Fossil fuels are driving a cost crisis for households-      New uses for agriculture drones and their data      The Past, Present and Future of Tractors      The value of South Africa’s wildlife shouldn’t be in the hands of wealthy foreign hunters       What is a biodiversity biobank and what’s stored in it?      COMMODITIES AND MINES FOR SALE IN SOUTH AFRICA -       France to uproot 28,000 hectares of vines      State’s failure to meet foot-and-mouth disease vaccination deadlines sparks farmer outrage      What can ants, bees, and other social insects teach us about aging?      VIEWPOINT- In South Africa, a braai is about much more than just protein; it’s a sensory experience that lab-grown meat currently can't replicate.     
Rewards program
Flexbox Links
Podcast AGRI NEWS NET
Commodity Trade Links Small
Marketing Left
AGRI NEWS NET- WEEKEND NEWS RUSH Summary of the Week News 8th March 2026

AGRI NEWS NET- WEEKEND NEWS RUSH Summary of the Week News 8th March 2026

Agri News Net
Hits: 4912
Rating:
( 1 Rating )

User Rating: 5 / 5

Star ActiveStar ActiveStar ActiveStar ActiveStar Active
 

-Welcome to our world- the real world of Farming and Agriculture in South Africa- Local and International news-   (Farmingportal.-162,000 hits per minute)

This AGRI NEWS RUSH -Some of the news stories of this week-, SUNDAY EDITION - ALWAYS ON TIME  - AGRI NEWS RUSH is now one of the most read Articles on a Sunday 

The global mandarin market in early March 2026 shows a mix of challenges and opportunities, driven by weather hits in Europe, strong supplies from Turkey, emerging Southern Hemisphere shipments, and shifting dynamics in key regions. In Europe, production has taken a hit from adverse weather—excessive rain, winds, and poor fruit set reduced volumes in Italy (Calabria and Sicily running low), Spain, and Portugal.

In the middle of South Africa’s escalating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis, a consignment of 1,5 million urgently needed vaccine doses had already been in the country. However, the vaccines are not yet in the system meant to get them to farmers, exposing a gap between government assurances and the operational reality of the national vaccination roll-out.

A U.S.–Iran war would make export markets for agriculture and livestock far more volatile, with ripples spreading worldwide even if the fighting stays in the Middle East. The key trigger is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint now heavily disrupted (flows down sharply, with tankers queuing and some days seeing near-total halts).

Minister Willie Aucamp van Bosbou, Visserye en die Omgewing het op die tiende nasionale Mense-en-Parke-konferensie in Kimberley (Maart 2026) gesê die vervalle infrastruktuur en heinings van nasionale parke en bewaringsgebiede is ’n “voorrangsaak” vir sy departement, maar begrotingsknyp maak dit moeilik.

Fertilizer prices are climbing sharply right now due to the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran war, which has disrupted global energy supplies and key nutrient export routes through the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint handling about one-third of worldwide traded fertilizer (especially nitrogen-based products like urea and ammonia from Gulf producers in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iran itself).

Die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank sal sy risiko-scenario’s hersien voor die volgende monetêre beleidvergadering, aangesien die konflik in die Midde-Ooste oliepryse laat styg, het goewerneur Lesetja Kganyago gesê. Die Reserwebank neem op 26 Maart ’n besluit oor rentekoerse, ná dit in Januarie die repokoers onveranderd op 6,75 persent gelaat het.

South Africa's poultry industry is preparing for potential disruptions to its exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which could affect shipping routes in the region.

South Africa's agriculture faces its most pressing crisis in the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, which has spread across all nine provinces with nearly 1,000 confirmed cases (932–935 reported to WOAH as of early March 2026).

Na twee seisoene van uiterste weerstoestande—wat gewissel het van ‘n ernstige midsomerdroogte tot ‘n rekordnat produksieseisoen—is die landboubedryf besig om die akkuraatheid van graanvoorspellings drasties te verskerp.

Global developments are once again shaping the outlook for agriculture. Escalating conflict in the Middle East has already disrupted export channels, raising concerns about rising oil prices, a weakening rand, and pressure on key agricultural markets.

South Africa's wine grape vineyards span 86,544 hectares (as of late 2025 data from SA Wine and industry reports), representing a small but significant portion of the global total of around 7.2 million hectares.Key insights from the latest industry statistics highlight the sector's strengths and challenges

Die Zambezirivier by Katima Mulilo het 'n merkbare toename in watervlak aangeteken tot 4,89 meter. Hierdie vlak bly aansienlik hoër as die 1,77 m wat gedurende dieselfde tydperk verlede jaar aangeteken is. Die riviervlak het die 4 meter merk oorskry, wat beteken water versprei na die oostelike Zambezi-vloedvlaktes

The South African agricultural sector continues to show resilience amid converging global and domestic pressures as of early March 2026, shifting from relative cost stability to a tougher operating environment driven by the escalating US-Israel war with Iran and related domestic fuel adjustments.

