Weather & disaster risk: Latvia issued a red warning for heavy rain and strong winds, with flooding and power/telecom disruptions possible across parts of central Latvia and likely spillover into Estonia. Security & rural livelihoods: AFP reports jihadists kidnapped and killed scores during Friday prayers in Nigeria’s Niger state, highlighting how insurgency and abductions keep destabilizing farming communities. Trade & market access: The US is eyeing growth in farm exports to the Philippines and Southeast Asia, but officials warn competition from Brazil and Australia is intensifying. Livestock health & borders: The US plans to reopen part of the US–Mexico cattle border, reigniting debate over protectionism as producers weigh screwworm risks and beef-price pressures. Cocoa value chain pressure: In Côte d’Ivoire, farmers say they’re still unpaid despite major cocoa harvests, underscoring persistent poverty despite global chocolate demand. Climate shock for food systems: El Niño-linked rainfall deficits and Nile low levels are straining Sudan’s farmers amid war, higher input costs, and weak markets. Agrifood policy & resilience: Ethiopia’s 40-day National Dialogue Conference concluded with hundreds of recommendations, including attention to farmers and pastoralists. Animal disease watch: UK livestock farmers are urged to vaccinate against bluetongue as cases rise. Global weather outlook: The Met Office warns an unusually strong El Niño could bring wetter, stormier conditions to the UK while disrupting harvests worldwide.