UK – lamb population decline

The UK lamb population was 14.78m at 1 June 2025, 3% lower than at 1 June 2024 and the lowest since the dataset began in 1984 (DEFRA survey/AHDB).

New Zealand – cheese exports growth

USDA forecasts that New Zealand cheese exports will grow by 2% in 2026 to 425,000 tonnes, which will be a record if achieved.

Russia – lower wheat forecast

The Russian wheat harvest forecast for 2026 has been lowered by 5m tonnes to 83.8m tonnes due to smaller area planted.

United States – cattle in feedlots down

USDA reports that the number of cattle in feedlots at 1 December was 11.7m head, down from 12m head at 1 December 2024.