AGP Executive Report

Cover Crops: Iowa farmers can earn a $5-per-acre discount on 2027 crop insurance by planting eligible cover crops this fall; nearly 1.4 million acres are already enrolled in the state’s cost-share program. Harvest Watch: Saskatchewan’s harvest is 93% complete, but weekend rain and snow slowed work. U.S. growers are also contending with wet weather and higher diesel costs. Rising Costs: Input prices are squeezing farm finances: 52% of U.S. producers surveyed cited resource costs as their leading concern, and the farm financial performance index fell sharply in September. Weather Risks: India’s southwest monsoon ended 12.6% below normal, while forecasts warn of a potentially strong El Niño. Farmers in several regions are adapting planting plans and water use to protect crops and livestock. Food Security: World Food Day put the focus on making farming more resilient and ensuring farmers can earn a living as climate shocks and supply pressures threaten harvests.

El Niño Risks: Telangana officials warn that water shortages could put crops across 1.3 million acres at risk. The chief minister urged farmers to delay paddy planting and choose less water-intensive crops as reservoirs run low. Paddy Procurement: Haryana has bought 15.52 lakh tonnes of paddy and paid farmers ₹1,221 crore, about 27% of its seasonal target. Rising Costs: High diesel prices are squeezing farm budgets, while a UN agency says disruption to fuel and fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz is beginning to affect harvests and prompt more cautious planting. Harvest and Conservation: Saskatchewan’s harvest is 93% complete, though rain and snow are slowing the final push. In Iowa, eligible cover-crop acres can earn farmers a $5-per-acre discount on 2027 crop insurance.

Diesel Costs: Three-quarters of California farmers and ranchers report greater financial stress from rising fuel prices, and 40% have cut field work, a new survey finds. Corn Policy: A Philippine lawmaker criticized plans to raise corn import limits, arguing that degraded soils and weak regional planning need attention alongside feed supplies. Climate Risks: South African producers are urged to protect cash reserves and plan for possible El Niño drought, while England’s 2026 barley harvest fell to a 14-year low. Cotton & Technology: Bangladesh aims to lift cotton output from 224,000 bales to 1.9 million by 2050; in China’s Xinjiang region, autonomous drones are bringing more technology into cotton farming. Farmer Livelihoods: Fodder plots and fish production are easing farmer-herder tensions in Nigeria’s Katsina State by reducing livestock incursions into cropland. Investment & Exports: Farmfatech organisers say more funding for machinery, processing, storage and logistics could cut post-harvest losses and help Nigerian agribusinesses reach export markets.

Farm Access: An upgraded road in South Cotabato has cut travel from upland farms to market from nearly three hours to under 15 minutes, easing transport of corn, coconut and bananas. Crop Risks: Insurers are bracing for weather-related claims in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Maharashtra has declared drought-like conditions in 265 talukas, though payouts will depend on crop assessments. Costs and Confidence: U.S. farmer sentiment fell in September as a record 52% named input costs their top concern; high diesel prices and wet fields are adding harvest pressure, while farm bill uncertainty persists. Farm Resilience: A Philippine coconut-farming analysis estimates that keeping husks on farms as mulch and turning shells into biochar could recycle nutrients and lift returns. West Bank Harvest: Attacks and access restrictions are threatening Palestinian olive pickers as the harvest begins. Safety Net: USDA says 2025 crop-year ARC and PLC payments will total a record $13.8 billion.

Flood Recovery: Weta rice farmers have petitioned Ghana’s Agriculture Ministry after floods destroyed fields and livelihoods, urging urgent repairs to the irrigation scheme and financial aid. Mango Harvest: Unusual weather has cut Northern Territory production; one Darwin grower reports a 30% drop, with some farms down as much as 50–60%. Drought Planning: South Africa is using agricultural roundtable findings to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño, with major grain-producing provinces flagged as vulnerable. Sugar Expansion: Nigeria’s sugar production plan aims to create 110,000 jobs and support more than a million livelihoods through local cane growing and processing. Cocoa Support: Bogia farmers in Papua New Guinea received a community “Chocolate Bonus” for quality beans and export volumes, funding water tanks. Harvest Delays: Iowa’s corn harvest is 20 percentage points behind its five-year pace after a wet September, though recent dry weather helped combines return to fields. Farm Income: A circular-farming model for coconut growers estimates that retaining husks and reusing farm resources could substantially raise income while improving soil. Food Access: The John Deere Foundation pledged $13 million in Iowa to expand food-bank purchases from local farmers.

