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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.
Following a positive vote by Member States, the Commission will provide €14 million to Poland to help compensate farmers in areas affected by outbreaks of avian flu, according to a recent press release from the European Commission. Financed by the agricultural reserve, the payments must be made to farmers by 28 February 2026.Between 9 August 2021 and 3 August 2023, 193 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza of subtype H5 (“avian flu”) were confirmed and notified by Poland.The species affected were chickens, laying hens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Poland took all the necessary animal health and veterinary measures, including control, monitoring and preventive measures. Protection and surveillance zones were established. This led to a loss of production of hatching eggs, eggs for consumption, live animals and poultry meat in the farms located in those areas under movement restrictions, as well as losses due to destroyed and downgraded eggs and meat.Following a formal request by Poland, the Commission decided, after thorough analysis, to cover with EU funds 50% of the expenditure borne by Poland to support concerned farmers providing a total amount of €14 059 607 from the agricultural reserve. This amount was established on the basis of set compensation amount per animal and egg.Only farms located in those regulated zones and affected by the control measures caused by the 193 mentioned outbreaks will be entitled to receive this support. To avoid double funding with public money, losses suffered should not have been compensated by state aid or insurance. Payments co-financed by the agricultural reserve must be made by 28 February 2026 at the latest.After the formal adoption of the support measure by the Commission, the implementing regulation will be published in the EU Official Journal and is expected to enter into force at the beginning of August.
The price gains are driven by historically tight cattle supplies, persistent demand, and ongoing uncertainty around trade policy and animal health. James Mitchell of the University of Arkansas writes that “Oklahoma City steer prices for 500-600 lb calves have averaged $347/cwt year-to-date, up 21% from the same period in 2024 and more than double the 2019-2023 average.” Feeder cattle prices (700-800 lb) are also strong at $281/cwt, and fed cattle prices in the five-area region are averaging $215/cwt, a 16% increase from last year. The Choice boxed beef cutout has averaged $342/cwt — 13% higher than 2024 and 31% above the five-year average. “Cattle inventories remain the fundamental driver,” Mitchell notes, pointing to the January 1 report showing total US cattle inventories at 86.7 million head — the smallest since 1951. With beef cow numbers down to 27.9 million and the calf crop also shrinking, “supply constraints are supporting prices across market segments.”
WEST EUROPE: On June 29, 2025, France's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty confirmed the identification of lumpy skin disease in a herd located in the Savoie area of France. Milk production in Europe is up 1.2% YoY in April, driven by a surge of collections in Ireland, France, Romania, and Poland. Production in Germany is still down.
EAST EUROPE: Foot and mouth disease recently impacted both Hungary and Slovakia, marking the first outbreaks in those countries in over 50 years.
AUSTRALIA: Milk production data from Australia for May 2025 were recently released by Dairy Australia. These data show total May 2025 milk production was 620.3 million liters, down 24.8 million liters (3.8 percent) year over year. Dairy Australia recently released export data for Australia showing milk export volumes from July 2024 - April 2025 were 136,089 metric tons, down 11.3 percent from the same time period a year earlier.
NEW ZEALAND: Milk production data from New Zealand for May 2025 were recently released. These data show total May 2025 production was 993,000 metric tons, up 8.3 percent compared to a year earlier. Export data for May 2025 were recently released for New Zealand. These data showed the value of milk powder, butter, and cheese exports in May 2025 was $2.2 billion, an 18 percent increase compared to May 2024.
SOUTH AMERICA: South American milk production is stronger. Demand for skim and whole milk powder varies from steady to strong in the region. Stakeholders convey price offers for later Q3 whole milk powder are showing downward price movement.
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