Kleinskaalse vissers aan die Weskus het verligting gekry nadat Minister Willie Aucamp (Bosbou, Visserye en Omgewing) Donderdag (5 Maart 2026) hul appèlle in die tradisionele lynvis- en Weskus-rotskreefsektore vir die 2026/27-seisoen gehandhaaf het

The South African red meat industry faces a dual-pressure environment in early March 2026, combining global geopolitical instability from the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran (escalating since late February) and the severe domestic foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. Global conflict effects center on logistics rather than direct demand loss.

TLU SA se Uitvoerende Komitee het 'n sterk verklaring uitgereik oor die bestuur van die bek-en-klouseer (BKS)-krisis, met kritiek op die staat se sentrale beheer en traagheid.Hulle beklemtoon dat TLU SA op die Industrie Koördineringskomitee (ICC) optree om die landbousektor se belange te dien, met standpunte deur lede bepaal.

Exporters must brace for significantly higher costs as shipping lines impose emergency surcharges, war risk fees, and elevated freight rates in response to escalating risks from the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Saai verwelkom die minister se aankondiging dat die staat vir alle Bek-en-Klou entstof sal betaal, omdat baie beesboere reeds in n benarde finansiële situasie sit en daar nie nou R1,2 miljard in die primêre bedryf beskikbaar is vir boere om die rekening van die inentingsveldtog te betaal nie. Saai ondersteun ook die minister se standpunt dat dit nie nou die tyd is om enige winsneming uit die nasionale ramp te maak nie. Boere gaan sy departement by dié onderneming hou!

Minister John Steenhuisen is engaging with horticulture industry leaders in Paarl, Western Cape, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between government and organised agricultural industry bodies.

Alan Winde, het vroeër vandeesweek met provinsiale en munisipale leiers vergader vir 'n opdatering van die Wes-Kaap se reaksie op die nasionale uitbreking van BK. Winde sê meer as 41,000dosisse bek-en-klouseer-entstof is by 239 inentingsplekke in die provinsie toegedien.

A recent panel discussion featured insights from a key research paper examining the trajectory of South Africa's agricultural sector over the past three decades (roughly 1994–2024/2025), assessing whether the prevailing growth model is sufficient to tackle the nation's broader development challenges, including high unemployment, inequality, and rural stagnation.

After two quarters of decline, the Agbiz/IDC ACI rose 5 points to 67 in Q4 2025 (above the neutral 50 mark), reflecting optimism driven by favourable weather, strong exports (up 10% in value for the first three quarters), improved port efficiencies, and the nationwide FMD vaccination campaign.

As fresh cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continue to emerge across South Africa—with nearly 1,000 confirmed outbreaks reported nationwide as of early March 2026, spanning all nine provinces—many consumers are understandably asking: Is it still safe to eat beef and other red meat?

Western Cape exporters are feeling the immediate ripple effects of escalating tensions in the Middle East, with rising fuel prices, disrupted shipping schedules, and heightened risks adding significant pressure to the fresh produce trade.

South Africa’s pecan nut industry is seeing strong global interest, with pecan nuts increasingly appearing on menus worldwide, according to RP Campher, agricultural economist at the South African Pecan Nut Producers Association (SAPPA), who noted this trend during conversations at Gulfood 2026.

NOTE -

If you are using our content in your media coverage or on any agricultural radio programme, we would greatly appreciate it if you could credit the source. We understand how valuable and convenient this information can be—especially on a Monday morning after a weekend of NO WORK .

SANITIZING 
It's the same pattern as during COVID, when hand sanitizers and disinfectants shot up in price as companies cashed in on panic and shortages, even though plain soap and water often worked just as well.With South Africa's Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak spreading, farm biosecurity products like specialized disinfectants, footbaths, and barrier sprays are everywhere now, and prices feel inflated to many farmers under pressure to clean vehicles, equipment, boots, and facilities quickly. Some branded, "approved" formulas for FMD virus kill are being pushed hard, leading to growing complaints that suppliers are overcharging or hyping premium options when cheaper, proven alternatives do the job for routine sanitation. 
The parallel to COVID profiteering is clear: fear drives demand, creating chances for markups, but simple hygiene basics usually outperform the hype.Farmers are smart to question high prices and check with local state vets or extension services for approved, low-cost protocols suited to their farm—focus on consistent, thorough application rather than expensive labels. It saves money and still safeguards herds effectively. Smart biosecurity doesn't need to be pricey—don't get ripped off.

