AGP Executive Report

El Niño Preparedness: Iligan City, Philippines, is stepping up drought planning for a projected “super” El Niño, citing crop damage and lower farm income in 16 barangays; the city plans water tanks, sprayers, crop-insurance coordination, and pushes drought-resistant planting and water reservoirs. Diesel Shock Hits Harvest: Record diesel prices are squeezing U.S. farms, with North Carolina Cape Fear growers cutting back operations and Louisiana declaring a state of emergency to let farmers and timber crews use dyed off-road diesel in highway vehicles during harvest. Drought Relief Funding: Oklahoma’s Emergency Drought Committee voted to add up to $12 million for drought relief cost-share projects, with more money contingent on lawmakers’ supplemental approval. Farm Safety on Rural Roads: Harvest season is bringing more tractors and combines, and Farm Safety Week reminders focus on slower driving, extra space, and better visibility for farm equipment. Labor Crunch in Dairy: A Wisconsin dairy farmer says she’s working 80-hour weeks to milk 300 cows amid a staff shortage and rising input costs. Conservation Grants: Colorado agriculture is set for $13.7M in NRCS-backed grants to help producers expand markets for conservation-grown commodities. Market & Community Resilience: Local farmers markets and farm stands—from Tuscaloosa to Partridge Creek—are leaning into community support as costs and climate pressures mount.

El Niño Risk to Crops and Power: Iligan City officials say projected “super” El Niño is already damaging crops and cutting farm income, with drought hitting 16 barangays; the city plans water tanks, sprayers, crop-insurance coordination, and pushes drought-resistant planting. Drought Relief in India: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis toured Latur and nearby districts after severe rainfall deficits, promising a drought GR and support for rabi crops, fodder, drinking water, and financial aid. Diesel Squeezes Harvest Budgets (US): Record diesel prices are driving up costs for Indiana and other harvest operations, with farmers paying roughly double last year’s fuel costs while commodity prices lag. US Farm Bailout Stalls: The White House is seeking an $11.1B farm bailout inside an $87.6B war package, but Congress hasn’t approved it, leaving growers waiting as diesel costs climb. Ukraine Grain Policy Pressure: The Ukrainian Grain Association urges lawmakers to scrap a 10% export duty on soybeans and rapeseed, saying it’s dampening exports and raising burdens for producers. Solar vs. Farmland Debate (UK): A proposed 35MW solar farm on “poorest performing” fields near a small Cambridgeshire village is moving through permitting, with local objections tied to land-use priorities. Precision Ag Moves Mainstream: US extension experts highlight how autosteer, blockage monitors, and flow sensors are spreading on tractors and planters to reduce planting and nutrient application problems. Farm Finance and Risk: New research from Omnigence argues fixed cash rent beats profit-sharing and revenue royalties on risk-adjusted farmland returns. Food Supply “Canary” Warning (UK): Britain’s food planners are watching baby formula as a fragile supply-chain indicator that can signal wider disruptions before shelves empty.

Global Grain Shock: Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s ports and storage are cutting Ukraine’s 2026 grain exports by about half versus 2025, with fears of millions of tonnes rotting and knock-on food price pressure worldwide. Diesel Squeeze: Harvest is colliding with record diesel costs and low crop returns, pushing farmers in Alabama, Michigan, and elsewhere to rethink routes, idling, and even market options. Farm Safety Push: Iowa State University is urging drivers to slow down and “share the road” with combines and grain carts during National Farm Safety and Health Week. Specialty Crop Economics: U.S. specialty growers say rising input and labor costs aren’t matched by returns, and lawmakers are looking at ways to boost demand. Invasive Threat: Spotted lanternflies are now established across all five Rhode Island counties, with growing pressure on vineyards and orchards. Local Food & Markets: Guyana plans wider farmers’ markets and more domestic production plus storage to blunt El Niño-driven price spikes. Policy & Trade: Canada and the U.S. are urged to build a self-reliant fertilizer bloc as potash dependence becomes a trade-war talking point. Farm Economy Reality Check: A survey finds corn and soybean farmers still face high financial pressure despite recent price gains.

