Exports with Tariff Cuts on Key Goods.
  10. Indonesia May Struggle to Meet US Farm Import Promises Under New Deal – Traders Skeptical on Soy and Wheat Ramp-Up.
  11. US Beef and Some Fertilizers Exempt from New Global Tariff – Temporary 10% Levy Implemented.
  12. USDA Outlook Forum 2026 Recordings Available – Sessions from February 19–20 Now Online.
  13. US Farm Economy "Making Progress" in 2026 – Moderating Costs, Higher Crop Prices, but Headwinds Persist.
  14. Opportunity Knocks for US Cotton Farmers in 2026 – Safety Net Improvements and Textile Market Growth.
  15. USDA Approves Emergency Conservation Aid for Florida Producers Hit by January Freezes.
  16. EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council Focuses on Farmer Protections and UTP Directive Review.
  17. EU Allocates €205 Million for 2026 Agri-Food Promotion Programs.
  18. FAO Report: Only 35% of Global Land Formally Documented – Over 1 Billion Fear Losing Rights in Next 5 Years.
  19. New Global Report Highlights Slow Progress in Secure Land Tenure – Rising Insecurities Worldwide.
  20. Commission Acts to Safeguard Fertiliser Availability and Affordability in EU.
  21. EU Strategic Priorities for FAO 2026–2027 Discussed at Informal Lunch.
  22. Controlled Environment Agriculture Market to Hit $200+ Billion by 2030 – Rapid Growth in Vertical Farming.
  23. Agritechnica Asia & HortEx 2026 Unveils Technical Program on Asia's Farming Future.
  24. Agriculture Trends 2026: Brazil, EU/UK, and US Face Climate Risks and Market Shifts.
  25. National Geographic and PepsiCo Fund Global Regenerative Ag Research – On-Farm Grants in Four Countries.
  26. South Africa's First 2025/26 Summer Grains Estimate: 19.82 Million Tonnes – Maize at 16.13 Million.
  27. South Africa Beef Industry 2025 Relief from Higher Prices – But FMD and Exports Temper Optimism.
  28. KwaZulu-Natal Begins FMD Vaccination Rollout with 200,000 Doses – Targeting SAT 1/2 Strains First.
  29. President Ramaphosa Promises Fair, Effective National FMD Vaccination Campaign.
  30. Vrystaat Landbou Raises Alarm Over FMD Outbreak in Lesotho – Border Risks Escalate.
  31. Department of Agriculture Eases FMD Rules Temporarily – No F-Branding, Easier Slaughter After 3 Months.
  32. Biosecurity Warnings Intensify – FMD Virus Survives Months in Manure, Hay, Bedding.
  33. Free State Farmers Optimistic on Summer Crops – Favourable Weather and Higher Plantings.
  34. Global Food Prices Ease Further in January – Dairy, Sugar, Meat Lead Declines.
  35. China Less Likely to Buy US Soy After Supreme Court Tariff Ruling – Analysts Say.
  36. Brazil Soybean Crop Concerns Persist – Wet/Dry Mix Delays Harvest in Parts.
  37. Ukraine Wheat Harvest Forecast Up Slightly for 2026 – Despite Yield Dip.
  38. Paraguay Soybean Production on Track for Record – Favourable Late-Season Weather.
  39. Israel Plans Boost to US Wheat Imports in Tariff Relief Bid.
  40. New Robots Tackle Herbicide-Resistant Weeds – From Hand-Weeding to Automated Fields.
  41. AI in Ag 2026: Shifting from Hype to ROI and Resilience – Standardization Key.
  42. Fertilizer Research Grants in California Advance Sustainable Practices.
  43. Medfly Preventive Release Program Wins IPM Achievement Award – Reduces Pesticide Use.
  44. USDA Disposes of Dilapidated Facilities – Returns South Building and Braddock Place to GSA.
  45. Wisconsin Ag Leaders: Trade Could Make or Break Farms in 2026 – Tariffs Loom Large.
  46. Ohio State Economist: US Crop Sector Challenges Continue in 2026.
  47. SDSU Ag Economic Dialogues: Hedging Mistakes and 2026 Crop Budgets Reviewed.
  48. Licking County Ag News: Berry Growing Q&A Sessions Set for February 27.
  49. Full Belly Farm Shares Organic Journey – From $10,000 Tractor Loan to Commitment.
  50. Global Ag: From AI to Resilience – 2026 Trends Focus on Standardization and Survivability.

These headlines capture the dominant themes: financial pressures and aid in the US, trade policy turbulence, disease containment (FMD, avian flu), sustainability and land rights globally, positive crop outlooks in Southern Hemisphere, and innovation in controlled farming. Markets remain volatile but with cautious optimism in several regions.


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The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by CRA and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.Just for your information. - We need to share this as this is part of Farming and Agriculture.

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