Title: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 05, 2008, 11:37:12 AM Friday, May 02, 2008Print This Page
Grain Drain: A Chinese Affair with Meat CHINA - A change in Chinese meat consumption habits since 1995 is diverting eight billion bushels of grain per year to livestock feed and could empty global grain stocks by September 2010, according to a new study from Biofuels Digest. The study, "Meat vs Fuel: Grain use in the U.S. and China, 1995-2008," concluded that a complete shutdown of the U.S. ethanol industry would extend the deadline only until 2013. "It's not food, it's not fuel, it's China," said Jim Lane, editor of Biofuels Digest and author of the report. The study determined that China's meat consumption since 1995 has increased by 112 percent to 53 kilograms per person per year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "It's not food, it's not fuel, it's China" Jim Lane, editor of Biofuels Digest -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If the Chinese people had consumed the same amount of meat, per person, in 2007 as in 1995, there would have been enough grain left over to support 927 million people with food for an entire year," said Lane. The study found that the U.S. increased corn production by 157 million tonnes of corn since 1995. 31 million net tonnes of grain went to support U.S. ethanol production, and 27 million tonnes supported a 15 percent increase in U.S. population during the period. By contrast, the study projected that livestock grain demand to supply Chinese meat consumption increased by 199 million tonnes between 1995 and 2007. "Given that the U.S. population grew 15 percent, the 82 percent increase in U.S. corn production left plenty for people, plenty for livestock, and plenty for ethanol," said Lane. "The bad news is that we have a global fuel and food crisis of the first magnitude. The only good news is that it's easier to find a steak in Beijing." The study tracks the meteoric growth in Chinese meat consumption since 1983, a trend spotted early by commentator Lester Brown in his prescient article "Who Will Feed China?" In 1995, meat consumption was 25 kilograms per person, reaching 31 kilograms by 1999, 50 kilograms by 2000, and is 53 kilograms per person today. "Chinese meat consumption is still 45 percent less than the average consumption in the U.S.," Lane warned. "An additional 277 million tonnes of grain would be needed to support China at parity with the U.S. That would take 68 million acres to grow. There isn't that kind of arable land available anywhere is the world, whether we use grains for renewable energy or not." The study is available for free download at www.biofuelsdigest.com. Biofuels Digest is the world's most widely read biofuels daily, providing a free daily summary of biofuels news via web, email and RSS to subscribers at more than 1500 organizations. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 05, 2008, 11:40:26 AM Thursday, May 01, 2008Print This Page
First Cattle Get Their Vaccine Jab UK - Cattle at Bixley Farms in Norfolk were today (1 May) the first animals in the country to be vaccinated against Bluetongue serotype 8 as over one million doses are delivered for animals in the Protection Zone on the first day of the vaccine roll-out. Intervet, the animal health company behind this new vaccine, isolated the Bluetongue serotype 8 virus in September 2006, soon after the first European outbreak, and started an emergency programme to develop a suitable vaccine. The vaccine has gone from research & development to full-scale production in a record-breaking 20 months rather than the usual five to ten years and its delivery is ahead of schedule. Under EU law, vaccination is only allowed in a Protection Zone and Defra's vaccination roll-out plan sets out how the vaccine will be distributed to ensure that those livestock most at risk are the first to receive it. Defra awarded the vaccine tender to Intervet in December after a three-way bid. The company was chosen on the strength of the vaccine's technical credentials, the fact that it requires only one dose for sheep, the speed at which the vaccine could be manufactured and a price point that would encourage maximum uptake by the agricultural community. David Hallas, general manager from Intervet UK, part of Schering-Plough, comments: "Since Defra placed its order for 22.5 million doses, we have been working around the clock to provide a vaccine to help fight this devastating disease. It is a testament to all those involved at Intervet, Defra and the regulatory authorities that we are ahead of schedule in releasing the vaccine and will be able to help the farming community protect livestock in time for the peak midge season. More doses of the vaccine will be delivered over the next few weeks and months and we expect to complete the Defra order by August." Tim Cane, farm manager at Bixley Farms, comments: "Bluetongue is a particularly horrific disease and whether you are a smallholder with a few animals or a farmer with a large commercial enterprise it's our duty to ensure that as many sheep and cattle in the protection zone as possible are vaccinated to help prevent the disease from spreading." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 05, 2008, 11:44:01 AM Friday, May 02, 2008Print This Page
The Future of Health in GM Livestock NETHERLANDS - In the coming years, innovation in Animal Husbandry will partially stem from knowledge on the role and functioning of hereditary material in animals. Prof. Dr. Mari Smits The Animal Husbandry sector can benefit from this knowledge because this knowledge can be used to improve animal health, which in turn will contribute to increase sustainability of Animal Husbandry. The above remarks were made by Prof. Dr. Mari Smits on the acceptance of his duties as professor holding a personal chair in Functional Genomics at Wageningen University on Thursday. Insight into the functioning and the regulation of genes will strongly increase through the application of all kinds of techniques that are now becoming available, according to Prof. Smits in his inaugural address, Genes in Action. Through this, we are continually discovering more about the way in which animal traits develop; not only the animal's genes but also environmental factors play an important role in this development. All kinds of techniques are also becoming available with which genetic differences between animals can be determined more rapidly. Smits expects to see analysis equipment on the market within three to eight years that will be able to map the entire genome of an individual animal within a few hours. Animal Health Smits anticipates that the knowledge in the field of functional genomics will find application in many areas including animal health. A higher degree of animal health contributes to the sustainability of the Animal Husbandry sector, which society likes to see. One of the areas where Smits sees opportunities is the development of improved vaccines. Currently, vaccines are being developed purely on the basis of knowledge of the pathogen alone and the efficacy of these vaccines is further improved by trial and error. With a better knowledge of the role and activities of host genes during host - pathogen interactions, we get insight into the mechanisms the animal host is using to combat invading pathogens. This increased knowledge on host -pathogen interactions and the variation herein between animals, can be used in developing more effective newer generations vaccines. Additionally, the resistance of, for example, chickens against salmonella may also be increased through sophisticated breeding programmes focussing on genetic variation with an effect on the genes that play a role in the chicken's response to salmonella. Another application of functional genomics lies, according to Smits, in the relationship between animal nutrition and animal health, i.e. nutrigenomics. He thinks that with this knowledge, the health of the animal can be influenced by nutrition. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 05, 2008, 11:47:13 AM Friday, May 02, 2008Print This Page
Mad Cow Rumours Contagious on the Net SOUTH KOREA - Ever since Korea agreed to open its doors to US beef the internet has been rife with exaggerated, confused and often, entirely fictional, rumours over mad cow disease. The scaremongering attack has brought about a sense of great concern over US beef. According to Chosun, this was not helped by the airing of an edition of “PD Diary”, the famous MBC current affairs program, on Tuesday, which claimed that 94 percent of Koreans have genes that make them more susceptible than Americans or Britons to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), writes the news agency. CJD is the human variant of mad cow disease, and this physical trait makes Koreans two to three times more likely than Americans or Britons to contract the disease. A tepid and delayed response from the government is only fueling fears. The personal blog of President Lee Myung-bak, who promised that resuming import of U.S. beef will bring high-quality and low-priced beef to the table, has been virtually shut down by Internet users who bombarded it with messages protesting against the decision. Even madly unscientific rumors like, “Jelly, cookies, a broiled dish of sliced rice pasta and pizza will cause mad cow disease,” or, “Cosmetic products, sanitary napkins, and diapers are also risky because parts of cattle are used in production,” exhorting consumers to hoard such items before the imports, are spreading on the Internet. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 05, 2008, 11:50:01 AM Friday, May 02, 2008Print This Page
Weekly Australian Cattle Summary AUSTRALIA - This report is a collection of weekly cattle price summaries from each Australian state by the Meat & Livestock Australia. Victoria Numbers increase Returning to a full working week following the Friday Anzac day holiday, cattle numbers at MLA’s NLRS reported centres rose by 18%. Despite this, there were reduced pennings in the Western Districts and Gippsland regions. With the final month of autumn, and conditions becoming cooler, even the odd frost has poked its head out in northern areas, which was not all that well received at all following some good rains over last weekend. This will in all probability lower the supply of better quality well finished cattle of all categories right through-out the state especially going into the winter months. There remains an even spilt between heifers and steers, both in the vealer and yearling portion, although there have been more heifers sold off this year than there was during the first four months of 2007. Most of the remaining supplementary and grain fed cattle are likely to become scarcer, and local butchers in several regions will need to source older cattle for their requirements, even so in the past few weeks this has already happened in some parts of the state. Over recent weeks, the better quality cattle have distanced their poorer quality counterparts for price. This factor became more evident as a number of very poor quality young cattle sold well below 100c/kg. In comparison most well bred and finished young cattle sold at price rates generally between 180c to 220c/kg. Older cattle prices have varied but lately seem to be stabilising to a more consistent price rate. Quality sells best Demand for steer vealers averaged 9c to 10c for the top B muscles, but the heifer portion averaged cheaper, most made between 186c to 237c/kg. The C3 steer vealers averaged 185c and heifers sold for 165c to 175c/kg. The best B2 yearling steers made to a top of 225c/kg. The C3 indicator averaged around 176c/kg. Yearling heifers made to a top of 210c with the C3 indicator averaging close to 165c, which was 1c to 5c/kg dearer. The C3 and 4 score heavy grown steers averaged 6c to 8c dearer making from 151c to 181c, with the C4’s averaging 172c, to be 6c/kg dearer. The C4 bullocks averaged 6c dearer, at 148c to 177c/kg. The extra heavy bullocks made 157c to 162c/kg for the 4 and 5 scores. Older grown heifers generally sold to stronger demand both from trade and export buyers with most categories improving by 2c to 8c/kg across the weeks trading. Cow prices again were inconsistent over the week. Light 1 and 2 scores up to 400kg ranged from 3c cheaper to 6c dearer, at 70c to 122c/kg. Heavy 3 and 4 score beef cows made from 114c to 156c, with most unchanged to 4c/kg dearer. Heavy Friesian cows sold for 106c to 142c, a rise of 4c to 8c/kg. Most beef cows averaged between 260c and 280c/kg cwt. New South Wales Quality and numbers decline A burst of cold weather early in the week, accompanied by some useful rain in some areas, had a marked impact on a number of selling centres. Consignments were substantially reduced at most sales but the recent drop in stock quality was more pronounced as the impact of deteriorating pasture and colder temperatures takes hold in most regions. Falls of 10mm to 20mm and up to 30mm in more favoured districts will give producers some optimism that a substantial seasonal break can occur before the depth of winter sets in but useful pasture and crop growth is still some weeks away in most areas. The quality and composition of yardings this week indicate most producers are not overly confident of being able to fatten stock before next spring. Hence, light and under-finished young cattle were prevalent in generally smaller offerings. The total number at NLRS reported centres was 15,094 head. Wagga, Gunnedah and Tamworth had had significant reductions of 1170, 843 and 638 head respectively. The notable exceptions were the Thursday sales of Dubbo and Armidale which had smaller yardings last week due to the ANZAC holiday on Friday. Most centres yarded ample 2 score young cattle suitable for feeders and restockers and a number reported reduced finish and yield in those cattle bought by the trade. The scarcity of heavy steers and bullocks at auction centres was again pronounced. Only Casino reported good quality and supply with all other centres yarding limited numbers of mainly plainer quality. Prices generally eased by around 5c/kg. A better selection of cows managed to hold rates in most cases. Market struggles Despite lower numbers at most centres, prices generally eased across most descriptions. Restockers were strong on the best vealer steers, helping push the average price across all sales for medium weight C2s up 7c to an average of 184c after reaching 205c/kg. Most of the heavier vealer steers also went to restockers but medium weights slipped 2c to average 178c/kg. The few bought by the trade were slightly dearer, ranging from 160c to 197c/kg. Light and medium weight yearling steers to restock were firm to 2c cheaper, most making 160c to 167c/kg. The 2 score medium weight feeder steers were 2c cheaper at an average of 160c, however the 3 score pens averaged 10c dearer at 171c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to the trade lifted 3c to average 168c after reaching 191c/kg. Yearling heifers were mainly easier to feeders and restockers but the medium and heavy weights to processors were 5c to 6c dearer, reaching 194c to average 162c/kg. Grown steers met weaker competition for most categories although quality was generally plainer. Best heavyweights made from 150c to 175c/kg. Grown heifers were slightly dearer, reaching 169c to average 144c/kg. Cow prices varied between weight categories with medium and heavy weights firm to 2c/kg cheaper. Most made from 115c to 145c/kg. Lighter weights were around 10c/kg dearer. Queensland Colder weather affects yield The continuing dry weather combined with colder temperatures is showing in the quality of the cattle being offered. While some centres recorded small increases in supply, overall at physical markets covered by MLA’s NLRS numbers fell by 22%. Markets early in the week saw cows suffer further price reductions of 3¢ to 6¢/kg. Values for steers and bullocks struggled at times, nevertheless average prices achieved were close to firm. Apart from a few selected lines the majority of young cattle met a cheaper trend, with a small slip in quality resulting in a big fall in value. With winter almost upon us and frosts already reported in low-lying districts, is reflected in the quality of most cattle. Calves and vealers are the most noticeable as cows start to dry off in milk supply, and this in turn is lowering yield. At Dalby the slide in cow prices experienced recently came to a halt with rises of 2¢ to 3¢/kg. Steers and bullocks also showed a small price improvement, with a larger number of good heavy bullocks penned. There was a wide variation in the quality of the young cattle and prices fluctuated accordingly, nevertheless apart from secondary grades there was a general upward trend in the market. Calves to restockers were dearer and a large selection of vealer heifers attracted stronger competition from the trade to lift in value by over 10¢/kg. Restocker categories of yearling steers sold to better competition and feeder classes also enjoyed a stronger market however feedlot operators were selective. A dearer trend A small number of calves sold to the trade at 168¢, and the largest numbers returned to the paddock around 189¢, with a few sales to 214.2¢/kg. A fair sample of vealers steers sold to restockers at an average of 194¢ with some to 204.2¢/kg. Vealer heifers to the trade averaged 9¢ dearer at 163¢, while butchers at Warwick had to pay up to 209.2¢ for the very small selection of better grades. Lightweight yearling steers to restockers and feeder operators showed improvements with feeders at 162¢ and restockers just under 180¢/kg. Yearling heifers in the D2 range were in the largest numbers and improved 5¢ to average 138¢/kg. Slaughter categories gained 2¢ to 9¢ to average in the high 150¢/kg range, the occasional B muscle line reaching 207.6¢/kg. Medium weight grown steers to feed experienced a lift of 6¢ and sold from 151¢ to 169.2¢/kg. Heavy steers suited to the export slaughter market averaged 3¢ dearer at 169¢/kg. A larger supply of good heavy bullocks also improved 3¢ to average 171¢ the very occasional sale to 183.6¢/kg. Medium weight score 2 cows averaged 108¢ with the largest numbers of score 3s at 118¢/kg. Good heavy cows generally sold at 134¢ with some old stud cows reaching 149.6¢/kg. South Australia Numbers up despite rain Despite some useful rainfall in some regions over the weekend, it was surprising that the SA LE yarding increased as did Naracoorte and Mt. Gambier. Millicent after a fortnight’s break was the only market to fall. While quality improved at the SA LE there was also strong competition from the usual buying fraternity, with the addition of two Victorian buyers adding to the mix at generally dearer levels. There was also several large drafts of pastoral cattle offered that attracted feeder activity for both steers and heifers. Feeder orders also sourced well bred 2 and 3 score lightweight steers at dearer levels, while local butchers and wholesalers pursued a better selection of vealers that suited their requirements. Grown steer numbers while remaining low in the Lower South East increased slightly. Producers seem to be waiting for physical market prices to rise consistently above the 170¢/kg mark before yarding large numbers again. However, there is still some thought that there may not be that many left when producers have opted to chase the feedlot prices. Naracoorte’s and Mt. Gambier’s quality slipped, although like the SA LE sale any stock showing the desired finish were keenly pursued by wholesalers and processors at mainly dearer levels. Feeders and restockers were again active over a wide range of weights and quality. Cow prices were generally dearer with some excellent quality EU accredited beef cows selling to a peak of 158¢/kg. Good quality dearer Only a small number of vealer steers finished with the trade, while the greatest percentage sourced by feeder and restocker orders. The wide range of quality offered led to a wide spread of prices mainly between 150¢ and 187¢ to feeders and restockers, and up to 223¢/kg to the trade. This left most sales ranging around 9¢/kg either side of unchanged. Vealer heifers followed a similar pattern as most attracted prices between 140¢ and 192¢, with isolated B-muscled sales to 225¢, at rates ranging from 2c to 8c cheaper, up to 3¢ to 11c/kg dearer. Most yearling steers were 3¢ to 18¢ dearer as feeders and the trade vied to source a wide range of quality mainly between 150¢ and 188¢/kg. Yearling heifers were also keenly sourced by wholesalers for their better finish as most attracted prices between 142¢ and 192c¢, with feeder and restocker purchases stretched out from 74¢ for pastoral heifers, up to 175c/kg for C2 medium weights. Grown steer and bullock prices were 1¢ to 7¢ dearer as C3 and C4 sales ranged mainly between 168¢ and 178¢/kg. Cow prices were dearer for heavy beef cows, while being 2¢/kg cheaper for 1 and 2 score dairy cows. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 05, 2008, 11:52:19 AM Friday, May 02, 2008Print This Page
In The Cattle Markets US - A weekly review of the cattle market by Dillon Feuz, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Economics, Utah State University Grass Cattle Economics Federal government mandates for ethanol are creating an artificial demand for corn and driving up not only the price of corn, but also the price of other grain and oil seed crops. This has in turn dramatically increased the cost of gain in feedlots. Just two years ago, total feedlot cost of gain was in the $45-50 per hundred pounds of gain range. Today total feedlot cost of gain is closer to $90 per hundred pounds of gain. In addition to the obvious consequences of this being a loss of profitability in the cattle feeding sector and downward price pressure on feeder cattle prices, another consequence has been a renewed interest in stocker programs that include grazing cattle on grass. In general, if weight can be placed on feeder cattle for less than $90 per hundred pounds of gain on a grass stocker program, then it should be more profitable than placing those feeders in a feedlot. In reviewing recent market quotes from Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Nebraska it appears the market for lighter 6-weight steer calves is in the $111-121 per cwt. range. If we assume a market price of $116 per cwt. then a 625 pound steer would cost $725 per head. Let’s assume you can rent grass for $20 per head per month for yearlings from May through August. That is a cost of $80 for the four months. Veterinary, medicine, tags, death loss and other non-labor cost are probably about $22 per head and interest on the calf and other costs would be about $18 per head. Total costs for the summer would be about $120 per head. If the yearling steers averaged 1.67 lbs. per day gain for 120 days, then total gain would be 200 lbs. The cost per pound of gain would be $0.60 ($120/200 lb). The break-even value for an 825 lb. steer on September 1, would then be $102.42 per cwt. ($845/825lbs). Near the end of April, September Feeder Cattle futures were trading near $110 per cwt. The basis for an 825 lb. steer in Nebraska is typically $1 in September. Therefore, based on the current futures market, one might expect 825 lb. steers to be priced at $111. If my numbers are correct, returns from placing light 625 lb. steers on grass would be $70.75 per head. One factor leading to these higher grass returns is that the present expectations for fed cattle prices increases into fall and winter. Therefore, delaying entry into the feedlot and hence delaying the time that these feeder cattle will be finished will also add value due to the increase in fed cattle price. The Markets Slaughter cattle prices were $2.00-3.00 higher in the south with active trade, and prices were $3-4 higher in the north with active trade on Thursday. Prices were mostly $92 in the south and were $150 in the north. Choice boxed beef prices were higher again as well this week compared to last week. Choice prices have increased over $13 per cwt. in the last two weeks. The Choice-Select spread increased last week but still remains historically narrow. Feeder cattle prices were steady to higher in Kansas and were mixed in Nebraska this past week. Prices ranged from $5 higher for 7-weight steers in Kansas to $1 lower for 5-weight steers in Nebraska. Corn prices were down $.25 a bushel at Omaha, just under $5.50 per bushel and the Dried Distillers Grains were $4 per ton higher for the week. Cattle or Meat Category Week of 4/25/08 Week of 04/18/08 Week of 04/27/07 Kansas Fed Steer Price, live weight $92.00 $89.80 $96.34 Nebraska Fed Steer Price, dressed weight $150.00 $146.52 $154.71 700-800 lb. Feeder Steer Price, KS 3 market average $109.72 $104.61 $111.33 500-600 lb. Feeder Steer Price, KS 3 market average $122.31 $122.23 $126.94 700-800 lb. Feeder Steer Price, NE 7 market average $104.92 $104.33 $109.32 500-600 lb. Feeder Steer Price, NE 7 market average $119.98 $120.86 $130.34 Choice Boxed Beef Price, 600-900 lb. carcass $154.50 $149.03 $161.54 Choice-Select Spread, 600-900 lb. carcass $3.20 $2.26 $13.01 Corn Price, Omaha, NE, $/bu (Thursday quote) $5.47 $5.72 $3.45 DDG Wholesale Price, Iowa, $/ton $172.50 $168.50 $107.50 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 06, 2008, 07:43:32 AM Monday, May 05, 2008Print This Page
Halal Variety of Luxury Kobe Beef Takes the Spotlight MALAYSIA - To indulge in Kobe beef is to allow yourself to eat well and sin. Kobe beef, as most of us are aware, comes from cattle that have been spoilt rotten, massaged and fed on a diet of beer and sake. This practice of pampering the black Tajima-ushi breed of Wagyu cattle in Japan helps relieve stiff muscles, which is believed to show in the tenderness of the beef. The beef's highly marbled texture is what makes it so popular as the fat, which breaks down during the cooking process, lends much of its flavour to the overall cut. So tender is a serving of Kobe that many get addicted to it. The place for meat lovers: The elegant outlet is known for serving fine beef and lamb. However, the alcoholic cattle do not find favour with those who abstain from alcohol, and as such, Kobe beef has been privy only to those without any restriction in their diet. Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur executive chef Antoine Rodriguez said most beef lovers were not aware of the Master Kobe variety. "Master Kobe is only used to describe the very elite, purebred Wagyu with marble scores of nine and greater. "These Wagyu cattle from Australia are grain fed non-stop and their marble texturing is delicate and certainly higher than Wagyu cattle that have marbling scores of six and above," said the chef, who received the Executive Chef of The Year award at the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards 2007/2008. The other thing about Master Kobe beef is that these Wagyu cattle are not fed alcohol. "The Master Kobe is in fact a halal variety and we have certification for it," chef Rodriguez said. In fact, Rodriguez has to reserve his orders for the luxury meat, months in advance with the suppliers in Australia. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 06, 2008, 07:45:23 AM Monday, May 05, 2008Print This Page
World Beef Production to Rise in 2008 US - The latest forecasts released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report that global beef production will grow by one per cent (483,000 tonnes) in 2008 to almost 61 million tonnes. According to LMC, total beef consumption is expected to rise by 554,000tonnes to 60.5 million tonnes. The USDA reports that global beef exports will grow one per cent to 7.7 million tonnes, but there will be little change to global imports at 7.2 million tonnes. Global Global production 61 million tonnes Global beef production will rise due to increasing levels of output in the US, Brazil, China, India and Mexico. These increases will more than offset falling beef production in the EU, Argentina, Australia, the Russian Federation and Canada. Output in the US, the largest beef producer, will increase by one per cent to 12.2 million tonnes because of strong levels of cow slaughterings and heavier carcase weights. Production will increase by three per cent in China to 7.7 million tonnes and by six per cent in India to 2.66 million tonnes. EU beef production is forecast to fall by one per cent to 8.1 million tonnes, with Australian output falling six per cent to 2.08 million tonnes. Beef production in the Russian Federation will drop by two per cent to 1.34 million tonnes, a decrease of 16 per cent compared to 2004. Consumption +1% to 60.5 million tonnes While beef consumption will remain unchanged in the US in 2008 at 12.8 million tonnes, total global consumption will rise due to increasing demand in the main developing economies of the world. Demand in China will grow by four per cent to 7.7 million tonnes, with consumption in Brazil increasing three per cent to 7.6 million, due to more beef on the home market because of the EU import ban. Demand in the Russian Federation will grow by three per cent to 2.5 million tonnes. It will rise in India by five per cent to 1.9 million. EU consumption will fall one per cent to 8.6 million tonnes, with demand slipping by two per cent and six per cent in Japan and Canada to 1.16 and 1.03 million tonnes respectively. International Trade grows Beef exports will rise by one per cent in 2008 due to increased exports from India, the US and Uruguay. Exports from Brazil, the largest exporter, will remain steady at 2.2 million tonnes. The US will continue to be the largest market for beef imports, but demand for imported beef will fall by four per cent to 1.3 million tonnes due to increased domestic production. Demand in the Russian Federation will rise by 10 per cent to 1.1 million tonnes, but imports to Japan and the EU will contract by 5 and 14 per cent to 650,000 and 550,000 tonnes respectively. Single Application Closing Date Reminder Producers are reminded that the closing date for submitting their 2008 Single Application Forms is Thursday 15 May 2008. Applications received by DARD after 15 May and up until 9 June 2008 will incur late penalties. Forms received after 9 June 2008 will be rejected. So far approximately 8,000 applications have been received by DARD. OCDS ENDS IN DECEMBER 2008 The Older Cattle Disposal Scheme (OCDS) payment rate for May 2008 has decreased by £1.39 to £230.99 per head due to the Euro / Sterling exchange rate weakening by one per cent compared to the end of March 2008. The payment was converted at €1 = 79.105p. Scheme finishes in 2008 Producers are reminded that OCDS will finish at the end of December 2008 and after that date all pre-August 1996 cattle will have to be disposed of without any compensation. At the start of May 2008 there were 32,149 pre August 1996 cattle recorded in the NI herd by APHIS. So far this year 3,234 cattle have entered OCDS. At the current rate of disposals (approximately 200/head per week) there could be up to 25,000 cattle pre-August 1996 left on NI farms in January 2009. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 06, 2008, 07:46:59 AM Monday, May 05, 2008Print This Page
Future’s Bright for Dairy Industry, Says Dairy UK UK - Prospects for the dairy industry are good, as trading conditions for farmers continue to improve, Dairy UK said today in response to DairyCo’s annual farmer intentions’ survey. Dairy UK Director General Jim Begg said: “Major changes in the dairy market over the past year have improved trading conditions for most dairy farmers. However, for UK milk production to fully stabilise, farmers need the confidence to undertake major investment, allowing them to achieve production efficiencies whilst meeting a growing burden of regulatory costs. “It is therefore important that the maximum value is obtained from milk. The recent rise in farm gate prices has seen milk recover the ground it has lost over the past 10 years, and sterling’s devaluation will underpin these gains. “Longer term the prospects are good. The opportunities for further gains from product innovation, supply chain co-operation and efficiency improvements are still enormous. Dairy companies are focusing on product differentiation to generate more added value. The industry is working closely with its customers to realise the opportunities in the market place. “Aside from these developments producers can be reassured that UK fresh milk and dairy products are just too important to the UK consumer for the market to be unable to adequately reward UK farmers. “A world-class industry is being built that can take on the challenges of tomorrow and forward looking farmers can be confident that there is a future for them in this industry.” Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 06, 2008, 07:48:52 AM Monday, May 05, 2008Print This Page
French Abatoirs Deemed Scandalous FRANCE - It has been reported that almost half of the slaughterhouses in France fail to conform to European standards of hygiene, as per a memorandum from the Directorate General of Food (DGAL). According to the document French magazine Le Point was able to access, almost half of the slaughterhouses for poultry and rabbits and 42 per cent for pig, cattle and calves are outlawed due to their unhygienic ways. The magazine goes on to say: "The situation in the slaughterhouses can sometimes be called apocalyptic." DGAL, however, denies these claims, saying that they are untrue and that out of the 333 abattoirs, only 19 (responsible for processing 1 per cent of the total meat) are of inferior quality due to hygiene issues. "The veterinary services only research the animals upon arrival in the slaughterhouses and check the carcasses' veterinary quality upon departure," vice-director Monique Eloit said. However, DGAL stressed on the fact that 59 French abattoirs have been closed down within the last half decade for economic and hygienic reasons. This is due to the checks made by the regional directors. The European Union demands a certain level of hygiene and these slaughterhouses have failed thus. The European agency for animal health is seeing to it that the situation in France is remedied. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 07, 2008, 08:43:48 AM Tuesday, May 06, 2008Print This Page
Weekly Outlook: Corn Production Prospects Remain Uncertain US - The USDA’s Prospective Plantings report released on March 31 provided much of the fuel for the spring rally in corn prices. Corn producers reported intentions to plant only 86.014 million acres of corn, nearly 7.6 million fewer acres than planted in 2007. Intentions were well below expectations and well below the magnitude of acreage needed to allow corn consumption to continue at the current rate of 13.11 billion bushels per year. It may be that the size of the market for U.S. corn will not grow during the 2008-09 marketing year even without further price increases. There is some evidence, for example, that hog producers are reducing the size of the breeding herd, pointing to a decline in the number of hogs to be fed in 2009. Exports of U.S. corn may decline modestly from the record level being experienced this year if world wheat production rebounds and if the U.S. dollar strengthens. The size of the Chinese corn crop and subsequent trade policies, however, will also be important for U.S. corn export demand. Ethanol demand for corn is also a little more uncertain as policy makers debate proposals to reduce the level of biofuels production mandates and the magnitude of the blender’s tax credit. Changing the level of mandates, however, would likely have very little short term impact on the demand for corn to produce ethanol if the economics of production remains favorable. The level of the tax credit has a more direct impact on the returns to ethanol production. At current prices for corn and ethanol, however, corn based ethanol production would remain profitable even with a modestly lower blender’s tax credit. The USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board will release the first supply, demand and price projection for the 2008-09 U.S. corn marketing year on May 9. Those projections will likely show a lower level of consumption in the year ahead than is currently projected for the 2007-08 marketing year. The smaller projection will be, in part, forced by a production forecast constrained by intended plantings and trend yield. The potential size of the corn market at current price levels is extremely important in evaluating the size of the 2008 U.S. corn crop needed to avoid rationing of use by higher prices. If, for example, market size is seen as 13 billion bushels, the 2008 crop needs to be at least 12.7 billion bushels to maintain year-ending stocks at or above one billion bushels. If 86.014 million acres of corn are planted, harvested acreage for grain would likely be near 79 million acres under average weather conditions. A crop of 12.7 billion bushels, then, would require a national average corn yield of 160.8 bushels, nearly 10 bushels above the 2007 average. Even with a potential market for only 12.5 billion bushels, the U.S. crop would need to be near 12.2 billion bushels, requiring a national average yield of about 154.4 bushels per acre to maintain year-ending stocks at one billion bushels. There is some possibility that planted acreage of corn will exceed intentions reported in March. The market will monitor the USDA’s weekly report of planting progress to evaluate both the likely magnitude of planted acreage and average yield potential. Rapid planting would favor an increase in acreage and at least trend yield. Planting progress in April was generally very slow, with only 10 percent of the crop planted as of April 27, compared to 20 percent last year and the 5-year average of 35 percent. Rapid planting during the first two weeks of May would still support expectations for more planted acreage and expectations for at least a trend yield in 2008. Even with a slower rate of planting than expected, corn prices stabilized last week. There is a general perception that, given a window of opportunity, producers can now plant the crop more rapidly than in the past. While modern planting systems clearly allow individual producers to plant more acres per day, there is no clear evidence that in aggregate the corn crop actually gets planted more rapidly in recent years than three or four decades ago. Assuming that the majority of the corn crop gets planted before the middle of May, prospects for a 2008 average U.S. yield at or above trend will be maintained. The question is whether trend yield will be sufficient. An estimate of actual planted acres will not be available until June 30. In addition, even with timely planting, yields are still mostly dependent on summer weather conditions. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 07, 2008, 08:46:11 AM Search TheCattleSite:
Section: Whole Site News Articles Business Direcory Disease Guide Recipes Books Focus Use the above box to search this section or the whole site Tuesday, May 06, 2008Print This Page Booming RB Strain Linked to Unpasteurised Dairy US - The incidence of a strain of tuberculosis (TB) called Mycobacterium bovis, or M. bovis, associated more often with cattle than humans, is increasing in San Diego and is concentrated mostly in Hispanics of Mexican origin, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine in collaboration with San Diego County public health officials. Their analysis shows that changing patterns of TB in the United States are increasingly being driven by conditions outside of the country, especially in binational communities. The study is now on line in advance of publication in the June issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases. Lead author Timothy C. Rodwell, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, associate physician and fellow in the Division of International Health & Cross Cultural Medicine at UC San Diego, and his colleagues analyzed regional data for TB cases in San Diego County obtained from the Tuberculosis Information Management System database maintained by the San Diego County TB Control Program. In their review of 3,291 culture-positive cases of TB covering 1994 to 2005, M. bovis was isolated in only eight percent of cases, but the strain accounted for 45 percent of TB cases in children under the age of 15, with almost all M. bovis cases from 2001 to 2005 found in persons of Hispanic ethnicity. “This strain of TB is thought to be primarily spread to humans through consumption of raw dairy products from infected cattle, with only minimal human-to-human contagion,” Rodwell said. “Some raw dairy products from Mexico, for instance, unpasteurized cheese like the popular queso fresco, have been found to contain M. bovis and should be considered unsafe.” Because of the widespread adoption of pasteurization of all commercially available dairy products in the United States, along with aggressive programs designed to keep dairy cattle in this country free of the disease, the threat of M. bovis in U.S. dairy products was largely eliminated in the mid-20th century. The San Diego-Tijuana bi-national region, however, shares one of the busiest border crossings in the United States with the Mexican state of Baja California, where M. bovis is prevalent in cattle and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products is common. The researchers found that more than 90 percent of M. bovis cases in San Diego occurred in Hispanics, most born in Mexico, Rodwell said. He added that collaborations with Mexico on prevention strategies including education and regulation of unpasteurized dairy products, along with elimination of the disease from dairy cattle would be required long term to ensure that this mode of transmission of TB is stopped. “The changing face of TB in San Diego County may reflect a new pattern of the disease in the United States,” Rodwell said. During the period studied, cases of M. bovis TB increased at a rate of just over four percent per year, while cases from the more common strain of TB, M. tuberculosis, declined. Since M. bovis is resistant to one of the four drugs in the standard, six-month course of treatment for TB, treatment for M. bovis is usually extended to nine months. While M. bovis has been most often documented in Hispanic communities with close proximity to Mexico, the researchers point out that a recent review of such cases in New York City – also linked to unpasteurized cheese from Mexico – indicated that the problem is not limited to U.S. regions bordering Mexico. Additional contributors to the study include senior author Steffanie A. Strathdee, Ph.D., Chief of UC San Diego’s Division of International Health & Cross Cultural Medicine; Marisa Moore and Kathleen S. Moser, County of San Diego Health and Human Services; and Stephanie K. Brodine, San Diego State University. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, a fellowship from the California HIV/AIDS research program at the University of California, and internal funds from the endowment of the Harold Simon Chair, Division of International Health & Cross-Cultural Medicine at UC San Diego. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 07, 2008, 08:49:25 AM Search TheCattleSite:
Section: Whole Site News Articles Business Direcory Disease Guide Recipes Books Focus Use the above box to search this section or the whole site Tuesday, May 06, 2008Print This Page Weekly Outlook: Corn Production Prospects Remain Uncertain US - The USDA’s Prospective Plantings report released on March 31 provided much of the fuel for the spring rally in corn prices. Corn producers reported intentions to plant only 86.014 million acres of corn, nearly 7.6 million fewer acres than planted in 2007. Intentions were well below expectations and well below the magnitude of acreage needed to allow corn consumption to continue at the current rate of 13.11 billion bushels per year. It may be that the size of the market for U.S. corn will not grow during the 2008-09 marketing year even without further price increases. There is some evidence, for example, that hog producers are reducing the size of the breeding herd, pointing to a decline in the number of hogs to be fed in 2009. Exports of U.S. corn may decline modestly from the record level being experienced this year if world wheat production rebounds and if the U.S. dollar strengthens. The size of the Chinese corn crop and subsequent trade policies, however, will also be important for U.S. corn export demand. Ethanol demand for corn is also a little more uncertain as policy makers debate proposals to reduce the level of biofuels production mandates and the magnitude of the blender’s tax credit. Changing the level of mandates, however, would likely have very little short term impact on the demand for corn to produce ethanol if the economics of production remains favorable. The level of the tax credit has a more direct impact on the returns to ethanol production. At current prices for corn and ethanol, however, corn based ethanol production would remain profitable even with a modestly lower blender’s tax credit. The USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board will release the first supply, demand and price projection for the 2008-09 U.S. corn marketing year on May 9. Those projections will likely show a lower level of consumption in the year ahead than is currently projected for the 2007-08 marketing year. The smaller projection will be, in part, forced by a production forecast constrained by intended plantings and trend yield. The potential size of the corn market at current price levels is extremely important in evaluating the size of the 2008 U.S. corn crop needed to avoid rationing of use by higher prices. If, for example, market size is seen as 13 billion bushels, the 2008 crop needs to be at least 12.7 billion bushels to maintain year-ending stocks at or above one billion bushels. If 86.014 million acres of corn are planted, harvested acreage for grain would likely be near 79 million acres under average weather conditions. A crop of 12.7 billion bushels, then, would require a national average corn yield of 160.8 bushels, nearly 10 bushels above the 2007 average. Even with a potential market for only 12.5 billion bushels, the U.S. crop would need to be near 12.2 billion bushels, requiring a national average yield of about 154.4 bushels per acre to maintain year-ending stocks at one billion bushels. There is some possibility that planted acreage of corn will exceed intentions reported in March. The market will monitor the USDA’s weekly report of planting progress to evaluate both the likely magnitude of planted acreage and average yield potential. Rapid planting would favor an increase in acreage and at least trend yield. Planting progress in April was generally very slow, with only 10 percent of the crop planted as of April 27, compared to 20 percent last year and the 5-year average of 35 percent. Rapid planting during the first two weeks of May would still support expectations for more planted acreage and expectations for at least a trend yield in 2008. Even with a slower rate of planting than expected, corn prices stabilized last week. There is a general perception that, given a window of opportunity, producers can now plant the crop more rapidly than in the past. While modern planting systems clearly allow individual producers to plant more acres per day, there is no clear evidence that in aggregate the corn crop actually gets planted more rapidly in recent years than three or four decades ago. Assuming that the majority of the corn crop gets planted before the middle of May, prospects for a 2008 average U.S. yield at or above trend will be maintained. The question is whether trend yield will be sufficient. An estimate of actual planted acres will not be available until June 30. In addition, even with timely planting, yields are still mostly dependent on summer weather conditions. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 07, 2008, 08:51:41 AM Tuesday, May 06, 2008Print This Page
US Calms Korean Mad Cow Panic KOREA - The undersecretary for food safety at the US reasserted the safety of American beef at a recent conference to Korean correspondents. Richard Raymond, who practiced medicine for 17 years, asserted that the supply of American beef is among the safest in the world, elaborating on preventative measures that the United States has developed against mad cow disease, scientifically known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), since the discovery of the first case of BSE in Britain in 1986. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "SRM removal alone reduces the potential exposure to consumers of BSE by 99 percent." Richard Raymond, undersecretary for food safety at the US. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “The single most important thing we can do to protect human health regarding BSE is the removal from the food supply of specified risk materials (SRMs),” Raymond said. “According to the 2005 Harvard Risk Assessment, SRM removal alone reduces the potential exposure to consumers of BSE by 99 percent.” According to the Korean news agency DongA, Raymond said that slaughter facilities cannot carry out their slaughter operations without the continuous presence of the USDA inspection personnel and that the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) under the department employs over 9,000 personnel, including 7,800 full-time in-plant and other front-line personnel to constantly monitor slaughter operations. The under secretary explained that the USDA, which conducted targeted BSE surveillance testing on 20,000 cattle to be slaughtered, has strengthened its surveillance effort since June 2004 by increasing the number of cattle subject to testing to 1,000 per day. He said that some 700,000 cattle were tested over the past two years. Raymond said that, out of over 759,000 animals tested, only two additional cattle have been detected with BSE since the discovery of the first BSE case in the United States in 1993, and both of them were born prior to initiation of the ban on ruminant feed in August 1997. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 08, 2008, 08:23:23 AM Wednesday, May 07, 2008Print This Page
South Korea Backs Away from Renegotiation SOUTH KOREA - The government of South Korea has rejected US calls to renegotiate the recent beef trade deal and has instead pledged to tighten quarantine procedures and beef labeling rules in a bid to keep BSE out. "It is impossible to renegotiate the agreement because it has been formally signed by both countries' representatives and is already in the process of being put into effect," South Korea's top negotiator Min Dong-seok told the local daily. According to the People's Daily Online, the South Korean government came under growing pressure from political parties and civic groups to scrap the April 18 agreement to fully open the domestic market to U.S. beef. Under the agreement, South Korea will import from the United States most cuts from cattle under 30 months old beginning May. Imports of certain cuts from older cattle will be allowed after the United States strengthens control of feed for cattle. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 08, 2008, 08:25:26 AM Wednesday, May 07, 2008Print This Page