Crop Resilience & Tech: New wheat research using drones and sensors challenges the idea that “stay-green” traits always boost yield stability under heat and water stress. Climate Risk Watch: South Africa is bracing for an intensifying El Niño, with experts urging farmers to plan conservatively rather than assume drought won’t hit. Farm Economics: Grain markets saw renewed pressure on “Turnaround Tuesday,” while diesel and input costs continue to squeeze budgets heading into harvest. On-Farm Innovation: Husker Harvest Days 2026 highlighted agtech and equipment upgrades, including a new ag startup pitch hub. Precision Tools: A South Dakota State University survey finds drones can pay off when farmers use them for treatment decisions—not just for collecting images. Soil & Health: A review flags how microplastics can affect soils, crop performance, and livestock health, with more research still needed. Food Security & Policy: Bangladesh’s Kurigram is rolling out temporary “Soil Health Protection Cards” to curb fertilizer diversion and ensure inputs reach genuine farmers. Global Food Systems: China is moving to strengthen grain coordination across production, purchasing, storage, processing and sales for 2026–2030. Agri-Trade & Logistics: China’s Pinglu Canal opening is expected to cut fruit shipping costs and speed ASEAN produce into inland markets. Sustainability in Inputs: Ashland launched a nature-based, biodegradable polymeric dispersant for crop protection formulations aimed at reducing microplastic concerns.

Harvest Safety & Road Sharing: Arkansas urges drivers to slow down and watch for combines, tractors, grain carts and cotton module trucks as peak harvest traffic raises crash risk. Harvest Weather Watch: Kansas farmers report slower progress but “optimism” as corn and beans dry out; South Dakota’s winter wheat outlook improves after recent rains; central Illinois gets a cooler, wetter respite; Minnesota harvest faces stunting delays after rain; Ohio and Wisconsin see harvest slowed by cooler temps and weekend storms. Crop Quality & Yield Variability: Eastern Missouri corn yields vary by field; Indiana growers warn that too much rain is driving corn disease and hurting stalk quality. Input Costs Under Pressure: Diesel prices are squeezing harvest budgets, with farmers changing how they buy fuel to manage volatility. Global Grain Policy: Russia zeroes out grain export duties through late 2026, aiming to cut costs and stabilize supplies. Specialty Crops & Markets: Northwest cherries see a smaller crop and higher prices, but growers still struggle with debt; Kansas pumpkin patches lean on irrigation and heat management to salvage fall sales. Ag Tech & Innovation: Incotec and Croda release an AI agriculture white paper focused on scaling real-world innovation. Community & Food Systems: CARICOM’s Caribbean Week of Agriculture puts food security and climate-smart agriculture on the agenda in Jamaica.

Agrivoltaics in Wisconsin: UW-Madison researchers are testing how large solar arrays can share space with crops and livestock, measuring impacts on water use, soil carbon and wind patterns at the Kegonsa Research Campus. Diesel squeeze in the Midwest: Wisconsin farmers say record diesel prices are hitting twice—through higher machinery fuel costs and new transport surcharges—amid refinery issues and global conflict shocks. Fertilizer pricing pressure: Farmers in Iowa urged federal action on fertilizer prices and competition, with USDA signaling antitrust enforcement and more market transparency. Grain market momentum: Grain futures rallied on upbeat prospects, including reports of fresh China purchases of U.S. soybeans ahead of the Trump-Xi summit, while wheat remains sensitive to Black Sea shipment disruptions. One Health push: FAO and partners are convening on One Health in agrifood systems, aiming to link human, animal, plant and ecosystem health with practical policy and investment. South Asia water fight: Telangana’s Jurala project protests turned tense as police stopped farmers and BRS leaders demanding irrigation water release. Senegal mango processing boost: Sadio Mané is backing a $20.4M mango processing project in Casamance to cut post-harvest losses and create jobs. UK drought demand shift: Scottish organic dairy is reportedly shipping more milk south as England and Wales face heat and drought-driven supply strain. Sugarcane pest aid: The Philippines’ DSWD is distributing emergency cash to nearly 40,000 sugarcane farmers hit by red-striped soft scale insects, with more payouts expected.

