There has been a major drop in the number of cattle in feedlots across Australia The number is down 70,000 on this time last year to 870,000 head.

Estimated corn production in Thailand is revised downward due to continued area reduction. Corn imports should increase slightly as a result of the recovery in domestic feed demand, which will also limit exportable supplies.

The security of the supply, exceptional quality in protein content of Swiss cereals and engagement in favour of the environment plead for a strong indigenous production, according to an article in the Swiss Agri weekly.

The latest national commodity forecast reveals Western Australia is expected to produce more than 8 million tonnes of grain, including wheat, an increase of 15% on last year's harvest.

World coarse grains production for 2007/08 is projected to reach 1.062 million tonnes, up 2 million tonnes this month, according to the September USDA Feed Outlook report.

The European Commission predicts meat price rises of 10 to 30% in 2008. This is mainly due to growing costs for animal production, predominantly caused by high grain prices.

Livestock feed producers have hiked their prices for the twelfth time this year, with prices now 16-18% higher than late last year, according to the Viet Nam Livestock Feed Association.

According to a new report from Packed Facts: "Market Trends: Premium Pet Demographics and Product Purchasing Preferences," the growth in the US pet market is driven by pet lovers who like to spend a lot of money on their animals .

South Korea plans to reduce the current tariff quota on imported animal feed by 2015. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said the move will reduce the amount of feed that can be imported under the lower customs duties arrangement from 860,000 tons this year to 420,000 tons.

Lower yields accounted for the decrease in corn production this month. Corn yield was down 1.7 bushels per acre to 153 (7.5 t/ha), pushing production down to 13.2 billion (335 million tonnes), still the largest on record.