Brazil Puts a Foot in Milk Export Doorway BRAZIL - Brazilian milk exports have always shown a small and undeveloped representation of the total milk production, averaging just five per cent. However, with the recent turmoil in major exporting countries such as Australia and New Zealand, Brazilian exporters have seized the opportunity to take advantage of the left over demand. According to market analysts, Scot Consultoria, the country left the importer position – registering a deficit up to US$350 million in 2000, for example – to present a balance of more than US$40 million with the shipping, only in three months (January to March 2008). See table 1. Year Exports Imports Balance 2000 13.36 373.10 -359.74 2001 25.03 178.60 -153.57 2002 40.24 247.21 -206.96 2003 48.51 112.29 -63.78 2004 95.38 83.92 11.46 2005 130.09 121.19 8.90 2006 138.50 154.64 -16.14 2007 273.25 150.77 -122.48 2008* 90.07 46.28 43.79 Source: MDIC, elaborated by Scott Consultoria * 2008 - untill March The accumulated, in revenue, with exports in 2008 (more than US$90 million) is almost the whole receipt of 2004, the first year that Brazil’s exports were higher than imports. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 08, 2008, 08:27:13 AM Wednesday, May 07, 2008Print This Page
Feeding Animals to Animals: EU May Lift Ban EU - It is believed that if the EU go ahead with contraversial plans to relax current safety measures on pig and poultry feeds, which outlaw animal proteins, then vast amounts of money could be saved by EU farmers. The move comes 14 years after the practice was banned at the height of the BSE crisis, with the European Commission set to make a final decision on the ban in 2009, reports Farmers Guardian. The farming magazine says that, under the plans, the ban on feeding animal remains to ruminants would remain in place, but would be lifted for pigs and poultry. It would provide an alternative source of feed for many farmers who have been hit by rising input costs, and could slash the cost of animal feed. The move is likely to cause concern in the industry, with farmers keen not to alienate consumers by going back to a practice which received wide public criticism at the height of the crisis. European Commissioners are also concerned that should the ban be lifted, contamination could still lead to animal proteins finding their way into cattle feed. EU scientists are currently completing research on the subject which will be presented to Commissioners at the end of the year before a final decision on the ban is made. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 09, 2008, 08:30:57 AM Thursday, May 08, 2008Print This Page
Russian Livestock Market Opens to US WASHINGTON, US - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the United States will begin exporting breeding cattle, bovine embryos; breeding, fattening and slaughter swine; and breeding and sport horses to Russia. Russia will accept cattle born on or after implementation of the United States' 1997 ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban. "Russia's decision demonstrates our trading partners' confidence in our ability to effectively protect animal health and food safety," said Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer. "This decision opens up a new market for U.S. livestock producers, and we are pleased that such an important trading partner is looking to the United States to help establish a significant livestock market." Russia is turning to the world market to import livestock and genetics to restore its livestock herd, which has been declining during the last 15 years. The value of these new markets for U.S. exporters is substantial. The new live animal protocols will allow U.S. exporters to participate in Russia's $300 million market for live animal imports. USDA has worked closely with Russia and other trading partners to establish full market access for U.S. livestock. USDA will continue to encourage other countries to take steps to align their requirements with international standards. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 09, 2008, 08:33:08 AM Thursday, May 08, 2008Print This Page
Oz Cattle Races to Another Record Quarter AUSTRALIA - Live Australian cattle shipments broke previous first quarter records this March as the county continued its surge into foreign markets such as Indonesia. Australia is fueling its foreign expansion by tapping cattle supplies from the North that are becoming increasingly suitable. Exports for March totalled 73,893 head, up 59% year-on-year, pushing shipments for the first quarter of 2008 to a record 197,796 head (Australian Bureau of Statistics). Indonesia received 133,010 head of Australian cattle during the first three months of 2008, an increase of 50% on the same period last year, with volumes for March at 53,557 head. Indonesian demand for Australian cattle continued unabated into 2008, following a record 517,000 head sent during 2007. Assisting the record shipments during 2008 has been dry conditions across parts of northern Australia, particularly through the Northern Territory, which has seen an ample number of suitable cattle being made available. Israel was the second largest market during the first quarter of 2008, receiving 23,876 head – more than double the same period last year. Increased shipments for the three months have also been registered to Libya (8,959 head), Japan (6,291 head), China (4,498 head) and Saudi Arabia (2,000 head). March also saw the first shipment of cattle to the Philippines since August last year, at 3,762 head, while 1,500 head was sent to Malaysia. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 09, 2008, 08:35:26 AM Thursday, May 08, 2008Print This Page
Delegation Watch the Brazilian Powerhouse Tick US - A US delegation have recently completed a tour through Brazil and Argentina to discover how the beef, corn and ethanol industries work. In doing so they hope to gain a deeper insight into the market they hope to work and compete with. The delegation, which consisted of nine U.S. state corn board executives, was led by the United States Meat Export Federation's vice president of industry relations, John Hinners and and Ricardo Vernazza-Paganini, USMEF’s director of Central/South America & Global Strategic Coordination “These corn organizations are an integral part of USMEF’s membership base,” said Hinners. “They invest more than $1 million annually of their corn checkoff funds into USMEF red meat programs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "While Brazil is a global beef powerhouse, we also saw firsthand that it is very committed to ethanol" United States Meat Export Federation's vice president of industry relations, John Hinners. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “This was a very educational visit for our team,” Hinners added. “While Brazil is a global beef powerhouse, we also saw firsthand that it is very committed to ethanol because, historically, 80 percent of that country’s energy has been imported.” Based on a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecast, Brazil is expected to increase beef exports 27 percent from 2007 to 2017. This equates to an additional 651,000 metric tons (1.43 billion pounds) over the next 10 years with exports totaling 3.05 million metric tons (more than 6.7 billion pounds) in 2017. That is compared to projections that U.S. beef exports will total 1.2 million metric tons (2.64 billion pounds) in 2017, an 88 percent increase over 2007 levels. The team’s visit to Argentina enabled it to see some of that nation’s meat processing industry, which is composed of more than 500 packing plants, many small and family owned. Since March 2006, the government of Argentina has restricted beef exports to ensure that it can meet domestic beef demand. An annual export quota of 480,000 metric tons was established at the end of 2006, following a 6-month ban, but exports were stalled again earlier this year amid rising prices and renewed concern over domestic availability. This Monday the Argentine government announced the reopening of beef exports but it is not clear whether export permits (ROEs) are being issued at this time. Argentina currently has the world’s highest per capita beef consumption rate: 154 pounds per person annually. They supplement that with 66 pounds of poultry and 17.4 pounds of pork per person. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 09, 2008, 08:39:48 AM Thursday, May 08, 2008Print This Page
US Shakes a Weary Head at More Cow Abuse US - This week animal welfare group, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), revealed further mistreatment of sick and injured cattle in its ongoing probe into the cruelty of factory farming practices. The recent insight into injured animals at a cattle market being abused by industry middlemen has caught the attention of the whole industry. Photo: Humane Society of the United States According to the HSUS, the shocking abuse of "downer" cows occurs not just at slaughter plants, but may be an everyday happening at livestock auctions and stockyards around the country - the midpoints between farm and slaughter - as shown in an expanding undercover investigation by The Humane Society of the United States. "Downer" cows are those too frail to stand on their own - dragged and prodded with inhumane handling methods, and increasing the threat of carrying and passing disease. During April and May, HSUS investigators visited auctions in Maryland, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Texas and videotaped downer cows at each stop - animals left to suffer for hours and in one instance overnight. Executives of The HSUS brought preliminary evidence of the abuse to the attention of U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer last week at a face-to-face meeting, and Secretary Schafer has promised to examine the issue. The HSUS looks forward to working with USDA to address the problem. "This has to stop immediately," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "Our earlier investigation into the callous and abusive treatment of live animals at a slaughter plant in California appalled the nation and led to the largest meat recall in U.S. history. These new video images show that the rot in the factory farming system of raising animals goes much deeper. The problems are systemic, the laws and regulations are inadequate, and the industry's resolve insufficient." The HSUS urged Secretary Schafer to expedite regulations that would require more humane treatment of animals destined for the food supply, at every step from producer to slaughter. The HSUS particularly urges USDA to close the risky loophole that allows some downer cows to be slaughtered for consumption. Ed Schafer recently replied to the call: "Late last week, the Humane Society of the United States notified me that they were in the early stages of an investigation into the mistreatment of farm animals transported to livestock auctions and stockyards. The dairy cattle shown in the video were non-ambulatory and were abandoned in parking lots of these auctions and yards. These animals were not in slaughter facilities. However, even though this is not a food safety issue, these actions of animal cruelty are not acceptable. "USDA's authority to regulate the treatment of animals includes the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and the Animal Welfare Act. The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act protects animals when they are presented for slaughter at federally inspected establishments. The Animal Welfare Act allows us to ensure the proper care of live animals when used in biomedical research, testing, and exhibition. When animals fall within our authorities, USDA has acted to prevent animal cruelty such as this." Policies for humane handling of animals, however, consist of a combined effort of federal, state, and local authorities, as well as private industry. Since learning about this investigation, the US have said that they are reaching out to states and industry groups to address this issue. "In my conversation with the Humane Society last week, I expressed my sincere desire to work with them to resolve these atrocities, and I trust USDA was given all the information HSUS has on this issue so we can thoroughly address it. It is essential that we work together in good faith to address these issues, and ensure that animals are treated with care and dignity." The HSUS say that until the loophole is closed, producers and middlemen in the supply chain have a financial incentive to push sick and injured animals to the brink - and in many cases to torture them beyond the brink - in attempts to turn them into profitable beef. Until the federal government steps in to assume firm jurisdiction, the food supply will be subject to the patchwork vagaries of local and state regulation, which can mean no oversight at all. The National Beef Association also issued a statement over the incidence. They said that they are committed to working with every segment of the food production chain to ensure all livestock are treated humanely. "We strongly support strict compliance with and enforcement of all state and federal animal welfare laws. Appropriate cattle care includes close supervision of cattle health and wellbeing. We believe it’s important to promptly attend to animals that appear non-ambulatory", the statement read. "To date, in cooperation with the nation’s livestock markets, we have distributed more than 2,000 cattle care and handling training videos to the nation’s 1,250 livestock markets and other cattle sales locations, as well as veterinarians who work with these operations. Additionally, we are in the process of conducting hands-on staff training sessions at livestock markets led by cattle handling experts. Beef producers and livestock market owners understand that animal care and raising cattle go hand-in-hand. We know that giving animals the proper care and supervision they deserve is an obligation, not an option, and also is smart business." The HSUS has plans for more investigations for the future. Details of the new undercover HSUS investigation include: At the Livestock Exchange (LSX) in Hereford, Texas, HSUS investigators videotaped two downed cows left in the parking lot for four hours. Neither cow could lift her head. They were still alive in the parking lot at closing time. HSUS had received a complaint from a passing motorist about live, downed cows at LSX hanging from their legs by chains attached to a front-end loader. At the Westminster auction in Maryland, HSUS investigators documented a downed cow abandoned outside of the auction barn, left to suffer through the night. HSUS investigators contacted agents with the Carroll County Humane Society. An officer expertly ended the cow's suffering. At the Clovis Livestock Auction in New Mexico, two downed cows were filmed over a period of five hours. One was suffering from obvious pain, flailing her legs as she expelled watery feces into the pen where other cows were held for auction. At the Greencastle Livestock Auction in Pennsylvania, HSUS investigators documented a calf only days old who was unable to stand and left to die. In 2002, Congress directed the USDA to investigate the question of downed animals at livestock auctions and markets - including the scope of problems, the causes, and the resulting cruel treatment of animals. Further, Congress ordered the USDA to follow up with "regulations to provide for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory livestock by stockyards, market agencies, and dealers." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 09, 2008, 08:43:43 AM New on-farm quick test for foot-and-mouth
News | 8 May, 2008 A RAPID on-farm test has been developed to detect the foot-and-mouth disease. The device uses the same technology as home pregnancy tests and can reveal if foot-and-mouth is present within 10 minutes of taking a sample. A rapid test was rejected by the Ministry of Agriculture at the height of the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, which meant thousands of animals had to be slaughtered before test results were revealed to be negative. Dr Nigel Ferris of the Institute of Animal Health’s Pirbright Laboratory has been helping to develop the technology for six years and he hopes the device could save mass slaughter in future outbreaks. “In effect, we are taking the laboratory to the farm, for on-the-spot testing to support clinical diagnosis,” he said. The hand-held device takes a small sample of tissue from a suspect animal, the sample then flows up the device and if foot-and-mouth is present, a line forms within 10 minutes. According to experts, more than one-third of sheep farms and 23 per cent of all livestock premises were wrongly diagnosed of having foot-and-mouth in 2001. A rapid detection device from the US was rejected at the time because it had not been validated in the UK. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 11, 2008, 10:10:42 AM Friday, May 09, 2008Print This Page
Government Helps China Feed Itself CHINA - The government of China have declared a new initiative giving support to farmers around the country in the latest bid to meet the population's ever increasing food demand. One of the programmes main points of interest will be in to the production of grain, which they hope will offset the rising price of livestock feed; essential when considering predicted meat consumption. "Unprecedented" emphasis is being placed on farming, Minister of Agriculture Sun Zhengcai said in a question-and-answer statement on a government Website. Financial and policy support, coupled with technological progress, will help the country feed itself, Sun added. China's demand for food contributed to record gains in agricultural commodities this year, Bloomberg News said. Increased domestic production may boost stockpiles of grain and reduce import needs, while helping to ease inflation that reached an 11-year high in February. "Agricultural infrastructure is still fragile," Sun said. It's becoming increasingly difficult to achieve self-sufficiency in grains and other products, he added. China has 226 million registered rural residents working in urban centers, buying food instead of growing it, the minister said. In the past 10 years, city dwellers' food spending rose 80 percent, stoking demand for meat and feed grains, he said. Damage from natural disasters, higher costs, declining profits and lack of transport for grain are some of the immediate concerns, Sun said. In the long run, consumption of grain will rise because of increased demand for food, animal feed and industrial usage, as well as population growth, Sun said. Spending to support agriculture this year gained 85 percent from a year ago to 95 billion yuan (US$13.6 billion), Sun said. While the world faces a possible food crisis, China has seen only "reasonable" gains in agricultural product prices, Sun said. Food stockpiles are twice the world average, and include about 40 million to 50 million tons of rice, he said. "We have food in our hands, so no stress in our hearts." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 11, 2008, 10:12:50 AM Friday, May 09, 2008Print This Page
Exports to Egypt Resume in Face of Cruelty AUSTRALIA - Australia has agreed to resume live cattle exports to Egypt after a two year ban, which was put in place as a protest after allegations of cruel Egyptian animal treatment. According to the International Herald Tribune the Australian Agriculture Minister Tony Burke, who planned to announce the agreement later Friday, told Fairfax newspapers that resumption of exports will be subject to strict conditions, including the cattle being handled according to international standards and slaughtered only at a new "high-quality" facility. Exports were halted abruptly in 2006 after the previous government reacted to a television documentary showing cattle having their tendons slashed and their eyes poked out by Egyptian cattlemen. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "Vision showed cattle being pushed off trucks and stabbed in the eyes and tendons" RSPCA Australia Scientific Officer, Melina Tensen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has already condemned the recent decision, labelling it a commercial move and saying there was no guarantee that the animals would be handled and slaughtered humanely. “The Rudd Government should be phasing out the export of live animals for slaughter, not expanding the trade into regions with a proven record of disgraceful animal cruelty,” RSPCA Australia Scientific Officer, Melina Tensen said. “Public pressure forced the Government to suspend the trade to Egypt after revelations of shocking treatment of cattle in that country. Vision showed cattle being pushed off trucks and stabbed in the eyes and tendons. “The sad reality is that cruel handling practices are occurring right now all throughout the Middle East, yet the Rudd Government not only allows the trade to continue but is supporting its expansion. “The Government is doing this on the assumption that the live export industry is vital to the Australian economy despite the fact that there has actually been no proper economic analysis into an alternative meat-only trade. “Both the Government and the live export industry also conveniently ignore the fact that during the suspension to Egypt, beef exports from Australia to Egypt doubled to the value of more than $2.3 million in 2006/07. “While the Government claims the new abattoir in Egypt meets international animal welfare standards, there is absolutely no guarantee that, without continuous close monitoring, animals will be handled and slaughtered humanely. “RSPCA Australia is calling on the Government to stop stalling and put animal welfare ahead of the bottom line.” Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 11, 2008, 10:15:54 AM Friday, May 09, 2008Print This Page
Contributing to Global Warming While ruminants can be blamed for significant emissions of methane and nitrous oxide into the earth's atmosphere, vegetable and cereal production also contribute to global warming. This was one of the main conclusions from a BBC radio programme broadcast this week. The programme in the Costing the Earth series looked at the theory often put forward by the vegetarian lobby that if there were no farm animals reared for meat methane emissions would be reduced and it would be better for the climate. However, the programme showed that growing crops also had an effect on global warming through the loss of carbon by tilling the soil. It also showed there was a loss of biodiversity without grazing animals. The programme said that Oxford University's Farm Animal Initiative shows a 50 per cent reduction in birds, bees and butterflies on ungrazed land on its research site. "So eating meat is perhaps not as bad for the planet as it may at first seem. And surprisingly, some forms of intensive farming score better than extensive," the BBC said. "Chickens raised indoors are far less environmentally damaging than those allowed to roam free range. That's because they need less feed to keep them warm, and they grow quickly, making them the most efficient converters of food into meat. "Dairy products from intensively reared cows are also much more climate friendly, as those gaseous emissions from bovine mouths and behinds can be far better controlled by keeping cattle indoors." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 11, 2008, 10:17:58 AM Friday, May 09, 2008Print This Page
Bluetongue Protection Zone Extended UK - DEFRA has announced that the bluetongue protection zones will be extended on Monday 12 May, following the delivery of additional doses of bluetongue vaccine.Vaccination is only permitted within the protection zone. To extend the coverage of the vaccination programme the two current protection zones are being merged, taking in all of Hampshire and West Sussex. The protection zone will also be extended into all of Lincolnshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.The surveillance zone is unaffected.A further 1 million doses of vaccine, available in 50-dose bottles, are available for use in the protection zone.Livestock keepers in the areas coming into the protection zone on Monday (12 May) will be able to obtain vaccine from that date. They are encouraged to order vaccine now so that they can protect their livestock at the earliest opportunity.Animals can only be moved out of the protection zone if they are vaccinated, naturally immune or for slaughter, subject to meeting certain conditions. Source: FarmersWeekly Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 12, 2008, 07:21:22 AM Friday, May 09, 2008Print This Page
Feeders Could Bring Factory Cartel to It's Knees UK - The Irish Farmers Association, National Livestock Chairman, Michael Doran, said to break the factory cartel on cattle prices, winter feeders should realise the strength of their bargaining position and stop selling cattle at current quoted prices. Feeders can insist on a minimum base price of €3.50/kg for next week, the same price that was available three weeks ago. Michael Doran said the factories are controlling numbers to control prices. He said the only way to break this cartel is for feeders to put an immediate handbrake on supplies and insist on a minimum based price for next week. The IFA livestock leader said all the facts favoured the feeders and prices can rise significantly over the coming weeks. - Cattle supplies in Ireland and the UK are extremely tight. At best factories have 1 to 2 days kill ahead of them. - Market prices in the UK, our main market are up 20c/Kg over the last two weeks and continue to rise. - Sterling has strengthened from 80.8p to 78p against the Euro in the last two weeks. - There are no supplies of South American beef imports available on the market. The IFA man said costs have rocketed this year, up 50c to 70c/Kg after feeding cattle. For a six-month winter, feeders are not going to allow the factories control prices at this critical stage. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 12, 2008, 07:23:19 AM Friday, May 09, 2008Print This Page
Cows Gone! What Now? CANADA - When the last cow finally leaves the ranch, a lot of perennial forage remains. The reasons for herd reduction are varied, one of which is slumping feed margins mainly due to rising feed costs. In relation to the current grain outlook, this may pose an opportunity to grow something different, if the proper machinery and resources are available. “On the Canadian prairies, direct seeding of annual crops into unwanted pasture and hayland is an emerging trend,” says Ron Heller, extension agronomist with Alberta Reduced Tillage LINKAGES (RTL), Vermilion. “Commonly referred to as sod seeding, this practice has achieved a high degree of success in different soils and crops. Technically feasible, the economics surpass traditional tillage-based removal methods, such as plough and disc, mainly due to an extreme savings in fuel, time and machinery.” Sod seeding research done in Western Canada stipulates three conditions in order to maximize profit: forage termination initiated in the year ahead of seeding, with herbicide adequate forage and weed control achieved before seeding subsequent in-crop strategies to control volunteer forage and weeds “There is still more to discover about sod seeding and its fit in further diversifying crop rotations,” says Heller. “For example, some forgotten data from old research work indicates superior yields for peas. In two Alberta studies (Keng and Sprout, 1995-97), sod seeding peas into fall-applied glyphosate forage stands was consistently best when compared with spring-applied or tillage treatments of barley or canola. This advantage is likely due to large seed size of pea and low fertilizer-N needs - peas being a crop that fixes its own nitrogen.” According to most trials Heller has seen, forage termination last August would have been the preferred strategy to start the important decomposition and moisture-saving benefits that make sod seeding work so well. “However, peas can be seeded earlier or later than just about any other crop,” he says, “provided the sod has been properly terminated and weeds have been controlled, especially perennials such as quackgrass and dandelions. If time and opportunity permit a grower to terminate perennial forage in the spring, peas’ short-maturity nature might benefit with such an approach.” Planning and preparation for cropping a spring-terminated forage stand can be intense, but possible. A plus for peas into sod is that only simple single-shoot machinery is required if no fertilizer is used, except for perhaps some seed-placed starter amounts. “Old sod tends to be nutrient deficient, so growers should have a soil test to determine if there are any nutrient deficiencies and that crop needs will be met. Finding clean seed and inoculants might be the biggest problem,” warns Heller. “There normally shouldn’t be any carry-over danger for peas in sod from herbicide residue, disease pathogens, or insect pests. Agronomically, peas fit better than canola or wheat, but there is always the question of growing season outcome if peas go in the ground too late, the risk for any crop, but certainly more so on spring-killed sod.” Another common practice in peas is to roll the field before emergence. Rolling helps at harvest since peas often lay down when mature. This practice will certainly be important for seeding into freshly terminated sod this spring. “The difference between well-rotted sod sprayed out the previous fall and a spring-time termination will be most evident in the way the seeding implements perform and field-finish,” adds Heller. “It is likely best to slow down and run as shallow as possible without stranding the seed in the thatch layer. It’s vital that seed is set and covered in moist soil. Some direct seeding systems achieve this better than others. Experience counts, although the best way to learn is to try, so maybe start with only a small field.” Growers considering sod seeding for the first time may want to discuss it with someone who has done it. “RTL’s Farmer-to-Farmer direct seeding network is a great way for novice sod seeders to get some inside-training,” says Heller. “We can match someone to their circumstances, almost like a mentor. Based on experience, machinery and location, what works, what doesn’t and why can quickly be identified.” Sod seeding of peas and even Round-Up Ready corn are two different, but good cropping options with rotation potential for direct seeders or the cattleman who wants to try something different. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 13, 2008, 08:02:18 AM Search TheCattleSite:
Section: Whole Site News Articles Business Direcory Disease Guide Recipes Books Focus Use the above box to search this section or the whole site Monday, May 12, 2008Print This Page DNA Animal Tracing Coming to US Shores US - A company that can trace meat back to the original animal using DNA technology, in order to verify label claims, has begun to target US retailers. According to USA Today, the Irish based company, IdentiGEN Ltd., which has opened U.S. operations in Lawrence, Kan., wants retailers here to use its DNA TraceBack technology on hamburger, steak, pork and other meats that end up in stores. The company says the technology can determine not only where the meat came from, but whether it's organic or Angus or whatever the label says. IdentiGEN, which takes DNA samples at slaughterhouses and again in stores, has been using its technology since 2000 in Europe, where company officials say they've made a major impact improving customer trust since the mad cow outbreaks. Now, it has the approval of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "If you see DNA TraceBack label, believe it," IdentiGEN Chief Executive Officer Don Marvin was quoted as saying "It's true. It's DNA." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "Here's a pretty powerful tool to help the market here in Kansas and in this region of states to say 'here's a product that is not just perceived as safe and secure, it actually is." Kastner, a professor of animal sciences and director of the school's Food Science Institute -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marvin said it's the first program successfully deployed for real-time DNA traceability of the entire supply chain. Bovigen LLC, a Louisiana-based company recently purchased by Pfizer Animal Health, also has Agriculture Department approval for its DNA collecting process, but the company plans to use it only to help livestock producers identify beef cattle for specific traits for breeding purposes, said spokesman Rick Goulart. The story goes on to say that IdentiGEN has just entered the North American market, so it will have to convince some within the industry that the technology is needed. Dave Schafer, executive director of the Kansas Meat Processors Association, was cited as saying he remains skeptical, because there is no proof of a lack of safety in the industry, which might not want to add even more costs to already high food prices. But Marvin said IdentiGEN's technology could have helped reduce how much meat had to be recalled when humane violations were discovered at Westland/Hallmark Meat in Chino, Calif. IdentiGEN already counts British grocer Tesco, Ireland-based Superquinn and Dunnes Stores as customers and plans to announce at least three major U.S. companies in the next few months. Both Tesco and Superquinn launched marketing campaigns after implementing the DNA TraceBack, but the U.S retailers haven't publicly announced their use of the product. Kansas State University professor Curtis Kastner was cited as saying the DNA tracking is an enhancement to ear tags on cattle now used by many farmers. Kastner, a professor of animal sciences and director of the school's Food Science Institute, said besides the safety and consumer confidence advantages, the meat could also be marketed to other countries. "Here's a pretty powerful tool to help the market here in Kansas and in this region of states to say 'here's a product that is not just perceived as safe and secure, it actually is,"' Kastner added. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 13, 2008, 08:04:18 AM Monday, May 12, 2008Print This Page
Help Needed for Surviving Livestock of Cyclone MYANMAR - An emergency veterinary team from the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is on stand-by in Thailand awaiting authority to enter cyclone struck Myanmar to assess and then relieve the suffering of thousands of animals that human survivors depend on for food and their livelihoods. WSPA is receiving daily updates from The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) while preparing its Rapid Assessment and Response Team. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "If those that survived die, so too will the livelihoods of thousands of people." Philip Russell MBE, WSPA's Director of Disaster Management -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Philip Russell MBE, WSPA's Director of Disaster Management, said: "No-one else, Governments, humanitarian NGOs or owners have the resources to care for these animals, most of which are owned by poor impoverished families. If those that survived die, so too will the livelihoods of thousands of people." He added that, as WSPA so often finds, when operating in emergencies many families will have or be in the process of selling off their remaining livestock at severely reduced prices to ensure some monetary value for immediate subsistence, mainly because they cannot now keep them alive. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) are also planning to join WSPA's emergency response team in assessing and responding to the needs of animals. One way of helping to stop the spread of disease is to separate animals into temporary holding pens. Emergency feed will also be needed as it is unlikely that there is any food for surviving livestock in and around camps, or spare hay of any type will be available in Myanmar. Any precious grass that is not ruined by the flood will be owned by individuals and will not be for sale. Wet conditions, lowered immune systems, endemic disease such as Foot and Mouth and overcrowded camps create a highly disease prone and contagious environment. WSPA will seek to advise government livestock veterinarians on the need to deliver veterinary checks to enable preventative treatment in the form of antibiotics, vaccinations and de-worming. "WSPA works to align animal welfare and humanitarian agendas to reduce poverty, hunger and disease in humans. Equally, by complimenting humanitarian efforts in this way we increase the number of animals we protect," said Russell. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 13, 2008, 08:06:26 AM Monday, May 12, 2008Print This Page
Fujian Boosts Quality Inspection CHINA - The quality of farm produce in Fujian province has been sharply improved in recent years to now rank among the best in the world. The agriculture department of Fujian province says that the inspection quality approval rate of Fujian farm exports even surpassed that from Japan, the United States and some European nations. Despite its relatively small size, Fujian was the mainland's number three exporter of farm produce in the first four months, when its total value grew 28 per cent. The department attributed the success to province-wide attention to export quality and consumer safety. The department sets standards for farm produce, conducts routine and random sampling, and regularly publishes the results. It has detailed rules for quality supervision and is even prepared for emergencies. The department now has 609 agricultural standards and 102 model zones for agricultural production to help it build a sound farming system. Fujian had granted certificates for safe, "green" and organic products to 726 enterprises by the end of last year that produced 1,298 separate agricultural items. It has also built 12 State-level and 152 provincial-level standardized agricultural production areas. The city has also strengthened supervision and widened sampling for pesticide residue apart from implementing other standards. To date this year supervisors inspected 2,700 pig samples, 48 milk products and 85 poultry products. It had also inspected 1,480 vegetable samples, 96 tea products and 100 mushroom products. At the same time the province has moved to popularize "green" food. This year it expects to add 65 "green" and 15 organic food products, as well as 90 with a tag certifying "no-potential-harm". Training offered to farmers by the province includes expertise in safe additives, poultry raising, fish farming and in tea, fruit, and vegetable growing. The province has built 39 quality inspection stations at the county level and undertaken more inspections of businesses, farms, and wholesale markets. The department itself uses law enforcement to improve agriculture by holding growers responsible for the quality of the produce they grow, including investigation and punishment for violators. Nine medium-sized cities and 72 counties or smaller cities have 480 professionals for farm product law enforcement that strictly observe laws on farm produce quality and safety. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 13, 2008, 08:08:55 AM Latest BSE News
Monday, May 12, 2008 Government Asks Court to Block Wider Testing for Mad Cow US - The Bush administration was cited as urging a federal appeals court on Friday to stop meatpackers from testing all their animals for mad cow disease, but a skeptical judge questioned whether the government has that authority. Tuesday, May 06, 2008 US Calms Korean Mad Cow Panic KOREA - The undersecretary for food safety at the US reasserted the safety of American beef at a recent conference to Korean correspondents. Friday, April 18, 2008 Canadian Mad Cow Case an Uncommon Strain CANADA - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency was cited as saying on Wednesday that a cow discovered late last year with bovine spongiform encephalopathy was suffering from an atypical strain of the fatal illness. Monday, April 07, 2008 Two Die in Spain from BSE MADRID - Two people have died in Spain from variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, the human form of mad cow disease, the health department at the regional Castilla-Leon government said on Monday. Thursday, February 07, 2008 Canadian Feed Co. to Pay $6 million in B.S.E. Class Action CANADA - Animal feed company Ridley Inc. has agreed to pay $6 million in a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in several mad cow class action lawsuits filed against the company and the Canadian government. Tuesday, February 05, 2008 Walshe Asks for Stricter Tests on BSE IRELAND - Padraig Walshe, the president of the Irish Farmers' Association, has said that after almost 20 years, the scourge of BSE is finally beaten. Last year, 25 cases were identified in Ireland. Friday, January 25, 2008 Update on Feed Enforcement Activities to Limit the Spread of BSE US - To help prevent the establishment and amplification of Bovine Spongiform Encephalophathy (BSE) through feed in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented a final rule that prohibits the use of most mammalian protein in... Tuesday, January 15, 2008 Calgary Study Looks at Mental and Physical Health Impact of BSE on Producers CANADA - University of Calgary researchers want to know if Canadian beef producers are suffering long-term physical and mental health problems because of the mad cow crisis. Monday, January 14, 2008 "Unsafe" U.S. Beef May Have Been Sold in Japan JAPAN - U.S. beef that does not meet Japanese safety regulations has been imported into the country and some may have been already sold to consumers, the Japanese government said on late on Saturday. Thursday, January 10, 2008 Postmortem Tests Detect More Mad Cows UK - ProMetic Life Sciences Inc. have announced that its latest postmortem tests on cattle could vastly improve the sensitivity of detecting BSE by as much as 80-fold. Thursday, January 03, 2008 Mad Cow Disease 'a Ticking Timebomb' UK - Fears of a new wave of deaths caused by the human form of mad cow disease have been triggered by a type of variant CJD never seen before. Monday, December 31, 2007 BSE Continues to Alarm Cattle Industry CANADA - Canada’s 12th indigenous case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is the latest source of alarm for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Friday, December 21, 2007 Japan confirms 34th case of mad cow disease CHINA - The Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry said on Friday that a cow in northern Japan's Hokkaido had been tested positive for mad cow disease. Thursday, December 20, 2007 New Canadian BSE case reignites US import battle US - A new case of BSE detected in Canada has sparked renewed calls in the US for tighter import regulations on Canadian beef. Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Pet Food May Lead to Mad Cow US - Ranchers struggling with high hay costs and burned out ranges are being warned that feeding cattle cheap pet food could cause an outbreak of mad cow disease. New Case Surfaces in Alberta CANADA - A 13-year-old beef cow from Alberta has been diagnosed with mad cow disease - the 11th case since the first diseased animal was discovered in 2003. Thursday, December 13, 2007 Industry to Pay for BSE Controls UK - The Government has announced plans to shift a range of costs associated with BSE control on to the industry. Wednesday, December 05, 2007 Glowing Molecule Detects Prion Diseases SWEDEN - An international team of researchers has developed a method of identifying prion and other defective-protein diseases using a fluorescent molecule that changes colour according to the disease present. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 14, 2008, 10:48:30 AM Tuesday, May 13, 2008Print This Page
A Closer Look at the Food Vs Fuel Debate URBANA, US - Symptoms of the food-versus-fuel crisis are appearing regularly in the news but the underlying causes - and long-term implications - are poorly understood. Much of the problems boil down to new Asian wealth, a global desire to eat more meat and a thing called elasticity, all of which can be mapped on a three-dimensional computer, explains Bob Sampson, a University of Illinois agricultural economics professor. "An important component of the food-versus-fuel debate that is not well understood is how increases in wealth for Asian consumers are dramatically affecting the markets for commodities worldwide," said Peter Goldsmith, director of the National Soybean Research Laboratory and an associate professor in the U of I's Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics. To help fill that knowledge gap, Goldsmith, Tad Masuda, a postdoctoral researcher, and Barbara Mirel of the University of Michigan have built a 3-D computer model that visually conveys the interrelationship and impacts of income changes around the world on consumption, production, and markets. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "Not only can we not add land fast enough to meet this rapid rise in demand, but it would place a significant burden on our natural resources" Peter Goldsmith, director of the National Soybean Research Laboratory and an associate professor in the U of I's Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Global Food in 3-D--Version 2" is a Web-based program that will be accessible on a trial basis worldwide to analysts and other interested parties by June. "It will put the story of food demand at everyone's fingertips," Goldsmith said. The program deploys three interactive features on the screen--a sidewall, a back wall, and a floor. On the "side wall," users can graphically display consumption and production data for 15 protein commodities. These can be displayed by country, region, or for the world. "In the global food system, the production and consumption of commodities are increasingly separate," Goldsmith said. "For example, poultry and pork trade has increased 14 percent to 16 percent per year since 2000, respectively. Brazil is now the largest exporter with Russia and China being the leading importers. The shift in the loci of world poultry and pork production will have larger impacts on underlying feed markets and grain flows." The "back wall" features country-specific information such as consumption per capita, income elasticities, and population metrics. These data help to demonstrate how income affects consumption. "The relationship is simple--if I get $1 more in income, I'll not only eat more. If I get significantly more income, I'll eat even more but will shift my consumption to different types of food," he said. "We have that data for every country in the world going back to 1961 and projecting up to 2030." As a component of the food-versus-fuel debate, there is an economic principle known as "elasticity." Simply defined, this means as incomes move up, food consumption and expenditures change. This is why small increases in income in heavily populated nations like India and China can have major impacts on commodity markets, especially those tied to protein. "The visualization provided by this program helps one understand this relationship. It provides a vivid demonstration of how the complex system involving income growth, population changes, and food consumption functions," he said. The "floor" of the model is a map of the world which dynamically reflects changing consumption or production patterns and elasticities over time. As meat and poultry consumption rises in Asia with increased incomes, a greater demand is triggered for corn and soybeans to feed beef, pork, and poultry. Holding all factors constant, projections indicate that 120 million metric tons more of pork and poultry will be needed by 2030. This means 110 million metric tons more of soybean meal, 140 million metric tons of soybeans, and 62 million hectares of land to grow these additional crops. "Not only can we not add land fast enough to meet this rapid rise in demand, but it would place a significant burden on our natural resources," he said. "So how do you produce more soybeans? "I think the answer lies in more research and technical change. Improvements in yield, technologies to reduce input use, and increases in livestock feed efficiency will be critical to meeting future demand while improving the productivity of agricultural inputs and reducing the load on environmental resources." The Global Food in 3-D model can be used to demonstrate and understand how demand has changed for commodities and where production has been and is going. Poultry, for example, was a commodity largely consumed during the 1960s in the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. By 2007, new countries in other areas of the world were becoming major consumers and a radically different pattern emerged. "In terms of consumption, poultry was until the 1990s largely a U.S. business," said Goldsmith. "After that, Brazil and China have become major players. China now consumes more poultry than the United States and is projected to consume 40 percent more poultry than the United States by 2030. Where will the grain to feed this poultry come from? This demand is placing a tremendous stress on crop production even without using crops for fuel." The model allows users to make comparisons. What are the effects on markets when incomes are rising in Asia and what are the implications for the future? "We also know that as incomes rise, consumers change their food choices. They go first from rice to meat and then in some countries move to high-end seafood," he said. "Other commodities stay basically flat in some countries. In the United States, for example, dairy consumption doesn't seem to change while the big opportunities for dairy appear to be in South America. But each country, at each point in time, for each foodstuff can be unique and makes generalizations risky. Hence, we felt there was a need for a software tool that employed visualization to help simplify a complex situation." Asia can't produce the food needed to feed its population, Goldsmith added. "That food will have to come from the western hemisphere. China, once the home of the soybean, is now the world's largest importer of soybeans." All of these complex and interrelated developments become clearer when moving across the screen with its tables and maps. Goldsmith noted that the original idea for the model was developed earlier this decade by Steven Sonka, a former director of NSRL and retired professor of agricultural economics, and his then-doctoral student Donna Fisher. They studied how visualization helped managers make better decisions when dealing with complex problems in the future. The Illinois Soybean Association and the Soybean Disease and Biotechnology Center provided support for development of the software. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 14, 2008, 10:51:31 AM Tuesday, May 13, 2008Print This Page
