Australia – lamb production falls sharply

For the year to September, the total lamb slaughter in Australia stood at 14.5 million head, down 31% on the same time last year and sits 21% below the five-year average for the same period. Flock rebuilding following prolonged drought is the cause for the drop.

Russia – grain harvest forecast lower for 2021

Russian tillage farmers are forecast to produce less grain next year. According to market analysts Sovecon, Russia’s grain harvest in 2021 is forecast to be in the region of 79m tonnes to 83m tonnes, which would be a drop from the 85m tonne harvest this year.

USA – maize production forecast lower

The International Grains Council (IGC) has lowered its forecast for US maize (corn) production in 2021. In its latest update, the IGC has lowered its forecast for US maize production next year from its previous estimate of 374m tonnes to a lower forecast of 369m tonnes.

Brazil – Beef exports forecast to rise in 2021

For the first 11 months of 2020, Brazil beef exports are at 1.8m tonnes, according to the Brazilian ministry for trade and exports. This makes Brazil the world’s biggest beef exporter and exports will top 2m tonnes this year. For 2021, Brazil is forecast to increase its beef exports by a further 5.5%.