Latest market prices, news and analysis MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESRed meat exports add billions to value of UK livestockThe crucial role exports play in supporting farmgate prices for red meat has been highlighted by the latest trade figures, which show beef, pork and lamb exports worth £1.7bn last… LAND MARKETSFarms for sale offer diversification opportunity at all scalesDiversification opportunities are a key feature of farms coming to the market for sale or to let this week. Ellacott, a 320-acre farming and sporting property at Bratton Clovelly, near Okehampton… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESDigital grain passports redesigned to address concernsA revised business case for digital grain passports has been unveiled by its leadership group following an industry-wide consultation on the project’s future earlier this year. The leadership group includes… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESUK crop conditions improve in May but supplies still tightMore favourable weather during the past month has helped cereals to recover slightly as harvest approaches, however overall crop conditions remain a concern. Approximately 55% of winter wheat was rated… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESGross margins for wheat tighten while fertiliser prices fallArable farmers are approaching harvest in a tough position this year, with fewer crops in the ground and lower returns received for last year’s crops. Margins on farm for winter… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESPig prices start to climb as EU market improvesStagnant GB pig prices have held at about 210p/kg since the beginning of 2024, however uplifts in EU prices and increased domestic demand could help to provide some support later… FARM POLICYAussie farmers in backlash over ban on live sheep exportsFarmers in Australia have been launching protests after their government announced plans to ban live sheep exports by 1 May 2028, which they say will put them out of business.… LAND MARKETSNorthern focus brings farms, bare land and large tenancyTwo very different farms in neighbouring north of England counties are coming to the market. Gapshield Farm, a 450-acre holding near Haltwhistle, Northumberland, is home to a well-known pedigree sheep… MARKETS AND TRENDSBleak farm income figures show 10% fall in 2023UK agriculture had a total income from farming of £7.2bn in 2023, dropping by £800m on the previous year, according to latest data from Defra. Lower commodity prices last year… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESMalting barley outlook: Higher feed price, lower premiumsThe malting barley market is focused on concern for quality and yield, with late sown spring crops well up in most regions, but needing a good dose of sun. Merchant… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESLamb trade starts to falter after months of strong returnsLivestock farmers have received a decent return for lambs so far in 2024, with finished deadweight prices staying above £8/kg since mid-March. However, as new season lambs start to come… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESYew Tree Dairy acquired by industry rival MullerMajor milk processor Muller has confirmed to Farmers Weekly it has acquired Lancashire-based competitor Yew Tree Dairy. The deal is still subject to checks by the Competition and Markets Authority,… More articles