Myanmar’s Food Bowl Devastated MYANMAR - The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today called for US$10 million to assist poor farming and fishing communities in Myanmar devastated by cyclone Nargis. The five worst-affected areas - Ayeyarwady, Yangon and Bago Divisions, and Mon and Kayin States - are considered Myanmar’s food bowl, producing much of the country’s staple food of rice and fish, and the overall food security situation in Myanmar is seriously threatened, FAO said. FAO’s call for funding is part of a UN flash appeal for the country that covers emergency relief and rehabilitation activities in the agricultural, fisheries and livestock sectors over the next weeks and months. While the second crop of the 2007 rice season was fully harvested before the cyclone hit and no major crop losses are expected in the region, rice already harvested for household consumption was most likely damaged by the storm surge, adding to the precarious food security situation of poor coastal families, FAO said. Inland and coastal fisheries, poultry and livestock were also either damaged or lost, according to FAO. An estimated 2 million households were affected, meaning that a significant number of farming and fishing families are in need of urgent assistance. “The hardest hit villages lost all their farming assets, as well as the food stored for the rest of the year,” said Anne M. Bauer, Director, FAO Emergency Operations and Rehabilitation Division. “Add to this the burden of rebuilding their destroyed houses and it is safe to say that these poor farmers will not have sufficient resources to purchase seed, fertilizers and other inputs, protect surviving livestock and replace lost ones, and pay for on-farm labour during critical phases of the farm cycle. Funds are urgently needed to help them resume food production, restore food availability and reduce the need for high cost and unsustainable relief.” Time running out According to FAO’s Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, He Changchui, time is running out to prepare for the main rice planting season starting in early June with the onset of the monsoon rains. “It is crucially important to mobilize the right type and volume of rice seeds, fertilizer and other production inputs quickly, in order to resume agricultural productivity in a timely manner,” he said. In Myanmar, people consume on average 20 kg of rice per month compared with 16 kg in Viet Nam, 10 kg in Thailand and 7 kg in Asia as a whole. As much fertile agricultural land was inundated with sea water, another FAO priority will be to analyse soil salinity and review damage to irrigation and capacity for draining agricultural lands to make them suitable again for farming. Relief and rehabilitation activities FAO’s proposed activities will help around 100 000 of the worst-affected farming and fishing households, particularly women and children, to rebuild their livelihoods through the provision of agricultural inputs such as rice and vegetable seed, fertilizer, fruit tree seedlings, farming tools, and technical know-how. The cyclone-hit areas are key livestock producing regions - comprising roughly 50 percent of national poultry production and 40 percent of pig production. To rehabilitate the damaged livestock sector, FAO plans to distribute draught cattle, goats, pigs and poultry to replace lost, sold or consumed livestock and supply veterinary medicines and vaccines to improve animal health and protect surviving livestock. FAO also plans to help the worst-affected fishing families resume fish production through the provision of fishing gear, nets, fish processing equipment, fish seed and fertilizers, and technical support. Needs assessment under way FAO is fielding its first damage and needs assessment mission this week. Two senior FAO staff, including a Regional Emergency and Rehabilitation Coordinator, are joining FAO’s resident team in Myanmar to lead the assessment mission. Cyclone Nargis has affected the same areas in Ayeyarwady Division that were hit by the 2004 tsunami, but this time around, the impact is believed to be far more severe. The area struck by the cyclone has some major fishing ports and landing sites. Early satellite pictures show significant damage to fishing vessels in harbours, and damage to infrastructure such as landing facilities and fish storage and preservation facilities is likely, FAO said. The fate of the vessels at sea when the cyclone hit is currently unknown. Myanmar does not have an early warning system for cyclones. Although fishermen are generally aware of weather conditions and do not go out to sea if storms are expected, fishers on small vessels may not have received warning in time. The coastline of Myanmar is over 3 000 km long and Ayeyarwady Division occupies the delta region of the Ayeyarwady River. The area has numerous rivers and channels and much of the transport in and around the area is by boat. As transport and communications are extremely difficult, FAO expects to have a preliminary assessment within ten days, and a fuller picture of the situation within one month. Short- and medium-term recovery plans will be prepared by FAO, and assistance will be provided to the Government to implement these emergency and rehabilitation plans. These plans will also take account of the need to address the food crisis in line with FAO’s Initiative on Soaring Food Prices (ISFP). Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 15, 2008, 09:05:04 AM Wednesday, May 14, 2008Print This Page
How Organic is Organic Milk? US - Sales of organic milk have seen a huge amount of growth recently, making up three percent of all U.S. milk sales and growing at a double-digit rate, but are consumers getting what they pay for? With so much money at stake, a consumer watchdog group charges some dairies are bending the rules to get more of their product classified as organic. According to a Consumer Affairs report, the Cornucopia Institute, a farm policy research group, has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture claiming that a California supplier to one of the nation's largest organic labels is skirting the law. Specifically, the group charges the diary confines most of its cows to a feedlot rather than allowing them fresh grass and access to pasture as the federal organic regulations require. "We are asking the USDA, once again, to investigate serious alleged improprieties at dairies that produce Horizon organic milk," said Mark A. Kastel, Senior Farm Policy Analyst with the Wisconsin-based Cornucopia Institute. Horizon is owned by Dean Foods, one of the nation's largest dairies. Cornucopia has fought this battle before. Last September the group was successful in lobbying USDA to threaten action against Aurora Organic Dairy, a supplier of organic milk to a number of national chain stores. The company made changes to its practices after USDA disclosed it had threatened to revoke Aurora's organic certification because the company had committed 14 "willful violations" of federal standards. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 15, 2008, 09:07:37 AM Wednesday, May 14, 2008Print This Page
Food Producers Unite Against Retail Domination FRANCE - A seven-strong alliance of French food production industry bodies is opposing proposed legislation that would remove such protection as the current law affords from unreasonable retailer demands. A law passed earlier this year, the loi Chatel, required all commercial co-operation to be invoiced and accounted for transparently: this is about to be dismantled before becoming fully operational. Many French farmers and co-operatives supply supermarkets directly. The farmers' union FNSEA and the agricultural co-operatives' body Coop de France is joining forces with food manufacturers' association ANIA (representing 10,400 food companies), brand owners' institute ILEC, and three other business associations. In March, this group agreed to drop its requirement for unified price lists, on condition that commercial co-operation would become a properly accountable aspect of doing business. French finance minister Christine Lagarde is preparing to allow supermarkets to drop the system of year-end discounts which they instituted many profitable years ago, but which they stopped wanting if it had to be fully accountable. Instead, they will be able to fix a fully-discounted price at the beginning of the year, while suppliers cannot see how the new law will allow them to claw back inevitable spontaneous demands for promotional stock or requests for marketing support. By 'simplifying' the current set of checks and balances, FNSEA and Coop de France are concerned by the probability that retailers will no longer be required to invoice or account properly for their demands, well-founded or not. The National Assembly's rapporteur for this law, Jean-Paul Charié, said in a briefing that: "...farmgate prices have gone down by 50% while supermarket prices have risen by 30% for these same products." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 16, 2008, 08:18:03 AM Thursday, May 15, 2008Print This Page
UAE to Collect Halal Fees on Foreign Plants UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - UAE officials indicate that they will approach approved foreign Halal certifiers directly in an effort to identify slaughter houses that produce meat for export to the UAE for the purpose of collecting annual Halal fees. The UAE announced that it would begin to collect fees from Halal certifiers and foreign slaughter plants that produce meat for export nearly 18 months ago. The UAE General Secretariat of Municipalities (GSM) has indicated that it will begin contacting UAE-approved Halal certifiers around the world in an effort to collect Halal certification fees. The GSM is also expected to ask foreign Halal certifiers to identify the slaughter plants that they certify for export to the UAE with the intention of collecting the fees from the slaughter plants. The UAE announced in early 2007 that it would begin collecting the fees. A subsequent fee schedule was published in June of 2007 reducing some of the fees. ATO Dubai has met with the GSM on a number of occasions to stress that the fees would likely be difficult to collect given the structure of the U.S. meat export and processing industries and would almost certainly increase the cost of imported meat and meat products for consumers. Local officials indicate that the fees are needed to fund the audits and reviews of foreign Halal certifiers by UAE officials. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 16, 2008, 08:19:44 AM Thursday, May 15, 2008Print This Page
Aussie Dairy Farmers Call for GM Pastures AUSTRALIA - Western Australian dairy farmers are pushing to have genetically modified pastures grown in the state in order to stay competitive. NSW and Victoria are planting the first GM canola this autumn after a ban on the crop was lifted earlier this year. Peter Evans, from WA Farmers, says GM pastures could be available within four years. And he says local milk production will fall behind if the state's moratorium isn't lifted. "There are clovers and rye grasses that will be available to all pasture growing farmers and these will have a great advantage for dairy farmers," he said. "And because NSW and Victoria have allowed genetically modified canola, we assume that they will allow these grasses to be grown. "Once they're available, we'd be lobbying very heavily to be able to use them, otherwise we'd be at a competitive disadvantage." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 16, 2008, 08:22:09 AM Thursday, May 15, 2008Print This Page
Change ETS: Fonterra's Warning on Global Warming NEW ZEALAND - Fonterra, a New Zealand based dairy company have this week voiced concerns that greenhouse gas emissions will rise in relation to the revenues of offshore dairy competitors unless changes are made to the proposed Emission trading scheme. This was the view put forward today by Fonterra’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Ferrier, at the presentation of Fonterra’s submission to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee. “New Zealand is one of the most greenhouse gas efficient dairy producers in the world. “If we have more constraints puton existing dairy production or growth of our production in New Zealand, other countries will fill the supply gap. These other countries are likely to be less carbon efficient than us and so more emissions would be pumped into the atmosphere as a result. “Not only does this defeat the purpose of the ETS, but it comes at a real cost to New Zealand’s number one industry - which flows on to a national economic impact of around $2.7 billion.” Mr Ferrier told the committee that Fonterra totally supported New Zealand’s efforts to reduce the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and described the ETS as a pragmatic solution to the country’s Kyoto Protocol commitments. “However, given New Zealand is leading the world with this policy, we need to ensure the detail is driving the right behaviour to reduce emissions at every level. “And for farmers, this means giving them the ability to manage their own farm’s emissions and be rewarded for doing so.” Mr Ferrier acknowledged the Government’s decision to extend the timeframes for allocated credit support to trade exposed businesses, such as agriculture, was constructive. This will allow New Zealand more time to see what emissions constraints other competing markets may introduce. But he added that shifting out the timeframes did not change the inherent problems in the principles of the scheme. “Farmers and Fonterra will start paying the costs of energy and transport emissions at the same time as everyone else. We’re happy to do so because we have the ability to reduce these emissions, and we have been since Fonterra’s inception.” “But, along with the rest of the world we’re still a long way off finding a way to reduce the methane emitted from animals. Without this solution, the industry can not reduce animal emissions on the farm. It makes sense that we only include these gases in the scheme when we have the ability to reduce them.” “The New Zealand agricultural industry is leading the way in this research and Fonterra is driving it with a considerable investment. We will not be taking our foot off the pedal.” Sign up for our regular news updatesLatest Cattle Industry News Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 16, 2008, 08:23:52 AM Thursday, May 15, 2008Print This Page
Funding Initiatives for Eco Friendly Meat UK - On the back of a government initiative to reduce greenhouse gases by a massive 80%, all agricultural sectors have come under scrutiny. Now, the a Scottish Rural Development Plan, are encouraging livestock and processing companies to apply for funding which will make their businesses more environmentally friendly. Quality Meat Scotland, the red meat industry body, believes the SRDP can help the sector in Scotland respond to growing expectations for a significant cut in emissions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "Rather than wait to be told what to do producers may prefer to consider what changes would suit their individual business" QMS Senior Business Analyst Stuart Ashworth -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Speaking at the Beef and Lamb Forum in Perth today (Tuesday 13th May) QMS Senior Business Analyst Stuart Ashworth said: “Although we have made significant progress since 1990 in reducing greenhouse gases from ruminant livestock and fertilisers, we have to be realistic and accept that demands for our industry to become more eco friendly are not going to go away. “Scientists around the globe are identifying new ways of helping agriculture do its bit to minimise climate change and close inspection of the SRDP suggests that there are real opportunities to secure financial support to make changes at farm and processor level. “Rather than wait to be told what to do producers may prefer to consider what changes would suit their individual business, from tree planting to utilising the latest developments in grassland science, and look to secure money in the SRDP to help fund them.” The Scotland Rural Development Programme is a £1.6 billion programme of economic, environmental and social measures designed to develop rural Scotland over the next seven years. Aplications can be made online now through the Scottish Government website at www.ruralgateway.org.uk QMS is already involved in a number of small-scale research projects into helping the industry identify ways of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. TheCattleSite Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 17, 2008, 09:09:38 AM Friday, May 16, 2008Print This Page
Milk Prices Must be Reasonable Before Sector Blooms SCOTLAND, UK - First Milk chairman Richard Greenhalgh recently told MP's that milk prices must become reasonable if they want to see dairy farmers really begin to thrive. According to the Scotsman, he told the all-party parliamentary group for dairy farmers: "Since the publication of our independent report on the rising cost of milk production, we have been inundated with requests to meet with politicians who want to find out more about the research we have commissioned and the influence they can have in achieving a sustainable milk price for producers. "We are not saying the countryside should become a museum. We simply believe the price paid for milk should be realistic and enable progressive, efficient farmers to flourish. "We have also been invited to present assembly members in Wales and MSPs in Edinburgh with details of the current situation. These meetings are scheduled for June." David Kawczynski MP, who chairs the group, said: "I commend First Milk for the work it has done in highlighting the spiralling cost of milk production, and indeed for its ambition to build a progressive dairy company for the benefit of their farmer members. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 17, 2008, 09:11:14 AM Friday, May 16, 2008Print This Page
Record US Imported Beef Prices AUSTRALIA -The effect of the significant decline in US beef imports during 2008 is finally being felt in the market, with US buyers desperate to secure product heading into the Memorial Day weekend (last weekend in May). Traditionally, the Memorial Day holiday period is the busiest weekend of the year for beef demand, signalling the start of the US grilling season. Through to the second week of May, 2008 US beef imports of Australian and Uruguayan product were down 22% and 88% on last year, respectively, while imports from Canada were 9% lower. NZ beef imports were the only one recording an increase, up 6% year-on-year. US import prices for Australia 90CL cow beef jumped another 4¢ or 2.5%, to 161US¢/lb CIF – 36% above last year. In A$ terms, 90CL cow beef prices increased 4% on last week, to 352.6A¢/kg FAS, with a slightly lower A$ contributing to the increase. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 20, 2008, 09:56:11 AM Monday, May 19, 2008Print This Page
ETS Threatens to Wipe Out Sheep, Beef and Deer Farming NEW ZEALAND - Meat & Wool New Zealand, the Meat Industry Association and Deer Industry New Zealand have warned Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Select Committee that the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in its current form threatens the sustainability of the sheep, beef and deer industry in New Zealand. Meat & Wool New Zealand Chairman, Mike Petersen told the Select Committee yesterday that at a carbon price of $25/t per tonne the ETS would cost the average sheep and beef farmer $40,000 per year. With the average farm family only making a farm profit before tax, living expenses and drawings on average over the last 10 years of $65,000 per year, it doesn’t leave many businesses viable. Payment for carbon emissions would become the biggest on-farm cost making up 25 per cent of total expenditure for the average sheep and beef farmer and costing on average $9 per stock unit. "New Zealand sheep and beef farmers recognise environmental sustainability is critical, but there is a balance that must be found so that the sector remains economically viable." Mr Petersen said the price of carbon was an unknown factor that made the sheep, beef and deer industry very nervous. "At a possible NZ$50/t the viability of the sheep, beef and deer industry would be seriously questioned even with an allocation of 90 per cent of New Zealand Carbon Units." Mr Petersen said those who suggested sheep and beef farmers plant trees to off-set their on-farm emissions were being too simplistic. "There is still plenty of debate surrounding how much land farmers would need to plant—some say 10-20 per cent of the farm. "Of major concern to me is if large areas of farmland are planted in trees to gain credits, it is going to have a negative impact on the economy as a whole as agricultural production decreases, and simply shifts the emission problem overseas, where our lost production will be replaced by our competitors. "And planting trees only buys time before the issue of emitting carbon has to be addressed and misses the point of solving carbon emissions from livestock and other emitting sectors." Meat Industry Association Chairman, Bill Falconer told the Select Committee that the point of obligation for agricultural emissions in the ETS needs to be at the farmer level to encourage farmers to mitigate emissions. If processors were made the point of obligation it would be impossible to have a scheme that provided a clear market signal to farmers. Mr Falconer said the ability to pass on the carbon costs to customers is nearly non-existent, given 90 per cent of production is exported and no other international competitors are placing a price on agricultural emissions. "If all of the carbon costs were passed on to the domestic market at $25/t the retail price of red meat would increase by 180 per cent." Deer Industry New Zealand Chairman, John Scurr said his organisation did not support the inclusion of agricultural greenhouse gases in an ETS until practical tools have been developed to allow behaviour change. The ETS will result in a reduction in international competitiveness, carbon leakage and ignores the rural community’s economic and social well being. "The Government and industry need a laser-sharp focus on the development of tools to reduce methane and nitrous-oxide emissions from animals. It is a huge challenge, but would make a real contribution to the reduction in global emissions." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 20, 2008, 09:58:22 AM Monday, May 19, 2008Print This Page
FTA Study with Japan is Good News NEW ZEALAND - Meat & Wool New Zealand Chairman Mike Petersen is very pleased with the announcement that Japan has agreed to enter into a study analysing the potential benefits that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could bring to the two countries. Speaking from Japan where he is attending the Japan/New Zealand Partnership Forum, Mr Petersen said this was a position New Zealand has been working towards for a long time. "It's great news and a real achievement because it wasn't expected that Japan would be willing to move on the issue at this time, even though we have been working hard to strengthen relations between our two countries. "While the Japanese beef industry may be cautious about this announcement, there is only a very small proportion of grain-fed beef produced in New Zealand. While the Japanese market is important to New Zealand grain-fed beef, Meat & Wool New Zealand has also promoted the attributes of New Zealand’s grass-fed beef. Most of our beef is produced on natural free-range farming systems which appeals to a growing number of Japanese consumers." Japan is currently the third most valuable market for New Zealand beef just behind South Korea. New Zealand exported 33,000 tonnes of beef to Japan in 2007, worth approximately NZ$170 million. Mr Petersen said it was now extremely important for New Zealand and Japan to make progress moving towards a FTA, given that Australia has already commenced negotiations with Japan. "Japan has high tariffs on beef, and it is vital that New Zealand exporters are not disadvantaged through preferential access granted to competitors." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 20, 2008, 10:00:36 AM Monday, May 19, 2008Print This Page
British Attack on EU Farm Policy Dismissed BRUSSELLS - A British argument that generous farm support for new members of the EU has fueled recent food price rises has been challended by Slovenia, which currently holds the presidency of the European Union. "There are many reasons for higher food prices, so I would not do a direct connection to the CAP (common agriculture policy) as such," Slovenian Farm Minister Iztok Jarc told journalists. Speaking before chairing a meeting with EU counterparts, he downplayed London's latest attack as "one view on the CAP," EU Business reports. Firing a salvo in what could easily flare into a major battle, British finance minister Alistair Darling called last week for a "fundamental reform of Europe's agriculture." He said that a root-and-branch reform should include "phasing out all elements of the CAP that are designed to keep EU agriculture prices above world market levels," which he said cost EU consumers 43 billion euros in 2006. Darling also called for "an end to direct payments to EU farmers," which he said cost European taxpayers 34 billion euros in 2006. "Barriers and distortions in the global food market increase volatility and stifle the incentives to increase supply to match demand," he argued. According to EU Business, Darling's attack came as the European Commission was due to publish on Tuesday proposals to update the CAP in the context of surging food prices by phasing out milk quotas and scrapping rules on keeping land fallow. His ideas found little favour with Dutch Farm Minister Gerda Verburg who said: "I'm afraid I don't support his proposal because I think that the CAP can help relieve the problems." "But it's not easy because we have neglected too long the investment in agriculture," she said. "So it's not a good idea to quit with the EU's CAP." Global food prices have nearly doubled in three years, according to the World Bank, sparking demonstrations last month in Egypt and Haiti, protests in other countries and restrictions on food exports from Brazil, Vietnam, India and Egypt. Rising use of biofuels, trade constraints, increased demand from Asia to serve changing diets, poor harvests and increasing transport costs have all been blamed for the price rise. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 20, 2008, 10:03:45 AM Monday, May 19, 2008Print This Page
Ineffective Feed Band Could have Sparked BSE Case CANADA - The case of BSE found in a dairy cow in Edmonton in February could have come through cross contamination of feed. The 12th case of BSE on Canada was found in an animal born in 2002 - five years after the ban on feeding meat and bonemeal to cattle was introduced. Half of the cases that have occurred in Canada have been in cattle that were born after the feed band was introduced. However, while meat and bonemeal was banned for cattle feed, it was still allowed for pigs and poultry and there are concerns that cross contamination of feed either in the feed mill or on the farm could have occurred. One senior veterinarian, George Luterbach told the Edmonton Journal that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency was aware that the feed ban was not 100 per cent effective. He said that the CFIA did not recall old bags of potentially contaminated feed containing rendered cattle parts, which was allowed to remain on farms for some time. Also, he said, the ban created two types of feed - one for cattle and another for pigs and poultry. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 21, 2008, 10:30:53 AM Tuesday, May 20, 2008Print This Page
Eruption Descends on 40,000 Abandoned Livestock CHILE - The Chaiten volcano in Southern Chile has blasted ash some 20 miles into the atmosphere, which has forced thousands to evacuate, leaving farm animals vulnerable to the toxic cloud. IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, is headed to the volcano's foothills to help animals in need. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "We are looking forward to this collaboration between local and international NGO's responding to the disaster in Chile." Dick Green, IFAW Emergency Relief Manager for Disasters. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- According to media reports, farmers left behind about 40,000 head of livestock, and officials expressed fear that many of them could die. Local animal welfare groups are greatly concerned for thousands of companion and farm animals that have been left chained or abandoned with no food or water. Nine days after the eruption of the giant volcano, the Chilean government has opened the access to the impacted area and will allow for animal rescues to take place in 30-minute intervals, a protocol aimed to ensure the safety of the rescue groups. A coalition of animal welfare groups including IFAW, WSPA, HSUS and local CEFU (Coalicion por el Control Etico de la Fauna Urbana) are cooperating to evacuate and shelter thousands of vulnerable animals. "We are looking forward to this collaboration between local and international NGO's responding to the disaster in Chile. Our experience has found that every time groups get together, the action plan goes along in a smoother and more effective way," said Dick Green, IFAW Emergency Relief Manager for Disasters. Nearby town Futaleufu is under two inches of fallen ash from the volcano and local residents remain under threat of further volcanic activity or the perilous descent of more toxic ash. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 21, 2008, 10:33:18 AM Tuesday, May 20, 2008Print This Page
Grill Season Sets US Meat Prices on Fire US - Food prices are reaching record highs as the summer “Grilling Season” hits full throttle on Memorial Day. Meat prices are stable now but will increase by Thanksgiving or Christmas, say University of Georgia economists. From March to April, U.S. food prices increased almost 1 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic Consumer Price Index. This is the largest one-month jump in 18 years. If the rate continues, food next year will cost 12 percent more than food today, said John McKissick, an economist with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, writes April Sorrow. Meat prices overall haven’t changed much recently, he said. But they will by the end of the year. More of the nation’s corn crop is being used to make ethanol. This leaves less corn to feed animals, making it more expensive. Livestock producers are starting to cut production because of it. “Right now, we are not really feeling the impact in the meat market of these high feed prices. Prices we are seeing now are reflections of the decisions made last year,” McKissick said. The price of cheaper cuts of meat is increasing because the demand for them is also increasing. The demand for choice steaks is decreasing, driving down their prices. “What we see is people will trade down, people will quit buying rib-eyes, but will buy sirloin. They have a grocery budget and a certain amount they are willing to spend on beef,” said Curt Lacy, a livestock economist with the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. “People will trade steak for ground beef or steak for roast.” Ground chuck has increased 20 cents per pound over the last year, while choice boneless steaks have decreased eight cents per pound. Pork prices are also down. Ham is 13 cents cheaper per pound. Pork chops are a penny cheaper per pound than they were last year, according to Lacy. Chicken prices have increased 10 cents per pound regardless of the cut. Due to the structure of the industry and short life-cycle of chickens, consumers can expect chicken prices to go even higher in August as producers adjust to rising feed costs, McKissick said. Pork producers increased production last year due to several years of good profits, but now they are cutting back, too. “We have to cut back in the animal industry,” McKissick said. “There will be less meat for consumers to eat and it will be at higher prices.” Consumers can look for sales and buy now, freeze and eat the meat later, said Elizabeth Andress, food safety expert with the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. “Most meats and poultry, for best quality, keep three to four months in the freezer, although some raw meat roasts and cuts may last up to a year if packaged and stored correctly,” she said. “Hams have a much shorter shelf life and some types are limited to one to two months in the freezer.” Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 22, 2008, 12:00:07 PM Wednesday, May 21, 2008Print This Page
Beef Export Market Shifts Beneath Australian Feet AUSTRALIA - Australian beef exporters are having to adjust to a rapidly changing trading environment, caused by the imminent return of US product to Korea, an easing in competition from South America, rising prices in the US and the high Australian dollar. So far this year there has been a significant shift in beef exports from the big three of Japan, the US and Korea to ‘second tier’ markets in Europe, South East Asia/China’s and the Middle East, according to Meat and Livestock Australia. Calendar year shipments to Russia until 12 May 2008 totalled almost 20,000 tonnes swt, compared with 5,000 tonnes for the whole of 2007. Over the January to April period, exports to South East Asia also rose 75 per cent on 2007, China/Hong Kong by 50 per cent, the Middle East by almost 200 per cent and the EU by 150 per cent. Common factors in this growth have been a sharp easing in competition from Brazilian and Argentinean beef and, in most cases, strong local demand growth. Subdued demand from Japan, Korea and the US, and a rising A$ against the currencies of these countries, have also contributed to the shift in Australia’s export focus. MLA said the US return to Korea is likely to cause a further period of market disruption until local Korean protests and US offer quantities and prices settle. This is likely to significantly reduce Australian beef sales and prices to Korea over coming months. Together with increasing supplies of grassfed beef in Australia, this is likely to lead to continued high shipments to the second tier markets. The current sharp rise in US beef import offer prices is also expected to initiate some recovery in exports to this market over coming months, despite the continued low US$. However, exports to Russia are not expected to maintain the current frantic pace, as reportedly the market is having trouble absorbing the recent large (and high priced) imports, MLA added. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 23, 2008, 06:13:52 AM Thursday, May 22, 2008Print This Page
Slaughtering of Downer Cattle to be Banned in US US - The United States Department of Agriculture has taken steps to ban the slaughtering of downer cows and end all exceptions to the animal handling rule. According to Senator Kohl from Wisconsin, "A strictly enforceable downer ban will eliminate confusion and move the ball forward on food safety and humane standards while restoring consumer faith in a vital American sector." USDA had banned downer cattle from food use after the mad-cow disease was found in the U.S. in December 2003. However, the ruling was modified in July 2007 to allow veterinarians to decide on a case-by-case basis whether an animal could be slaughtered. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "I told the American people and the United States Congress that I was going to treat this issue with the utmost urgency" Agriculture Secratary Ed Schafer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agriculture Secratary Ed Schafer announced the news this week. He said: "One day after I was sworn in as Secretary of Agriculture, I learned of the illegal acts of inhumane handling that took place at the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company in Chino, California. I immediately called upon the Office of the Inspector General and the Food Safety and Inspection Service to determine how this happened and what could be done in the future to ensure that animals are treated humanely. "I told the American people and the United States Congress that I was going to treat this issue with the utmost urgency, and do everything in my power to appropriately address this problem and work to strengthen consumer confidence in our food supply. " Last year, of the nearly 34 million cattle that were slaughtered, under 1,000 cattle that were re-inspected were actually approved by the veterinarian for slaughter. This represents less than 0.003 percent of cattle slaughtered annually. He said that, the current rule, which focuses on cattle that went down after they have already passed pre-slaughter inspection, has been challenging to communicate and has, at times, been confusing to consumers. Ed Shafer went on to say that "to maintain consumer confidence in the food supply, eliminate further misunderstanding of the rule and, ultimately, to make a positive impact on the humane handling of cattle, I believe it is sound policy to simplify this matter by initiating a complete ban on the slaughter of downer cattle that go down after initial inspection. "FSIS will draft a proposed rule to remove the exception that allows certain injured cattle to proceed to slaughter. This action is expected to provide additional efficiencies to food safety inspection by removing the step that requires inspection workforce to determine when non-ambulatory cattle are safe to slaughter." The decision to ban all non-ambulatory cattle from slaughter will positively impact the humane handling of cattle by reducing the incentive to send marginally weakened cattle to market. The USDA believes that cattle producers, transporters and slaughter establishments alike will be encouraged to enhance humane handling practices, as there will no longer be any market for cattle that are too weak to rise or walk on their own. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 23, 2008, 06:16:51 AM Thursday, May 22, 2008Print This Page
Livestock Manure: Eco Friendly Fertilizer? CANADA - Research conducted in Saskatchewan has shown, when applied in balance according to manure nutrient analysis and soil testing, livestock manure is an environmentally friendly fertilizer option, writes Bruce Cochrane. Farm-Scape is sponsored by Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork Farm-Scape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork. The University of Saskatchewan in collaboration with the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has been conducting long and short term manure fertilizer trials at sites throughout Saskatchewan since the early 1990's. Soil research scientist Dr. Jeff Schoenau says researchers have looked at several different aspects of the environmental impact of using manure fertilizer including nutrients, metals and salts and what it really comes down to is a matter of balance. Clip-Dr. Jeff Schoenau-University of Saskatchewan What we've found in these trials is that when you apply manure nutrients at a rate that is in balance with the crops requirement and removal over time that in fact you get maximum recovery of those manure nutrients, really no issues with buildup or loading in the soil and really no adverse effects on the physical condition of the soil either. The organic matter, in soils of low organic matter, is of a benefit. The thing to watch out for in some manure sources is the nitrogen to phosphorus balance. If you're applying manure to meet all of the nitrogen and the manure is high in phosphorous you will end up over applying phosphorus year after year and you'll end up with some loading issues. And it's under those circumstances, where you build up that available soluble phosphorus in the soil, that you can run into problems with water moving across that soil carrying the phosphorus into water bodies. And that's why paying attention to the balance of all nutrients is important. Dr. Schoenau suggests when applying manure that has a high phosphorus content relative to nitrogen you would apply that manure according to a phosphorus based recommendation and then look at supplementing with commercial nitrogen fertilizer. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 24, 2008, 08:03:39 AM Friday, May 23, 2008Print This Page
The Taste Test: Increasing Visits to Milking Systems DENMARK - New research has underlined the importance of the composition of concentrates is important for the frequency of visits to the automatic milking system (AMS) and the milk yield. Cows prefer wheat or a barley-oat mix to maize and barley. Photo: DJF Just like humans, cows also have their favourite dishes. The formulation and structure of the feed concentrate offered is important for how often the cow frequents the automatic milking system (AMS), how much of the feed she eats, and how much milk she produces. The formulation of the concentrate also has impact on its taste, according to results from a study carried out at the Danish Cattle Research Centre at Research Centre Foulum. The cows prefer wheat or a barley-oat mix to maize and barley, resulting in increased visit frequency to the AMS, reduced number of times the cows had to be fetched, and increased milk yield, according to senior scientists Martin Riis Weisbjerg and Torben Hvelplund, both from the Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition, University of Aarhus, and professor Jørgen Madsen, Department of Large Animal Science, University of Copenhagen. On the other hand, feeding concentrate in the form of artificially dried grass was not a big hit with the cows, resulting in reduced visit frequency in the AMS, thus reducing milk yield. The poor results obtained for the artificially dried grass in its pure form can have a natural explanation. "The very negative result of artificially dried grass is probably only valid when it is fed alone and not when it is included in small amounts in a mix," the report says. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 24, 2008, 08:05:54 AM Friday, May 23, 2008Print This Page
Canadian BSE Programme Focuses on New Standards CANADA - Over the past four years, Alberta’s cattle producers have worked closely with the federal and provincial governments to meet international requirements for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) surveillance. Now, with the help of a new pilot program developed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD), producers will be able to focus their efforts on the animals the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) identifies as being most at risk. Effective July 1, 2008, the Canada-Alberta BSE Surveillance Program (CABSESP) will introduce changes that will shift the surveillance focus to testing younger high-risk cattle for which critical disease history and diagnoses are available. “CABSESP has done a tremendous job of gathering information on BSE levels in older Alberta cattle,” explains Dr. Gerald Ollis, Chief Provincial Veterinarian. “A move toward more targeted, precise sampling further strengthens Alberta’s vitally important cattle industry and provides a possible model for the rest of the country.” To date CABSESP has tested more than 100,000 high-risk cattle – representing more than 40 per cent of the cattle tested in Canada. The new pilot program is in keeping with OIE surveillance standards, which use a point system to assess the value of member country’s BSE surveillance. Because most cases of BSE show up in cattle between four and seven years of age, the OIE point system assigns a higher value for high-risk cattle in that age range. “Knowing that, we determined that cattle over 107 months will no longer qualify for BSE testing unless they have neurological signs indicating they may have BSE,” says Ollis. Other program changes include: only licensed veterinarians certified by ARD can participate in CABSESP veterinarians must verify the age of the animal sampled. Dentition can be used for animals up to five years of age and farm records are required for animals between 60 and 107 months of age veterinarians must provide a comprehensive description of the herd and operation, not just the animal in the case of a dead animal, veterinarians will be required to conduct a post-mortem and record the cause of death producers must be in possession of the animal for at least 30 days in order to provide an adequate clinical history Producers who submit an animal for testing that meets the new standards will continue to receive a reimbursement of $225 for each animal. Although the new age cut-offs will reduce the number of animals eligible for testing, by selecting cattle that yield the highest surveillance point values, international confidence in negative test results will be maintained. “These changes are designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the mitigations put in place to prevent the spread of BSE in Canada and the strength of Canada’s BSE surveillance program to other countries. Our goal is to maintain Canada’s controlled BSE risk status.” Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 26, 2008, 04:10:23 AM US to Assess Brazilian Meat Conditions
BRAZIL - In order to assess fresh beef and pork production conditions in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that they will make a technical mission. The decision was made after a Brazil-US Agricultural Committee meeting was held on Monday 19 May in Brazil and the journey is expected to begin between 9 and 13 June 2008 Santa Catarina is the only state recognised by the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) as free of foot and mouth disease without vaccination in Brazil. The US has not recognised the regionalisation principle for phytosanitary measures in previous years, but there is increasing optimism among Brazilian authorities, as the World Trade Organisation (of which the US is a member) has recently agreed to recognise this principle, although it will not be mandatory for its members to accept it. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 27, 2008, 09:21:15 AM Monday, May 26, 2008Print This Page
Growing Acceptance of US Beef in Japan AUSTRALIA - The Japanese trade reported slow but growing demand in the wholesale market for US beef, particularly yakiniku (Japanese/Korean style barbeque) cuts. In retail, a major retailer Daiei started selling a wider range of US beef from this week, supported by demand from their customers, as well as the recent appreciation of the Japanese yen against the US$. According to a survey conducted by the Foodservice Industry Research Institute of Japan, 35% of respondents said they have ‘no intention of buying US beef’, compared with 57% during the same survey previous year. Exporters noted firm demand for trimmings from Japan this week, but trading was mostly limited otherwise, due to importers not matching market prices. Monthly exports to Japan as of 18 May totalled 18,143 tonnes swt (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries), while volumes to Eastern Europe – mainly Russia – reached to 10,060 tonnes during the same period. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 27, 2008, 09:23:08 AM Monday, May 26, 2008Print This Page
Russian Ban on EU Meat AUSTRALIA - In April, the Russian Federation introduced a series of company specific bans on western European poultry, pork and beef due to antibiotic levels in meat shipments exceeding Russia’s required ‘safe limit’. To date, approximately 53 meat establishments (which produce mostly pig meat and poultry) in Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy and Hungary have been affected by the ban. Meat imports from some establishments have also been banned indefinitely in the US, Canada, Brazil and Argentina. A statement issued by the European Commission (EC) states that the levels of antibiotic residues in meat imports reported by Russia were in most cases well below the maximum allowed in EU legislation, and in the international standard. The EC has requested Russia review its measures, maintaining that EU meat does not pose a risk to consumers and that the measures taken by Russia are disproportionate. A series of bilateral meetings are being held through to early June to resolve the situation. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 27, 2008, 09:25:05 AM Monday, May 26, 2008Print This Page
Milk Price Auction Blow for Dairy Farmers UK - Ulster Farmers’ Union Dairy Policy Chairman William Cromie, says the results of the May Northern Ireland milk auction are a blow to local milk producers, who are struggling to cope with soaring feed, fuel and fertiliser production costs. The average milk price at this weeks auction was 24.28 pence per litre. This is just over a penny ahead of prices in May 2007, but the UFU says dairy farmers production costs have risen by approximately five pence per litre during the same period. In a message directed at milk processors in Northern Ireland, William Cromie said dairy farmers should not be taken for granted and if profitable farm gate prices did not emerge then producers would consider their future in the sector. William Cromie said; “Milk processors should not underestimate the strength of feeling among producers about current farm gate prices. Dairy farmers costs have rocketed and they are facing major investment decisions to comply with the Nitrates Directive. Producers need confidence to invest in their businesses but instead there is a general feeling that the industry is less well off now than it was twelve months ago. Milk auction prices may be a penny better than a year ago, but our production costs have gone up by approximately five times that amount. These economics simply don’t add up to profitable dairy farming” William Cromie added; “The UK Actual Milk Price Equivalent in April is 24.9 pence per litre and that should at least be the farm gate figure paid to local farmers. Consumer prices for dairy products are high, the cheese market is still strong and the euro / sterling exchange rate is very much in our favour. Milk processors need to convert these positive factors into better prices for dairy farmers who have to offset their rising costs”. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 27, 2008, 09:27:20 AM Monday, May 26, 2008Print This Page
