Australia – sheep prices continue high

Prices in sheep sales yards have been reaching highs of $260 to $330 or the equivalent of €150 to €200 according to Meat and Livestock Australia. Factory prices have been recorded as high as $8.89/kg (€5.46/kg), but have been easing back slowly in the last week.

Brazil – fourth-largest meat company in world could be created

Brazilian chicken producer BRF SA is in talks to take over beef heavyweight Marfrig Global Foods SA, potentially creating the fourth-largest meat company in the world by sales amid a rally in global protein stocks.

US- rains hamper maize plantings

The US government has predicted the lowest domestic maize crop in four years after relentless rains delayed planting across the Midwest. Farmers had intended to plant 92.8m acres with corn in March. The USDA said they were now more likely to have planted 89.8m acres.

EU - deal agreed with US on beef access

The EU has agreed to provide the US with a dedicated country-specific quota for high-quality beef imports. The US will receive an initial allocation of 18,500t from the 45,000t EU grain-fed quota, increasing to 35,000t over the next seven years.