READ MORE  ( Stats)    Listen to all our Daily Audiocast - It is doing very good. But also see that some news mediums like to follow us.

MORE GOOD NEWS -  AUDIO AGRI NEWS NET which was selected by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Agriculture Podcasts, Top 100 Farming Podcasts and Top 100 Sustainable Agriculture Podcasts on the web. READ MORE 

   WATCH OUT- NEW program on the way - exclusive to CRA MEDIA and the FARMERS of South Africa - 2026  

International Farming and Agriculture Headline News

  1. Strait of Hormuz Closure Traps 79 Million Barrels of Oil, 1,000 Tankers Stranded in Persian Gulf – S&P Global warns unprecedented shipping shutdown disrupts global energy flows.
  2. Oil Prices Surge 17%+ Since Feb 28, Brent Hits $84/bbl Amid Middle East War Escalation – Brent opens higher on March 6 as conflict widens.
  3. Fertilizer Prices Spike Sharply as Iran Conflict Threatens One-Third of Global Trade – Urea jumps $60–80/ton; spring planting costs soar.
  4. Diesel and Fuel Costs Rise for Farmers Ahead of Planting Season Due to Oil Shock – Middle East disruptions push input prices higher worldwide.
  5. Global Grain Markets Volatile: Wheat and Soybean Oil Lead Rally on Energy Surge – Conflict fears boost commodity co-movement.
  6. Soybean Futures Higher Overnight on Brazil Crop Concerns – May contracts rise amid weather and export worries.
  7. Ethanol Production Falls, Inventories Surge in Latest US Data – Biofuel margins pressured despite oil rally.
  8. Kansas City Wheat Gains as Southern Plains Drought Widens – HRW futures supported by soil moisture deficits.
  9. Malaysian Palm Oil Production Hurt by Flooding – February output drops 16%; inventories trim, prices firm.
  10. Indian Urea Producers Trim Output as LNG Flows Disrupted by Iran War – Fertilizer supply chain hit hard.
  11. US Farmers Eye Big Corn Acres for 2026 as Break-Even Bet – Projections near 95 million acres amid slim margins.
  12. Stable Cotton Prices Challenge US Farmers in Global Market – Lack of volatility squeezes profitability.
  13. USDA WASDE Report Due March 10; Traders Position Ahead – Focus on global supplies amid geopolitical risks.
  14. Prospective Plantings Report Looms End of Month – Acreage shifts eyed for corn, soy, wheat.
  15. Bird Flu Devastates 7.4 Million Pennsylvania Chickens in a Month – Outbreak linked to cold weather; crisis deepens.
  16. Avian Flu Outbreak Threatens Rising Egg Prices Again – Supply fears mount in US poultry sector.
  17. Coastal El Niño Threatens Peru's Booming Agro-Exports with Heavy Rains – Flood risks to blueberries, grapes, avocados.
  18. Serbian Farmers Block Roads Demanding Higher Subsidies, Import Bans – Protests over milk, pork imports.
  19. US Cattle Ranchers Scramble for Feed After Wildfires Burn Grazing Lands – Herd at 75-year low; beef prices elevated.
  20. CNH Industrial Flags Weak 2026 Profit on Sluggish Farm Machinery Demand – Retail falls 5%; high costs persist.
  21. ADM Forecasts Downbeat 2026 Profit Amid US Biofuel Policy Uncertainty – Soy processing margins sluggish.
  22. House Ag Committee Advances 2026 Farm Bill with Bipartisan Support – Food aid, ethanol debates continue.
  23. NFU Convention Set for March 7-9 in New Orleans – Focus on family farm challenges under new policy landscape.
  24. USDA Shifts Food for Peace Back to US Commodities – $452M deal buys 211,000 MT American goods.
  25. US Research Funding for Sustainable Farm Practices Tops $1 Billion – Additional $200M announced.
  26. Canada Boosts Community Food Security with $5.6M for Small-Scale Projects – Supports 87 initiatives nationwide.
  27. K-State Leads International Collaboration for Next-Gen Global Agriculture – Focus on innovation and sustainability.
  28. Precision Ag Chair at Stellenbosch Highlights Data-Driven Grain Decisions – National Grain Research Platform advances.
  29. South Africa: Government Bears Full FMD Vaccine Costs for National Herd – 80% target by December; free to farmers.
  30. SA Rand Weakens 3% on Middle East Risk-Off; Oil Surge Adds Pressure – Fuel prices up; inflation risks rise.
  31. Tongaat Hulett Rescue: Gumede and Moyanga Buy for R4B to Save 20,000 Jobs – Liquidation opposed by dtic.
  32. Gauteng Rolls Out 70,000 FMD Vaccines as Cases Climb – Mass rollout shifts from targeted approach.
  33. Sugar Imports Impede RCL Foods' Profits – Competition squeezes margins.
  34. SA Small-Scale Farmers: Only 12% Sell Produce – Structural barriers persist.
  35. US-India Trade Deal: Limited Ag Access, Protections Retained – Nuts, fruits gain; key sectors shielded.
  36. Farmer Sentiment Rises Short-Term, Long-Term Ag Economy Concerns Linger – Exports, trade tensions weigh.
  37. USDA Defends $12B Subsidy Amid Farm Challenges – Bridge assistance targets narrow margins.
  38. Global Ag News: Fertilizer Surge from Hormuz Closure – Supplies threatened just as planting ramps.
  39. Markets on Edge: Geopolitical Tensions, USDA Data Ahead – Volatility elevated for grains, inputs.
  40. Grains Firm as Middle East War Roils Markets – Safe-haven flows, energy links support.
  41. Sunshine to Sunflower: K-State Sisters Highlight Ag Family Ties – Personal stories amid sector focus.
  42. NFU Statement on House Ag Advancing Farm Bill – Calls for family farm priorities.
  43. Amerifax Cattle Lead Sustainable US Farming in 2026 – Methane reductions up to 30%.
  44. Louis Dreyfus EMEA Commercial Graduate Program 2026 Closes March 6 – Agri-commodities training opportunity.
  45. Editorial Cartoon: DA Probes Substandard Farmer Inputs – Philippines ag survey escalates.
  46. Weather Uncertainty Shapes 2026 Planting Outlook – Global markets, drought influence decisions.
  47. Farm Leaders Warn Congress of Potential Farming Collapse – Export losses, labor shortages cited.
  48. Strategic Farming 2026: Finance, Grain Markets, Farm Bill Insights – Low prices, high costs squeeze.
  49. Arable Market Report: Wheat Futures Edge Higher on Tensions – Mixed weather, conflict in focus.
  50. Collaboration Key: Grain SA's National Research Platform Drives SA Grain Forward – Industry, science, policy integrate for sustainability.
.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE of the following - Foot and mouth in South Africa.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has pledged that the South African government will cover the full cost of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines for the national herd as part of the official rollout—no charges for the doses themselves, procurement, or state-administered vaccinations.However, the FMD Industry Coordination Council (FMD ICC) clarified on Friday (March 2026) that this applies mainly to priority/active outbreak areas, where Provincial Veterinary Services handle administration free of charge.
  • In those zones, farmers can opt for faster vaccination by hiring an authorised private veterinarian—the government still provides the vaccine at no cost, but the farmer pays the vet's service fee (which varies but adds a financial burden for those wanting quicker protection).
  • For herds outside current priority areas, farmers wanting to vaccinate proactively to manage risk must pay both the vaccine cost and the private vet's fee, as the government program hasn't reached them yet.
The ICC welcomed the minister's commitment but stressed speed as the top priority, noting the industry has capacity to assist if government rollout faces constraints.


