France – USDA cuts forecast for EU wheat crop

The USDA has further reduced its estimate for this year’s EU wheat crop. Following inclement weather conditions across the continent in July and August, the USDA is now predicting an EU wheat crop of 148m tonnes, which is down 2m tonnes on its previous forecast.

Brazil – Record beef exports to China and Hong Kong in July

Brazilian beef exports to China and Hong Kong reached a record high in July, with close to 40,000t of frozen beef shipped. China and Hong Kong have rapidly grown to become Brazil’s two largest export markets, overtaking Russia which is now in third place.

UK – cheddar and butter production fall in May

Figures released by the AHDB show that UK butter production declined by 7% in May to 12,000t as milk supplies remain tight. UK butter production for the first five months of 2017 is down 10% compared with the same period last year.

Russia – forecast wheat production for 2017 increased

Forecasts for Russian wheat production in 2017 have been raised much higher in the last week thanks to excellent weather in July. For 2017, market analysts are now predicting a Russian wheat crop of 78m tonnes, which is a 6m tonne hike compared with the previous forecast.