El Niño Preparations: The Philippines’ proposed 2027 budget adds ₱10 billion for farmer and fisherfolk assistance, plus funding for irrigation, fertilizer, farm roads and climate-resilient production. Tanzania is also directing agencies to deliver seeds, fertilizer and advice ahead of forecast El Niño rains. Biofuel Demand: The EPA proposes reallocating refinery exemptions to offset lost biofuel demand, a move supporters say could protect markets for farmers and ethanol producers. Harvest Costs: Minnesota diesel prices remain above $6 a gallon—nearly $3 higher than a year ago—squeezing farmers as harvest begins. Corn Market: USDA’s sharp yield increase, including an 11-bushel-per-acre jump for Nebraska, surprised traders and intensified scrutiny of the October forecast as corn prices fell. Post-Harvest Losses: Afghanistan’s lack of cold storage puts crops at risk; an analyst estimates the country loses a quarter of its agricultural products. Food Security: Drought across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia has left more than 13 million people facing severe hunger after repeated failed rainy seasons damaged crops and livestock.

Trade and Prices: Kazakh sunflower farmers are proposing a ban on Russian imports, warning that cheaper supplies could depress prices as the domestic harvest proceeds. Grain growers also face weak yields and prices. Drought Readiness: El Niño warnings are prompting calls to conserve water and switch to dryland crops, while drought is already damaging farms in India and South Africa. Crop Resilience: Researchers in Türkiye have developed three drought-tolerant wheat varieties after more than a decade of breeding; registration and distribution to farmers are still ahead. Farm Costs: US states are easing diesel and transport rules as harvest expenses climb. Water and Power: Telangana farmers protested power cuts threatening irrigated paddy and damaging pumps, while Uganda’s push for solar irrigation faces questions over cost and access. Climate Adaptation: Taiwan’s tea revival pairs historic terraces with drip irrigation, soil sensors and resilient varieties as changing weather makes production harder.

Drought and Crops: El Niño is shrinking vegetable harvests in Mindanao and pushing up market prices. In Telangana, officials warn farmers to avoid water-intensive paddy unless supplies are assured, while Tamil Nadu urges growers to insure Samba rice against rainfall losses. Harvest and Markets: Missouri farmers report discolored soybeans but steady yields; corn quality concerns and harvest reports are shaping prices. Rain could also slow Nebraska’s harvest later this month. Trade and Growth: Tanzania is promoting its avocados to international buyers as production and exports rise. A new climate-controlled rice storage hub in Guyana aims to help farmers hold paddy for better prices. Farm Costs: Michigan has temporarily allowed certain farm vehicles to use dyed diesel on public roads, easing pressure from high fuel prices during harvest. Farmer Support: India plans a joint committee to address sugarcane growers’ complaints about rising costs, mill deductions and support prices.

El Niño Preparedness: Camarines Sur has launched a 30-day plan to secure water and protect farms ahead of a potentially severe El Niño through early 2027. In Telangana, a university study estimates Kharif crop losses at Rs 20,000 crore and warns that water shortages could sharply shrink winter planting. Harvest Damage: Heavy rain flooded Punjab mandis, submerging freshly harvested paddy; farmers estimate losses of at least Rs 20 crore in Fazilka. Conflict and Crops: Gaza’s olive harvest is badly hit, with one farmer reporting yields down 70% to 80% as damaged groves remain inaccessible and supplies run short. Farm Costs: Maryland has eased state restrictions on dyed diesel for agricultural vehicles as record fuel prices squeeze producers during harvest. Livestock: Vietnam has completed a 300,000-dose commercial African swine fever vaccine order for the Philippines. Farm Support: Kyrgyzstan is offering subsidized winter-grain seeds and discounted sugar-beet harvesting equipment.

Water Resilience: A solar-powered irrigation project in Leyte will supply year-round water to 87 farmers across 70 hectares, cutting reliance on fuel pumps as El Niño threatens dry conditions. Input Costs: U.S. farmers face diesel prices up more than 67% since February, while some fertilizer costs have doubled, squeezing harvest profits and next season’s budgets. Market Support: Namibia has set aside N$70 million to buy surplus maize, but the government says it needs another N$50 million to purchase all available grain. Women in Agriculture: Maharashtra plans certificates recognizing women farmers even when they do not own land, potentially improving access to credit, water and farm services. Crop Innovation: Uttar Pradesh growers snapped up all 200,000 buds of new sugarcane variety CoS.23232 in five minutes, drawn by promises of earlier maturity and higher yields. Olive Harvest: Palestinian farmers in the West Bank face renewed disruption, with reported crop theft, damage to trees and attacks on harvesters.

Harvest Pressure: Saskatchewan’s harvest is 82% complete after a week of favourable weather, while Iowa farmers are racing to make up for rain delays before more wet weather and winter arrive. Weather Damage: Heavy rain and winds in Nepal have soaked or flattened paddy, sugarcane and vegetable crops, threatening quality and yields. In India, the government cut its 2026–27 foodgrain target by 2.63 million tonnes amid drought and El Niño concerns. Water Security: Solar-powered irrigation in Leyte, Philippines, will supply year-round water to 70 hectares and help 87 farmers reduce pumping costs. In Telangana, farmers protested over water shortages as crops dry up. Farm Safety: Nigeria’s NAFDAC warned of illegal banned pesticides, reporting seizures worth more than 800 million naira in 2025.