DISCLAIMER

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.

AGRI NEWS NET stands as South Africa’s leading source for farming and agriculture news, delivering trusted, up-to-date content 7 days a week, 365 days a year. With over 50 “good news stories you can trust,” the platform is driven by 30 years of practical farming and media experience, ensuring a deep understanding of the needs and realities of farmers and the agricultural sector. AGRI NEWS NET prides itself on being committed, independent, focused, and always on time. As part of the CRA Group, the platform leverages its extensive expertise to provide reliable, farmer-centric news. Its content is compiled using advanced AI technology, ensuring accuracy and relevance while staying connected to the broader global farming and agriculture community. For the third consecutive year, AGRI NEWS NET’s Daily Audiocast has been ranked among the top 15 agricultural podcasts on Feedspot, a testament to its quality and impact. The audiocast delivers concise, engaging updates, making it a go-to resource for farmers, industry professionals, and agriculture enthusiasts seeking timely insights. With a focus on “good news stories,” AGRI NEWS NET highlights positive developments, innovations, and successes in South African agriculture. Rooted in real-world farming knowledge and media expertise, AGRI NEWS NET bridges the gap between farmers, policymakers, and the public. Its AI-driven platform ensures comprehensive coverage, from local issues . By focusing on practical, trustworthy content, AGRI NEWS NET empowers the agricultural community to stay informed and inspired. 

VIDEO from the MEDIA

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Flexbox Regs
PODCAST - Agri News Net
Commodity Trading April
Marketing Right