Union Leader Urges Farmers to Vaccinate UK - Blue tongue has the potential to decimate and wreak havoc in the Welsh livestock sectors and this must be avoided. In his letter, Dai Davies appeals to his fellow farmers in the newly designated PZ to vaccinate susceptible stock such as sheep and cattle as soon as possible. Dai Davies said, “Whilst I appreciate it is an added cost at a time when the livestock sectors can ill-afford it, I regard it as a small price to pay for the protection and insurance against Btv8 it will provide us as individual farmers. The alternative is unthinkable. I don’t think we can afford not to vaccinate.” Mr Davies continues, “The only way to protect our stock, our livelihoods and our industry against bluetongue is to vaccinate as soon as we are permitted to do so and as soon as vaccine is available and that is why I am appealing to you directly to do so.” In his letter, Mr Davies warns, “There is no Government compensation for any losses sustained due to blue tongue and our fate is largely in our own hands as far as this disease is concerned.” Mr Davies also draws attention to the fact that, provided stock has been vaccinated 60 days before the date of movement, the current constraints on movement from the restricted area will be lifted, thus freeing up movements for management purposes and for trade. Movement to unrestricted areas or for export will require veterinary certification and a signed declaration that the animals have been vaccinated will need to accompany the animal. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 27, 2008, 09:31:08 AM Monday, May 26, 2008Print This Page
CME: Impact of Higher Feed Costs on Cow-Calf Operators US - CME's Daily Livestock Report for 22nd May 2008. In our discussion of the impact that higher feed costs are having on cow-calf operators (DLR dated May 20) we also should have noted that while the liquidation of the US cow herd still continues, a significant part of the increase in weekly slaughter is due to more Canadian cows in the mix. After an absence of several years (since May 2003) Canadian beef producers were finally allowed last November to again ship cattle 30 months or older to the US market. Since then, about 75,920 head of Canadian slaughter cows have been sent to US plants for processing. This implies that since the beginning of the year, Canadian slaughter cows have made up about 2.6% of TOTAL weekly cow slaughter in the US. E-Livestock Volume 5/22/08 5/21/08 5/15/08 LE (E-Live Cattle): 6,301 14,338 11,132 GF (E-Feeder Cattle): 351 767 347 HE (E-Lean Hogs): 6,502 8,631 8,375 But how big has been the impact of Canadian cows in the overall increase of US cow slaughter numbers? The attached chart seeks to address that question. We made two assumptions when creating the chart. First, we lagged Canadian cow numbers by a week to account for transportation. Maybe some cows were slaughtered the same week that they were reported in the export data but we assumed that all of them were slaughtered in the next. Second, we assumed that the reported Canadian cows destined for slaughter were both beef and dairy animals. While it would be more helpful for understanding the beef herd liquidation to focus just on the beef cow numbers, we did not know how to ascertain the number of Canadian origin beef cows in the mix. The green bars show the increase in the number of total Canadian slaughter cows for any given week. Because there were no Canadian cows allowed last year, all weekly Canadian shipments are included in the growth, averaging about 3000 head a week since the beginning of the year. The red bars show the increase or decrease in US domestic cow slaughter numbers and the blue line indicates the overall increase or decrease in weekly cow slaughter in the US. Bottom line: In the last six weeks, Canadian cow imports have accounted for about half of the total increase in US cow slaughter numbers. Year to date, Canadian cows have accounted for 2/3 (68%) of the overall increase in US cow slaughter. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 28, 2008, 09:09:45 AM Tuesday, May 27, 2008Print This Page
Government to Consult Local Livestock Group Leaders SEOUL - The South Korean government plans to meet local livestock group leaders to come up with a way to improve the the competitiveness of cattle and hog growers as the country moves to fully open its market to U.S. beef. According to Yonhap News, the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said talks are planned for Wednesday and Thursday with representatives from the Hanwoo Association, the Korea Dairy and Beef Farmers Association and the Korea Swine Association. It said Vice Minister Jeong Hak-soo will hold talks directly with representatives and touch on various support measures. Important issues that are to be discussed include modernizing the country's feed and livestock control system, improving the meat quality of domestically raised animals to better compete with cheaper imports, and clamping down on illegal country-of-origin mislabeling of meat by butcher shops, restaurants and catering services. Because locally raised meat products are more expensive and preferred by consumers, mislabeling foreign imports as local beef and pork has become a common practice among many eateries and small-time butcher shops. Livestock groups have generally been opposed to opening the market to U.S. beef, and said that they are skeptical about the government's ability to put support measures into practice. "Livestock growers plan to demand that the government ensures minimum prices for calves and all types of meat cows, as well pay full compensation for animals that have to be culled in case of a brucella outbreak," said Nam Ho-kyung, chairman of the Hanwoo Association. Under standing rules, once the agriculture minister posts the SPS on the gazette, it will replace the existing pact reached in January 2006. The old deal only permits boneless beef from animals under 30 months old, while the new pact effectively allows most cuts to be imported without any age limit. Only specified risk materials (SRMs) like brains, tongue, vertebrae marrow, tonsils and part of the intestine are to be banned since they pose the greatest risk of transmitting mad cow disease to humans. South Korea halted all imports in late 2003 after a mad cow case was reported in the U.S. In May 2007, U.S. beef reached the market again, but all quarantine inspections were halted in October after inspectors found banned SRMs in packages. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 28, 2008, 09:12:31 AM Tuesday, May 27, 2008Print This Page
Difficulty of Predicting Anthrax Outbreaks CANADA - At this time of year producers want to know if the weather conditions might unleash anthrax bacteria spores from the soil, where the disease can survive for up to 80 years. It’s not easy to predict, says Dr. Gerald Hauer, assistant chief provincial veterinarian for the Food Safety Division of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. Persistent wet weather followed by a drought can lead to an outbreak, or dry weather followed by periods of heavy rain. The anthrax-optimal conditions could also include man-made excavations or anything else that disturbs the soil and exposes spores. Sometimes outbreaks occur even when there are no predisposing factors An anthrax outbreak in Saskatchewan killed 804 livestock two years ago. That year, there were heavy rains and flooding in the spring followed by a dry summer. “But last year we had weather that ought to have resulted in an anthrax outbreak, says Hauer. “ We had lots of rain early and then it got dry – what the books say is good for anthrax. There was anthrax on a few farms, but, the disease wasn’t widespread across the province.” Anthrax can kill “pretty much any livestock,” says Hauer. “It goes into the blood and spreads to every tissue of the animal. The bacteria are also zoonotic, meaning that people can also get infected as well. But such cases are very rare. Most often anthrax kills cattle, sheep, goats and horses. Livestock can die only hours after showing early symptoms of anthrax, including refusing feed or producing less milk. The most common sign of anthrax is an otherwise healthy animal that dies suddenly. Treatment usually fails. How can you protect livestock from anthrax? Producers can get in touch with their veterinarians for advice on whether vaccination is appropriate for their animals. The best way to battle anthrax is to get an immediate examination for any animal that dies suddenly. “Any time you have an unexplained sudden death, you should get it examined by a veterinarian just to determine whether it is anthrax or not,” Hauer says. “If anthrax is confirmed, the case must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and appropriate precautions will be taken to prevent spread of the disease.” Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 07, 2008, 12:25:45 PM Friday, June 06, 2008Print This Page
Botswana: Government Kills Suspected FMD-Infected Cattle BOTSWANA - Veterinary officers started killing cattle suspected to be infected with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) yesterday in the Okavango area, amid complaints by farmers that the exercise will leave them impoverished. Speaking in a telephone interview from Sehithwa, Mogotsi Makgetho complained that the officers were shooting any animal they suspected not to have been vaccinated and that they were not rounding them up in one place for checking. He said they have tried to plead with the government that the killing was going to leave them impoverished and have unsuccessfully suggested vaccination. "Foot and Mouth disease is like any other disease and government should have opted for vaccination instead of slaughtering our cattle," he said. Makgetho said that he did not know where some of his cattle were - whether they had already been shot or not. He added that the carcasses were buried at a place called Murambachikoto far way from the village. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 10, 2008, 07:30:29 AM Monday, June 09, 2008Print This Page
Compensation Due to Vietnamese Livestock Owners VIET NAM - Raisers of poultry and cattle which have been culled to prevent the spread of such diseases as bird flu, foot-and-mouth and "blue ear," are to receive state compensation equal to 70 percent of the selling price of the culled animals. Under a recent prime ministerial decision, the raisers are to get 25,000 Vietnamese dong (VND) (nearly 1.6 U.S. dollars) per kg of live pigs, 30,000 VND (nearly 1.9 dollars) per kg of buffaloes, cows, bulls, goats, sheep and deer, and 23,000 VND (over 1.4 dollars) per kg of chickens, ducks and geese. The state will also freeze bank loans already borrowed to develop livestock raising for one or two years, depending on the kind of domestic animals, and offer financial assistance to veterinary cadres, including vaccine injectors. Fowls and cattle in a number of Vietnamese provinces have been stricken by bird flu, foot-and-mouth disease, and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), known as "blue ear" disease, in recent months. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 10, 2008, 07:32:21 AM Monday, June 09, 2008Print This Page
Tracking and Controlling by GPS Technology US - The same Global Positioning System (GPS) technology used to track vehicles is now being used to track cows. But Agricultural Research Service (ARS) animal scientist Dean M. Anderson has taken tracking several steps further with a Walkman-like headset that enables him to "whisper" wireless commands to cows to control their movements across a landscape—and even remotely gather them into a corral. ARS scientists are helping to develop technology that can not only track cattle with a Global Positioning System (GIS) but may allow their movements to be controlled across a landscape—and even be remotely rounded up into a corral He and his colleagues realize this is a highly futuristic technology, but they can envision a time when these technologies will be affordable and useful for a range of applications, from intensive animal operations to monitoring and controlling the movements of some wildlife species and even household pets. Anderson, at the ARS Jornada Experimental Range in Las Cruces, N.M., is working with Daniela Rus and a team of engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge to equip an Ear-A-Round (EAR) device with state-of-art electronics. Their latest prototype is a doughnut-shaped stereo headset worn over each ear. Anderson’s headset design and his knowledge of range animal ecology have been combined with the MIT scientists' electronics skills in robotics and mobile computing. Prior to working with MIT, Anderson patented technology for virtual fencing termed Directional Virtual Fencing (DVF) that centered around giving cows "left" and "right" sensory signals to cause them to move away from an irritating suite of cues. The researchers at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory have developed and prototyped a miniaturized electronics package for DVF devices that is solar- powered and is packaged as a headset device. The circuit board contains a processor, data storage, WiFi for remote communication, audio and electrical stimulation electronics, a GPS receiver, and sensors such as magnetometers and accelerometers that record the body orientation and configuration of the animal. The commands vary from familiar “gathering songs” sung by cowboys during manual round-ups, to irritating sounds such as sirens and even mild electric stimulation if necessary to get cows to move or avoid penetrating forbidden boundaries. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 11, 2008, 09:16:56 AM Tuesday, June 10, 2008Print This Page
The Pros and Cons of Added Fat in Dairy US - Fats, or lipids, are part of all dairy cattle diets and are an essential component of them. All dairy animals consume forages, which are typically 3 to 3.5 percent fat or higher, depending whether we’re talking alfalfa, grass or corn silage. Additionally, corn grain is about 3.5 percent fat as well. Lactating cow diets with additional feeds such as cottonseed or corn distillers would have a basal diet level of over 4 percent fat. As milk production has increased, the need for greater energy density in lactating cow diets has necessitated the feeding of more fat. High producing cow diets may now include tallow and rumen inert fats in addition to oilseeds. This results in diets of 5.5 to 6 percent fat. Feeding fat has advantages and disadvantages for the dairy animal. Advantages: Feeding fat increases the energy density of the ration. As cows milk more, they need more energy and there is a limit on how much starch can be fed. Fat also contains approximately 2.25 times as much energy as starch. Feeding fat can alleviate some of the shortcoming of poor forage and its limitations on feed intake as well. In recent years, there has been tremendous interest in the value of feeding particular fatty acids for reproduction. Certain omega-3 fatty acids are required by the animal for the production of specific hormones. Including these in diets has shown to improve the pregnancy rate in cows. Disadvantages: Forage quality, the amount of forage fed, and feeding grains are main factors in keeping feed costs down because they are less expensive than fat sources. Additionally, fats in commodity byproducts are calculated on the basis of partial contribution and, thus, supplementing tallow or rumen inert fats are higher priced ingredients. Feeding over 5 percent of the diet as fat can have negative effects on dry matter intake and milk production. There is a point where additional fat fed does not result in increased intake or milk production; this point is variable with different feed ingredients. The bottom line: Adding fat to diets of dairy animals can be beneficial to improve the energy balance in lactating cows. This should improve milk production and reproduction. However, feeding fat must be carefully monitored for negative effects on feed intake, milk production and milk components. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 12, 2008, 11:41:53 AM Wednesday, June 11, 2008Print This Page
Natural Treatment Could Milk Dairy Output NEW ZEALAND - The New Zealand government has decided to help fund a new project which will test a new, natural cattle treatment that is rumoured to boost milk output by a significant amount. The study with Ancare Scientific Ltd. will take a year and cost more than NZ$500,000 ($377,000), said Andy West, chief executive officer of state-owned AgResearch Ltd., at the opening of the nation's Fieldays agricultural fair. Ancare Scientific has a development agreement with animal-treatments maker Merial Ltd. According to the news agency Bloomberg, New Zealand is the world's largest dairy exporter and accounts for about 40 percent of the global trade in milk powders, butter and cheese. The nation is also the largest producer of sheep meat and kiwifruit, and agriculture accounts for about 38 percent of New Zealand's $104 billion economy. According to Bllomberg West said that "It's an exciting deal" involving a natural biological product. "If it works in a large-scale, real-world farming situation, it will be a truly significant technology in global dairying." He wouldn't provide more details. The Ancare trial is an example of the science New Zealand will need to use to remain competitive in international markets, West said. Half the nation's merchandise exports depend in some way on pastoral farming, he said. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 16, 2008, 10:47:54 AM Friday, June 13, 2008Print This Page
US Running Out of Corn US - According to the latest figures from the US feed grains outlook, American producers are going to see tough times ahead. Lower production, strong domestic demand and lower ending stocks are going to set a trend of tight corn supply and point towards upcoming shortfalls. The 2008-09 US corn crop is projected at 12.1 million bushels, down 7% from record in 2007-08. Adding pressure is torrential rains across the US Midwest region, which has delayed corn plantings. This has made many producers anxious as out of season plantings risk lower yields. Early June is the latest producers can look at planting corn, otherwise they will need to switch to other crops. Regardless of delayed plantings, corn yields are still forecast to be lower than last year, which will fail to meet the US 13-billion bushel demand. Ending stocks of corn are forecast to the lowest since 1995-96. A consequence of tighter supplies is higher prices, with the USDA forecasting the season-average price to be $5 to $6/bushel, well above the previous forecast of $4.10 to $4.40/bushel. Despite lower forecast US corn output, globally coarse grain production is projected to increase slightly to 1.1 billion tonnes, due to increased corn production in Argentina, Brazil, China and EU-27. The US corn crop is used for three main reasons, feed, fuel (ethanol) and export. The US is a huge player in the global market, producing 42.5% of the global crop and expected to account for 64% of all corn traded internationally during this marketing year. If the US corn crop declines, it affects not only the price of corn, but also the price of related products that can be substituted, including wheat, soybeans and hay. Predictions are that the feed and feed residue element of the corn crop will be substantially lower in the 2008-09 season than 2007-08. This should cause livestock production to eventually fall, as predicted by USDA for 2009. Also, feeders will turn to distillers dried grains (DDG’s), a by-product of ethanol production, as they try and contain feed costs. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 16, 2008, 10:50:01 AM Friday, June 13, 2008Print This Page
Brazilian Beef Industry Seeks Arab Riches BRAZIL - Brazilian foreign beef sales have taken a hit over the last few months for Brazil. Despite the reduction, the Brazilian Beef Industry and Exporters Association will keep on working to hold the country's leadership position in the Middle East and North Africa. Despite a 20.27% reduction in volume of Brazilian beef exports, which also affected the Arab market, Brazil will keep on working to secure its leadership in the North African and Middle Eastern countries. "Brazilian beef enjoys a privileged status across the entire Arab market, and we will continue working to maintain that," said the new president at the Brazilian Beef Industry and Exporters Association (Abiec), Roberto Giannetti da Fonseca, who assumed the presidency a week ago. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "The Middle East and North Africa remain a priority for Abiec, which is investing in marketing to hold our market position" Roberto Giannetti da Fonseca, president at the Brazilian Beef Industry and Exporters Association -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Out of the 15 leading importer markets for raw Brazilian beef, six are Arab countries. Egypt ranks fourth in the list, with imports of US$ 91.81 million in the first five months this year, representing reduction of 40% compared with the same period last year. In all, 47,640 tonnes of the product were shipped to the Arab country, decrease of 61.7% using the same basis for comparison. According to Giannetti, the reduction in Brazilian beef exports volume, which totalled 1.15 million tonnes from January to May 2007 and reached 920,680 tonnes in the same period this year, happened due to the European embargo on the Brazilian product and to high prices, which led demand to drop. "Egypt has also adhered to the European Union's embargo," said the president. Another Arab country to which import volume decreased was Algeria, reduction of 17.24%. However, Brazilian revenues from exports to the Arab country grew 28.2% to stand at US$ 61.45 million. In the case of Lebanon, shipped volume decreased 5.2%, whereas revenues grew 40.2%. In the case of Saudi Arabia, for instance, foreign sales of raw beef from Brazil resulted in revenues of US$ 62 million, representing growth of 65% in comparison with the first five months of last year. Shipments totalled 27,650 tonnes of the product, growth of 1.2%. In the case of Libya and the United Arab Emirates, both the volume and the revenues increased. "The Arab market ranks among the regions in which Brazilian beef enjoys the most acceptance, due to its quality, pricing, and the promotional actions we are holding (there)," said Giannetti. According to him, Abiec and the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex) are scheduling new promotional actions in the Arab market. "The Middle East and North Africa remain a priority for Abiec, which is investing in marketing to hold our market position," asserted the president. More than US$ 2 billion Brazilian beef exports totalled US$ 2.06 billion from January to May, representing growth of 10.4% in comparison with the same period last year. A total of 920,860 tonnes were exported, decrease of 20.27% using the same basis for comparison. According to projections by the Abiec, revenues from foreign sales of the product should reach US$ 5 billion this year, and shipped volume should surpass 2 million tonnes. Also this year, Abiec should work to enter the markets of the United States and Japan. Furthermore, the organisation wants to keep working in order to bring foreign opinion makers to Brazil, so as to show them the Brazilian beef production chain. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 18, 2008, 07:11:48 AM Tuesday, June 17, 2008Print This Page
Tender Meat is All in the Genes AUSTRALIA - Scientists from the Beef CRC have proved that meat produced by cattle carrying the favourable forms of gene markers for tenderness is more tender than meat from cattle which carry unfavourable forms of the genes. In the past, production and processing techniques have been relied upon to improve the eating quality of beef. But an experiment conducted by Dr Paul Greenwood from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, and his Beef CRC colleagues from across Australia, indicates the genetic make-up of animal can also lead to a better dining experience. Dr Greenwood said the work could have massive benefits for producers of Bos indicus type cattle which are often dismissed as tough and lean when compared to Bos taurus genotypes. “What we wanted to do was to see if we could achieve a greater level of consumer acceptance of beef from Bos indicus cattle. We’ve now managed to show that selecting cattle with favourable tenderness markers is one way of doing that,” he said. The experiment was conducted at the Glen Innes Research Station in New South Wales and the Vasse Research Station in Western Australia. It investigated two tenderness markers based on the calpain system responsible for the breakdown of the muscle during ageing. Several groups of cattle were specifically selected for the experiment from several thousand animals that were initially tested. Some animals carried two copies of each of the two favourable markers for tenderness, others had two copies of the unfavourable markers and there were intermediate groups, each carrying one favourable and one unfavourable copy of both genes. “Across both the NSW and WA sites, we found the cattle with no favourable copies of the markers had meat that was a full kilogram of shear force tougher than the meat from those that had two favourable copies of both markers,” Dr Greenwood said. Shear force is a mechanical measure of the amount of force needed to cut through a cooked piece of meat. It can be likened to the amount of force that a person needs to take their first bite of a piece of steak. The lower the amount of force, the more tender the meat. Dr Greenwood said this work could have a number of potential spin-offs. “For producers, if one of their objectives is to produce more tender meat, then they can be confident these markers will improve the tenderness of meat from their animals, this is likely to mean even more acceptable meat for consumers.” But Dr Greenwood added it could also lead to greater efficiencies in the processing sector. “This would need to be looked at in more detail by people within the sector. But if the aim is to produce meat of similar quality to current production systems, then carcasses that have favourable forms of the markers may not have to be aged as long as they are now to produce a similar quality product.” Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 18, 2008, 07:18:12 AM Cebu City Gets Tough On Cruelty
CEBU CITY - This city is the first local government unit (LGU) in the country that has passed an ordinance against cruelty to animals using forced oral drenching method before slaughter even before RA 8485 otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 has been enacted. Cebu City Veterinarian Dr. Alice Utlang bared that oral forced drenching before slaughter or "tingal" in the Cebuano dialect is prohibited as this is often applied to increase body weight so that wholesale and retail prices of meat are likewise unfairly increased. Apart from inflicting pain to the animal, such method also dupes and deprives the consumers from the true kilo weight of meat they are buying, Utlang said. Cebu City Ordinance No. 2080 approved on July 5, 2006 amends ordinance No. 879, promulgating rules and regulations governing the activities of butchers and their helpers and other persons in the slaughtering of domestic food animals and domestic poultry in the Cebu City abattoir, their supervision and control and providing fees thereof. Under the ordinance, forced oral drenching is a form of cruelty causing animals to bloat and suffocate while this method also causes meat to suffer in quality and shortchanges consumers with artificial weight of meat cuts. The ordinance likewise stipulates that any cattle either cow or carabao found to be bloated or forced drenched will be taken into custody and subjected to summary condemnation. Utlang said those that violate the ordinance will be subjected to a fine of not less than P1,000 nor more than P5,000 or an imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than one year or both. In fact, Cebu City is the first LGU in the country to adopt a local legislation that gives due protection to the general welfare of animals while the National Government only passed the Animal Welfare Act two years after or in 1998, Utlang stressed. Early this year, a butcher was apprehended for applying the forced oral drenching method and was jailed for two nights before posting bail and paying a fine of P5,000 while last year, a person was arrested for slaughtering a dog for food meat and was fined P2,000 and spent overnight in jail, Utlang revealed. Department of Agriculture (DA-7) Animal Welfare Coordinator Dr. Verna Agriam on the other hand, admitted no person has been charged in court for violating the Animal Welfare Act. Though the law was approved in 1998, "we are still on the information dissemination stage," as people still need to be aware on the provisions of the law, Agriam said. Budgetary constraints have hampered the massive advocacy drive about the law as focus of their agency is on poverty alleviation programs, Agriam added. Agriam is urging local government units to help the National Government in its campaign promoting and protecting the basic rights of animals that include freedom from malnutrition, injury, illnesses and harm. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 21, 2008, 10:35:26 AM Binders in Demand
WORLDWIDE - The rising cost of energy and raw materials is stimulating producers to consider different alternative ingredients for their animal feed formulations. The trend is also boosting interest in pellet binders, special bio-chemical ingredients that can enhance feed quality during processing. In some situations, using alternative, less expensive raw materials can adversely affect pellet quality. This can reduce throughput at the feed mill press and add to production costs, says agricultural specialists Kiotechagil. With rising energy costs feed manufacturers are seeking alternative metods of including alternative raw materials in animals feeds "With electricity at 0.16 US$ per kilowatt-hour and rising, feed compounders are also paying increasing attention to energy usage. Double pelleting for example costs an extra 1.6US$ per tonne compared to single pelleting," explains Mark Meynell, Director of Lloyds Animal Feeds. And its these two factors that are increasing the demand for low inclusion pellet binders, says Kiotechagil’s chief technical officer Murray Hyden. “Part of the benefit comes through the chemical binding attributes which help lower the amount of energy consumed in pellet production. This is achieved by improved die lubrication and a reduction in fines losses,” he adds. Feed producers are also recognising the advantages of binders like Mastercube, which improve pellet quality and allows greater inclusion of oils in high-energy diets. "Farmers are looking to protect their investment in quality feeds by seeking out improved pellet durability and the more consistent pellet quality they achieve when using low inclusion pellet binders,” says Mr Hyden. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 22, 2008, 09:41:54 AM Brown Says GM Animal Feeds are Key to Food Crisis
UK - Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister of Britain, has called upon the European Union to relax rules on imports of genetically modified animal feed in order to prevent a world food crisis. His proposal comes the day after The Independent revealed that the Environment minister, Phil Woolas, has held private talks with the biotechnology industry about relaxing Britain's policy on the use of GM crops. The Prime Minister also signalled that he is happy to see a public debate over whether GM crops should be grown commercially in Britain to reduce global prices by boosting production. His spokesman said last night: "His view is that we must be guided by the scientific evidence." According to The Independent, ministers who support GM crops believe there are no convincing arguments against them. They want to turn the tables on environmental groups who campaigned successfully against widespread GM production in Britain during the last government review in 2004. Although there is no ban, the ministers want the rules changed in light of the food crisis, as no GM crops are currently being grown commercially in this country. At a two-day summit in Brussels which began last night, EU leaders were urged to "bite the bullet" and embrace GM products as a solution to rocketing food prices. The plea came from Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. Several EU countries, led by France, are unconvinced that "Frankenstein foods" are safe. At the meeting, Mr Brown suggested allowing more GM animal food into the EU. The move may raise safety fears because contaminated feed was blamed for the outbreak in Britain of BSE in the 1990s. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 22, 2008, 09:44:01 AM GE Animals Full of Promise in Brave New World
US – Genetically engineered (GE) animals provide innovative technologies that are transforming public health through biomedical, food and environmental applications, according to a scientific report released yesterday at the BIO 2008 International Convention. The report, Genetically Engineered Animals and Public Health – Compelling Benefits for Health Care, Nutrition, the Environment and Animal Welfare, details how GE animals are enhancing human health, food production, environmental protection, animal health and cutting-edge industrial applications. The report was authored by Scott Gottlieb, MD, of the American Enterprise Institute, and Matthew B. Wheeler, PhD, of the Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Gottlieb and Dr. Wheeler are experts in the field of genetic engineering of animals. Genetic engineering is the deliberate modification of the animal’s genome using techniques of modern biotechnology. By incorporating genes from other organisms in a process called transgenesis, GE animals are being developed to address five broad goals: Advance human health: GE animals will improve human health by producing novel replacement proteins, drugs, vaccines and tissues for the treatment and prevention of human disease. Enhance food production and quality: Animals that are genetically engineered will have improved food production capabilities, enabling them to help meet the global demand for more efficient, higher quality and lower-cost sources of food. Mitigate environmental impact: GE animals will contribute to improving the environment and human health by consuming fewer resources and producing less waste. Optimize animal welfare. Genetic engineering offers tremendous benefits to the animals by enhancing the health, well-being and welfare of the animal itself. Improve industrial products: Genetic engineering can produce high-value industrial products, such as spider silk, for both medical and defense applications. “There are now dozens of products under development derived from genetically engineered animals that hold promise of benefit to human health,” says Dr. Gottlieb. “But the practical benefits of this technology have not yet reached American patients and consumers primarily because of regulatory and political obstacles rather than the limits of science.” The authors make a strong case for creating a regulatory pathway for commercialization of these beneficial technologies. The report illustrates how the production of GE animals promises benefits in both biomedicine and agriculture. But Gottlieb and Wheeler agree that the science requires regulations that bridge the divide between food and biomedical products. “Until we resolve how we are going to deal with the food capabilities of this science, the medical applications will remain largely undeveloped and many opportunities for curing and treating disease will go unrealized,” said Dr. Wheeler. “These promising technologies are now dependent on science-based regulatory framework to govern how these animals can also provide food and agricultural benefits.” The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), which commissioned Gottlieb’s and Wheeler’s report, supports the application of a strong science-based regulatory process to the regulation of GE animals and their products, based on the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act’s New Animal Drug framework. “The FDA has worked closely with the industry and academia on the diverse applications of the technology for over ten years, and it has mapped the road forward with a rigorous science-based framework,” says Dr. Barbara Glenn, BIO’s Managing Director for Animal Biotechnology. “Clearly the societal benefits of GE animals are fascinating. Decision makers in the federal government should advance the publication of the regulatory process for GE animals so we’re able to achieve the promises of the technology.” Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 24, 2008, 07:07:56 AM Monday, June 23, 2008Print This Page
Milking the Benefits of Breakfast UK - The Association of Cereal Food Manufacturers (ACFM) is announcing it is to work in partnership with Dairy UK and The Dairy Council to increase awareness of the health benefits of breakfast cereal with milk amongst UK consumers. The new strategic partnership will begin this month with the launch of new YouGov research, which highlights the vital role a bowl of breakfast cereal and milk can play in providing people, particularly teenagers, with their essential daily nutrients. The joint marketing plan will continue throughout the summer and autumn with a series of news stories on the benefits of breakfast cereal and milk, giving a boost to the breakfast cereal and milk categories, which are currently worth £1.2bn and £3bn respectively. Juliet Bennett, spokesperson for the ACFM, comments: “Our research shows that eating a bowl of breakfast cereal is the most popular way for people in the UK to consume milk, and working in partnership with the dairy sector to promote the joint health benefits of these two staples makes perfect sense. The vital nutrients that cereal and milk provide, such as fibre, folate and calcium are those that can often be in short supply in the overall diet. We’re very excited to be working with Dairy UK and The Dairy Council, and believe this will be the start of a successful and mutually beneficial partnership.” Jim Begg, Director General, Dairy UK, comments: “As UK consumers become increasingly health conscious, it’s vital that the dairy industry continues to communicate the role of milk within a healthy balanced diet. Breakfast cereal with milk is the ideal way for people to get their important daily nutrients, including calcium, and we’re delighted to be working with the cereal industry to communicate this important message.” The benefits of eating breakfast are now widely recognised, with 60% of UK consumers believing it to be the most important meal of the day1. The FSA also recommends eating breakfast as one of their ‘Top Tips’ in their Eat Well leaflet, and goes on to suggest having wholegrain cereals with fruit or fruit juice. Through their joint communications, ACFM, Dairy UK and The Dairy Council will encourage increased consumption by positioning breakfast cereal with milk as the best way to start the day, due to its nutrient density and convenience. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 26, 2008, 08:05:31 AM Beef and Pork Prices to Rise
MANILA - It's bad enough that Philippine consumers are already struggling to keep up with rice and fuel prices, but now they also need to pay more for pork and beef. According to The Straits Times, beef and pork prices have already doubled this year and with rising oil prices, increasing freight costs and a weakening peso, are set to rise again, an importers group told The Manila Times newspaper on Saturday. Mr Jun Lim, vice-president of the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines, told the paper 90 per cent of the country's beef supply is imported, mostly from Brazil. The price of imported beef in January was US$2.65 (S$3,61) a kilo, and in May it was US$4.50 a kilo. Pork was US$1.90 a kilo in January and US$2.50 in May, the paper said. 'For now, the price of chicken is stable, because most of the supply is produced locally,' Mr Lim told the paper. 'The reasons why the effect is not yet felt immediately, a lot of what is being sold in the market today are meats that came in two to three months ago and were in storage,' he said. 'But once those stocks are depleted, price increases will hit the consumers.' On Friday, the government said it is to give the poor subsidies worth up to 93.6 billion pesos (about S$2.9 billion) to help them with the rising prices. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 26, 2008, 08:08:33 AM Wednesday, June 25, 2008Print This Page
Door Opens for Canadian Beef in Russia CANADA– After a recent meeting between Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Russian Agriculture Minister Alexey Gordeyev an agreement was reached for Canada to export beef to Russia. The Canadian government says that it is continuing to stand up for its farm families on the world stage, and that commitment was demonstrated during meetings. "Canadian farmers produce some of the best pork and beef in the world and Russian consumers are looking for more of those products," said Minister Ritz, following a meeting of the Russia-Canada Agriculture Working Group of the Intergovernmental Economic Commission. "Through our discussions with Minister Gordeyev, our farmers will have new opportunities to put Canadian pork and beef in Russian grocery stores." In addition to productive meetings between Minister Ritz and Minister Gordeyev, Canadian industry leaders held meetings with their Russian counterparts. Russia imported more than 5,000 head of Canadian cattle last year as part of its efforts to reconstruct its national herd. "These meetings built on our Government’s work with the Russian Government to deliver benefits for agriculture in both countries," said Minister Ritz. "The Russian economy is growing fast and we are making sure Canada is poised to make the most of opportunities there." Earlier this month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency reached an agreement with Russian authorities on new pork meat certificates with enhanced security features. Canada exported $260 million in agriculture and agri-food products to Russia in 2007 – an increase of 160 per cent since 2005. After completing the mission to Russia, Minister Ritz is traveling to Tokyo for meetings later this week with Japanese agriculture officials. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 27, 2008, 08:14:36 AM Thursday, June 26, 2008Print This Page
Cattle Seized in Brazil's Green Barrier US - Brazilian authorities seized 3,100 head of cattle that were found grazing on illegally deforested land in the Amazon rainforest. According to the New York Times the cattle owner was fined the equivalent of US$1.86 million back in 2005 and then ignored the court demand to move cattle off the premises. The New York Times says that the Brazilian environmental minister has decided to sell the cattle at an auction in two weeks time and that the money raised from the sale will go to a government food programme for the impoverished. This latest case is just one of many that has seen the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest move at unprecedented rates. In response the government hope to build a green barrier, seizing all illegal operations in the south. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on July 05, 2008, 11:11:25 AM Friday, July 04, 2008Print This Page
Young Blood and Simmental Cattle Tops Agenda UK - Injecting new, young blood into Simmental cattle breeding programmes was top of the agenda at the World Congress meetings held at Huntingdon and Meriden last week. A consistent theme was the need to encourage young members - defined as those under 40 years of age - to play a more active role in international breeding programmes. The World Simmental and Fleckvieh Federation voted additional funds for young member activities and will encourage all member countries to follow suit. Use of Simmental and Fleckvieh to inject new blood into crossbreeding programmes with Holsteins and Jerseys, for milk and beef production from dairy herds, is also attracting new investment from federation members. Further work on meat tenderness and the use of DNA technology in genetic evaluation programmes is also planned. After 34 years, the international secretariat moves, for the first time, from the home country, Switzerland, to the Czech Republic with Krystina Skopalova named as the new Secretary General. Canadian, Bruce Holmquest is the new President with Joseph Kecera, Czech Republic and Bill Almond, Australia elected as Vice Presidents for two year terms leading the 26 member countries. Dan Evans, President of the British Simmental Cattle Society and host for the World Congress commented: "There was an optimistic tone to all our discussions, backed by a determination to use the latest breeding technology and to engage with younger livestock farmers who are the future of the breed in the UK and throughout the world." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on July 05, 2008, 11:12:55 AM Friday, July 04, 2008Print This Page
Global Cattle Prices Race, But Australia is Lagging AUSTRALIA - As world cattle prices continue to soar, Australian cattle prices continue on their downward trend. Now, ABA Chairman, Brad Bellinger is calling for a full Royal Commission into Australia's beef industry to turn things around. He said 'US cattle prices are approaching record levels and their feeder steer is bringing over 40% more than its Australian equivalent. UK prices are at record levels and rising fast and Brazilian prices for forequarter beef have almost doubled since October'. Australian prices have fallen 15% in the past year and is now at the lowest level in the developed world. Australia is not suffering from oversupply, as it won't go near filling the US beef quota. Brazil is shipping many times Australia's tonnage into Russia, yet Australian cattlemen are being paid 15% less than they were a year ago. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "This time they have gone too far and are killing the 'Goose that lays the Golden Egg" ABA Chairman, Brad Bellinger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr Bellinger continued, 'We are paying almost five times the US producer levy to an unrepresentative and unaccountable MLA, plus we are paying hundreds of millions of dollars for a failed NLIS system that was meant to see us lead the world in market access and despite this, we are coming last'. He said, 'ABA research and our submission tendered to the ACCC Inquiry into Groceries have shown that the Australian supermarkets have by far the highest mark-up in the world, as they rort Australian consumers and producers.' He continued, 'I know that we live in the land of Ned Kelly and unregulated corporate price gouging is rampant but this time they have gone too far and are killing the 'Goose that lays the Golden Egg'. The Australian Beef Association claim that Australia is surviving on the sale of public infrastructure, the sale of businesses and Australian minerals; - "when these run out, we will find we have destroyed our agricultural industry and end up with nothing; - similar to Nauru." Farms are up for sale Australia wide. 'Considering the above facts, we call on Minister Burke to establish a Royal Commission into the Meat Industry,' stated Mr Bellinger. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on July 05, 2008, 11:14:43 AM Friday, July 04, 2008Print This Page
Swath Grazing Keeps Cattle Fed All Year Round US - A newly designed program of "swath grazing” allows cattle to graze all year-round, even in the middle of winter up in the North Plains, claim US Agricultural Research Service scientists. ARS researchers in Mandan, N.D., have shown that a newly designed program of "swath grazing” allows cattle to, once again, graze year-round, even in the middle of a North Dakota winter. The concept involves pushing harvested crop leftovers into row piles up to 16 inches high, to keep them within reach of cows in winter. North Plains farmers can save money by allowing cows to graze on swaths of corn residues during the winter Winter grazing, from mid-November through mid-March in North Dakota, can save farmers as much as 24 cents per cow per day, compared to the costs of baling hay for winter corral feeding. With a herd of 200 cows, that would save a farmer more than $4,000 in feed costs a year. Soil scientist Don Tanaka and colleagues at the ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory in Mandan calculated those savings based on data from a four-year research project. In each year of the study, the scientists monitored 20 pregnant Hereford beef cows due to give birth in March. The nutritional needs of pregnant cows increases as pregnancy advances. This makes the winter feeding of late-pregnant cows one of the most expensive times in beef cattle production. The researchers compared weight gains from swath-grazing cows on the residue of annual crops—oats/peas, triticale/sweet clover and corn—to gains with perennial western wheatgrass, and with bales of hay fed in winter corrals. Another benefit of swath grazing: The cows in this system also distributed their manure evenly over the landscape, eliminating the chore of removing manure from corrals. The manure also provides fertilizer for crops and improves the soil. Integrating crops and livestock benefits both enterprises. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on July 11, 2008, 07:49:52 AM Wednesday, July 09, 2008Print This Page
Mass Dairy Cull Considered in California US - A recent outbreak of bovine tuberculosis in Californian dairy herds may lead to a mass cull, and taxpayers will be expected to foot the hefty bill. Later today, top Agriculture Department officials will tour the affected dairy farms in Fresno and Tulare counties as a prelude to tough decisions on whether to destroy the herds and make multi-million dollar payouts that farmers are still likely to find inadequate, reports McClatchy. Dairy farmers with herds infected by bovine tuberculosis face several uncomfortable options. They can endure a quarantine until testing proves the herd is clean again, which can take several years. Or, they can destroy the entire herd in exchange for Agriculture Department payments. The Agriculture Department currently provides farmers that destroy their entire herd with payments of up to $3,000 per animal. The three affected San Joaquin Valley herds have 1,100, 4,800 and 14,000 head of cattle, respectively. That adds up to $59.7 million for the three herds. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on July 11, 2008, 07:59:24 AM Sexed Semen: Is It Finally a Reality?