El Niño Fallout: South Africa’s summer grain and oilseed push is heading into a “very strong” El Niño risk, with forecasts pointing to drier, warmer conditions that could rattle yellow maize and soybean yields. Drought Declarations: Bosnia and Herzegovina farmers’ association is urging cantons to declare drought a natural disaster as crop yields fall and input costs rise while farm-gate prices slide. Water Stress on the Ground: In India’s Telangana, farmers at the Jurala project released canal water themselves after officials cited low reservoir storage, escalating tensions with police and regulators guarding the gates; in Andhra Pradesh, rain brought brief relief but came too late for already withered crops. Food Security Pressure: Bangladesh faces acute food insecurity for 1.81 crore people as inflation and floods hit purchasing power. Farm Resilience & Innovation: Peru’s revived waru waru raised-potato platforms are delivering harvests at 3,800m while buffering frost and preserving biodiversity. Ag Policy & Support: Canada is funding farm safety training via the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, while Vermont is offering Farm to School and early childhood grants to expand local food education.

Climate & Water Stress: Drought and erratic rainfall are squeezing farms from Karnataka’s repeated drought declarations to St Elizabeth, Jamaica, where irrigation limits are forcing costly water trucking and even school water rationing. Policy & Aid: In the U.S., Colorado lawmakers introduced a bill to keep “prevented planting” payments available when irrigation water runs short; in Georgia, a new SNAP cost-share shift could force the state to pay $500M–$1B a year. Heat-Resilient Crops: French cereal growers are trialing African sorghum to handle heatwaves, while Zimbabwe is pushing early seed and fertiliser mobilization ahead of another El Niño-linked dry season. Input Access Gaps: Tea growers in Bangladesh’s Panchagarh face fertiliser shortages because tea gardens lack a separate allocation, raising pest and quality risks. On-the-Ground Solutions: A Bangladeshi entrepreneur built an underground drainage system to save about 1,000 bighas from waterlogging. Market Disruptions: Lake Erie grape growers say USDA’s $20M surplus juice buy helps the broader food system but doesn’t replace canceled Refresco contracts. Ag Tech & Training: Virginia Tech streamlined soil testing submissions online, and Jordan’s field schools are teaching smarter irrigation and crop planning.

Satellite for farms: K-State and NASA showcased how space-based data can help producers manage water, track crop health, and plan for long-term resilience at Flickner Innovation Farm. Climate-smart training: ICAR urged farmers in mountainous regions to adopt robotics and satellite tools, while Kashmir officials said teams are working to contain an orchard pest tied to leaf disease and premature leaf fall. Drought hits fruit: Croatia’s Neretva Valley mandarins could see 30–40% lower yields after scorching drought, even with irrigation. Soil-saving practices: Jamaica’s RADA promoted mulching to slow heat-driven moisture loss and runoff as El Niño conditions extend dry weather. Farm labor pressure: Australia’s National Farmers’ Federation warned new backpacker visa limits could leave growers short during harvest, raising food-price risk. Diesel squeeze: Indiana farmers face diesel averaging $6.71/gal, with economists warning higher costs may flow into food prices. Local ag politics: BC’s tree-fruit sector launched “Get Ag on the Agenda” forums focused on water, land use, and emergency planning. Community ag education: UH Maui College rolled out free workshops linking indigenous knowledge with hands-on farming and aquaponics. Agri infrastructure snag: Uganda’s Soroti high-value addition facility sits idle despite an AfDB-funded build, with local leaders citing contractor nonperformance.

Grain Prices Watch (Ireland): The Irish Farmers’ Association and Irish Grain Growers’ Group say 2026 grain prices are up year-on-year, with Centenary Thurles leading early at €225/t for feed barley (plus bonuses/transport), but farmers warn the increase still won’t cover soaring farm costs. Drought Stress (Ghana): A prolonged dry spell in Sissala communities is leaving maize and soybean fields yellow and withering as irregular rains end early, threatening harvests and livelihoods. Food Security Debate (Africa): A new report marks AGRA’s 20th anniversary and argues its “Green Revolution” push for commercial seeds and fertilisers has failed to deliver a productivity boost while weakening traditional crops. Dairy Tech (US): World Dairy Expo’s 25th Virtual Farm Tour will stream regenerative and genetics-focused operations from Washington, Michigan and Texas, with interactive Q&As. Conservation & Habitat (Chesapeake Bay): Maryland highlights submerged underwater grasses as key habitat for blue crabs and fish, stressing that clearer water is essential for restoration. Pest & Biosecurity (US): CBP intercepted a potentially destructive giant scale insect species in passenger baggage, underscoring risks from exotic plant material. Livestock Resilience (UK): Grazing expert John Bailey urged farmers to adopt “summer dry grazing” approaches as heat and drought force earlier forage use. Market Diversification (Canada/Atlantic salmon): Atlantic Canada fish farmers push for regulatory and approval-speed reforms as imports surge and domestic production lags. Post-harvest Innovation (Nigeria): NSPRI won an ISSCA Global Award for its parabolic-shaped solar dryer, aimed at cutting losses and improving shelf life. Policy & Trade (Egypt–Uzbekistan): Egypt and Uzbekistan agreed to expand cooperation on climate-resilient crops, seed development, livestock services and applied research.

