USDA takes China to the WTO - China

The USDA has reported China to the World Trade Organisation, accusing it of paying $100bn over the ceiling previously agreed that the government could pay to Chinese farmers in subsidies for grain. The USDA says the subsidies distort prices and undercut American growers.

EU pork production to stay at record levels - Germany

Despite the continued closure of the Russian market and falling pork consumption across the continent, particularly in Germany, annual European pork production is forecast to stay at record levels, above 23m tonnes, thanks to strong export demand from Asian markets.

Cattle slaughter to fall to lowest level in 30 years - Australia

Officials in Australia have forecast domestic cattle slaughterings to fall to 7.4m head in 2017 to the lowest level in 30 years. After years of strong beef prices and strong slaughtering rates, Australian farmers will need 2017 to rebuild the national herd.

Soybean prices fall after higher output forecast - USA

Soyabean prices fell almost 2% this week after the USDA published its latest production report, which lifted its forecast for the country’s soyabean crop this year to more than 50 bushels per acre. The USDA also cut its forecast for Chinese soybean imports slightly to 86m tonnes.