South Africa FMD Shake-up: Willie Aucamp is appointed agriculture minister, replacing John Steenhuisen as the country battles foot-and-mouth disease, with farming groups split between relief and continued pressure over vaccine access and legal proceedings. Herbicide Scrutiny: Residents in California’s Butte and Yuba counties raise alarms about herbicide spraying on nearby national forest land, demanding clearer notice and safety assurances. Water Stress in Mexico: Baja California urges farmers to crop-switch ahead of steep Colorado River cuts expected by 2027, warning that wheat is already hit and that producers must adopt more resilient options. Climate Pressure in Europe: Drought in southern Slovakia is driving the earliest barley and pea harvests yet, with yield losses expected on poorer, non-irrigated soils. Food System Risk from Middle East Tensions: An IEA report links the region’s conflict to disruptions in hydrogen-based supply chains that feed fertilizer and chemicals production, raising longer-term uncertainty for farm inputs. Agri-tech and Trade: China’s mushroom giant expands smart production and exports across ASEAN, while Chinese agricultural machinery exports rise sharply year-on-year. Dairy Prices: Global Dairy Trade falls again, dragging European spot prices lower and adding uncertainty for milk markets.