Farm Risk & Policy: Farmers in Minnesota met with U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad and USDA’s crop insurance leadership to discuss recent changes and how the FARMER Act is lowering barriers and costs for coverage. Harvest Pressure from Costs: Record diesel prices are forcing U.S. harvest slowdowns and raising fears of higher food prices, with farmers reporting fuel bills that can double during peak corn and soybean work. Crop Progress & Pricing: USDA-NASS data show corn moving fast toward dent and maturity in Indiana and Michigan, while economists point to tight stocks pushing corn and soybean prices higher. Climate Stress & Water Response: Telangana officials say El Niño is worsening irrigation failures and are pushing crop diversification and advisories as reservoirs drop; in Bohol, the Philippines is fast-tracking cloud seeding to protect farmland. Soil & Resilience Tech: Virginia Tech launched an online soil testing system to streamline sampling and results, and Kansas researchers are testing drought-tolerance soil fungi for wheat and rice. Sustainability Reporting Push: Experts at a Pakistan workshop urged practical sustainability reporting and life cycle assessment to cut emissions and manage heat and energy risks in agriculture. Community & Learning: Iowa’s Tri-State Ag and Dairy Expo drew 400+ FFA students for hands-on judging, tech demos, and safety training, while a Virginia school garden is growing pumpkins for fall harvest. Ag Meets Energy Debate: A Delaware county approved a solar farm despite neighbor concerns about wildlife, farmland, and road safety.

Diesel Shock to Harvest: Record U.S. diesel prices are hitting corn and soybean farmers right as combines roll, with growers in Missouri and South Dakota facing fuel bills that can double versus last year, raising fears of higher grocery costs. USDA Market Confusion: A new USDA report moved corn and soybeans lower, then higher, but traders say it didn’t fully answer the big questions that will steer prices through harvest. Drought Relief Push (India): NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar urged Maharashtra to declare drought in rain-deficit talukas and deliver at least ₹50,000 per hectare plus loan waivers as crops wither and pests spread. El Niño Food Stress (PNG): Papua New Guinea is seeing localized crop and water losses as dry weather and frost damage highland gardens. Solar Irrigation Payoff (Somalia): Farmers in Afgoye report solar-powered pumps cut fuel costs and more than doubled production and profits. Seed and Fertilizer Bottlenecks (Nigeria): Nigeria’s fertilizer use remains around 15kg/ha versus the ECOWAS 50kg target, keeping yields far below global levels. Trade-Driven Horticulture (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwean blueberry growers are expanding after China demand opened up, but lack of affordable finance and foreign exchange is slowing growth. Smart Tech for Durian (Thailand): Thai durian growers are adopting Chinese smart cameras and sensors to meet tighter quality standards from China. Pest and Policy Watch: Spain’s farm groups plan protests over soaring agricultural diesel costs, while California’s Imperial County gets federal support for pest detection and monitoring.

Weather & Harvest Disruptions: Saskatchewan harvest is stuck at 32% complete, far behind the 71% five-year average, as widespread rain keeps combines idle and raises quality concerns. Farm Economics: Diesel prices are spiking across the U.S. Plains and Southeast, squeezing already-thin margins for growers in North Carolina and Kansas as fuel costs surge during harvest. Policy & Risk Protection: USDA is urging farmers to enroll in crop safety net programs (ARC/PLC) and access new base acres, with signups running Sept. 16–Dec. 11. Soil & Cover Crops: American Farmland Trust’s Batch and Grow Roadmap aims to streamline cover crop adoption by batching acres and coordinating seed and application through farmer-led groups. Food Systems & Local Supply: Vacaville Unified opened a new central kitchen to shift school meals toward scratch-made, locally sourced food. Conservation & Water Quality: Red Gold and Indiana’s agriculture department named 2026 Stewardship Award winners for soil health and water protection practices. International Ag: Guyana’s agriculture sector dipped slightly in H1 2026 due to excessive rainfall, while sugar, rice and livestock showed growth.