Most of us have heard the rumor that sexed semen is “just around the corner” for as long as we have been aware of A.I., writes David Thorbahn, Select Sires Inc., University of Florida IFAS, Dairy Extension. Through the years, countless numbers of techniques have been investigated with no potential application in the real world. However, in the 1980’s a breakthrough in semen sexing technology was made by USDA researchers in the Lawerence Livermore Laboratory in California. The patents for this technology were licensed to a company named XY, Inc of Fort Collins, CO, which performed extensive research during the 1990’s to optimize efficiency of these sorting procedures. In 2001, Select Sires partnered with XY, Inc. to set up field tests on the flow-cytometer processed semen. Flow-Sorting Technology One of only a few repeatable techniques to sex sort sperm at a high level of purity uses a device called a flow-cytometer to detect a 3 to 4% difference in DNA content between male and female sperm and sort them with upwards of 90% purity. The first step in this procedure is to dilute sperm to a very low concentration and stain them with a fluorescent dye. The sample is then sent through the flow-cytometer at 60 mph under 30 to 60 psi of pressure. As sperm pass through the internal laser beam, the fluorescent dye is excited. Because of the larger X chromosome, female sperm emit slightly more light than male sperm, which possess the smaller Y chromosome. Detectors measure the amount of fluorescence and assign positive or negative charges to each droplet containing a single sperm. Charged deflector plates then split the single stream into 3 streams: positively charged particles containing one sex go one way, negatively charged particles containing the other sex are deflected in the opposite direction, while uncharged droplets containing multiple sperm or unidentified sex pass straight through. Confirmed with tens of thousands of offspring born in world-wide research trials, the procedure separates sperm of the two sexes with ~90% purity. However, that still leaves 10% of the undesired sex available to compete for fertilization. The table below illustrates the probabilities of all possible occurrences of offspring generated by 90% pure sexed semen. Commercialization of sexed semen in the U.S. was initiated with a 2003 license granted to Genetic Resources International (GRI) in Navasota, TX. In late 2004, Select Sires partnered with GRI and sent four proven sires to Texas to begin collection and processing of sex-sorted semen. In 2005-2006, Select Sires conducted a nationwide field test and collected information on over 27,000 services. These trials were conducted in a random sample of herds with average or better reproductive efficiency in order to accurately assess product performance for the “average producer.” The resulting calvings have a current data set of nearly 7,000 offspring so far with a gender ratio of 89% heifers when using sexed semen. Technology Limitations There are several major limitations that have stifled implementation of sex-sorted semen. Without question, reduced conception rates have been a primary hurdle. As you can imagine from the description above, sex sorting of sperm is a highly invasive procedure that negatively impacts sperm viability and longevity compared to normally cryopreserved semen. In addition, the procedure is extremely slow and inefficient. To properly sort, sperm must be precisely oriented as they pass through the laser and fluorescence detectors in the flow cytometer. Due to the flat shape of bovine sperm heads, only about 30% are correctly oriented and half of these are female. Thus, only 15% of the sperm going into the machine are recovered as a marketable, sexed product. The high rate of sperm loss precludes use of Select Sires’ “most elite” sires for production of sexed semen. Although the 3,000 to 5,000 sperm of each sex sorted per second sounds like a lot, this translates into ~1.3 hours of sorting to process enough semen for a standard 20 million sperm/straw dosage. Thus, due to the slow sorting speed, commercialization is only possible with very low sperm numbers per dose (~2 million). If these limitations were not enough, the high cost of flow cytometry equipment (~$250,000 per machine) and intensive amounts of highly skilled labor required to sort sperm dictates that sexed semen will not be inexpensive. Because of the low sperm numbers per dose and compromised sperm viability, Select Sires only recommends its use in well-managed, highly-fertile, virgin heifers. While many research herds have realized very acceptable conception rates, averages indicate well-managed herds that achieve 60 to 65% conception rates in virgin heifers with normal semen can expect 45 to 55% conception rates with sexed semen. Based on the favorable field results, Select Sires began marketing sexed semen in the fall of 2005. In early 2006, four sorting machines were installed at Select Sires headquarters in Ohio to expand the sexed semen lineup. In the fall of 2006, two additional sorting machines were added to bring the annual production capacity to 350,000 straws. Orders for sexed semen have exceeded our expectations. What is the return on investment for sexed semen? The return on investment for the dairy producer depends on a complex interaction between the initial conception rate with non-sexed semen, the percent reduction in conception (if any) due to use of sexed semen, the price differential between sexed and conventional semen, expected gender ratio for sexed vs. conventional, and the value differential between bull and heifer calves. Most of these factors will change considerably from herd to herd, which differentially affects the breakeven value of sexed semen to each respective producer. To calculate a return on investment (ROI), Select Sires has recently developed a sexed semen calculator in Microsoft Excel format which incorporates more than 20 other variables which will vary from herd to herd. It will assist you in determining how this new opportunity can best be utilized in your individual operation. Based on the product available today, the best return on investment will be achieved by limiting this product to virgin heifers only and following the “Keys to Success” (see below) to insure optimum probability for conception. Keys to success Use of sexed semen will require a breeding gun designed to accommodate the smaller diameter ¼ cc straws. Straws are to be thawed and handled identical to their ½ cc counterparts. However, the smaller diameter and compromised semen quality will make them much more sensitive to cold-shock and errors in semen handling. To maximize potential for success: Thaw straws in 95° F water bath for 45 seconds. Semen thawing and handling environments should be warm and draft free. Warm all semen handling equipment including guns, sheaths, and paper towels prior to contacting straws. Only highly experienced technicians should use this product. Use only in well-managed, virgin heifers that have achieved greater than 60% of their mature weight by 14 months and in moderate or better body condition. Inseminate heifers 8 to 12 hours after observed estrus (AM/PM Rule). Use of estrus synchronization and breeding to observed estrus is encouraged, but use of timed-AI in the absence of observed estrus is discouraged. Other methods of sorting semen A number of new sex-sorting technologies and companies have recently appeared. Other methods include gender specific antibodies, centrifugation, and free flow electrophoresis. As you evaluate other technologies, please take the time to be wary, and ask numerous questions in order to make informed decisions. If the sex-sorting technology is not based on flow-cytometry and the patents developed by USDA, you should ask for scientific evidence that the procedure can, in fact, sort sperm. Accept nothing short of hundreds of births to assess whether the procedure can effectively produce offspring of the desired sex. Similarly, conception data should be based on thousands of services and should be based on palpated pregnancy data, as simple nonreturn data may mask results and distort the success that can actually be achieved. To date, only flow cytometry provides the best combination of sorting purity and commercial adaptation. Summary There is no question sex-sorted sperm for gender selection is now a reality. The product currently offered by Select Sires is backed by over 5 years of extensive field research and has been rapidly accepted by the U.S. marketplace. Currently, 18 of the 23 proven Holsteins and 2 of the 3 Jersey sires in the Select Sires sexed semen lineup have demand that exceeds the supply. Because of continuing research, there will likely be improvements to the product and there will be the potential to utilize sex-sorted semen on lactating cows but current fertility results indicate its best fit right now is on virgin heifers. Sources and Credit for Program and Research: Mel DeJarnette MS, Select Sires Senior Reproductive Physiologist, Clifton Marshall MS, Select Sires Vice President of Research and Quality Control; Dr. Ray Nebel PhD, Select Sires Senior Reproductive Physiologist; Dr. Don Monkey DVM, Select Sires Vice President of Operations. April 2008 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on July 11, 2008, 08:01:43 AM Know Your Feed Cost
Jim Paulson, Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota, Dairy Extension, asks which of the following factors affect reproductive performance of dairy cows: a) milk production, b) bunk space, c) type of bedding used in the far off pen, or d) hoof trimming schedule? Stay tuned — you might be surprised at the answers. Troubleshooting reproductive performance in dairy herds can be very frustrating. It often appears that herds very similar in management styles have very different reproductive performance. Some recent studies conducted by University of Wisconsin researchers may shed some light on why that might be. This is one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted to determine the factors affecting reproductive performance in dairy herds. The 153-herd study used DHIA records, surveyed dairy managers regarding their management practices, evaluated body condition score on 63 of the farms, and obtained weather information from weather stations close to the farms. The researcher’s objective was to identify the factors that affect the first service conception rate or pregnancy status at 150 days in milk (DIM) on commercial dairy farms. Below are the some of their results. First Service Conception Rate Twenty-two factors were included in the model to determine what influenced first service conception rates. The average first service conception rate of the herds was 25.2%. Here are five major factors that had the biggest affect on first service conception rate: Bunk space: Herds with less than 2 feet of bunk space per cow in the breeding pens tended to have lower conception rates. Providing cows with two feet of bunk space per cow can be a challenge for some herds but it’s important. The study also found that herds with lower dry matter intake in the non-pregnant pens (i.e., fresh cow and breeding pens) had lower conception rates. Bedding type in far off dry cow pens: Herds that used sawdust bedding in far off dry cow pens had lower conception rates than herds that used any other kind of bedding. Sawdust bedding may result in an increase in metritis and/or mastitis, both of which have been shown to decrease reproductive performance. Milk production: Higher producing herds as well as higher producing cows within herds tended to have lower conception rates. This is really not anything new, as many other studies have also shown the same result. Hoof trimming policy: Herds in which cows received a maintenance trim less than once a year had lower conception rates. University of Minnesota research has shown that herds doing maintenance trimming less that once per year had a greater prevalence of lameness. Voluntary waiting period length: Herds with a voluntary waiting period of less than 41 days had lower conception rates. Percent of Cows Pregnant at 150 Days in Milk Overall, nearly 61% of the cows in this study were pregnant at 150 DIM. Researchers examined 25 factors that had an influence on this parameter. Some of the factors that affect conception rate also affect the percent of cows pregnant, but there were some differences. Bunk space: Bunk space per cow in the breeding pens again had an influence cows pregnant by 150 days. Figure 1 shows the predicted probability of a cow being pregnant by 150 DIM as bunk space increases. Other researchers have shown that cows consuming more dry matter in early lactation are more likely to become pregnant by 150 DIM. This may be more likely to affect cows that are more subordinate and less aggressive at the bunk. Table 1. Predicted pregnancy rate as affected by bunk space1 Caraviello et al., JDS, 2006 Body condition score: Body condition thresholds were 3.0 for animals from 60 days pre-calving to 30 days post partum, 2.5 for animals from 31 to 180 DIM and below 2.75 for cows greater than 180 DIM. This confirms several other previous research studies that show cows with low body condition have a more difficult time becoming pregnant. Milk production: Cows with low production or high production at the time of first insemination were less likely to be pregnant by 150 DIM (Figure 2). Cows that are lower producing at time of breeding may be cows that had health problems during the transition period or currently have clinical or sub-clinical disease. High producing cows tend to begin cycling later and usually have lower conception rates than lower producing cows. Table 2. Predicted pregnancy rate as affected by milk production Caraviello et al., JDS, 2006 Heat observation: Even though most of these herds used synchronization programs to assist in getting cows pregnant, herds that watched for heat more often had a higher percentage of cows pregnant by 150 DIM. I think this research points out a couple of interesting points. Reproductive performance is very complicated with many factors potentially affecting whether or not cows become pregnant. There are also many factors that we don’t often consider including transition cow management, periparturient diseases, early lactation body weight loss, and compliance with reproductive programs. But this study has shed light on some new factors as described above that may have some influence on reproductive performance of herds. May 2008 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on July 11, 2008, 08:06:36 AM Thursday, July 10, 2008Print This Page
The Tender Genotype AUSTRALIA - According to research, the tenderness of meat can now be associated with four known genetic markers of the animal. Scientists from the CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies and the CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation are using hair and blood samples to see if livestock have favourable gene markers for tender meat. “There are currently four gene markers that are known to be associated with tenderness in beef,” says Beef CRC Senior research officer Dr Brian McIntyre. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "The trial also looked at the interactions between the gene markers and other factors such as hormones, ageing and hanging method." Beef CRC Senior research officer Dr Brian McIntyre. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The two markers looked at in the experiment were calpastatin and Calpain 3, in both Braham and Angus cattle. “The trial also looked at the interactions between the gene markers and other factors such as hormones, ageing and hanging method.” Tenderness is measured by the force required to cut through a piece of cooked meat. This Shear force is around 3.5kg for very tender meat and over 5.5kg for tough meat. Dr McIntyre says research shows cattle with two copies of the most favourable markers have Shear force values almost 1kg less than those with no favourable copies. Sheep CRC research officer Robin Jacob says studies are examining how genetics affect meat yield, eating quality and nutritional value, to make Australian lamb a profitable premium meat to produce. “It is important to provide Australian farmers with the tools to better understand how the genetic basis can impact on the quality of Australian lamb,” Dr Jacob says. Samples will be collected from 10,000 lambs during a five year study and tested for eating quality and nutritional value traits. “These traits include tenderness, shear force, compression and collagen content, colour, shelf life, pH, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acid content,” he says. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on July 15, 2008, 07:55:56 AM Sulfur in Distillers Grains for Dairy Cattle
By D. Schingoethe, A. Garcia, K. Kalscheur, and A. Hippen, Department of Dairy Science, South Dakota State University K. Rosentrater, Agricultural Research Service. Sulfur is an essential element needed by animals for many functions. About 0.15% of body weight is sulfur. It is found in the amino acids methionine, cysteine, cystine, homocysteine, and taurine; in chondroitin sulfate of cartilage; and in the B-vitamins thiamin and biotin. Methionine, thiamin, and biotin cannot be synthesized in cattle tissues, so they must be supplied in the diet or synthesized by ruminal microbes. The sulfur content of most feed sources reflects the sulfur amino acid content of the proteins in the feed. See table 1 for example sulfur concentrations for various feed ingredients. Table 1. Sulfur concentration of common feeds1 1 Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle, 7th Ed., NRC (2001) unless otherwise indicated. 2 Poet Nutrition, Sioux Falls, SD, May 2008.The cow requires dietary sulfur primarily to provide adequate substrate for maximal ruminal microbial growth. Recommended dietary sulfur concentrations are 0.20% of diet dry matter for most dairy cattle (NRC 2001). Higher amounts (0.29%) are recommended for calves consuming milk or milk replacers. For efficient utilization of dietary nonprotein nitrogen, the dietary ratio of nitrogen:sulfur should be between 10 and 12:1. When supplementing with significant amounts of ruminally undegradable protein sources, this nitrogen:sulfur ratio may need to be checked on the ruminally degradable fraction to be sure that the rumen microbesf sulfur requirements are met. The recommended maximal safe level of sulfur in diets is considered to be 0.4% of diet dry matter (NRC 1980), but that level is actually just an estimation that is not well substantiated in the literature; one may often feed in excess of that with no apparent problems. For instance, the sulfate ions added to diets of dry cows to decrease the ration cation- anion difference to help prevent milk fever often pushes dietary sulfur concentrations above 0.5%. Excessive sulfur intake can interfere with the absorption of other elements, especially copper and selenium. Toxicity is more likely to occur with the sulfide than with the sulfate form of dietary sulfur. The odor of hydrogen sulfide, a rotten egg smell, may be an indication of excess sulfur in the diet. Some diarrhea may also occur with very high sulfur diets. In beef cattle, a few cases of polioencephalomalacia-like symptoms have been induced by feeding high sulfur diets; but no cases of sulfur toxicity have been reported in dairy cows. Consuming high-sulfur water (e.g., . 1,000 mg sulfur/L, i.e., >1,000 ppm as sulfur), which is approximately equivalent to adding 0.1% sulfur to the diet dry matter, may decrease water intake and milk production (NRC 2001). Feed intake of calves may be decreased by feeding three or more times the amount of methionine required, but decreased feed intake of older cattle with high sulfur diets is not documented. Sulfur in distillers products has become a recent concern. When starch in corn is fermented to ethanol, other nutrients in the kernels are concentrated approximately three fold in the distillers grains with solubles (DGS). Therefore, the 0.1% sulfur in corn should translate to approximately 0.3% sulfur in DGS, which is close to the 0.44% sulfur listed in the dairy NRC (2001) for DGS. Such a level moves DGS into the low- to medium-end of sulfur levels found in some other common feeds (table 1). However, a recent survey of DGS from 40 ethanol plants in the Midwest (Univ. Minn. 2008) indicated an average of 0.7% sulfur with a range of 0.31% to 1.93% sulfur. Only a few values were above 0.8%; excluding those samples with very high sulfur only lowers the sulfur average from 0.7% to 0.6%. Also, a recent survey of five South Dakota ethanol plants (with two surveys per plant) indicated an average sulfur content of 0.53% of dry matter with a range of 0.31 to 0.82% sulfur. Thus, the industry norm for sulfur in today’s DGS is greater than the 0.44% listed in the dairy NRC The extra sulfur in DGS is not from the corn. Most of it is likely from chemicals added during the processing to control pH and for cleanup. Such chemical sources of sulfur will usually be higher in the distillers solubles (often referred to as condensed distillers solubles or CDS) than in the distillers grains because the solubles fraction is where such compounds are originally collected. A recent survey indicated a range of 0.22 to 1.80% of dry matter as sulfur in the solubles, with average being typically higher than the average for DGS. Modified DGS also often contains more sulfur (e.g., 0.89 to 1.38%) than DGS because modified DGS often contains more than the proportionate amounts of solubles accounted for by the starting corn. There are several reasons why DGS contains more sulfur than expected. Acids (especially sulfuric acid) used to control pH during the processing often contain sulfur. Acids used in the cleanup operation often contain sulfur. These chemicals usually become a portion of the “solubles” fraction of DGS. Such chemicals are likely cheaper than alternatives, which is the primary reason for their use, and are effective cleaning agents. Thus, the problem may persist unless ethanol plants take steps to decrease the amount of sulfur-containing agents used, or process those “cleanup solutions” in some manner such that they don’t become a part of the DGS. At the least, ethanol plants should be encouraged to minimize the use of sulfur-containing cleanup agents. Water used in the ethanol plant may contain relatively high amounts of sulfur. For instance, there are several areas of the upper Midwest with high sulfur contents of the water. This is illustrated by a recent survey of well water used by some ethanol plants (Pritchard 2008); the survey indicates 71 ppm of sulfate in Nebraska water, 122 ppm in Kansas water, 168 ppm in Iowa water, and 1007 ppm in South Dakota water. Inconsistency in the amounts of solubles added back to distillers grains to make DGS. Unfortunately for the users of DGS, varying the amount of solubles added back to the DGS is a major contributor to variation in the composition of the DGS, not just variation in sulfur but variation in other nutrients such as fat, protein, and phosphorus. What to do if dealing with high sulfur diets. In most cases, one can formulate diets as usual without worrying about sulfur content of the distillers products. In our dairy cattle research at SDSU, we have fed diets containing as much as 40% of the diet dry matter as DGS or 20% as CDS with no problems. The diets were always below 0.4% of dry matter as sulfur and usually within the 0.2 to 0.3% sulfur range. This included times when the DGS fed contained as much as 0.9% sulfur (Anderson et al. 2006) or condensed distillers solubles that contained a very high 1.96% sulfur (Bharathan et al. 2008). One must remember that DGS is only one of many ingredients in the diet, and it is usually fed at 20% or less of the diet dry matter. Forages such as corn silage are usually low in sulfur. In fact, analyses of corn silage fed in our experiments usually contained less than the 0.14% sulfur listed in the dairy NRC (see table 1). Other ingredients often fed, such as alfalfa, corn, barley, oats, and wheat, are also low in sulfur. Water source is not usually a consideration unless one is in an area with high-sulfate water. Then, the water contribution may have to be considered. A recent SDSU Beef Report (Ward and Patterson 2004) was conducted to test the response of growing steers to diets purposely containing near toxic levels of sulfur. The results indicated that feeding 1 g/head daily of thiamin virtually eliminated the incidence of polioencepahlomalacia. conclusions Sulfur is an essential mineral that must be included in the diets of cattle; however, feeding a great excess can be harmful to the animals. Distillers grains and associated coproducts such as CDS contain relatively high concentrations of sulfur, often more than is typically listed in reference tables, but still within the range of concentrations present in many other common feeds. One can usually formulate diets within the recommended range of 0.2 to 0.4% sulfur, even when dealing with high sulfur-containing distillers products. It is recommended that producers obtain sulfur content information when using DGS in diets of livestock. References Anderson, J. L., D. J. Schingoethe, K. F. Kalscheur, and A. R. Hippen. 2006. Evaluation of dried and wet distillers grains included at two concentrations in the diets of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89:3133-42. Bharathan, M., D. J. Schingoethe, A. R. Hippen, and K. F. Kalscheur. 2008. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in milk increases in cows fed condensed corn distillers solubles and fish oil. J. Dairy Sci. 91:2796-808. Distillers grains byproducts in livestock and poultry feeds. Accessed May 2008, www.ddgs.umn.edu/. National Research Council. 1980. Mineral tolerance of domestic animals. Natl. Acad. Sci., Washington, DC. -----. 2001. Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle. 7th rev. ed. Natl. Acad. Sci., Washington, DC. Pritchard, R. 2008. Sources of dietary sulfur in ruminant diets. Proc. Midwest ASAS/ADSA Symposium. Accessed through http://ars.sdstate.edu/extbeef/. Ward, E. H., and H.H. Patterson. 2004. Effects of thiamin supplementation on performance and health of growing steers consuming high sulfate water. Beef 2004-07, Animal and Range Sciences Department, South Dakota State University, Brookings. June 2008 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on July 15, 2008, 07:58:13 AM Monday, July 14, 2008Print This Page
Vaccination Vital to Keep Rare Breeds Alive UK - Keepers of rare and traditional breeds of susceptible animals in the Bluetongue Protection Zone in England and Wales were urged today to contact their vets to arrange urgent vaccination of their animals. Professor Geoff Simm, Chair of the National Standing Committee on Farm Animal Genetic Resources said: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "It is a vital step in helping to protect our rich heritage of livestock breeds" Professor Geoff Simm, Chair of the National Standing Committee on Farm Animal Genetic Resources -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “We are concerned that some keepers of rare and traditional breeds, especially those with smaller flocks and herds, may not have heard the vaccination message. It is a vital step in helping to protect our rich heritage of livestock breeds, therefore we are also urging vets to contact their clients with these breeds to encourage them to vaccinate. “Protecting biodiversity in our farm animals and crops is important to help us meet future challenges, including that of feeding the growing human population in a sustainable way. We also have important national and international obligations to do so. Exotic diseases pose a particular threat to our Farm Animal Genetic Resources, both to rare breeds and to elite herds and flocks of mainstream breeds”. The UK has one of the richest Farm Animal Genetic Resources in the developed world, with over 130 native breeds of poultry, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and ponies, of which around 100 are at risk of extinction. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on November 15, 2008, 09:15:39 AM Thursday, November 13, 2008Print This Page
Rapid Asian Growth Provides Aussie Opportunity AUSTRALIA - Meat & Livestock Australia Chairman Don Heatley has praised Australia’s red meat industry for the resilience it has shown during a period of high input costs and economic uncertainty whilst also challenging the industry to make the most of the opportunities that have arisen as a result of growing Asian economies. In delivering his address to the MLA annual general meeting in Orange this morning Mr Heatley said the rapid economic growth in Asia is providing great opportunities to the Australian red meat industry in the form of new consumers for our products. “Every dollar in this industry is generated by consumers – either here or around the globe,” Mr Heatley said. “So when the World Bank says Asian economic growth is creating an extra two million middle class consumers a month in the world’s developing countries, we see a positive – an extra two million ’first time’ consumers for animal protein suppliers to target. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * "Australian red meat exporters have captured a share of these emerging markets" Meat & Livestock Australia Chairman Don Heatley -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “These consumers are a key reason why globally more red meat was sent to emerging markets last year than to the more traditional North American and North Asian markets. “Australian red meat exporters have captured a share of these emerging markets, with our beef exports to Russia, Indonesia, and the Philippines and sheepmeat exports to China all increasing significantly.” Mr Heatley also acknowledged that the economic growth in countries such as China, India and in South-East Asia has also been responsible for some of the challenges faced in the past year by the Australian red meat industry. “Asia’s rampant demand for fuels, both oil and liquid natural gas, has seen fuel prices quadruple since 2003 and contribute to massive increases in input costs for all sectors, none more so than at the farm level,” Mr Heatley said. “Our industry has faced fertiliser and chemical costs, which represent between 11 and 14 percent of total farm cash costs, more than doubling in the past year. This has eroded farm profits, especially for the input-intensive southern production systems.” In his address at the AGM MLA Managing Director David Palmer said that it was vital the Australian red meat industry continued to push for the removal of global trade barriers, which includes the negotiation of free trade agreements with key trading countries. “It is estimated that up to one billion Australian dollars could be added to the Australian red meat industry if all current trading barriers were removed,” Mr Palmer said. “The glacial deliberations in the WTO Doha Round have reinforced the need for the sharper, more focussed vehicle of free trade agreements. “The pending ratification of the US-Korea free trade agreement, which would see the import tariff on US beef progressively reduced to zero over 15 years, sounds a blunt warning. “Australia’s red meat industry needs to be front and centre in communicating the benefits of trade liberalisation to governments in key markets, including Japan and Korea.” Mr Palmer also provided the revenue, income and expenditure of the company, of which the key points included: Total revenue was $162.9 million – a $1.1 million increase on 2006-07. Income from producer levies on cattle, sheep and goats totalled $93.9 million. This was a $4.3 million decrease on the previous year, with grassfed levies down $2.6 million and grainfed levies down $2.1 million. Total expenditure for 2007-08 was down by 1.5 percent on 2006-07 to reach $157.1 million. Within that, total research and development expenditure totalled $69 million, which was down from $71.3 million in 2006-07. The last quarter of 2007-08 saw levy income for grassfed cattle, mutton and lamb come in above forecasts, which, along with a controlled expenditure program, delivered a surplus of $5.8 million for the year. The Federal Government, with its matching dollar-for-dollar R&D funding, was again a major contributor with $34.5 million in funding. Non-levy income increased $5.4 million to reach $69 million and represented 42 percent of total MLA revenue. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on November 21, 2008, 11:21:43 AM Australia’s beef exports to Indonesia is likely to rise 23% this year and a further 12% in 2009 driven by rising population and incomes. By June 30, shipments of live cattle to the Republic rose to 547,000 head from 452,000 head a year ago, while exports of boxed beef rose 65%. Indonesia’s order book for Australian beef stood at USD 305 million on June 30. The country’s live cattle trade to Indonesia was worth USD 236 million during 2007-08, up from USD 210 million the year before, while boxed beef exports were worth USD 69 million, up from USD 51 million in 2006-07.
Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on December 02, 2008, 01:22:55 PM 2 December 2008] South Korea's top three retailers sold over 200 tons of US beef in the first four days since they began selling it last Thursday. The three retailers — E-Mart, Homeplus and Lottemart had earlier refrained from selling US beef on fears that there would be a public backlash. They resumed sales because of the economic downturn and because US beef is cheaper than domestically-produced beef.
Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on January 03, 2009, 01:33:27 AM Indonesia considers beef from Brazil [2 January 2009] Indonesian needs about 350,000 – 400,000 tonnes of beef or 1.7 – 2 million heads of cattle annually. Of this requirement, 30% is imported from FMD free sources namely, Australia, New Zealand and the US. The country has been considering Brazil as a cheaper and alternative source although the country is not yet FMD free. Still, Agriculture Minister Anton Apriyantono said that cattle imported from Brazil are safe for consumption. He added that the plan to import beef from Brazil would push the construction of infrastructure Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on January 04, 2009, 11:19:55 AM Brazil is pushing for a larger share of the Asian meat market by discounting prices for the region. Last year Singapore imported beef and farm products, to the value of USD 285 million from Brazil who supplied 46% of the 12,932 tonnes on beef imported by Singapore in 2007. This year exports from Brazil have already past the figure of 2007 and exports to Singapore are expected to reach USD 500 million by 2010.
Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on January 08, 2009, 03:44:47 AM Indonesia opens market to Brazilian beef [7 January 2009] Indonesia plans to allow Brazilian meat imports in an effort to lower domestic meat prices. Agriculture Minister Anton Aprijantono explained that importing more meat would allow for classification of meat into different grades and price categories. Currently there is only one classification for all beef. With more meat in the market, the better cuts can be pitched at mid-high income consumers. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on January 16, 2009, 01:15:04 PM Australia ships more beef to Asia
[16 January 2009] Australian beef exports to Southeast Asia and China reached a 11-year high in 2008 with a total shipped weight of 96,607 tonnes. This represented a growth of 29% according to Meat and Livestock Australia. Frozen beef registered their highest volume since 1997 at 85,937 tonnes, while chilled exports set a calendar year record of 10,670 tonnes. Main recipients of the shipments were Indonesia (33,018 tonnes) and Singapore (8061 tonnes), followed by a strong recovery in trade with Malaysia (6183 tonnes), The Philippines (14,143 tonnes), Hong Kong (3231 tonnes) and China (2682 tonnes). Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on January 30, 2009, 03:47:50 AM Happy cows produce more milk 29 Jan 2009
Researchers at Newcastle University in the UK found that cattle that are named and treated with a "more personal touch" can increase milk yields by up to 280 litres a year. The study, by the university's School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, involved 516 farmers across the UK. Published in the journal Anthrozoos, the study found farmers who named their cows gained a higher yield than the 54% that did not give their cattle names. Dairy farmer Dennis Gibb, who co-owns Eachwick Red House Farm outside Newcastle with his brother Richard, said he believed treating every cow as an individual was "vitally important". "They aren't just our livelihood, they're part of the family," he said. "We love our cows here at Eachwick and every one of them has a name. "Collectively we refer to them as 'our ladies' but we know every one of them and each one has her own personality." Dr Catherine Douglas, who led the research, said: "What our study shows is what many good, caring farmers have long since believed. "Our data suggests that, on the whole, UK dairy farmers regard their cows as intelligent beings capable of experiencing a range of emotions. "Placing more importance on knowing the individual animals and calling them by name can, at no extra cost to the farmer, also significantly increase milk production." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on January 31, 2009, 10:57:10 AM Extra two litres of milk with balanced diet 30 Jan 2009
Dairy farmers could boost the output from their cows by as much as two litres per day by increasing the energy density of their diets, says Dr Donald Lawson, of animal feed supplement specialists, Ufac (UK) Ltd. He points out that many types of forage are of poor quality and have lower energy density values this season and, with first-cut silages in short supply, second or even third cuts are now being fed to dairy cows, which has further reduced the average energy value of forage being fed.Target values for freshly-calved cows, should be 12.0-12.5 MJ/kg DM to maintain milk yield, good body condition and fertility. "Adding more concentrates is generally seen as the simplest way to increase energy density when forage ME levels are low, but it’s important not to reduce forage below a safe level of 45-50 per cent on a dry matter basis," said Dr Lawson. "As an example, if the dry matter intake is 22 kg, then forage should be at a minimum of 9.9 kg DM or 49.5 kg fresh weight if silage has a dry matter of 20 per cent. If we go below the safe level then rumen function will be compromised and acidosis may result," he warned. It is important, he says, to ensure that the concentrate portion of the diet has a high enough energy level to meet the energy density demands within the constraints of the safe forage level. This can be achieved by using a concentrated energy supplement, such as Ufac’s Dynalac. Formulated from a special blend of oils, it has a slow release system to ensure that the oil safely reaches the rumen and small intestine. Depending on the diet it should be added at 0.36 to 0.70 kg to achieve the target energy density. For example, with an average forage ME of 10.8 from a combination of first-cut and second-cut silage, and wholecrop wheat, and a concentrate portion with an ME of 13.0 it should be fed at the rate of 0.45 kg per cow per day to give an energy density of 12.25 MJ. "We have already seen responses of 1.5-2.0 litres per day from increasing energy density this winter. With milk quotas no longer restricting production this provides useful prospect of increasing boosting returns over the winter period," he said. Dr Lawson has calculated that, with milk sold at 25 p per litre, allowing for the cost of the product and the materials it replaces, the extra 2 litres production of milk per day could increase returns per month by £10.70 (€11.90) per cow or £2,140 (€2,379) per month for a 200-cow herd for the remainder of the winter. Related news: Happy cows produce more milk Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on February 07, 2009, 08:35:04 AM Drop in US beef exports to S. Korea
[6 February 2009] US beef exports to South Korea slipped for the second consecutive month in December on safety concerns and lower demand caused by unfavourable exchange rates. Imports of U.S. beef fell 20.6% from November to December, to 4,933 tonnes. That followed a 20.1% drop in November from October. Import value declined by 21.1% to USD 28.5 million in December, following a 19.5% decline from October to November Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on February 07, 2009, 08:43:43 AM NO MATTER the respective market preferences and the varying recipes for preparing corned beef, though, it is traditionally supposed to be nothing more than cured beef. Here’s a bit of trivia: corned beef has nothing to do with corn, “corning” being a method of curing and preserving beef in a mixture of “corns” or grains of salt and nitrite. According to the DA’s Animal Product Development Center (APDC), nitrite is what gives corned beef its bright red color. It is also what prevents the growth of microbes. Training handouts provided by the APDC state that “sodium nitrite is poisonous in high concentrations” and can be carcinogenic; hence, nitrite is supposed to be used only in minute quantities.
