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markets
In the week ended 7th January deadweight cattle prices eased slightly as trade returned to a more normal pattern after the holiday period. read more
In week ended 7th January, the deadweight SQQ fell almost 5p to 453.4p/kg. read more
World markets show butter returns continuing to fall as available global supply increases. read more
Following a period of stability in the run-up to Christmas, deadweight pig prices fell sharply in the first week in the New Year. read more
The GB weekly average price increased by £8.05 last week to £113.14/t and the free-market average increased by £5.41 to £92.12/t. read more
The latest US Department of Agriculture report, for January, led to raised eyebrows in the grain trade read more
The near-term oilseed market lines up to be dominated by South American crop development, palm oil supply issues and Chinese will they/won’t they buying patterns. read more
The EU market is coming to terms with variable quality in this year’s crop, caused by high grain nitrogen as a result of the dry spring weather. read more
The UK chicken market has been a hotbed of obscure and complex margin-whittling as retailers continue to impose tough conditions and constraints, and industry has largely failed to get another round of price increases to help offset feed costs. read more



 
Take5

Latest News     04 February 2012  
Quality finishing vital with euro uncertainties
Current euro exchange rate uncertainties make it more important than ever to finish store lambs at the right specification for the market to ensure the best returns, warns EBLEX, the industry body for beef and lamb levy payers.
FDF launches apprenticeship roadshows to increase opportunities in food manufacturing
With National Apprentice Week taking place from 6-10 February 2012, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is doing its bit to raise the profile of apprenticeships amongst food manufacturers by rolling out a series of regional roadshows across the country to inform food companies of the benefits apprentices can bring to their businesses.
Mole Valley Farmers delivers a solution to the maize gluten shortage
Mole Valley Farmers has launched a new processed blend product providing an effective replacement for maize gluten in response to the current shortage.
VI surveys show farmers want to help wildlife
Farmers want to help wildlife and the vast majority believe that wildlife conservation is an integral part of their farming system according to two surveys conducted by The Voluntary Initiative.
CLA urges new Energy Secretary to learn how land management can help fight climate change
The CLA today (3 February) welcomed Ed Davey to his new role as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and urged him to learn about the role farmers and land managers can play in helping to fight climate change.
Spring barley offers a premium opportunity
Farmers with land available for spring sown arable crops obviously have a number of alternatives to consider before making a final decision on their cropping plans for 2012.
Somalia famine ends, but situation still dire
The United Nations declared an end to famine conditions in Somalia today, but warned that with recurrent droughts in the Horn of Africa hunger remains a threat unless long-term measures are taken to restore food security.
MEPs veto "misleading" food labelling changes
The European Parliament has blocked changes to nutrition labelling that would have allowed new "percentage less" claims on sugar, salt and fat content. The new labels could have confused or misled consumers, said a resolution voted by MEPs.
James Cameron’s titanic opportunity in NZ farming
With James Cameron stating to the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) that he not only intends to make New Zealand home, but that he intends to farm the two properties he has purchased, Federated Farmers believes it unlocks a titanic opportunity.
US child labour rules ‘need further revision’
Young people and the contributions they make as members of farm and ranch families are vital to American agriculture, according to Missouri hog farmer Chris Chinn.
Politics

FDF launches apprenticeship roadshows to increase opportunities in food manufacturing
With National Apprentice Week taking place from 6-10 February 2012, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is doing its bit to raise the profile of apprenticeships amongst food manufacturers by rolling out a series of regional roadshows across the country to inform food companies of the benefits apprentices can bring to their businesses.
VI surveys show farmers want to help wildlife
Farmers want to help wildlife and the vast majority believe that wildlife conservation is an integral part of their farming system according to two surveys conducted by The Voluntary Initiative.
CLA urges new Energy Secretary to learn how land management can help fight climate change
The CLA today (3 February) welcomed Ed Davey to his new role as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and urged him to learn about the role farmers and land managers can play in helping to fight climate change.
MEPs veto "misleading" food labelling changes
The European Parliament has blocked changes to nutrition labelling that would have allowed new "percentage less" claims on sugar, salt and fat content. The new labels could have confused or misled consumers, said a resolution voted by MEPs.
EU agricultural policy could be ‘obsolete overnight’ say Lords
The House of Lords EU Committee have today written to the European Commission to say that there is much that could be improved upon and that they are “disappointed by the overall lack of ambition shown in the reform package” in the proposals set out for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2013, although they acknowledge that many positive changes have already been made.
FUW welcomes red tape cuts report
Farmers’ Union of Wales president Emyr Jones has welcomed the Welsh Government’s “Working Smarter” report which lists numerous recommendations to cut red tape for farmers.
World

Somalia famine ends, but situation still dire
The United Nations declared an end to famine conditions in Somalia today, but warned that with recurrent droughts in the Horn of Africa hunger remains a threat unless long-term measures are taken to restore food security.
James Cameron’s titanic opportunity in NZ farming
With James Cameron stating to the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) that he not only intends to make New Zealand home, but that he intends to farm the two properties he has purchased, Federated Farmers believes it unlocks a titanic opportunity.
US child labour rules ‘need further revision’
Young people and the contributions they make as members of farm and ranch families are vital to American agriculture, according to Missouri hog farmer Chris Chinn.
Brazilian agricultural industry joins forces with the UK to encourage sustainable practices
The Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA), which represents Brazil’s farmers, has formed a partnership with the UK, through the British Embassy in Brazil, for a programme which aims to spread the use of sustainable agricultural practices.
Changes to NZ dairy regulation won’t make milk cheaper
None of the proposed changes to New Zealand’s Dairy Industry Restructuring Act will reduce the retail price of milk, says its farm union Federated Farmers.
USDA unveils historic improvements to meals served in America’s schools
US First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack have unveiled new standards for school meals that will result in healthier meals for kids across the United States.

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