Farm Bill Push in the U.S.: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced a farm bill on a party-line vote after McConnell’s return, with Democrats still split over nutrition benefit timing. Harvest Pressure in the Corn Belt: USDA’s latest Crop Progress put corn harvest at 8% complete and soybeans at 6%, while WASDE lowered the U.S. corn yield estimate—adding uncertainty for grain markets. Diesel Costs Squeeze Farmers: Multiple reports highlight record diesel prices hitting harvest margins and raising fuel-supply fears across states. Water Stress in the West: Colorado water officials approved a conditional near-term conservation program for 2027, but want clearer federal rules on how shortages will be shared. PFAS Blocks Housing in New Hampshire: A planned subdivision on former farmland was delayed after PFAS “forever chemicals” were found, pushing environmental review work to later dates. Trade and Logistics for Horticulture: Eastern Africa stakeholders are meeting in Nairobi to tackle freight, cold-chain gaps, and border delays that raise costs for fruits and vegetables. Climate and Crops Abroad: Europe faces a potential potato shortage after heatwaves cut output, while Indonesia’s worst wildfires in 11 years are driving haze tied to drought and land-clearing fires.

Farm Bill 2.0 Momentum: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on a 12-11 vote, setting up full-Senate debate as the Sept. 30 extension deadline nears; supporters say it strengthens the farm safety net and backs rural investment, while key provisions include permanent year-round E15 sales. Fuel Cost Crunch: Farmers from Kentucky to Missouri and North Dakota say diesel is crushing harvest budgets, with some reporting record prices above $6 and forcing planting and acreage decisions. Weather Stress on Crops: Central Texas ranchers and growers report record heat and dry conditions are shrinking hay and stressing livestock, while Saskatchewan’s Tyson Jacksteit says a wet spring helped deliver his best crop since 2016—though rain is now slowing harvest. USDA Supply Signals: USDA trimmed 2026 corn production and raised price expectations, pointing to tighter supplies and higher corn prices into 2026-27. Conservation & Carbon Reality Check: California wetland restoration aimed at carbon storage is showing mixed results, with some sites still emitting greenhouse gases years later. Local Food & Community: From farmers markets in Lewes and Sacramento-area listings to school fresh produce programs in Virginia, the week also highlighted direct-to-consumer and farm-to-school efforts. Policy Beyond the Farm: USDA launched a Stand-Up Program to help states expand meat inspection capacity, and UN experts warned that seed-saving and seed-sharing can face harsh penalties under industrial seed rules.

US Farm Outlook: USDA cut its 2026 corn production outlook while nudging up soybean yield and price estimates, keeping wheat steady—an update that could ripple into feed and planting decisions. Global Grain Prices: Black Sea port damage, heavy commodity buying, and Middle East shipping risk pushed corn, beans, and wheat higher as drought-hit regions signal tighter supplies. Harvest Watch: In Minnesota, soybeans are near harvest but wet weather could slow fieldwork and raise yield worries after a drier-than-ideal late season. Input Costs & Policy Pressure: Farmers and employees in India’s Punjab are ramping up pressure on the AAP government over power, fertilizer, and procurement issues with elections looming. Water Stress in the Field: In the Philippines, El Niño is forcing some rice farmers to skip planting or pay more for diesel-powered irrigation. Agri-Tech & Market Access: St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed a data deal to let dasheen and hot pepper farmers sell into the US via pooled buyers. Sustainability on Farms: Indiana’s MPS Egg Farms and Kipster won an environmental excellence award for rooftop solar and circular-economy operations. Agri-Food Innovation: Egypt is piloting agrivoltaics—solar panels over crops—to cut evaporation and generate clean power in desert conditions. Soil & Biodiversity: Illinois prairie restoration at Nachusa Grasslands found 70% of planted species still present after 15 years, showing long-term payoff for native seed mixes.