Pinoys love beef, especially in cans, but the local animal industry can barely meet the demand. Where local and imported brands differ, however, is in the origins of the beef that is corned. Imported brands use cattle beef from South America or Australia. Local ones use buffalo meat, the kind imported frozen from India, which is much cheaper than those sourced from buffalo raisers in the country or anywhere else in the world. Veterinary quarantine certificates (VQCs) issued by the Department of Agriculture for the importation of meat and meat products show that meat processors have been importing boneless buffalo meat or meat trimmings from India in large quantities over the years. Aside from RFM Food Corporation, parent company of Swifts Food Inc, meat processing companies importing frozen buffalo meat from India include the Pacific Meat Company, which produces the highly popular Argentina as well as the 555 corned beef; Purefoods, the food subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation; Foodsphere Inc, makers of CDO corned beef; as well as the smaller meat processors like Pampanga’s Best and Mekeni Foods. “Talagang we source it from India,” says Almendrala, who laments that the local buffalo or cattle industry simply cannot meet the demands of meat processors for huge volumes and cheaper prices, that are in turn meant to satisfy consumer demands for reasonably priced corned beef. Data from the Department of Science and Technology and the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics show that the importation of buffalo meat started in 1993 during the term of then President Fidel Ramos who opened the country’s doors to trade liberalization. That year, just a little over 400 metric tons was imported. By 2000, buffalo meat importation had grown to nearly 40,000 metric tons, some 1,000-percent growth in just seven years. Importers buy Indian buffalo for about P50 per kilo, transportation and importation costs included. Compare that with P80 per kilo of local carabao beef or carabeef, or P190 to P270 per kilo of cattle beef. The Philippines, after all, has just about three million heads of water buffalo, most of which are traditionally used as draft or work animals. India has a surfeit of buffalo — some 98 million heads, which Indians, many of them vegetarian, tap mostly for milk and not for meat. Dr. Libertado Cruz, executive director of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, was part of the DA team that went to India in 1993 and 1994 to assess the impact Indian buffalo imports would have on the local market. He recalls, “We said that if we do not allow the importation of buffalo meat into the Philippines to meet the increased consumption of meat, particularly beef, there will come a time when we will source it locally. Our breeding base is not sufficient to meet that growing requirement. So we might be breeding carabaos or water buffalos and the market might be taking more than the breeders can produce. And we don’t like that to happen.” IN 1993, the Agriculture Department allowed buffalo meat importations, but only for the meat processing industry. There were other conditions attached to the importation: it should be free of the dreaded foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), it should be deboned and deglanded, the bones and glands being where the virus germinates, and the meat should be chilled. Chilling removes any trace of virus, if ever, and the curing and processing of the meat further ensures this. DA rules specify that only meat processors can import Indian buffalo meat. “The importers are the only ones given import permits,” Cruz explains. “If you’re not a processor, there’s no way you can import meat, because the assumption is, if you’re not a processor and you import meat, where are you going to use it? So you are going to sell that in the open market.” In the Agriculture Department, it is the National Meat Inspection Service and the Bureau of Animal Industry that checks on whether the amount of meat imported by processing companies tallies with their requirement and the capacity of their processing facilities. Ideally, they are supposed to import only enough for their requirements. But there have been instances when imported Indian buffalo meat hoofed its way into wet markets in Metro Manila. In 2004, the Anti-Smuggling Task Force of the Department of Agriculture conducted raids on wet markets and confiscated, in one wet market alone, a hundred kilos of buffalo meat imported from India. Hog raisers also believe that cheap imported buffalo meat is driving consumers away from pork and may be killing the local hog industry. All these have made the issue of buffalo meat importation a touchy issue in agriculture sector. It also reveals how the local cattle and carabao industries are ill-equipped to meet the demands of Filipino consumers for beef, even as some livestock growers grouse that India has not been declared free of FMD, and that importing from a country not yet free of FMD will make it difficult for the government to get Luzon off the FMD blacklist. But this barrage of issues is no match against the single strongest argument for importation that meat processing companies and importers have used so far: consumers are entitled to beef at the lowest prices, no matter that it happens to be buffalo meat imported from India, and no matter that it may eventually get lost in a watery dish called Pinoy corned beef. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: nemo on February 09, 2009, 11:48:17 AM The carabeef industry will not prosper in the Philippines if they just allow imports to meet the demand... It is a short term solution.
Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on February 13, 2009, 03:41:45 AM Thursday, February 12, 2009Print This Page
Outbreak in Shanghai CHINA - Foot-and-mouth disease was found in eastern China's Shanghai, said the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday. On Feb. 3, 41 milch cow developed the symptom of foot-and-mouth disease in the Wusi cattle farm in Fengxian district on the outskirts of Shanghai, while the disease was confirmed by national lab on Wednesday. Emergency measures were taken and some 440 cows in the cattle farm were culled. No outbreak of the disease has been discovered outside the cattle farm yet. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on February 24, 2009, 04:57:55 AM Monday, February 23, 2009Print This Page
Chinese Regime Covers Up Outbreak CHINA - A foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in central China led to the slaughter of over 12,000 dairy cattle at the end of 2008. While quietly sending military troops to kill and burry the cattle, Chinese authorities have not reveal the outbreak to the public. The outbreak occurred in the outskirt of Wuhan City of Hubei Province. Local residents said on that New Year’s eve the authorities sent in armed troops and enlisted large digging machines to dig a pit 20 to 25 feet deep to dump in infected cattle. Soldiers shot the infected animals, doused them with gasoline and burned the bodies. Finally, the cattle corpses were sprinkled with lime and antiseptic lotions before being buried. The whole process lasted several days and nights. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on April 08, 2009, 09:20:02 AM Pushing organic beef to Asia
[30 March 2009] OBE Beef, one of Australia's largest organic beef brands has established an office in Beijing, China. The company cited growing organic meat consumption in parts of Asia for this move and said they see growing potential in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines and China. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on April 13, 2009, 05:51:37 AM 10 April 2009] Canada is considering filing a trade action against South Korea over their lack of response to Canada's requests to reopen Seoul's market to Canadian beef. South Korea banned Canadian beef in May 2003 following a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Alberta.Both nations last discussed the issue in November. However, talks were disrupted by another BSE case that surfaced after those talks had resumed.
Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on April 23, 2009, 01:10:51 AM Korea will destroy 161 tonnes of condensed beef stock from China as they were contaminated with clenbluterol, a toxic substance that causes rapid pulse and stomach and heart-related disorders. The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Korea said tests confirmed that 34 out of 62 shipments were contaminated with clenbuterol at 0.2-7.7 parts per billion. Although these levels that are not enough to pose health risks in orginary adults and children, the ministry said it needed to stop importing and selling of the product to investigate on how clenbuterol got into it.
Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on April 29, 2009, 02:52:59 AM Tuesday, April 07, 2009Print This Page
DA Bans Cattle Imports from Egypt PHILIPPINES - The Department of Agriculture on Tuesday temporarily banned imports of cattle and other animals susceptible to the foot-and-mouth disease from Egypt as part of the continuing government drive to keep the Philippines safe from FMD. DA Secretary Arthur Yap said the ban includes the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance (VQC) to import livestock from Egypt. He also directed DA veterinary quarantine officers and inspectors to stop and confiscate all such commodities and by products originating from this North African country. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that strikes cloven-hoofed animals. Yap said the ban was in keeping with the Department's campaign to obtain a formal declaration from the Office International des Epizooties confirming the Philippines as an FMD-free country. "A global declaration of the country's FMD-free status will help Filipino hog producers penetrate the export market and make the Philippines a viable site for halal food production," Yap said. The Office International des Epizooties (OIE) or World Animal Health Organization earlier announced two separate outbreaks of FMD in Egypt. The FMD outbreaks with serotypes A and O were reported in a dairy cattle farm and in cattle and buffaloes in Menea, Elkamh, Ahs Sharqiyah, and Damanhour, Al Buhayrah. The Philippine agriculture department has also imposed a temporary ban on imports of cattle and other FMD-susceptible animals from Lebanon, China and Taiwan after the OIE had confirmed outbreaks of the disease in these areas. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on April 29, 2009, 02:54:21 AM Tuesday, April 28, 2009Print This Page
China Reports New FMD Outbreak CHINA - The Chinese veterinary authorities have reported two new cases of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) - in cattle - to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The veterinary authority in China sent an Immediate Notification dated 25 April to the OIE, describing two new outbreaks of FMD. Both the outbreaks were in cattle and started on 20 April. The first was in Dongjiang village, near Hengyang in Hunan Province. The second was at Mazong, near Zunyi in Guizhou Province. In total, there were 131 cases among 241 susceptible animals. Two cattle died and the rest were destroyed. The last occurrence of FMD in China was in November 2008. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on April 29, 2009, 02:55:57 AM Monday, April 27, 2009Print This Page
Brazil Back in the Chilean Market BRAZIL - Seventeen Brazilian beef plants are now eligible to export to Chile, reversing the foot and mouth disease ban placed on Brazilian beef in late 2005. Access for 16 of the plants was granted last week by the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) (the other plant, from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, regained entry in 2006). The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC) expects all 18 plants inspected by SAG in December 2008 will be granted access in the short term. ABIEC believes that Chile has the potential to import 100,000 tonnes cwt annually from Brazil. SAG is expected to soon send inspection missions to other states within Brazil (Valor Econômico). During the first half of 2005, before the FMD ban, Brazilian beef had a 61 per cent market share of the Chilean market, when 36 plants were certified. After a period of restricted supply from Argentina, Brazil and higher prices from Uruguay, Paraguay and Australia became larger suppliers to Chile (Chile imported 9,699 tonnes from Australia in 2008). ABIEC is optimistic Brazil will soon recover its position as the main supplier to Chile, as other traditional suppliers such as Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay are currently focused in the EU, Russia and the US. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on June 29, 2009, 12:45:50 PM [29 June 2009] Strong demand in China and Hong Kong has lifted exports of Australian beef to Asia, with shipments in the first five months of the year up 30% to 46,270 tonnes. Exports to The Philippines and Singapore drooped 6% and 2%, respectively, due to softer demand for manufacturing beef in The Philippines and falling neck shipments to Singapore. For exports from the US, the shipment grew 29% in the January-April period to 32,170 tonnes, thanks also to growing demand in China.
Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on March 10, 2010, 11:19:53 AM China to become largest beef consumer
[9 March 2010] China could become the largest consumer of beef in the world by 2015, accounting for over 50% of the world beef trade, said Sergey Yushin, head of the Executive Committee of the Russian National Meat Association. Mr Yushin predicted the surge in demand for beef in China and Southeast Asia could result in a sharp rise in prices. He added, that by 2015 China will be able to export up to 5 million tonnes of beef a year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Australia unable to satisfy Korea's demand for beef [9 March 2010] Australian beef traders reported solid demand and strong prices from Korea recently, but were unable to fully capitalise on this demand due to the lack of beef supply. Beef exports from Australia to Korea totalled 7,505 tonnes in February with 2,325 tonnes consisting of chilled beef products. The lack of Australian grass fed beef has triggered improved interest in grain fed beef in Korea – increasing 33% on last month and by 47% in the calendar year to February compared with 2009. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on March 12, 2010, 10:41:23 AM S. Korea starts tracking imported beef
[11 March 2010] South Korea has adopted the COOL (Country of Origin Labeling) system to track imported beef. The system currently trialed on a voluntary basis by importers and distributors offers information such as the country of origin, shelf life and if the meat has been frozen during shipment. The farm ministry said it would enhance recall procedures. The system is likely to be made mandatory by December once the necessary infrastructure is implemented. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on March 12, 2010, 10:43:12 AM China’s beef imports forecast to soar
[12 March 2010] China’s beef production is estimated to continue falling to 5.5 tonnes in 2010, down 5% from the year before, as comparatively low farm returns dampen beef cattle population, said a report from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. China’s 2010 beef imports are forecast to surge nearly one third to 30,000 tonnes, encouraged by continued high prices in the Chinese beef market. In 2009, China’s beef imports increased more than threefold to 23,000 tonnes, with shipments from Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand all more than doubling from the year before. While Australia is the top supplier, imports from Uruguay are rising at the fastest pace due to competitive pricing on muscle cuts. In addition, significantly higher quantities of imported beef continue to move through gray channels. Traders estimate these imports – primarily from Brazil and the United States – topped 100,000 tonnes in 2009. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on April 30, 2010, 11:10:10 AM Indonesia restricts Australian beef imports
[30 April 2010] New restrictions imposed by Indonesian authorities on beef import permits has placed Australia's Northern Territory cattle exporters in a dilemma. A domestic oversupply led the Indonesian Government to suspended the issuance of new import permits three months ago. About 80% of live cattle exports from Australia are sent to Indonesia. Alistar Lugston, Asia Pacific livestock manager for Meat and Livestock Australia said there's currently weak demand for cattle in Indonesia, making it difficult for feedlotters there to sell cattle. He said demand could increase in the lead-up to the Muslim Ramadan festival. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on April 30, 2010, 11:11:40 AM S. Korea bans Japanese meat imports
[30 April 2010] South Korea has banned imports of all meat and by-products from cloven-hoofed animals in Japan after Tokyo confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the government said. The farm ministry said the Japanese government acknowledged that three cows suspected at a farm in Miyazaki Prefecture tested positive for the highly contagious disease. The farm also raises 16 cattle used for breeding. Fully processed food and hide products may be imported if they meet set production standards, although most goods from cloven hoofed animals will not be allowed to enter the country for the time being. These include fresh pork, many ham products, and animal hides, the officials said. South Korea imported USD 7.5 million worth of meat and other products made from Japanese livestock in 2009. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on May 05, 2010, 10:04:53 AM Australian beef exports in April down 8.3%
[5 May 2010] Australia's beef exports in April fell 8.3% from March to 74,753 boneless metric tonnes, a drop of 7.4% from April last year, according to official figures.Exports in April took shipments in the first four months of this year to 263,121 tonnes, down 12% from the same period last year, according to the figures issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Australia is the second-largest global exporter of beef after Brazil, with the value of beef exports around AUD 4.5 billion/year (USD 4.1 billion) a year. About two-thirds of Australia's beef output is exported. Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd previously attributed softer beef exports in 2010 to difficult trading conditions, including a relatively strong Australian currency, sluggish overseas demand and soft returns. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on July 01, 2010, 10:08:04 AM Rise in Australian beef exports to Asia
[1 July 2010] Australian beef exports to Southeast Asia and Greater China increased 13% in May from April to 10,172 tonnes swt. May shipments remained 2% lower compared with May 2009, affected by falls in exports to Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. Meanwhile, trade to Taiwan, Philippines and Malaysia continued an upward trend. Over the calendar year to May, beef exports to Southeast Asia and Greater China decreased 3% on a year ago, to 44,954 tonnes swt, after being affected by tight supplies earlier this year. Manufacturing beef remained the most popular cut exported to the region during the period, with total shipments staying at 15,325 tonnes swt. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on July 17, 2010, 09:38:05 AM Kerchin links with NZ firms to grow beef operations
[16 July 2010] China's second largest beef processor Inner Mongolia Kerchin Cattle Industry Co Ltd has signed a multi-million dollar deal with two New Zealand companies, Te Mania Livestock and FoodCap. This is the first official agricultural contract to emerge from the free trade agreement between both countries. Te Mania Livestock, specializing in breeding quality Angus beef cattle, will provide cattle semen and breeding know-how and help Kerchin improve the quality of beef produced at its feedlots in Inner Mongolia. Kerchin will also capitalize on the frozen meat supply chain system from Auckland-based FoodCap and set up packing facilities in some major cities in China. Kerchin Cattle Industry Co Ltd currently has an annual slaughter capacity of 100,000 heads. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on September 01, 2010, 10:03:59 AM Philippines lifts ban on UK beef
[1 September 2010] The Philippines has lifted a decade long ban on beef imports from the United Kingdom subject to conditions set by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. These conditions are that: the boneless and bone-in beef can be sourced from cattle of all ages devoid of any nerves and other BSE-specified risk materials (SRM) shall be imported; that the beef, whether boneless or bone-in should come only from healthy ambulatory and not downer cattle; and the slaughter date of the cattle or the production date of the beef shall be included in the packaging label. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on November 19, 2010, 09:59:48 AM Argentina set to start beef exports to China
[19 November 2010] Argentina is set to start exporting beef to China before the end of the year, after striking a deal over animal-health requirements. Argentina’s International Trade Secretary Luis Maria Kreckler said an official trade agreement is expected to be signed between the two countries after the visit of Brazilian agricultural secretary in China at the end of November. Argentina was the world's No. 4 beef supplier in 2009. According to a report by Argentine Meat Industry and Trade Chamber, beef production is decreasing in Argentina where the national herd has shrunk by 10 million heads in the last three years to about 48 million. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: mikey on December 14, 2010, 10:18:59 AM Australia beef exports to Asia rank positively
[13 December 2010] Increased supply and strong importer enquiries in preparation for the up coming Christmas and New Year augured well for Australian beef exports to South East Asia and Greater China during November. Exporte increased 19% from the previous month and 7% compared with the same time last year. Shipments to South East Asia and Greater China over the calendar year to November increased 5% year-on-year, totalling 121,284 tonnes swt, attributed largely to rises in exports to Malaysia (up 43%), Philippines (up 16%), China (up 8%) and Thailand (up 17%). Exports to Indonesia and Singapore during the 11 months to November remained steady, while the volume sent to Hong Kong decreased 6%. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 30, 2011, 04:20:14 AM Taiwan not obliged to review ractopamine ban 24 Jan 2011
There is currently no need for Taiwan to revise its ban against a residue of ractopamine being used as drug to promote leanness in farm animals, Council of Agriculture Minister Chen Wu-hsiung has said. The authorities in Taiwan recently detected small amounts of residue from a banned muscle-growth drug in beef imported from the United States. The discovery raised public concerns on the island despite the US not restricting the use of the drug, commercially known as Paylean. Four drugs blacklisted Paylean contains ractopamine, one of four animal-use drugs along with salbutamol, terbu-taline and clenbuterol, which are blacklisted in Taiwan. It was the first time banned drugs had been detected in US beef since Taiwan re-opened its doors to American beef in 2007, after suspending imports of the product over mad-cow disease worries. "Taiwan's existing law prohibits the use of any leanness drugs," Chen said, noting that the law applies to both imported and locally-produced meat products. Codex Alimentarius Speaking of the plan by the United Nations-linked group - Codex Alimentarius Commission - to amend its regulations on the permitted amount of leanness drug residue on meat products, the minister said Taiwan will not review its leanness drug ban until Codex makes changes. According to Chen, under WTO regulations, all its members must follow Codex guidelines. Those unwilling to follow them have to present a risk evaluation and convince other countries to accept it. Ban on leanness drugs Health Minister Yaung Chih-liang repeated his office's insistence of keeping its ban against the use of leanness drugs. He said his office will try to coordinate with the United States, asking the latter not to sell beef containing the residue of leanness drugs to Taiwan. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 03, 2011, 08:13:21 AM Philippines - EU Beef ban lifted 03 Feb 2011
This follows earlier decisions to lift the bans on imports from the other EU Member States and means that exporters from all EU Member States can now apply to export such products to the Philippines again. This measure is welcomed by the EU as by lifting the ban, the Philippines shows that it recognises that European beef and beef products are safe. In 2000, the Philippines introduced an import ban on beef of European origin, citing a risk of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) without providing any scientific justification for the measure. This measure went beyond the international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and did not take into account the stringent control and surveillance measures in place in the European Union guaranteeing that European beef and beef products could be consumed in all safety. Since the introduction of the ban, the European Commission, the EU Delegation and EU Mem-ber States regularly raised the issue with the Philippines in all available fora and bilateral meetings, at technical and political level. On these occasions, the European Commission requested the Philippines to lift the ban for all affected EU Member States. Source: businessmirror.com Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 06, 2011, 12:21:50 AM New Zealand Cattle and Beef Semi-Annual Report 2011
Beef production in New Zealand is forecast to fall by nine per cent in 2011, reflecting an expected decline in slaughter rates during the first half of the year, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Executive Summary Dry weather and drought concerns during the fourth quarter of 2010 helped boost cattle slaughter. Total slaughter hit 3.991 million head, which is five per cent more than the previous forecast and up four per cent from the previous year. The spike in slaughter translated into an unexpected increase in both production and exports. At 643,000 tons carcass weight equivalent (CWE), production was four per cent higher than previously forecast and up three per cent over the previous year. Exports finished the year at 530,000 tons (CWE), four per cent ahead of the previous forecast and 3.1 per cent up from the previous year. Beef production is forecast to be three per cent less than originally forecast in 2011, reflecting an expected decline in slaughter rates during the first half of the year. This puts forecast beef production at 8.75 per cent less than in 2010 and three per cent lower than the previous forecast. Likewise, exports are forecast at 478,000 tons (CWE) in CY 2011, which is four per cent less than the previous forecast and 10 per cent lower than 2010 export volumes. The decline is primarily driven by the on-going reduction in the size of the beef herd and the spike in slaughter during the last quarter of CY 2010. While originally forecast to remain stable, exports to the US market fell 6 per cent to 222,000 tons (CWE) in 2010 and are forecast to fall further in 2011 to 205,000 tons (CWE), due partly to the sharp decline in cow beef production and the ongoing decline in bull beef production, which are the basic components of exports to the US market. While still the largest market for New Zealand beef, the US share of total New Zealand exports has been trending downward. It currently stands at approximately 42 per cent. Indonesia became New Zealand’s second largest beef market, on a quantity basis, in 2010. Exports jumped 41 per cent to 36,940 tons (PWE). Exports to the Korean market reversed a downward trend in CY 2010 jumping seven per cent to 34,292 tons (PWE). Exporters report a spike in demand from the Korean market due in part to the Australian floods in Queensland and the FMD outbreak in Korea. New Zealand is aggressively negotiating Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). While exporters report that FTAs do not necessarily drive business decisions, they do provide a framework to work out trade-related issues, especially SPS and non-tariff barriers, and, in some cases, significant market access gains. For instance, in the New Zealand – China FTA, tariffs, which ranged from 12 to 25 per cent when the agreement was signed, will be eliminated by 2016. New Zealand beef exports to China have increased from 5,300 tons (PWE) in 2008, the year the agreement went into force, to 8,022 tons in 2010, a 51 per cent increase. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on October 19, 2011, 09:20:44 AM Live Cattle Export Ban in Australia
End the Live Cattle Export Ban in Australia! As many will know the Australian Government recently reacted to a TV documentary on Indonesian slaughter of cattle. The action was arbitrary, misinformed and a gross over reaction to satisfy special interest groups and public opinion. The ban has the potential to wreck many cattle farmers and consequentially Australia's lucrative live goat and sheep exports. The following letter is reprinted courtesy of Chevredor. My name is Rashida Khan and I am a cattle producer, animal nutritionist, and animal lover and have been raised with an insight to the true Muslim faith. I have been fortunate enough to travel and have been to Asia. My family has a cattle property in the Northern Territory and I have many contacts right through the supply chain. We care deeply about our animals and have always designed our workload and facilities with the animals needs in mind. So far our only market for the cattle we raise and fatten has been live export, with 80% of these cattle going to Indonesia. Of course we have been calling for diversity in our marketing options for the past 20yrs but to no avail. Most of the NT abattoirs have been shut down by union pressure and government red tape, making it extremely difficult for people to reopen the slaughter houses. These facilities would take the cattle we cannot send to Indonesia if they are the wrong colour or have a minor blemish. If the export industry is closed down completely in the next week, can we expect a flush of government support for local businesses and abattoirs? Do we have the skilled labour force to process these cattle starting next week? Will we have suitable facilities to deal with the 700,000 head standing in the yards waiting, by next week? When I saw the footage aired on 4 Corners on Monday 30th May 2011, I was rendered speechless. The cruelty was horrific and so very unnecessary. Initially I was angered and upset by the treatment of the cattle but I soon began to analyse what I had viewed. The whole video was played out to leave the viewer with only one conclusion. Stop Live Export. I began to make phone calls and despite asking friends, colleagues and family I couldn’t find a single person who had ever witnessed that level of abuse in an Indonesian abattoir. Still it pays to remember that there are around 770 in Indonesia and only 11 have participated in this carnage. Nowhere on the footage was a mention of the Indonesian processors who do the job properly. They were neither interviewed nor given any exposure. I believe it is a terrible shame if the whole industry must pay for the actions of so few. With exception to those 11 slaughter houses, I think it would be timely to mention the work done by the rest of the industry. There have been substantial investments both personally and financially in the development of better cattle boats, better feedlots, better breeding environments and handling, nutrition for maximum health, improved bio-security and better abattoirs. Yet strangely all of this was glossed over. Since there was no mention of this better side, it is easy to understand how the Australian public became so angry and began generalising about the Indonesian people. I think it should be understood publically that these are not uneducated people at all but very savvy business people, who are often highly educated and extremely wealthy. To lump all Indonesian people in the category of animal abusers who know no better was a dangerous and stupid move. This prompted comments of a racist and derogative nature on the forums provided by the Jakarta Post and Straits Times. The outrage in Australia was fuelled by half truths and graphic images that I for one shall never forget. It has led to hasty decision making with scant regard for the flow on effects. The cruelty displayed in the footage was mistakenly called Halal. There have been some very nasty comments linked to this and directed at Indonesia which has the world’s largest Muslim population. Let me assure you that there was nothing Halal about those kills. They were messy, blood tainted the meat, the animals were damaged and abused and no prayer was said for their soul. Halal kills are quiet, with many people restraining the animal, out of sight of other animals, till it has died. The throat must be cut swiftly with a sharp blade. It is a tradition that has carried on and means that stun guns which were not available in the days of the Prophet could be employed today. This is however a cultural decision for the Indonesian people which has garnered support with many but may take time to implement. The Muslim community was on board until the negative slurs began which has put everyone offside. The fact that no clear information has been released regarding this is a great pity as many people would greatly benefit from the education. We must remember in terms of asking Indonesia to adopt our ideas that we are a relatively new culture spanning just 200yrs, theirs is a culture reaching back 3000years. We live by different socio economic standards and enjoy many luxuries courtesy of our resources and significantly smaller population. Small things like personal refrigeration are still a long way off in Indonesia’s middle to lower class population making the sale of chilled meat unviable. Housewives will feel the meat for warmth to ensure the beast has been killed that day and the meat is fresh. This is a way of life and would require both individuals and cultural groups to make changes. This is not to say we can’t offer advice and assistance to improve slaughter conditions, make working conditions safer by stunning the generally unhandled Australian cattle who are not used to being roped, improve meat quality by eliminating the abuse and stress and redesigning the slaughter boxes to have a lesser gradient and better grip. However our high and mighty approach taken and the continued abuse to their intelligence makes negotiations with people who genuinely wish to improve animal welfare conditions extremely difficult. The call has been to Ban Live Exports. Now this is to be discussed in Parliament and may be written into the law books. While the main focus is currently on cattle and has previously been on sheep, I would like to point out that there have been no distinctions made in the general push to Ban Live Exports. Australia exports a lot of animals of different types and should a motion go through parliament, extreme welfare groups will have an excellent opportunity to cripple other industries in Australia under this blanket ban. For example feral goats are exported, racehorses are regularly shipped overseas and not to mention the booming performance horse industries with endurance horses going to the UAE, Warmbloods to Europe and Quarter Horses to the USA. We also send cattle to 27 other countries excluding Indonesia. Should all these people suffer because of 11 slaughter houses in Indonesia? Once a law is made it is rarely toned down and we have seen time and again the impact of these sweeping bans and the repercussions. Most of Australia’s geography is not suited to other forms of agriculture and the rangeland grazing of livestock has proven to be efficient and sustainable. While we may export large quantities of minerals they are an exhaustible resource and tourism is dependant of global finances and political stability. Carbon trading is not likely to be a sustainable income stream to support the many people actively involved in Agriculture and in my opinion cannot replace the live export trade. If producers and graziers go broke they will take with them regional communities and support services that they currently support. By the end of the week 13,000 Australians could be unemployed and more to follow, if the Industry collapses. This is not just the loss of a job; it’s the loss of hopes, dreams, blood sweat and tears. People will lose their way of life and support they need to live in the places they love. What are producers expected to do with their stock in the interim of the export industry closing and alternate markets opening? Unfortunately we are not as wealthy as we are publicised to be and cannot afford to shut down and wait. Many producers have committed themselves to tailoring theirbusinesses at great cost to meet the specifications of Live Export. We breed grey cattle, we market them at 350kg even though we have the knowledge to grow them bigger and still only get paid by the kilogram. We have endeavoured to improve nutrition and handling techniques and yet we get 24hrs warning that the ports are closed. In my years of training animals I know one thing clearly, that behaviour that is rewarded is always repeated! So could someone explain to me why we are doing everything right and yet being treated so poorly? This question covers the Indonesian processors who are also doing the right thing and the true Muslims who follow the holy procedure of the Halal kill. How is this abuse of peoples efforts justified? As an Australian producer I am particularly upset to think producers have paid $5/animal to be treated like this and to see those animals treated that way. I am also disappointed in the sudden silence from animal welfare groups who only made a brief appearance when the footage was aired, with just enough encouragement to cause a stir and then they melted away. I ask them, What about the cattle? Don’t they matter now that you have your petitions sighed and donations stowed away? So you have succeeded in suspending the Live Export Industry but have you made any physical changes to the animal’s treatment in Indonesia? Have you consulted the appropriate Indonesian authorities? Are you funding any training for the slaughtermen? Or have you moved on to your next victim? If Australia is going to become worried by the actions of others with animals, then we should also look into the treatment of the animals that provide the products we import. This is just as important and should be seriously considered. I am absolutely disgusted in the treatment of those cattle in the footage but if we are going to seriously make a difference we must explore our imports. Anything short of this would be hypocrisy. The key issue has always been animal welfare. However due to ignorance and negligence it has escalated into a volatile argument between neighbours, which has left thousands of cattle stranded, thousands of people in a precarious position and must be diplomatically handled. The Indonesians are in my opinion unlikely to back down in their stance. While the phrase No Stun- No Cattle is catchy, to accept it would mean the Indonesians lose face - something the Asian community doesn’t take lightly. Australia has many trained diplomats and it’s time for them to act. We need to reengage the Muslim community, apologise for the childish insults and press for positive solutions that benefit all stakeholders. Focussing on improving meat quality would be a perfect inroad. We must continue to pressure the Australian Government for support in diversifying the markets in Northern Australia. If we don’t act, what will become of the cattle? Will we have another international embarrassment to rival the Camel Cull and the BTEC program, which are widely seen internationally as wasteful and inhumane? In any negotiations regarding this Australians would do well to remember people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. I am only one voice but together we can provide a solid stance and with common sense and empathy we can rectify this situation. We must spread the message and educate people to support our Australian producers and associated industries as well as those in Indonesia who are in the same situation. These people have done nothing wrong and like our other export clients should not be punished for the actions of a few. If we can collectively act to make real changes to the slaughter conditions in those 11 abattoirs, we will have made a tangible difference to international animal welfare. Banning Live Export and insulting our neighbours doesn’t help the beast that dies in Jakarta tonight! Sincerely Rashida Khan Kita Lagoon, NT, Australia Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on December 11, 2011, 09:35:15 AM Dairying In Viet Nam
On a recent visit to Viet Nam, Stuart Lumb got the opportunity to visit three dairy units and a processing facility. He writes about them here for TheCattleSite. Typical small unit One of the fascinating things about working abroad is that you always have to expect the unexpected. I was staying in Hanoi and my guide was Hoang Thi Thuong, who is a dairy expert and is Northern Viet Nam manager for French additives company Olmix. She told me we were to visit a dairy farm about an hour’s drive outside Hanoi. We duly drove into a small village and parked the car, although I could neither see nor smell any cows. We walked along and then entered a yard at the back of a modest house, where I was introduced to Mr Nguyen Van Duong and his wife. We had the customary cup of tea and I thought that we would shortly be going off outside the village to see Mr Duong’s dairy herd. No such thing! We walk through the living room, go outside and there under a tiled roof stood his 2 Holstein cows! The cows are permanently housed indoors with sprinklers and roof fans cooling the cows in hot weather. All the feed is brought in by motorbike, the universal means of transport in Viet Nam. Different varities of grasses, King grass and Mulato II are grown in outlying fields, cut by hand and carted in. A certain amount Mr Duong’s pride and are rent A 40 per cent concentrate (which costs £350/ton) is fed twice / day at the rate of 0.5kg/ kg of milk, with the cows producing 8500 kg milk / lactation. Price is based on dry matter ,protein and fat, with Mr Duong receiving 22p/ litre for his milk. The government runs a local AI centre with vets carrying out the inseminations ( £2 per straw). Mr Duong takes his milk by motorbike to the village collection centre which has a 700kg bulk tank which is emptied daily, with the milk being transported by tanker 70km to the dairy. Mr Duong with his two cows feeding on elephant grass Medium sized dairy unit Mrs Le has a medium sized dairy farm near to Ho Chi Minh City . She has 73 cows which are a combination of Holstein and local breeds and at the time of my visit there were 38 cows in milk producing 13kg of milk daily giving a daily production of 500kg. Cows are zero grazed, haltered and housed in a wide span open sided building, to allow maximum air circulation. The cows are hand fed elephant grass which again was cut and carted from the field and put through a chopper. Concentrates are provided in the form of brewer’s grains and manioc along with a compound feed bought from Proconco, one of Viet Nam’s oldest feed millers. Concentrates are fed relative to yield at a rate of 0.4kg per kg of milk produced. Cows are milked twice daily using a bucket system with the milk being stored in a 17,800litre refrigerated bulk tank, which could hold three day’s production. Mrs Le employs 10 staff and they are all kept busy as feeding and mucking out is all carried by hand plus bucket milking is very labour intensive as well. In the past manure has been spread as fertiliser but it is now used as feedstock for a biogas plant. Dairy farmers in Viet Nam have a choice of selling to one of six companies/ Coops and Mrs Le sells to the Dutch Lady dairy company. Milk is paid for on the basis of protein, fat and somatic cell count and she is receiving 36p /litre, plus as in Mr Dong’s case the dairy company provides an insemination service. Healthwise mastitis and lameness are problems and using Mistral has proved to be beneficial as well as using traditional remedies. Cows are generally culled after five lactations. Mrs Le Large dairy unit Dan Van Luong manages one of the largest dairy farms in Viet Nam, which has 840 cows (400 in milk) plus a further 200 heifers and other young cattle, with the dairy cows getting culled after eight to nine lactations. The farm also has an AI stud of 15 bulls. The farm is actually a public company and it owns 700ha of land, 400 ha of which is used as grazing during the wet season. The company employs 212 staff which includes three vets, 10 inseminators (who inseminate cows on other farms as well ) plus admin and office staff. The cows are of mixed breeding , namely Friesian, Brahman and the Australian Droughmaster. Cows are in milk for 300 days, produce 60-70kg / day with lactations averaging 4250kg, giving a herd output in the region of 2.8 tons of milk/day. The zero grazed cows get fed chopped grass, manioc, brewers grains and concentrates twice / day. Extra concentrates are fed at the rate of 1kg./ 3kg of milk.Milking takes place three times / day through a 20 place herringbone which is fitted with Interpuls measuring equipment. A plentiful and regular supply of water is essential and this is extracted from a bore and is tested annually for quality. There is six months storage on the farm for manure and in the past the manure has been spread on the land, but recently a biogas plant has been built and hence the manure now goes to feed the digester. Incidentally there is no grant aid available for bioenergy plants in Viet Nam. Mr Luong's dairy parlour Vinamilk Vinamilk is the biggest dairy company in Viet Nam.,with 500 employees. The company has its HQ in Ho Chi Minh City and markets 60 [er cent of the nation’s milk, plus butter and yoghurt which is processed through nine plants nationwide. The average dairy farmer has five to six cows, although one of Vinamilk’s suppliers is a 1000 cow operation. Yields average out at 6000 kg/ year, with these being naturally affected by the high temperatures experienced in April, May and June. Farmers are paid on total solids and somatic cell count and if this drops below 1 million it triggers a bonus. However, milk powder imports from Australia , New Zealand and the Netherlands have depressed the liquid milk price. Many small farmers have Sindhi(Zebu) x Friesian cows although Vinamilk are importing Holsteins from Australia and New Zealand. AI is used extensively (95 per cent) to improve yields. Much of the semen is bought from Semex , sourced from 10,000kg/ year indexed bulls and imported from Canada. Semen costs USD 2 per straw although dairy farmers contracted with Vinamilk get their semen and inseminations free as part of their contract. Vinamilk is improving yields in conjunction with Japanese dairy experts. Allied to good genetics is good nutrition. Viet Nam grows a lot of rice and so feeding rice by products would appear logical, but in fact rice is exported to China and swapped for maize and soyabean meal. Locally also fast growing grasses such as Buffalo grass, Elephant grass and King grass provide much of the roughage. Attempts to grow alfalfa in the Vietnamese Highlands proved unsuccessful due to low yields and so this leguminous forage crop also has to be imported. Brucellosis is not a problem but as in many other countries sub clinical mastitis is. Dairy In Viet Nam Traditionally milk in Viet Nam was only fed to babies and sick people but this is changing as it government policy is promoting milk consumption by all ages of the population. One scheme provides milk to school children that live in rural areas and where family incomes are low. In the south, the government has set up training centres. Small farmers can get help from government husbandry advisers plus finance to buy equipment. The Dutch government is also funding several training centres as well. The Vietnamese dairy industry is obviously expanding given the government’s policy to increase the nation’s milk consumption and the quickest way to do this is by building large dairy units, however they will rely heavily on hired labour to produce good results – but “Big is not always Beautiful”. Having said that it’s clear that small family owned dairy farms where the owner milks the cows and tends them have the incentive to get good yields. These small farms make a big contribution to the nation’s milk production and need to be nutured as a key part of the Vietnamese dairy industry. December 2011 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on December 11, 2011, 09:37:49 AM Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Global Beef Trade on a High ANALYSIS - Global beef trade for the major beef producing countries has been on a high this year, with the US, Europe and Australia all reporting strong trade, writes The Site Editor in Chris Chris Harris. The only one of the main beef producers to be hit in volumes so far has been Brazil. However, even Brazil has seen the value of the beef it has been selling rise wile the volumes have been falling. This week, Shane Ellis from Iowa State University said that the growth of US beef export volumes and the anticipation of substantial demand growth in coming years with new customers and growing appetites for beef is creating an exciting prospect for the beef industry. In the first three quarters of this year US beef exports amounted to more than 2.1 billion pounds and were 27 per cent larger than export volumes during the same period a year ago. Over 10 per cent of the beef produced in the US is now exported and the US is now a net exporter of beef. Year-to-date exports to Japan, South Korea and Canada so far this year have grown by 100 million pounds each. The prospects for the EU beef market are also very positive, with the EU Commission forecasting beef prices to continue rising in 2012, driven by lower production and tighter supplies, increasing exports and lower imports. The Commission is forecasting beef production for the EU to decline by 2.8 per cent to 7,122 million tonnes in 2012 and prices to increase by a further 1.7 per cent, on top of a 9.5 per cent price increase in 2011. There has been a dramatic change in fortunes for the EU beef industry as in 2007 the region was a net importer of beef, shipping in 308,000 tonnes. Now the EU has become a net exporter shipping 237,000 tonnes. The picture is similar in Australia where exports to South East Asia and China have risen by seven per cent between January and November this year and to South Korea, where Australia has nearly 50 per cent of the market, exports are up by 22 per cent. The global change has been driven by a surge in world beef prices on the back of a drop in global production. The outbreak of foot and mouth disease in South Korea has also helped raise exports in this region. For Brazil this global rise in beef prices has come as a relief to its industry as it has managed to keep the value of the country's beef exports high - ahead of 2010 this year, while volumes have fallen. Exports to traditional markets such as Russia, Iran and Egypt have seen drops in volumes of 26 per cent, 39 per cent and 35 per cent respectively, while values have risen by 24 per cent, 26 per cent and 18 per cent respectively. Chris Harris, Editor-in-Chief Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on December 21, 2011, 09:58:07 AM Dairy: World Markets and Trade - December 2011
