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In week ended 5th January, the deadweight prime cattle average price levelled on the week at 365.0p/kg. read more

As domestic lamb continues to compete with increased volumes of cheaper imports and demand remains subdued, DW lamb prices eased in week ended 5th January. read more

World prices eased back towards the end of 2012 although remained at levels comparable to the same period in 2011. read more

Having shot to record levels during September and October, GB finished pig prices continued to rise in November and early December, albeit more slowly. read more

The GB weekly average price rose by £4.63/t to £227.93/t and the free-buy average fell by £4.45/t to £330.74/t. read more

Mid-January saw the release of much-anticipated information from the USDA in the form of world supply and demand estimates, US winter wheat plantings, final 2012 production estimates and quarterly stocks. read more

The USDA data set a bearish tone for oilseed markets with upward revisions to US and Brazilian crops. read more

UK malting barley export prices are at €245/t FOB (spring, South Coast) w/e 11th April. read more

The latest National Statistics produced by Defra on the activity of UK hatcheries and poultry slaughterhouses. read more

USDA’s latest quarterly stocks report, released on 28th September, estimated US maize stocks (at 1st September) at 25.1m t, down 12% on the same point in 2011 and the lowest since 2004. read more

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PAPERS

A French farmer has been given a one-month suspended jail sentence and fined 500 euros (£428) for feeding his ducks marijuana to rid them of worms. Police arrested Michel Rouyer after they discovered 12 cannabis plants and about 5kg (11lb) of the drug during a visit to his home after a theft. Mr Rouyer said there was "no better worming substance" for ducks and that his flock was in excellent health. A police spokesman said it was the first time they had heard such a claim. Mr Rouyer, who lives in the village of Gripperie-Saint-Symphorien on France’s Atlantic coast, did also admit to smoking some of the marijuana.

A Cotswold farmer has defended his pig sty after planners said it was too grand for livestock. Julian Davies of Lyncroft Farm, Clapton Row, Bourton blocked up the front of the former barn with concrete blocks and put in double-glazed windows and rooflights to provide shelter for his pigs. Neighbours fearing the building, which is in a prominent location within the Cotswolds Area of Outrstanding Natural Beauty, could become a holiday home contacted Cotswold District Council planning department. Planning officers at Cotswold District Council say the design of the revamped building is too domestic and not suited to agricultural use. They described the new windows and rooflights as “inappropriate fenestration” and “not necessary to meet the functional needs of providing shelter for livestock”. Mr Davies told members of CDC planning committee who on Wednesday that the barn was falling down and not suitable for pigs. As a result, the concrete blocks were added and double glazed windows from the house inserted to provide light. He said the building could not be used as a house as it had no water, electricity or access. Planning committee members deferred a decision on the matter to allow officers to investigate further.

Yesterday Morrisons became the first supermarket to promise to install CCTV at its abattoirs to reassure the public. The RSPCA called for other chains to follow suit. The supermarket said CCTV images from its Colne and Turriff abattoirs would be stored for 30 days and made available to the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Spokesman Martyn Fletcher said: "Our customers want to know that animals are treated well through the slaughtering process and we believe installing CCTV cameras is the best way to demonstrate we have the highest possible standards." Slaughterhouse cruelty has been under the spotlight after Animal Aid captured breaches of welfare laws at six out of seven randomly selected abattoirs – including one supplying organic meat, where pigs were kicked in the face. Across the UK animals were kicked, slapped, stamped on and thrown into stunning pens. In its latest investigation, the animal rights group placed a hidden camera in F Drury & Sons, in Wiltshire. Established in 1924, the firm tells customers: "Whatever your requirements you can be assured of the finest service in a modern abbatoir, with excellent facilities and staff working to the highest standard of animal welfare." But when Animal Aid filmed, sheep that had been stunned were decapitated straight after their throats were cut. Under the 1995 Welfare of Animals Slaughter or Killing Regulations, 20 seconds must elapse after throat-slitting to ensure animals have bled to death. F Drury & Sons director Chris Drury disputed the firm had broken the law. "We are fairly confident we haven’t broken any rules," he said.