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Here are the main highlights for some of Australia's key commodities and economic influences for this month. The full report provides an overview of the developments to watch in the upcoming weeks.
The bedrock of farmland valuation in Australia started changing in 2020, on the back of global shocks and bumper crops. In this report, we zoom in on Geraldton’s port zone in Western Australia, where farmland values exhibit a growth pattern closely tied to seasonal gross margin performance. Farmland values in Geraldton's port zone are inherently tied to wheat yield potential, with a nonlinear premium observed in higher-performing zones further west. Sales data from 2022-2024 shows values rose sharply with higher yields, highlighting the structural link between revenue potential and asset value. This offers insights applicable to other regions in Australia, with adjustments for rainfall, soil, and cropping intensity.
Here are the main highlights for some of Australia's key commodities and economic influences for this month. The full report provides an overview of the developments to watch in the upcoming weeks.
World food prices hovered around their highest level in more than two years in August, as costlier meat, sugar and vegetable oil offset cheaper cereals and dairy products, Reuters reported, citing the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization on Friday.
The FAO Food Price Index, which measures changes in the price of a basket of food staples traded internationally, stood at 130.1 points in August, compared with a revised 130.0 in July. It was 6.9% higher than a year earlier. That was the highest since February 2023, but still 18.8% below a peak hit in March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Vegetable oil prices rose 1.4% in August to their highest level in more than three years. Palm, sunflower and rapeseed oils were boosted by Indonesia’s plans to increase its biodiesel mandate, while soy oil fell on expectations of ample supply.
Indonesia is working to increase the mandatory palm oil content in its biodiesel in a bid to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels.Cereal prices dropped for a fifth straight month, down 0.8% from July. Wheat prices fell on large harvests in the European Union and Russia. Maize prices rose, driven by higher US demand for feed and ethanol.Rice prices eased, mainly because of a fall of Indian prices to three-year lows on rupee weakness and intense competition among exporters.
The meat price index increased 0.6% to a record high, led by strong demand for beef in the United States and China.Ovine meat prices rose, pig meat was steady and poultry prices fell on abundant supplies from Brazil. Dairy prices dropped 1.3% as butter, cheese and whole milk powder quotations declined due to subdued demand from Asian markets.Sugar prices edged up 0.2% after five months of decline, as concerns over Brazilian sugarcane yields and stronger global demand outweighed improved crop prospects in India and Thailand.
In a separate report, the FAO forecast record global cereal production of 2.961 billion tonnes in 2025, up from 2.925 billion previously. Output is expected to be 3.5% higher than a year earlier, mainly due to improved maize prospects.Maize output forecasts increased in the United States, Brazil and Mexico, driven by record yields and an expanded planted area. EU production is expected to fall due to dry weather and reduced yields.
Summary -
Brazil – Soy Moratorium Reinstated
A court in Brazil has reinstated the moratorium on soybean cultivation in the Amazon after the competition regulator had lifted it. The court ruled that the decision was premature and did not take environmental issues into account. The moratorium, supported by 30 major exporters and EU pressure, prevents soybeans from being planted in deforested areas.
Turkey – Climate Hits Citrus Farmers
Turkish farmers are suffering heavily from extreme weather (frost, heatwaves, hail, and tornadoes). Up to 40% of the lemon crop has been lost, while apricot and hazelnut producers have also suffered major damage. Losses are estimated at more than $561 million.
Greece – EU Subsidy Fraud
More than $26 million of EU agricultural subsidies in Greece have been stolen through fraudulent claims. Opekepe, the agency handling the payments, is under investigation and its offices have been closed. Hundreds of farmers received funds illegally.
Norway – Salmon Exports Decline
Following a 15% Trump tariff on Norwegian products, salmon exports to the U.S. have fallen by 15%. Chile, which pays lower tariffs, is benefitting in the meantime.
France – Champagne Fraud
A French winemaker has been jailed after selling thousands of bottles of counterfeit champagne, made from Spanish wine that was carbonated. He and his wife have been fined, and their company penalized.
Austria – Hiker Killed in Cattle Attack
An 85-year-old man died after a herd of cattle charged at him and his wife in the Alps. Such incidents are becoming more frequent, and the government has already introduced behavioral guidelines for hikers.
Panama – Chiquita Returns
After a major strike, Chiquita Brands is resuming operations in Panama and rehiring up to 5,000 workers. Losses during the strike exceeded $75 million.
Australia – Young Vets Get Training Opportunity
Victoria has launched FarmVet Connect, a program where young veterinarians gain experience working with cattle and dairy farmers. The project is part of a A$15 million plan to strengthen biosecurity.
Switzerland – Starbucks Supplier Suffers
Trump’s 39% tariff on Swiss goods threatens coffee machine manufacturer Thermoplan, a key supplier to Starbucks. The company is already losing Sfr200,000 per week and is considering moving production to Germany.
World Farming Agriculture and Commodity news - Short update 1st September 2025
The European Union has recognised Brazil as a bird-flu free country, a move that will allow the resumption of chicken meat exports to the bloc, Reuters reported, citing a post on social media X from Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro. In a subsequent statement, the agriculture ministry explained Favaro held "a high-level meeting" via videoconference with Brazil's Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Andre de Paula, and the EU's Commissioner for Animal Health and Welfare, Oliver Varhelyi.According to the ministry's statement, the European Commissioner was satisfied with information provided by Brazilian authorities related to a bird flu outbreak on a chicken breeder farm in Southern Brazil this year."Minister Favaro, I have good news: our assessment is that the data provided by your ministry is sufficient to recognize that Brazil is free of avian influenza," Varhelyi was quoted as saying in the statement."In practice, this means that we will move forward with the Member States to propose the gradual lifting of bans and restrictions on Brazilian exports, progressively reinstating all previously authorized areas," he added.Brazil reported its first ever bird flu outbreak last May, which led to several countries imposing restrictions on its chicken exports until the outbreak was controlled.China is a major chicken importer which has maintained restrictions against Brazilian poultry products after the outbreak while other nations have gradually lifted them.Through June, the European Union had imported 125,300 tons of chicken meat from Brazil, a 20.8% annual rise, generating sales of $386.3 million, according to trade data compiled by Brazil's chicken and pork lobby ABPA.
Meat prices are moving differently than usual as the summer grilling season winds down, according to Southern Ag Today (SAT/link). The report noted that “less production combined with good meat demand is certainly pressuring prices higher,” with supply constraints now outweighing the normal seasonal dip that follows Labor Day. Beef: Supply drop fuels early price spike. Normally, beef values slide after mid-year as consumers pivot to fall and winter meals. But SAT reports that “weekly beef production has been down more than 10 percent in some recent weeks compared to the same week a year ago.” That tightening supply has pushed ribeye prices up more than $3 to $14.72 per pound, while tenderloins jumped from $15 to $18.65 per pound in just weeks. Even chuck cuts are rising faster than usual, hitting $6.50 per pound. Pork: Lower production trumps seasonality. Wholesale pork prices usually peak in summer and taper off in the fall, but this year production remains below last year. SAT wrote, “It looks like more pigs per litter are not making up for fewer sows.” All pork primals are running above 2024 levels. Loins and butts are easing seasonally, but ribs, bellies, and hams have surged, underscoring pork’s volatility. Outlook. With beef and pork both showing supply-driven strength, SAT said it will turn next to poultry, especially as Thanksgiving approaches. For now, the conclusion is clear: “tighter supplies are going to outweigh seasonal patterns this Fall.”
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