Global dairy markets in early 2011 experienced a surge in prices as strong global import demand for dairy products outpaced available supplies. As a result, major producing countries, responding to high returns, expanded milk production significantly which increased the supply of available exportable dairy products, according to the USDA's World Dairy Market Outlook. Summary Consequently, in the last half of 2011 as favourable weather conditions ushered in Oceania’s production season, dairy commodity prices started to slip. Further pressuring dairy markets was undoubtedly a growing caution by buyers as the increasingly volatile financial situation in the EU grew to dominate the financial outlook. At present, global dairy prices appear to have settled although the forecast for Chinese imports of whole milk powder (WMP) in 2011 has been revised down significantly from July. In early 2011, China had absorbed a significant portion of the additional milk supplies on global markets through the substantial purchase of WMP thus underpinning international dairy prices. For 2012, Chinese purchases of WMP are expected to pick-up but at a more modest pace. WMP prices on the Global Dairy Trade platform, which covers future deliveries, have been rising tentatively suggesting that there is a growing current of underlying demand. From an economic standpoint, the outlook for 2012 is positive with global GDP slated to grow from a 2.7 per cent rate in 2011 to a 2.9 per cent rate in 2012. In the critical Asian and Oceania markets, GDP growth is expected to expand at a five per cent rate – up from the 4.2 per cent estimated for 2011. However, GDP growth in China is forecast to slow from 9.1 per cent to 8.5 per cent which could dampen growth in domestic demand and slow the rapid pace of increases in dairy product imports from the heady pace experienced in recent years. For 2012, milk production in the major producing countries is forecast to moderate while import demand for dairy products will remain relatively stable as developing countries – particularly in the critical Asian markets – continue to grow economically. Expanding populations and rising disposable incomes will be the key drivers. Consequently, it appears that the price correction for dairy commodities may be over and that there will be some price stability in 2012. However, the lack of any surplus stocks, particularly in the form of Government stocks, makes the market susceptible to any supply shocks and prices are likely to react rapidly. Milk Production: 2011 Forecast Summary After an anticipated sharp rebound in milk production in 2011, largely as a result of excellent forage conditions and high prices, Argentina’s dairy industry is expected to continue to expand in 2012 albeit at a slower pace. Domestic inflationary pressures are expected to squeeze profit margins; consequently, milk production growth is forecast to grow modestly by four per cent. Australian milk production is forecast to expand in 2012 by two per cent as pasture conditions and fodder availability are expected to be similar to 2011. The 2011 production season benefited greatly from the abundant rainfall in 2010 which set the stage for excellent growing conditions. Although drier conditions are expected to prevail for 2012 as rainfall patterns revert to the long-term average, the major constraining factors to additional output are expected to be the chronic shortage of replacement heifers and relatively high grain prices. After an excellent forage season, New Zealand’s forecast milk production for 2011 was revised up four per cent to 18.68 million tons – up nine per cent over the 2010 season. For 2012, milk output is expected to slow down and register a modest two per cent gain assuming normal weather conditions persist. The herd is expected to grow by 110,000 cows and milk output per cow is forecast to rise due to improved productivity gains. Milk output growth in the EU is forecast to slow down to 1 per cent in 2012 - down from the 2 per cent gain estimated gain for 2011 – as higher costs of production, lower consumption, and the clouded financial uncertainty are expected dampen expansion plans. In 2011, high farm gate prices as a result of higher domestic and international demand provided a strong incentive for dairy farmers to increase output. US milk production for 2012 is forecast to expand by one per cent which will be below the two per cent rate of growth currently estimated for 2011; dairy farmers are expected to face lower milk prices and relatively higher feed costs which is expected to pressure returns. Producers are currently projected to receive an annual average all milk price of around $18.10-$18.90 per cwt down from the estimated average of $20.05-20.15 per cwt in 2011. Although the herd is projected to contract, expected milk per cow increases are expected to lead to higher milk production. Most of the additional milk is likely to be channeled into the production of cheese. Cheese: Cheese production in Oceania for 2011 is projected to decline by one per cent over 2010 primarily due to a four per cent drop in New Zealand’s output. New Zealand’s projected jump in milk production for 2011 is expected to be used primarily to support the production of whole milk powder for the booming export sector. For 2012, New Zealand cheese production is forecast to rebound by 9 per cent. Exports, however, are expected to decline slightly leading to a slight increase in stock levels. New Zealand exports primarily to Japan, Australia, and South Korea. EU-27 cheese production is forecast to increase in 2011 and 2012 due to the expected increases in milk production and growing domestic consumption. Following an 18 per cent jump in cheese exports in 2010, EU exports for 2011 and 2012 are expected to continue to grow but at a more moderate pace – about three per cent annually. The major destinations for EU exports are Russia and the United States. EU shipments to Russia through September 2011 have declined by five per cent but have been offset by increased volumes- up 11 per cent – to the United States. US cheese production is projected to expand by one per cent in 2011 to 4.8 million tons largely as a result of high cheese prices driven in part by strong export demand. For 2012, favourable prices for cheese relative to SMP/butter are expected to lead to a three per cent increase in cheese production to a record 4.9 million tons with most of the additional cheese expected to be absorbed by domestic consumption. Exports for 2012 are forecast to grow at a much slower pace than the 22 per cent rate expected 2011 as global markets are likely to be more competitive and economic concerns may limit demand. Mexico which accounts for nearly 30 per cent of US cheese exports, will no longer apply the punitive tariffs which were in effect for part of 2011 following resolution of the US-Mexico trucking dispute. This should provide some solid support for an expansion in US shipments and offset declines in other markets. Beginning stocks, which were historically high at the start of 2011, are expected to be drawn down during 2012. Butter: During 2011, Oceania butter prices (mid-point FOB) increased dramatically reaching nearly $5,000 per ton while European prices exceed $6,000 (mid-point FOB) per ton underscoring the tight global supply situation evident in the first half of the year. However, since July 1 through to end of November 2011, butter prices have dropped by nearly 20 per cent. Demand, nevertheless, appears to be holding as trade data indicates that imports this year for some key butterfat consuming countries through September 2011 remains strong. For example, Russian imports of butter (excluding Belarus) through September are up 16 per cent to 49,000 tons compared to 2010. This may explain why butter prices appear to have recently stabilised and may be an early indication of stronger prices particularly as the Oceania production season winds down. Butterfat production among selected countries is forecast to expand by two per cent in 2012, however, India which trades minimal volumes will account for the large majority of the expected increase. In Oceania, butterfat production for 2012 is forecast to remain largely unchanged from the prior year as milk supplies are expected to flow primarily into the production of WMP. However, exports are expected to increase by six per cent which is expected to reduce stock levels. EU-27 butterfat production is estimated to increase by two per cent in 2011 over the previous year due to the higher milk fat content in raw milk and strong export demand experienced in the first half of the year. However, total EU butter exports in the January-September 2011 period were down 24 per cent compared to the same period last year; consequently, total annual exports are currently pegged at well below 2010 levels. For 2012, production will grow less than 1 per cent and exports are forecast to grow modestly on the basis of export demand, particularly by Russia. US butter production for 2011 increased sharply as early year returns from butter/powder production favored a shift away from cheese. For 2012, relative values are expected to favor cheese production and butter production is forecast to drop by one per cent. Exports, which are forecast to grow by 34 per cent in 2011, are expected to drop in 2012 as US exporters face growing competition in international markets. US trade data for September and October 2011 has shown a marked decline in butterfat exports which may mark the beginning of slower sales. SMP: Exports of SMP from selected countries are expected to experience a banner year as shipments for 2011 are pegged to expand by 16 per cent over 2010. This was reflected by the rapid climb in Oceania SMP prices which by mid-year had soared to over $4,000 per ton (mid-point FOB) as strong demand from Asia pressured markets. Oceania prices have since corrected sharply, falling to around $3,350 per ton (mid-point FOB) by late October 2011. However, SMP prices in November have started to rise slightly, suggesting that purchasers may be starting to place orders as inventories are replenished. For 2012, exports are expected to contract marginally as a drop in US and EU-27 exports will be nearly offset by increases in Oceania. Shipments of Oceania SMP are projected to increase by almost nine per cent in 2012 to reach 635,000 tons. EU-27 exports of SMP are projected to expand by 19 per cent in 2011 driven by the increased availability of intervention stocks released to the market and strong export demand particularly from the North Africa and Far East import markets. For 2012, shipments of SMP are forecast to contract by seven per cent despite an expected rise in domestic production. Exports are expected to be constrained by domestic demand as stocks were largely drawn down during 2011. The 2011 (July) forecast for US exports of SMP for 2011 has been revised up by 5 per cent and shipments expected to set a record at 435,000 tons – up 13 per cent from the previous year. Trade data through October 2011, indicates that 143,000 tons of SMP has been shipped to Mexico making it by far the most important market for US SMP. For 2012, exports of US SMP are slated to decline by 8 per cent due to increased competition in the key Asian markets and a decline in Mexico’s expected purchases. On the import side, the 2012 outlook is mixed with some of the key Asian countries such as China, Indonesia, and the Philippines expected to register increased import volumes. China, which is rapidly becoming a key SMP import market, is forecast to grow by 19 per cent to reach 140,000 tons. In contrast, in other major markets such as Mexico and Algeria, imports for 2012 are projected to decline from 2011. However, these levels will still be historically high and well above import levels registered in 2010. Whole Milk Powder (WMP): Oceania WMP prices have followed a similar trajectory as SMP prices – peaking early in 2011 at around $4,600 per ton (mid-point FOB) and then dropping by 25 per cent to slightly over $3,425 per ton in October 2011. There are, however, signs that the market has stabilised and recent price increases, particularly during the peak production period in Oceania, point to resurgence in purchasing activity. China’s 2011 (July) import forecast has been pared back significantly – 19 per cent to 350,000 tons - as the pace of monthly imports has been slowing since mid-year. The high price of WMP has been attributed as a major factor in the drop in import demand as smaller processors are now sourcing their WMP from domestic producers. Most of the imported WMP is used for the manufacture of infant formula and processed foods such as yogurt, ice cream, UHT milk, etc. For 2012, imports of WMP are forecast to grow by seven per cent driven by domestic demand for processed dairy products and lingering concerns over the safety of domestic dairy products. New Zealand, which is projected to account for nearly 55 per cent of trade among selected exporters in 2011, is forecast to further increase its exports of WMP in 2012 by four per cent to 1.09 million tons. In contrast, EU-27 exports for 2012 are projected to remain stagnant relative to 2011 as stronger domestic competition for fluid milk supplies and a more competitive export market are expected to limit efforts to expand WMP production. The other major global supplier, Argentina, is forecast to increase 2012 WMP production by five per cent to 330,000 tons as milk production rises. Most of this will likely be destined to Venezuela, Algeria, and Brazil, which have been Argentina’s principal markets for WMP for the past five years (2006-2010). December 2011 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on December 22, 2011, 10:19:31 AM Wednesday, December 21, 2011 Print This Page Ron Plain: Cattle On Feed US - USDA's December cattle on feed report said both November placements and marketings were higher than expected, writes Ron Plain, University of Missouri. Ron Plain USDA said November placements of cattle into large feed yards (over 1,000 head capacity) were 4.1 per cent higher than in November 2010. The average of pre-release trade forecasts was for November placements to be down 0.4 per cent. November placements were the highest of any November since 2007. Thus far this year, placements have been above year-earlier levels in 7 of the 11 months. USDA said marketings of fed cattle from large feed yards during November totaled 1.77 million head, down 0.2 per cent compared to November 2010. The trade forecast November marketings to be down 1.5 per cent. The total number of cattle on feed at the start of December was up 4.0 per cent compared to December 2010. The pre-release survey of forecasts predicted an increase of 3.7 per cent. The number of cattle on feed has been above the year-earlier level for the last 19 months. The December inventory is the highest on-feed number for any December since 2007. The number of cattle placed on feed weighing less than 600 pounds was up 20.8 per cent from last November. Placements of feeders weighing 600 to 700 pounds were down 15.4 per cent; placements weighing 700 to 800 pounds were up 0.3 per cent, and placements weighing more than 800 pounds were up 10.8 per cent compared to a year earlier. The calculated average weight of cattle placed on feed during November was 4.1% higher than in November 2010. The average retail price for choice beef during November, $5.001 per pound, was up 6.8 cents from October, up 51.7 cents from November 2010, and record high for the fourth month in a row. Slaughter steer prices averaged $123.50/cwt in November, also a record. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on December 24, 2011, 11:33:17 AM Friday, December 23, 2011
Market Access For Live Cattle To UAE CANADA - The Government of Canada has reached a new agreement on an export certificate with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which means that live cattle can be exported to the UAE. Canadian exporters of live cattle will benefit from access to the UAE market. Industry estimates that the market could provide up to $40 million in sales. "This announcement instantly provides new export opportunities for Canadian producers, and is a significant step toward regaining access to other key markets in the region," said Minister of Agriculture Jerry Ritz. "Our Government's top priority remains the economy, and this new market access is good news for our hard working farmers across the country." "This is great news for Canadian cattle exporters, and yet another example of how our government's commitment to opening new markets for Canadian businesses and workers is getting results," said the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. "The UAE's announcement advances our bilateral commercial relations, and will help our overall efforts to build on our economic and trade ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council region as a whole." "We are pleased to have regained access to the UAE market," said Rick McRonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association. "This is good news for exporters who have been waiting to pursue this opportunity." The UAE is part of a regional trading block called the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The GCC is a priority market under Canada's Global Commerce Strategy. The announcement is symbolic of Canada's efforts to regain access to the entire GCC, which represents the fifth largest export destination for Canadian agri-food products. Canadian agri-food exports to the GCC surpassed $835 million in 2010. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on December 24, 2011, 11:38:12 AM How Did A Live Export Ban Affect Australia?
Live cattle exports to Indonesia fell by 30 per cent between July and September 2011. With 60 per cent of Australian cattle exported to Indonesia, Charlotte Johnston, TheCattleSite editor speaks to Lach McKinnon, CEO of Australian Livestock Exporters' Council about how the live export ban earlier this year affected Australian cattle exports. Earlier this year, undercover footage of Indonesian slaughter houses caused a public outcry. The government suspended live exports at the end of May, and in early June suspended all live exports after pressure was applied from the public and animal welfare groups. Although live cattle exports resumed to Indonesia in July 2011, the first shipment didn't leave until 11 August 2011. Between then and September 2011, 156,715 cattle were exported to Indonesia. This is a 30 per cent drop in cattle numbers, compared to the same period last year. This drop in exports is entirely due to the ban, and a low uptake in the first month of trade resumption. The ban was also imposed on the industry during peak time for live cattle exports, following the northern wet season (March through to around September). However Mr McKinnon said that peak periods in the lead up to religious celebrations such as Ramadan also drive demand. Following on from this, an number of reviews have been carried out. Mark 1 boxes were banned, as they did not comply with OIE regulations and cattle are now only exported to Australian approved abattoirs. Mr McKinnon says that independent auditors will review and assess each supply chain and that the industry is facilitating the rapid uptake of stunning in Indonesia. Estimating the cost to exporters of the ban, Mr McKinnon says that it is hard to calculate a cost. Exporters incurred major demurrage bills and the costs of feeding thousands of cattle that were stuck in depots and in transit to the depots. The Indonesian market is an important one for the Australian cattle industry. Mr McKinnon said that 521,002 head of cattle, or 60 per cent of all Australian cattle were exported to Indonesia. With this is mind it is understandable that last week's announcement by Indonesia has caused unrest and uncertainty in the Australian industry. The Indonesia Ministry of Agriculture agreed to pull back on Australia's 2012 import permits from 500,000 head a year to just 280,000 head. This news has not been received well in Queensland, which supplies 20 per cent of live cattle exports to Indonesia. AgForce Cattle president Grant Maudsley said the Indonesian decision will shake the confidence of Queensland graziers who are still hurting from the imposed ban on live cattle. Indonesia will now revise their import permits based on the domestic price of beef in Indonesia. If domestic prices rise sharply there is capacity for their Trade ministry to adjust import permits to allow more cattle and beef to enter their market from countries like Australia. If Indonesia follows through with these quota levels Australian cattle producers will need sell more of their livestock through saleyards and to abattoirs or find alternative markets. Concluding, Mr McKinnon said: "The future of the live trade is bright. We have huge expanding economies and populations immediately to our North that prefer fresh meat as opposed to frozen or fresh and Australia is best placed to provide this service in the most humane and efficient way." December 2011 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on December 28, 2011, 08:42:07 AM Dairy: World Markets and Trade - December 2011
Global dairy markets in early 2011 experienced a surge in prices as strong global import demand for dairy products outpaced available supplies. As a result, major producing countries, responding to high returns, expanded milk production significantly which increased the supply of available exportable dairy products, according to the USDA's World Dairy Market Outlook. Summary Consequently, in the last half of 2011 as favourable weather conditions ushered in Oceania’s production season, dairy commodity prices started to slip. Further pressuring dairy markets was undoubtedly a growing caution by buyers as the increasingly volatile financial situation in the EU grew to dominate the financial outlook. At present, global dairy prices appear to have settled although the forecast for Chinese imports of whole milk powder (WMP) in 2011 has been revised down significantly from July. In early 2011, China had absorbed a significant portion of the additional milk supplies on global markets through the substantial purchase of WMP thus underpinning international dairy prices. For 2012, Chinese purchases of WMP are expected to pick-up but at a more modest pace. WMP prices on the Global Dairy Trade platform, which covers future deliveries, have been rising tentatively suggesting that there is a growing current of underlying demand. From an economic standpoint, the outlook for 2012 is positive with global GDP slated to grow from a 2.7 per cent rate in 2011 to a 2.9 per cent rate in 2012. In the critical Asian and Oceania markets, GDP growth is expected to expand at a five per cent rate – up from the 4.2 per cent estimated for 2011. However, GDP growth in China is forecast to slow from 9.1 per cent to 8.5 per cent which could dampen growth in domestic demand and slow the rapid pace of increases in dairy product imports from the heady pace experienced in recent years. For 2012, milk production in the major producing countries is forecast to moderate while import demand for dairy products will remain relatively stable as developing countries – particularly in the critical Asian markets – continue to grow economically. Expanding populations and rising disposable incomes will be the key drivers. Consequently, it appears that the price correction for dairy commodities may be over and that there will be some price stability in 2012. However, the lack of any surplus stocks, particularly in the form of Government stocks, makes the market susceptible to any supply shocks and prices are likely to react rapidly. Milk Production: 2011 Forecast Summary After an anticipated sharp rebound in milk production in 2011, largely as a result of excellent forage conditions and high prices, Argentina’s dairy industry is expected to continue to expand in 2012 albeit at a slower pace. Domestic inflationary pressures are expected to squeeze profit margins; consequently, milk production growth is forecast to grow modestly by four per cent. Australian milk production is forecast to expand in 2012 by two per cent as pasture conditions and fodder availability are expected to be similar to 2011. The 2011 production season benefited greatly from the abundant rainfall in 2010 which set the stage for excellent growing conditions. Although drier conditions are expected to prevail for 2012 as rainfall patterns revert to the long-term average, the major constraining factors to additional output are expected to be the chronic shortage of replacement heifers and relatively high grain prices. After an excellent forage season, New Zealand’s forecast milk production for 2011 was revised up four per cent to 18.68 million tons – up nine per cent over the 2010 season. For 2012, milk output is expected to slow down and register a modest two per cent gain assuming normal weather conditions persist. The herd is expected to grow by 110,000 cows and milk output per cow is forecast to rise due to improved productivity gains. Milk output growth in the EU is forecast to slow down to 1 per cent in 2012 - down from the 2 per cent gain estimated gain for 2011 – as higher costs of production, lower consumption, and the clouded financial uncertainty are expected dampen expansion plans. In 2011, high farm gate prices as a result of higher domestic and international demand provided a strong incentive for dairy farmers to increase output. US milk production for 2012 is forecast to expand by one per cent which will be below the two per cent rate of growth currently estimated for 2011; dairy farmers are expected to face lower milk prices and relatively higher feed costs which is expected to pressure returns. Producers are currently projected to receive an annual average all milk price of around $18.10-$18.90 per cwt down from the estimated average of $20.05-20.15 per cwt in 2011. Although the herd is projected to contract, expected milk per cow increases are expected to lead to higher milk production. Most of the additional milk is likely to be channeled into the production of cheese. Cheese: Cheese production in Oceania for 2011 is projected to decline by one per cent over 2010 primarily due to a four per cent drop in New Zealand’s output. New Zealand’s projected jump in milk production for 2011 is expected to be used primarily to support the production of whole milk powder for the booming export sector. For 2012, New Zealand cheese production is forecast to rebound by 9 per cent. Exports, however, are expected to decline slightly leading to a slight increase in stock levels. New Zealand exports primarily to Japan, Australia, and South Korea. EU-27 cheese production is forecast to increase in 2011 and 2012 due to the expected increases in milk production and growing domestic consumption. Following an 18 per cent jump in cheese exports in 2010, EU exports for 2011 and 2012 are expected to continue to grow but at a more moderate pace – about three per cent annually. The major destinations for EU exports are Russia and the United States. EU shipments to Russia through September 2011 have declined by five per cent but have been offset by increased volumes- up 11 per cent – to the United States. US cheese production is projected to expand by one per cent in 2011 to 4.8 million tons largely as a result of high cheese prices driven in part by strong export demand. For 2012, favourable prices for cheese relative to SMP/butter are expected to lead to a three per cent increase in cheese production to a record 4.9 million tons with most of the additional cheese expected to be absorbed by domestic consumption. Exports for 2012 are forecast to grow at a much slower pace than the 22 per cent rate expected 2011 as global markets are likely to be more competitive and economic concerns may limit demand. Mexico which accounts for nearly 30 per cent of US cheese exports, will no longer apply the punitive tariffs which were in effect for part of 2011 following resolution of the US-Mexico trucking dispute. This should provide some solid support for an expansion in US shipments and offset declines in other markets. Beginning stocks, which were historically high at the start of 2011, are expected to be drawn down during 2012. Butter: During 2011, Oceania butter prices (mid-point FOB) increased dramatically reaching nearly $5,000 per ton while European prices exceed $6,000 (mid-point FOB) per ton underscoring the tight global supply situation evident in the first half of the year. However, since July 1 through to end of November 2011, butter prices have dropped by nearly 20 per cent. Demand, nevertheless, appears to be holding as trade data indicates that imports this year for some key butterfat consuming countries through September 2011 remains strong. For example, Russian imports of butter (excluding Belarus) through September are up 16 per cent to 49,000 tons compared to 2010. This may explain why butter prices appear to have recently stabilised and may be an early indication of stronger prices particularly as the Oceania production season winds down. Butterfat production among selected countries is forecast to expand by two per cent in 2012, however, India which trades minimal volumes will account for the large majority of the expected increase. In Oceania, butterfat production for 2012 is forecast to remain largely unchanged from the prior year as milk supplies are expected to flow primarily into the production of WMP. However, exports are expected to increase by six per cent which is expected to reduce stock levels. EU-27 butterfat production is estimated to increase by two per cent in 2011 over the previous year due to the higher milk fat content in raw milk and strong export demand experienced in the first half of the year. However, total EU butter exports in the January-September 2011 period were down 24 per cent compared to the same period last year; consequently, total annual exports are currently pegged at well below 2010 levels. For 2012, production will grow less than 1 per cent and exports are forecast to grow modestly on the basis of export demand, particularly by Russia. US butter production for 2011 increased sharply as early year returns from butter/powder production favored a shift away from cheese. For 2012, relative values are expected to favor cheese production and butter production is forecast to drop by one per cent. Exports, which are forecast to grow by 34 per cent in 2011, are expected to drop in 2012 as US exporters face growing competition in international markets. US trade data for September and October 2011 has shown a marked decline in butterfat exports which may mark the beginning of slower sales. SMP: Exports of SMP from selected countries are expected to experience a banner year as shipments for 2011 are pegged to expand by 16 per cent over 2010. This was reflected by the rapid climb in Oceania SMP prices which by mid-year had soared to over $4,000 per ton (mid-point FOB) as strong demand from Asia pressured markets. Oceania prices have since corrected sharply, falling to around $3,350 per ton (mid-point FOB) by late October 2011. However, SMP prices in November have started to rise slightly, suggesting that purchasers may be starting to place orders as inventories are replenished. For 2012, exports are expected to contract marginally as a drop in US and EU-27 exports will be nearly offset by increases in Oceania. Shipments of Oceania SMP are projected to increase by almost nine per cent in 2012 to reach 635,000 tons. EU-27 exports of SMP are projected to expand by 19 per cent in 2011 driven by the increased availability of intervention stocks released to the market and strong export demand particularly from the North Africa and Far East import markets. For 2012, shipments of SMP are forecast to contract by seven per cent despite an expected rise in domestic production. Exports are expected to be constrained by domestic demand as stocks were largely drawn down during 2011. The 2011 (July) forecast for US exports of SMP for 2011 has been revised up by 5 per cent and shipments expected to set a record at 435,000 tons – up 13 per cent from the previous year. Trade data through October 2011, indicates that 143,000 tons of SMP has been shipped to Mexico making it by far the most important market for US SMP. For 2012, exports of US SMP are slated to decline by 8 per cent due to increased competition in the key Asian markets and a decline in Mexico’s expected purchases. On the import side, the 2012 outlook is mixed with some of the key Asian countries such as China, Indonesia, and the Philippines expected to register increased import volumes. China, which is rapidly becoming a key SMP import market, is forecast to grow by 19 per cent to reach 140,000 tons. In contrast, in other major markets such as Mexico and Algeria, imports for 2012 are projected to decline from 2011. However, these levels will still be historically high and well above import levels registered in 2010. Whole Milk Powder (WMP): Oceania WMP prices have followed a similar trajectory as SMP prices – peaking early in 2011 at around $4,600 per ton (mid-point FOB) and then dropping by 25 per cent to slightly over $3,425 per ton in October 2011. There are, however, signs that the market has stabilised and recent price increases, particularly during the peak production period in Oceania, point to resurgence in purchasing activity. China’s 2011 (July) import forecast has been pared back significantly – 19 per cent to 350,000 tons - as the pace of monthly imports has been slowing since mid-year. The high price of WMP has been attributed as a major factor in the drop in import demand as smaller processors are now sourcing their WMP from domestic producers. Most of the imported WMP is used for the manufacture of infant formula and processed foods such as yogurt, ice cream, UHT milk, etc. For 2012, imports of WMP are forecast to grow by seven per cent driven by domestic demand for processed dairy products and lingering concerns over the safety of domestic dairy products. New Zealand, which is projected to account for nearly 55 per cent of trade among selected exporters in 2011, is forecast to further increase its exports of WMP in 2012 by four per cent to 1.09 million tons. In contrast, EU-27 exports for 2012 are projected to remain stagnant relative to 2011 as stronger domestic competition for fluid milk supplies and a more competitive export market are expected to limit efforts to expand WMP production. The other major global supplier, Argentina, is forecast to increase 2012 WMP production by five per cent to 330,000 tons as milk production rises. Most of this will likely be destined to Venezuela, Algeria, and Brazil, which have been Argentina’s principal markets for WMP for the past five years (2006-2010). December 2011 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on December 28, 2011, 08:50:54 AM Agricultural Commodities: Beef & Veal
The Australian weighted average saleyard price for beef cattle is forecast to remain relatively high in 2011–12 at an average of 326 cents a kilogram (dressed weight), according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) December Agricultural Commodities report. Saleyard prices are expected to be supported by a combination of strong domestic restocker demand for young cattle, limited supplies because of low slaughter rates and increased demand from emerging markets, including the Russian Federation and those in the Middle East and South-East Asia. Cattle numbers at 34-year high The national cattle herd is forecast to increase by five per cent in 2011–12 to 30.2 million head. This growth in the herd is supported by assumed continuation of favourable seasonal conditions, which are expected to lead to good pasture growth and replenished water supplies. The forecast cattle herd at the end of 2011–12 takes into account the preliminary estimate of herd numbers at the end of 2010–11 released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on 2 December 2011. The ABS estimates that cattle numbers rose by nine per cent to 28.8 million head as at 30 June 2011. Herd sizes rose in all states except Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Beef cattle slaughter is forecast to fall by two per cent in 2011–12 to around 7.9 million head, the lowest since 1995–96. While male cattle slaughter is forecast to rise, calf and female cattle slaughter are forecast to decline as producers seek to hold back stock to increase herd sizes. During the September quarter 2011, Australian male cattle slaughter was three per cent higher than for the same period last year. By comparison, female cattle slaughter fell by 13 per cent and calf slaughter fell by 11 per cent, year-on-year. Higher carcase weights driving production Despite the forecast reduction in total slaughter, Australian beef and veal production is forecast to remain largely unchanged in 2011–12 at 2.1 million tonnes. This is because widespread fodder availability throughout northern and eastern Australia and the greater proportion of adult males in total turn-off are expected to result in higher average carcase weights. In the first three months of 2011–12, national average adult carcass weights were four per cent higher than for the same period last year. Gains were highest in Tasmania (5.4 per cent), Queensland (4.8 per cent) and New South Wales (4.5 per cent), which together accounted for three-quarters of national production. Australian exports to remain steady Australian beef and veal exports are forecast to remain largely unchanged in 2011–12 at 941,000 tonnes (shipped weight). However, the trade is becoming increasingly diversified, with the proportion of beef and veal exported to the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea forecast to fall to 68 per cent. Over the past decade these three markets accounted for 82 per cent of Australian beef exports. Growth in export volumes to a number of emerging markets, including many ASEAN countries and the Middle East, is expected. Exports to the United States Over the first four months of 2011–12 Australian beef and veal exports to the United States were 11 per cent lower than for the same period in 2010–11. This decline was in response to several factors. First, US beef production remained historically high as drought-induced herd liquidation continued, particularly in the southern states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico. This resulted in higher domestic supplies and reduced demand for imported product during that period. Second, poor seasonal conditions resulted in reduced average slaughter weights. This led to relatively more beef being redirected into grinding, reducing demand for Australian manufacturing beef. Over the remainder of 2011–12, total beef and veal exports to the United States are forecast to recover from the low shipments of the first four months. For 2011–12 as a whole, total export shipments to the United States are forecast to be unchanged from 2010–11 at 160 000 tonnes (shipped weight). In the southern states cattle slaughter is expected to remain high in the absence of any improvement in seasonal conditions, resulting in continued high production of manufacturing beef. For total beef production, the United States Department of Agriculture is still forecasting a two per cent decline in 2011–12, which ref lects the more favourable seasonal conditions in northern states where producers are expected to rebuild herds. Lower domestic production and forecast higher US beef exports into the Pacific markets are expected to support demand for imported beef, including from Australia, over the remainder of 2011–12. However, the assumed strong Australian exchange rate against the US dollar and strong competition from Canadian and Mexican beef remain the risk factors to the outlook for Australian beef exports to the United States. Increased competition from the United States in Japan Australian beef exports to Japan are forecast to fall by four per cent in 2011–12 to 336,000 tonnes (shipped weight). This forecast decline ref lects the combined effect of expected stable beef consumption in Japan and increased competition from US beef in the Japanese market. Japanese consumers have a preference for higher marbled US beef, and recent exchange rate movements have increased the competitiveness of US beef against Australian beef In Japan, consumption of imported frozen beef rose because of increasing demand in the food service sector, but this was offset by declining sales of premium fresh and chilled cuts. There has also been increased substitution of pork and chicken for beef. Over the past decade, Japanese pork and chicken consumption per person rose by 23 per cent and 21 per cent respectively, while per person beef consumption fell by 25 per cent. Exports to the Republic of Korea to rise Australian beef exports to the Republic of Korea are forecast to rise by four per cent in 2011–12 to 145,000 tonnes (shipped weight). The share of Australian imports in the Korean beef import market has been declining because of increasing competition from US beef. Consumer acceptance of US beef after its re-entry to the Korean market in 2007–08 accelerated as it has become more widely distributed, especially in the food service sector. Despite a declining cattle herd, US beef export volumes to the Republic of Korea rose by 47 per cent year-on-year during the first three months of 2011–12, compared with a 12 per cent rise for Australian beef exports. Over the remainder of 2011–12, Australia is expected to be the primary supplier of imported chilled beef to the Republic of Korea. For the past five years, Australian chilled beef made up 78 per cent of the total chilled beef import market in the Republic of Korea. The recent growth in US beef exports to the Republic of Korea has primarily been for lower value frozen cuts. Growth in exports to other markets Australian beef exports to markets other than Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea are forecast to grow by five per cent in 2011–12 to 300,000 tonnes (shipped weight). Entry of the Russian Federation to the World Trade Organisation from December 2011 is expected to result in Australia gaining improved access to that market. Beef exports to the Middle East are also forecast to increase, by around 15 per cent in 2011–12 to 34,000 tonnes. Exports to ASEAN countries (excluding Indonesia) are also forecast to grow by five per cent to a total of 48,000 tonnes in 2011–12. Live cattle exports to fall From 1 July to 6 December 2011, around 253,500 cattle for feeder and slaughter purposes were exported from Australia. Of these, around 65 per cent were exported to Indonesia. Among other markets, the largest were Israel (24,830 head), Turkey (16,530) and Egypt (14,600). For 2011–12 as a whole, Australian exports of live cattle are forecast to fall by 31 per cent to 500 000 head. Since the resumption of trade with Indonesia, shipments to that country have averaged around 36,000 head per month, compared with a monthly average of 58,000 head at the height of the trade in 2008–09. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on December 29, 2011, 02:13:06 PM Wednesday, December 28, 2011 Toxins Found In Tainted Milk Brand Product CHINA - Cancer-causing toxins have been found in a batch of milk manufactured by the Chinese dairy giant Mengniu Group. The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine on Saturday published the result of a random check of 200 dairy products in 21 provinces, and two products, including one manufactured by Mengniu, were found to contain excessive aflatoxin. Despite the company's declaration on Monday that the entire tainted batch was destroyed in its branch plant in Meishan, Sichuan province, before it could reach the market, people are still concerned over whether milk they have bought is safe to consume. While the national standard allowed a maximum of 0.5 micrograms carcinogenic content in a kg of milk, the official test found 1.2 micrograms of the toxic substance in the Mengniu sample. The sample product was a 250 ml pack of pure milk produced on Dec 18, according to the test result published on the website of the general administration. Aflatoxin is virulent in terms of toxicity and is classified as a first-class carcinogen by the World Health Organisation. "Experiments on animals have demonstrated a strong carcinogenic effect of the substance, and studies about epidemic diseases indicate that the content of the substance in food is relevant to the incidence of liver cancer," said Fan Zhihong, associate professor with China Agricultural University's college of food science and nutrition engineering. She also commented that the carcinogens can accumulate in the human body, and is resistant to heat. "It dissolves when the temperature reaches nearly 300C, which means high temperature disinfection or pasteurizing (a common disinfection method used in the dairy industry) cannot kill it at all." Dairy experts said the source of the problem might be traced to cattle feed being contaminated by aflatoxin. "Cattle feed, such as corn, rice and soybean, will produce the poison after having been stored for a long time," said Wang Dingmian, chairman of the Guangzhou Dairy Association. Mengniu apologized to consumers on its website on Sunday, without mentioning the cause of the incident. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on December 30, 2011, 11:07:15 AM Wednesday, December 28, 2011 Commercial Red Meat Production Down in November US - Commercial red meat production was down two per cent in November, according to the latest Livestock Slaughter report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.26 billion pounds in November, down 2 per cent from the 4.33 billion pounds produced in November 2010. Pork production totaled 2.09 billion pounds, up 1 per cent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.04 million head, up 1 per cent from November 2010. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 278 pounds. Beef production, at 2.15 billion pounds, was 4 per cent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.79 million head, down 3 per cent from November 2010. The average live weight was down 6 pounds from the previous year, at 1,293 pounds. Veal production totaled 10.8 million pounds, 5 per cent below November a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 73,000 head, up slightly from November 2010. The average live weight was down 14 pounds from last year, at 255 pounds. Lamb and mutton production, at 12.6 million pounds, was down 12 per cent from November 2010. Sheep slaughter totaled 186,700 head, 15 per cent below last year. The average live weight was 135 pounds, up 4 pounds from November a year ago. January to November 2011 commercial red meat production was 45.0 billion pounds, up 1 per cent from 2010. Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 3 per cent, pork was up 2 per cent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 9 per cent. November 2010 and November 2011 both contained 22 weekdays (including 2 holidays) and 4 Saturdays. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on December 30, 2011, 11:09:14 AM Thursday, December 29, 2011
Cattle Outlook: Retail Beef Prices Still High US - Retail beef prices rose in November for the fourth consecutive month and set a new record for the third consecutive month, writes Ron Plain, University of Missouri. Ron PlainThe average price of choice beef in grocery store meat cases in November was $5.001 per pound. That was up 6.8 cents from the October record and up 51.7 cents from November 2010. The average retail price of all fresh beef also was record high at $4.504 per pound in November. Since the per capita beef supply is expected to be four to five per cent lower in 2012, many more months of record retail beef prices are likely in the coming year. Packer margins continue to be very tight. The October farm to wholesale price spread (23.2 cents) was the lowest since November 2004. The November spread was higher (30.5 cents) but still the second lowest since February 2010. The declining cattle herd (the 2011 US calf crop was smaller than the year before for the 16th consecutive year) has left us with surplus slaughter capacity. Since no turnaround in cattle numbers is likely soon, the closing of another cattle kill plant is likely. The average live weight price of slaughter steers in November was a record $123.50/cwt, up $3.20 from the October record. There was 438 million pounds of beef in cold storage at the end of November, up 0.5 per cent from a year earlier. Fed cattle prices jumped this week to the second highest weekly average ever. The 5-area average price for slaughter steers sold through Thursday of this week on a live weight basis was $125.38/cwt, up $6.56 from last week and $22.91/cwt above the same week last year. Steers sold on a dressed weight basis averaged $201.42/cwt, $7.38 higher than the week before and $37.79 above a year ago. Beef cutout value was also higher this week. On Friday morning, the choice boxed beef carcass cutout value was $192.28/cwt, up $1.96 from last week. The select carcase cutout was up $3.29 from the previous Friday to $176.42 per hundred pounds of carcase weight. The choice-select spread, $15.87, was down $1.31 from a week earlier. The cutout value of choice steers is $9.14/cwt below the dressed weight cattle price. This week’s cattle slaughter totaled 598,000 head, down 6.9 per cent from the week before but up 9.7 per cent compared to a year ago. The average steer dressed weight for the week ending 10 December was 853 pounds, down two pounds from the week before and also down two pounds from a year ago. Cash bids for feeder cattle around the country this week were mostly $4 lower to $4 higher than the week before. Prices this week at Oklahoma City were $2 lower to $2 higher with price ranges for medium and large frame #1 steers: 400-450# $192.50-$194, 450-500# $163-$166, 500-550# $155.50-$165, 550-600# $150.50-$161, 600-650# $144-$154, 650-700# $143.50-$153, 700-750# $141-$147, 750-800# $139-$148, 800-900# $131-$138 and one small group of 900-1000# at $131/cwt. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on December 31, 2011, 01:41:20 PM ..