Harvest Under Pressure: Excess rain and flooding have left Manitoba farmers facing their worst harvest in years, with one producer able to harvest only about 60% of his fields. Saskatchewan is 82% complete, still behind average, as heavy rain threatens crops left in the field. Fuel Costs: Diesel remains near record highs during harvest. Emergency measures easing restrictions on dyed fuel offer farmers some relief, but costs remain steep. Drought and Water: Maharashtra farmers are seeking urgent aid for drought-hit crops, while Telangana officials warn El Niño could strain irrigation and power supplies. Food Safety: Nigeria’s NAFDAC says bean samples contained pesticide residues above safety limits and is stepping up enforcement. Taylor Farms will stop selling U.S. and Canadian iceberg lettuce harvested or processed in Mexico during the rainy season, after a deadly Cyclospora outbreak. Farm Technology: Drones are helping Andhra Pradesh growers tackle labour shortages and cut spraying time; the state offers an 80% purchase subsidy.

Olive Harvest Under Attack: Palestinian officials reported 19 attacks across the West Bank, including assaults on olive pickers and the burning or uprooting of trees. Drought Emergency: A central team is assessing crop losses in Maharashtra’s Marathwada, where seasonal rainfall reached just 65% of average and reservoir storage has fallen to 31%. Farmers are seeking compensation of up to ₹60,000 per acre. Storm Damage: Heavy rain and wind across western Nepal flooded cut paddy and left some harvested rice sprouting in fields, while hill crops were also damaged. Harvest Costs: Maryland and Idaho are among states easing dyed-diesel restrictions to help farmers manage fuel costs, though the relief is temporary and its impact remains uncertain. Crop Markets: Losses in Himachal Pradesh have tightened apple supplies and lifted Kashmiri apple prices by as much as 35%. Resilience and Technology: Ghana has begun a 175-hectare water project expected to support 220 farmers, while research institute CSIR-CRI trained more than 100 farmers and extension officers in greenhouse tomato production.

Malaysia’s Paddy Support: Budget 2027 sets aside RM2.62 billion for paddy farmers, including about RM4,300 per hectare in assistance and a doubled harvesting incentive. FOMCA says funding must deliver higher rice production and affordable prices. U.S. Crop Outlook: USDA raised its corn estimate to 16.033 billion bushels, surprising markets and sending corn futures sharply lower; soybean production was also revised up. Separate ARC and PLC payments are expected to total a record $13.8 billion for 2025. Fuel Costs: Missouri temporarily widened access to tax-free dyed diesel on roads as high fuel costs squeeze farmers and harvesters. Water and Climate: Yakima Valley growers secured October irrigation after welcome September rain, while Okanagan growers say crop insurance payouts fall short as smoke and extreme weather threaten harvests. Harvest Risks: Iowa farmers are watching for field fires as combines return to work; Palestinian olive harvesters faced attacks and equipment damage in the West Bank.

El Niño Threat: NIA Bicol is adjusting planting calendars, rotating irrigation and promoting short-duration crops as drought threatens water supplies. In Northern Samar, dry conditions have affected 917 farmers and caused an estimated ₱27 million in crop losses; Lope de Vega has declared a state of calamity. Rising Costs: U.S. farmers face diesel prices up more than 67% since February and fertilizer prices that have doubled for some inputs. USDA has confirmed a record $13.8 billion in farm-program payments, while temporary dyed-diesel exemptions offer only limited relief. Harvest Watch: Saskatchewan’s harvest is 82% complete and Manitoba’s is 65%, but wet fields continue to delay parts of the U.S. corn and soybean harvest. Farm Innovation: A new UK robotics hub will help food and farming businesses adopt technologies such as automated fruit pickers, as growers seek ways to manage labor shortages.

Water and Crops: With El Niño threatening water supplies in the Philippines’ Bicol region, irrigation officials are adjusting planting schedules, rationing water and promoting short-duration crops. Freeze Relief: New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer proposed grants for growers hit by an April freeze that caused an estimated $300 million in agricultural losses across 13 states; a separate bill would develop crop insurance for freeze damage. Harvest: Saskatchewan is 82% done, still behind its five- and 10-year averages after wet weather delayed fieldwork. Manitoba’s harvest reached 65% by Oct. 6 as drier conditions helped crews catch up. Farm Costs: Diesel prices remain a heavy burden. A federal tax break of 24.4 cents per gallon offers limited relief, while North Carolina diesel prices have climbed 72% in a year. Soil Health: Ethiopian researchers report improved yields from soil-management work using amendments, compost and biofertilizers to address acidity, salinity and waterlogging.