South Korea takes "major step" to accepting Canada beef Reuters – 7 hours ago.. . . (Reuters) - South Korea has taken a "major step" to ending an eight-year-old ban on imports of Canadian beef, Canada's agriculture and trade ministers said on Friday. The South Korean Parliament ratified import health requirements for Canadian beef under 30 months of age on Friday, one of the final steps to ending the ban, the ministers said in a release. South Korea is the last major beef-importing country to agree to lower its restrictions on Canadian beef, since a 2003 case of mad-cow disease (BSE) in Canada. "This has been a long journey and today's announcement is a big step forward for our hard-working beef producers to once again bring their world class product to the South Korean marketplace," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. Canada is the world's third-biggest beef shipper and in 2002, prior to the ban, South Korea was Canada's fourth biggest beef market. South Korea also initially banned U.S. beef but later allowed in U.S. beef within the 30-month age limit. Canada complained about South Korea's ban to the World Trade Organization, but suspended its case earlier this year after South Korea said it would resume trade by the end of 2011. The WTO case remains suspended pending South Korea's final steps to reopening trade, which include issuing a list of approved Canadian beef exporters, Ritz and Canada Trade Minister Ed Fas t said. It expects South Korea to complete the final steps in early 2012. Mad cow disease, formally known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, is a human health concern as it is believed humans can get a similar fatal brain disease by eating infected parts from cattle with the disease. (Reporting by Rod Nickel; Editing by David Gregorio) Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 03, 2012, 08:28:38 AM Friday, December 30, 2011
Developing New Forage Markets CANADA - Canadian farmers will benefit from the continued expansion of international forage markets thanks to the support of the Government of Canada. Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Wanuskewin, announced on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz an investment of more than $85,000 to the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) to enhance the competitiveness of forage farmers internationally. "Our Government’s top priority remains the economy, and Canada’s agriculture industry plays an important role in keeping our economy strong," said MP Vellacott. "This investment will help our farmers strengthen our economy and solidify their reputation as a premier supplier of forage to the world by expanding market access for their top-quality products." This investment will enable the CFGA to develop promotion and information packages for international buyers, prepare market development display materials, and participate in international trade shows. These efforts will help the CFGA establish new business contacts and create new export opportunities to increase farmer profitability. "Support from the AgriMarketing Program is key to helping the forage export sector of the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association not only identify the main export markets, but also to expand market access and promote the marketing of Canadian forage products into these markets," said CFGA Executive Director Wayne Digby. "This funding will help us focus on markets such as the US, China and the Middle East." Canada's forages are internationally recognized due to Canada’s world class processing facilities, clean, natural growing environments, and leading edge infrastructure for transportation. In 2010, Canada exported more than $90 million worth of hay and forage products to over 20 different countries. Canada is the third largest exporter of forages in the world, and has approximately 10 per cent of the world market share. The announcement is part of an $88 million investment provided through the AgriMarketing program under Growing Forward, which helps industry implement long-term international strategies including activities such as international market development, industry-to-industry trade advocacy, and consumer awareness and branding. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 03, 2012, 08:32:41 AM Feeding Strategies For Heifers
Replacement heifers are the future of the dairy herd, but very little research is focused on these animals. Researchers at the University of British Columbia’s Dairy Education and Research Centre have recently completed three experiments designed to determine the effects of different methods of feeding weaned five to eight month old Holstein heifers. For all three experiments, electronic feed bins were used that identify individual heifers housed in a group pen and record the timing and amount of feed eaten during each visit to a feed bin (Figure 1). Feed samples were also taken to determine if heifers preferentially selected certain components of a total mixed-ration. Figure 1: Electronically controlled feed bins used to study the feeding behaviour of growing heifers. There are different strategies used to feed replacement heifers. One approach is limit feeding, where they are fed a restricted amount of a nutrient-rich diet. But limit fed heifers typically spend less time eating than they would under natural grazing conditions and spend more time standing (not eating) and may show higher rates of vocalisation associated with hunger. An alternative to limit feeding is to provide unlimited feed that is less nutrient-dense so that the heifers can eat as much as they like, when they like. A less nutrient-dense diet is achieved by diluting the diet with a low-quality feedstuff, such as straw. In the first experiment we tested the effect of adding rye strawto TMR on the intake and behavior of heifers.After a week of adaptation, six heifers were fed three different diets for one week each.The three diets were the control diet (corn silage,grass silage and concentrates), the control diet plus 10 per cent straw and the control diet plus 20 per cent straw. Adding straw to the diet changed the feeding behavior of heifers in several ways. Adding straw increased average meal times from 38 minutes on the control diet to 41 and 43 minutes, for 10 per cent and 20 per cent straw, respectively.This translated into more time spent feeding each day. Heifers consuming the 10 per cent strawration spent 13 minutes longer eating each day and those on the 20 per cent straw ration ate for an extra 19 minutes. Heifers fed with 20 per cent added straw also decreased feeding rate, meal size and number of meals consumed per day. These changes in feeding behavior were due in part to an increase in time spent sorting. Heifers sorted their feed preferentially for concentrate and smaller particles (corn silage) and selected against long particles (straw). Heifers consuming the control and 10 per cent straw diets showed similar body weight gains averaging 1.0 kg per day, but heifers on the 20 per cent straw diet gained 0.9 kg per day. These results suggest that adding 10 per cent straw may be optimal in terms of reducing feed costs and satisfying natural feeding behavior without slowing growth. Our second study focused on the effects of feeding methods on feed-sorting behavior in heifers. After a week of adaptation, six heifers were tested on each of the three treatments for one week each.Treatments consisted of two kg of grain concentrate and unlimited grass hay provided in three different ways; separately (grain and hay), as a top-dressed ration or as a total mixed ration (TMR). When heifers were fed grain and hay in separate bins or the grain was top-dressed on the grass hay, heifers quickly ate the grain in a few large meals before they began eating the hay. When the two feed components were mixed together (i.e. TMR) the feed intake of each component was more balanced throughout the day and feed sorting behavior was reduced. Given the high forage component of growing heifer diets it is expected that feeding times will be longer than three hours per day. Moreover, given that heifers are fed and tend to eat at the same time,it is important to consider how much competition there is for access to feed and how this affects their feeding behavior. These factors were investigated in the third experiment. Figure 2. Hourly averages for feeding time (min) for growing dairy heifers fed noncompetitively (1 heifer/feed bin) or competitively (2 heifers/feed bin). Data show feeding times. Thirty-six heifers were tested during two treatments. In the “non-competitive” treatment each heifer could access feed from a single feed bin.In the “competitive”treatment pairs of heifers had to each share a feed bin. The groups were balanced for age and weight. Competition did not change feed intake or feed-sorting behavior but the treatment did alter feeding patterns, especially during peak feeding times. Figure 2 shows how competitively fed heifers spent less time eating, especially during peak feeding times in the morning and evening. Heifers in the competitive treatment spent about 15 minutes less time feeding each day, had nine per cent fewer meals per day and ate larger, longer meals. To maintain the same intake, they ate faster to compensate for the shorter feeding times in the competitive situation. The day-to-day variation in feeding behaviour also tended to be higher in the competing heifers. In conclusion, providing the diet in the form of aTMR minimises sorting behavior by heifers, and diluting this with some low-quality feed such as straw increases feeding time. Providing adequate feed bunk space for each heifer is also essential as it will allow all animals access to feed at peak feeding times, when they are highly motivated to feed. November 2011 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 09, 2012, 12:00:49 AM Friday, January 06, 2012 Philippines Improves Dairy Competitiveness PHILIPPINES - The Philippines has partnered with the Babcock Institute for International Dairy Research and Development (IDRD) to upgrade farmers’ global competitiveness even as the country now produces Dutch-origin Gouda Cheese under a two-pronged livelihood creation and import substitution programme. ManilaBulletin reports that the Filipino dairy farmers linked with the Dairy Confederation of the Philippines have started collaborating for a training program with the IDRD in the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison to be able to acquire any global best practices in dairying. The programme, supported with financing by the US Department of Agriculture and US dairy cooperative Land O’Lakes, sent in the second semester of 2011 eight dairy industry leaders to the IDRD. The dairy training partnership programme included dairy herd improvement, marketing and value-added products, UW Cooperative Extension System, UW Center for Dairy Profitability, dairy cattle nutrition and feeding, Forage Center Activities, Basic dairy cattle health, Milk quality testing, and cow comfort and Facility Design and Biological Systems Engineering. Government agencies have been supporting local dairy development as the sector has tremendous growth potential considering the huge market with the country’s dairy imports reaching $500 to $700 million annually. A Gouda Cheese development programme is now under the Philippine Council for Agriculture Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development’s (PCARRD) Technomart programme. Here, dairy producers belonging to the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC) based at El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental are aided on raising their revenue as they produce Gouda Cheese, butter, lactoflan, and other flavored milk products. With agencies like the National Dairy Authority (NDA) assisting in quality control of the dairy products, the Gouda Cheese of NMFDC has been purchased by the Dutch flag carrier KLM and has gained acceptance from recognised hotels. “Fresh milk and other products produced and processed by NDA-assisted dairy farmers meet dairy industry standards. Customers-such as premium coffee shops and first-class hotels-are assured of quality items. Gouda cheese (Queso de Oro) has passed the discriminating test of cheese lovers,” reported NDA. The NMFDC’s Gouda Cheese, stored at four to eight degrees centigrade for at least six months, have gained a market for its flavor. As storing process raises production cost, PCARRD has extended a help to the NMFDC through a biogas digester facility that has become a cheap source of energy for the storage facility. The power facility uses manure of dairy animals as gas source. The programme has also identified a dairy expert called “Magsasaka Siyentista” (MS) to aid other dairy producers in adopting best practices. The MS, Crescencio Barros, has been able to prove that temperate purebreds Holstein, Freisian, Jersey, Guernsey, and Brown Swiss can thrive in the country. The MS programme is helping other dairy producers address shortage of forage, produce concentrate feeds, and carry out rotational grazing. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 10, 2012, 04:52:54 AM Print This Page
Australian Genetics for UK Dairy Farmers UK - Australian dairy cattle genetics are to be imported into the UK offering a range of options for dairy farmers including outcross and cross-breeding. The genetics from Holstein, Jersey and Aussie Red bulls will help dairy farmers produce more milk from home grown forage feed and will produce cattle with a better stature that not only give a longer milk production but also have the benefit of producing dairy bull calves with a better meat conformation. The genetics are being imported into the UK from Genetics Australia by Sterling Sires. Farmers are looking for different genetics to stay in the herd book," said Sterling Sires director Paul Westaway. He added that there are close similarities between production systems in the UK and many parts of Australia, where they are geared to producing as much milk as possible from grazing and conserved forages together with concentrate supplements. "Typically, the daughters of GA sires are medium-sized with good style and robust functional conformation," Mr Westaway added. He said that while they present pedigree breeders with new bloodlines, they also present an opportunity to cross breeders, because the date of the sires is fully traceable. Apart from the Holstein and Jersey sires Sterling Sires will also be importing genetics from Australian Red bulls - a combination of Scandinavian Red and Australian Shorthorn bloodlines. GA export director, Rob Derksen said that the potential for the GA lines existed because of the similarity between the dairy farming approached in Australia in states such as Victoria and in the UK. He said the new genetics on offer presented farmers with traits that include a measurable profitability and good milk fat and protein, with good survival and longevity including overall type, pin set, udder depth and likeability, good daughter fertility, mastitis resistance, good liveweight and long milking span. He said that whereas in the UK the average milking life for a cow was three lactations for Australian Holsteins it was 4.6 lactations and for Australian Jerseys it was 4.3. The average lactation was over 300 days. The better conformation with a shorter sturdier and broad animal also meant that there was a better use for the bull calves within the meat industry. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 11, 2012, 03:49:24 AM Unwanted Fungal Growth on Dry-cured Meat Products
The growth of yeast and mould fungus often poses a threat to the quality of dry-cured meat and is a problem facing producers all over the world. Penicillium spp. credit: Dereje Asefa Fungal growth can lead to bad quality products, increased production costs and health issues in consumers. In Norway, there is a low incidence of fungal growth on dry-cured meat products compared with products from Southern Europe. But producers still want to find out more about which fungi grow on foods of this kind and about their effect on the food's quality and safety. The research project is the result of a collaboration between a dry-cured meat producer, The Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Nofima, Animalia and The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science and has provided new knowledge and recommendations about how the industry can combat these problems. The aim of this doctoral study was to identify the fungi that grow on Norwegian products, appraise their significance, chart sources of contamination and propose measures. The study began by identifying mould fungus associated with Norwegian dry-cured meat products. Moulds of the genus Penicillium predominated in the trials carried out on these products. Most of the species of Penicillium that were found are capable of producing fungal toxins. When they develop on dry-cured meat products, they can potentially affect and reduce the safety and quality of the products. Fungal growth dynamics Dereje T. Asefa's doctoral project involved studying cured mutton and two cured ham products made by a Norwegian cured meat manufacturer and taking samples throughout the whole production process in order to gain insight into the growth dynamics of the fungi. In this way, Asefa managed to identify sources and factors contributing to fungal growth on the products and was able to suggest preventive measures. Of a total of 901 fungal isolates, 57% were mould fungi, while 43% were yeasts. Yeasts predominated on the surface of the meat products, whereas mould predominated amongst the environmental samples. The diversity of yeast species was greatest before salting, where the yeast fungus Candida zeylanoides was most prevalent. The latter is a species which can under certain circumstances lead to disease. The meat samples taken on arrival at the factory were contaminated with this yeast and the source of contamination was outside the production plant. But after salting, and especially after smoking, the yeast fungus Debaryomyces hansenii fortunately took over, to the detriment of C. zeylanoides. Yeasts were discovered in 1/3 of the environmental samples. D. hansenii was not detected in the air, but predominated in the samples taken from machines and production equipment. Twice as many fungal species in the environment as on the products Mould fungi were detected in the environmental samples taken throughout the production process. Fungal growth on the products themselves was however not detected until the beginning of the drying and maturation process, gradually increasing in numbers thereafter. Of the 39 fungal species isolated, the genus Penicillium predominated. The quality of the air inside the plant was worse than that of the air outside and had a higher concentration of most of the species of mould fungi that were found on the dry-cured meat products. Penicillium was discovered both on the products and in the production environment, but less than half as many fungal species were detected on the products themselves as in the environmental samples. At the species level, P. nalgiovense was the most prevalent – a species that is known to be able to form penicillin, but no penicillin was detected when the fungus grew on meat. Sources of contamination The results of the study show that the main sources of contamination from fungi in the finished products are to be found within the production plant. Local strains of P. nalgiovense and D. hansenii were found in the production plant and preventive measures must focus on these two species. The charting process uncovered three important elements in the production chain which create favourable conditions for the growth of fungi: the way the meat is pressed, the quality of the air and the sorting process. Measures involving both technical and organisational solutions have been proposed. Hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP)-plan The fact that the yeast fungus D. hansenii and the mould fungus P. nalgiovense predominate towards the end of the production process is considered to be a positive development, since both these species are used as starter cultures for improving the sensory quality of dry-cured meat products in Southern European countries. These fungi are known for their ability to oust other microorganisms, both toxigenic and pathogenic, and therefore help to improve food safety. But the study also shows that pathogenic yeasts and mould fungi capable of producing fungal toxins can grow on these products and have a potentially detrimental effect on food safety. All producers should therefore introduce measures to safeguard food safety in this respect. A HACCP plan based on the project's findings was drawn up for the company involved in the study. The plan includes measures to combat both pathogenic yeasts and toxigenic fungal species. December 2011 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 12, 2012, 10:31:17 AM Wednesday, January 11, 2012 CME: Cattle Futures Down, Concern Over Demand US - Live cattle futures were modestly lower on Monday as market participants continue to fret about the state of beef demand, writes Steve Meyer and Len Steiner. Beef supplies at the moment appear to be at or above year ago levels and there is some concern about the ability of the market to absorb higher supplies at current price levels. The choice beef cutout closed on Monday at $189.6/cwt., about $4.5/cwt. or 2.3 per cent lower than on 3 January but still some 13.3 per cent higher than the same period a year ago. While choice beef has shown some weakness, which is not all that unusual following the seasonal decline in some popular holiday features, the select cutout has held up well. On Monday the composite select cutout closed at $179.5/cwt., about the same as last Tuesday and 11.3 per cent higher than the same period a year ago. In the last two years, both the choice and select cutout have trended higher into mid January, pulled back some into late February and then surged higher into March and April as retailers and foodservice operators prepare for the start of the grilling season in May (there is some lag between the time wholesale orders come in and when the product will be marketed). It is still too early to make any pronouncements about trends given the few data points for the year but this is an issue that will be watched closely given the lofty price levels for a number of beef items . Our report yesterday showed weekly slaughter tabulations but, as usual, the year to year comparisons for the holiday weeks are somewhat skewed and tell us little about the general trend in terms of steer, heifer and cow slaughter. The attached charts should be familiar to regular readers. They track a rolling seven day total of US cow slaughter and compare it to slaughter data for same timeframe during the previous two years. After the normal holiday break, both fed and non fed cattle slaughter is now above year ago levels. Based on the preliminary slaughter data, US steer and heifer slaughter for the seven days ending 9 January was 533,000 head, 8.7 per cent higher than the same period a year ago. Cow and bull slaughter during the same period was estimated at 151,000 head, 3.4 per cent higher than the same period a year ago. The big cow slaughter numbers are somewhat surprising given how aggressive producers were in liquidating the herd last fall. With improving feed supplies and strong calf prices, there is an expectation that cow slaughter will slow down in the first half of the year. It is possible that the surge in cow slaughter will be short lived, driven in part by “tax cows” (cows that were not sold until the start of the year so as not to count in the past tax year). Prices for US lean grinding beef are currently past the $2 mark and should cow slaughter start to dry up, we could see notably higher ground beef prices in Q1. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 13, 2012, 02:10:25 AM Beef Demand Is Key To Cattle Prices
US - Beef and cattle prices increased to new record levels in 2011 and are expected to push even higher in 2012, writes Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University. Several years of declining cattle inventories culminated in late 2011 with a projected 3.0 per cent decrease in slaughter that combined with lighter carcase weights to result in a 3.8 per cent less beef in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to a year earlier. For 2012, slaughter is forecast to drop another five plus per cent and, even with an expected increase in carcass weights, will result in a nearly four per cent drop in beef production for the year. Decreasing beef production ensures that wholesale and retail beef prices will be pushed even higher in 2012. Cattle supplies that are even tighter, on a relative basis, likewise ensure that fed and feeder prices will be pushed to the limit and maintain strong negative pressure on feedlot, packing and retail margins. Weather conditions that determine whether the drought in the South continues or abates will determine whether feeder cattle supplies remain merely very tight or move to extremely tight should heifer retention accelerate in 2012. While supply is clearly the main driver pushing cattle and beef prices upward, it is consumer beef demand that will determine just how far prices will go. It is not really a question of whether prices will be higher but rather a question of how much higher. Ignoring trade for a moment (though it continues to play an increasingly important role in the US beef industry), it is domestic demand that is the biggest unknown in 2012. Consumer demand for beef (or indeed any product) is a combination of "willingness" and "ability" to purchase a given quantity of a product at a given price. Typically, when nothing else changes, consumers will pay higher prices when quantity is less and will only purchases greater quantities at lower prices. Declining beef production in 2012 already suggests higher prices for this reason. However, other factors can change that affect the overall level of demand. Among the "willingness" factors for beef is the underlying desire that consumers have for beef or what are commonly referred to as the preferences for a product. There is no significant indication that consumer preferences for beef have declined. Even as consumers have been forced to adjust spending patterns in recent years (discussed below), beef preferences remain strong. However, beef is not one product but many different products and there are questions of whether consumer preferences have changed in terms of the mix of beef products desired. Steak, though still popular, may be viewed now by consumers as more of a special occasion meal, while ground beef demand continues to grow, including demand for premium ground beef products. It will take time before the extent and permanency of these apparent changes in preferences is determined. Other short run factors may also affect willingness to purchase beef products. Consumer decisions are driven by value, which is a combination of preferences and price of a product relative to other products that may be substitutes. In the case of beef, these are other meat products, mostly pork and poultry. Therefore, beef demand at any point in time, will be determined in part by the prices of pork and poultry relative to beef. In 2011, pork prices, like beef, moved to new record levels thus maintaining a relative balance between beef and pork prices. Through the first 11 months of 2011, retail beef and pork prices both increased about 10 percent year over year. During the same period, retail broiler prices increased only about 2 percent. This is another sign of strong beef preferences relative to chicken. Anticipated decreases in broiler production in 2012 should support broiler prices and provide additional support for higher beef prices. Since 2008, the "ability" part of beef demand has played a bigger role in beef demand than for many years prior. The recession of 2008 and 2009 caused significant adjustments in consumer spending and may have permanently changed spending patterns. Macroeconomic measures provide a general backdrop for consumer spending ability. Post-recessionary GDP growth in 2010 was followed by weaker than expected growth in 2011in the US economy and many other countries as well. The tsunami in Japan and the continuing fragile economic situation in the Euro area limited global growth. General expectations for 2012 are for continued anemic macroeconomic performance in the US and most major developed and developing countries. In the US, unemployment, though down from recessionary peaks, remains stubbornly high with little decrease through most of 2011. Inflation-adjusted personal disposable income decreased slightly from 2010 levels in the second and third quarters of 2011. Data for the fourth quarter are not yet available. However, personal savings rates, which jumped sharply during and immediately after the recession, fell back to a more modest level in late 2011 and likely supported additional consumer spending. Anecdotal indications of strong holiday spending suggest that consumers have adjusted to the post-recession environment. Recent stories of large winter crowds at vacation venues such as Disney World are indications that consumers are moving past recession-induced retrenchment to more typical consumption, albeit with continued belt-tightening. Beef middle meat prices improved noticeably in the last quarter of 2011 and the Restaurant Performance Index, which has improved erratically during the recovery, moved towards a strong finish for the year with the latest November data. Cattle and beef prices will be higher in 2012 but just how much higher depends on consumer demand. Continued fragility of the US, as well as the global, economy make demand the biggest question mark for the beef industry in the New Year. Though consumer preferences for beef remain strong, they may have changed. Consumer reaction to higher prices may result in additional changes in demand for middle meats relative to end meats and for away-from-home versus at-home beef consumption. In the absence of major US or global macroeconomic weakness, beef demand is sufficiently strong to support higher beef and cattle prices in 2012 but exactly how that demand will be manifest across different cuts and qualities of beef remains to be seen. January 2012 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 13, 2012, 02:16:28 AM Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Calls To Halt EU Live Exports To Turkey EU & TURKEY - Investigations into live animal transport from the EU to Turkey have revealed a crisis at the border as exports to Turkey in 2011 rocketed to over one million animals. Animal welfare organisations are now calling for EU exports to Turkey to be suspended. Three European animal welfare organisations, Compassion in World Farming, Eyes on Animals and Animal Welfare Foundation, carried out three investigations in 2011 on the border between the EU and Turkey. What they found confirmed their findings from a similar investigation in October 2010. Out of 158 vehicles checked at the border, an alarming 67 per cent broke the EU’s regulations on the welfare of animals during transport. With this in mind they are pushing for EU exports to Turkey to be suspended. Speaking at a press briefing today Andrea Gavinelli from the European Commission (DG SANCO) said that it was not possible for the Commission to impose this unilaterally. Responding to a question on what the Commission is doing, he said that the Commission will try and meet with member state authorities and gather all the players around the table soon. He added that this issue had already been raised in the standing committee and that the meeting with member states would take place over the next month, no later than March. What are the issues? The problems are compounded by delays often lasting hours, sometimes even days at the border, caused by defective paperwork and strict import checks. In one case, two trucks carrying Greek sheep were stuck at the border for four days. In all, 14 of the sheep died as a result of this prolonged delay. Peter Stevenson, Compassion in World Farming’s Chief Policy Advisor, says: “This inhumane trade has grown very quickly and, with over one million sheep and cattle exported to Turkey in the last year, is now one of the world’s largest live export trades. Packed into overcrowded trucks, the animals suffer terribly during the long journeys and the protracted delays at the border. They become desperate with thirst and so hungry that some even eat their own filthy bedding. The EU should halt this callous trade in living creatures.” The sheep and cattle, including youngstock, come from a number of EU Member States including Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Greece, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The trucks carrying the animals are from these countries but also from the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Romania and Croatia. Once the animals make it through the border, their ordeal is not over. Many face a further gruelling journey through Turkey to as far away as Erzurum in the east of the country, around 1,500 kilometres from the border. Some of the major problems are: Severe overcrowding; insufficient headroom; inadequate ventilation (in the summer temperatures as high as 58°C were recorded inside the trucks); and lack of water. Most of the animals are being sent for slaughter though some of the cattle are going for fattening or breeding. Slaughter conditions in Turkey are often inhumane. Animals are hoisted up by their legs to the killing line where their throats are cut while they are fully conscious and they are left to bleed to death. Suspending conscious animals upside down by their legs is in breach of the international standards of the OIE – the World Organisation for Animal Health – of which Turkey is a member. It is ethically unacceptable for the EU to send animals to a country which regularly ignores international standards on welfare at slaughter. Lesley Moffat, Inspector and Director of Eyes on Animals, says: “Should we not be able to stop this inhumane trade, then we call for the authorities and traders to liaise so that a stall at the border can be built immediately. At the moment, animals blocked for days at the border, or animals arriving with broken legs or other painful injuries, cannot be unloaded. "They are simply left on board, facing possible trampling, dehydration and even death. After inspecting animal transports for 10 years, the cases here are the saddest and most frustrating I have seen.” After each investigation, the charities wrote to the main countries involved in the trade but saw no improvement in the dire situation at the border in 2011, as the numbers of animals crossing it in trucks continues to rise. The three organisations are calling on the European Commission to: suspend the export of live animals to Turkey in order to prevent further suffering by EU animals commence infringement proceedings against Bulgaria and Hungary for their systematic failure to enforce EU law on the protection of animals during transport liaise with the authorities of Turkey and the EU Member States involved in the trade to find ways of bringing the lengthy delays at the border to an end. Iris Baumgärtner, Animal Welfare Foundation´s project manager, says: “We witnessed bulls with broken legs and dying sheep in vehicles that had just passed the Turkish veterinary inspection and were cleared to be transported to their destination in Turkey. It seems Turkey cannot guarantee the most simple welfare standards for animals at its border: feed, water and rest and emergency killing or euthanasia for injured and sick animals.” Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 13, 2012, 02:29:25 AM Thursday, January 12, 2012
India World Leader In Milk Production INDIA - The National Dairy Development Board’s (NDDB) Annual Report for 2010-11 has conveyed that India continued to be the largest milk producing nation in 2010-11. The country’s estimated milk production for 2010-11 is 121 million tonnes, close to 17 per cent of world milk production. During the year, dairy cooperatives collected 9.6 million tonnes of milk, a growth of around one per cent over last year. Liquid milk marketing by cooperatives increased by around four per cent over the previous year and was about 8.2 million tonnes in 2010-11. Explaining that higher GDP growth, increased incomes in rural areas through schemes like MGNREGA and a growing population are contributing to a rapidly growing demand for milk, Dr Amrita Patel, Chairman, NDDB said: “Increasing domestic milk production at the pace required through adoption of a scientific approach by improving the genetic potential of milk animals and feeding them a balanced diet, to ensure they produce milk commensurate with their genetic potential, is the only way to meet the surge in demand. "It is therefore imperative that a scientifically planned multi-state initiative is launched and NDDB has therefore prepared a National Dairy Plan (NDP) with a fifteen year horizon." “NDP has been appraised by the World Bank and approval for the project is expected shortly," she added. Additional funding for activities that are commercial in nature such as plants for milk processing and manufacture of cattle feed, are being explored with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), an affiliate of the World Bank. The National Dairy Plan aims at contributing to increasing milk production by increasing productivity in existing dairy animals through a focused and scientific process for breeding and feeding. The first phase of the NDP is proposed to be implemented over a period of six years and envisages an investment of around Rs. 2000 crore for activities ranging from: Production of high genetic merit bulls, Production of disease free quality semen, Implementing a pilot to promote a model for viable doorstep AI delivery services following prescribed Standard Operating Procedures, Ration Balancing Programme, Extension and demonstrations for fodder development, Interventions to strengthen village based milk procurement systems, ICT for breeding and nutrition services – based on ear tagging of animals and capturing and transmitting data from the field to central database servers for monitoring, analysis and feedback, Augmenting systems in the villages for procurement of milk in a fair and transparent manner, Project learning and monitoring and capacity building and training. The project is proposed to be carried out by End Implementing Agencies (EIAs) including State Cooperative Dairy Federations; District Cooperative Milk Producers Unions; Producer Companies and State Livestock development Boards that meet the criteria for each activity and in states that have agreed to put in place the necessary regulatory and policy measures to create an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the project. During 2010-11, NDDB continued to provide a range of technical services by undertaking numerous engineering projects, implementing programmes to produce high genetic merit bulls, managing two of the largest semen production stations that together produce about 18 per cent of the total frozen semen doses in the country, facilitating pilots for Ration Balancing Advisory Services, R&D activities related to animal vaccines and diagnostics, methane emission reduction through balanced feeding and solid state fermentation technology and training initiatives focused on equipping dairy professionals with the latest technology and hands-on practices and capacity building of milk producers, staff and directors on the boards of milk unions on recent developments in the dairy sector. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 14, 2012, 03:46:13 AM Friday, January 13, 2012 CME: The Future of US Beef Exports US - As we start the new year, the future of US meat exports is top of the mind for many in the industry, writes Steve Meyer and Len Steiner. In 2011, we saw significant price appreciation for a number of beef, pork and chicken items, driven in part by strong exports to both traditional and new markets. Will exports hold up? If yes, what will sustain ever expanding shipments? And if not, what will be the main risks for a reversal? Today we will focus on beef exports and touch on pork and poultry on Monday once the monthly export data is released. The top chart shows the growth in US beef exports in 2011. The data is based on weekly shipments, product weight basis, through the end of the year. For the year, exports of US beef muscle cuts (this does not include cooked beef and offal) rose 27 per cent compared to the previous year. Four countries, Korea, Japan, Canada and Russia, accounted for about 75 per cent of the overall growth in US beef exports. We think the growth in shipments to these markets is far from reaching a saturation point. In the case of S. Korea, the free trade agreement as well as limited growth in their domestic production will sustain demand for US beef. Australia is still the top supplier of imported beef in the S. Korean market but herd rebuilding in Australia will limit product availability and will likely provide opportunities for further expansion of US beef exports. Also, current US beef exports to Korea still remain well below the volumes that were shipped prior to the outbreak of BSE in North America (see bottom chart). Japan constitutes an even more important growth market for US beef. At the moment, the key factor impeding growth is the requirement that US ship only beef from cattle that were 21 month or younger at slaughter. There are plenty of rumors that this requirement may be changed to 30 month or younger in 2012, and if that happens, it will provide opportunities for even higher beef exports to Japan. As with Korea, Australia remains a top supplier of imported beef to Japan but supplies from there will be constrained due to herd rebuilding. The key risk to US beef exports remains a sharp appreciation in the US currency. Keep in mind, that even as the US dollar has gained ground recently, it still remains relatively weak, particularly vs. currencies of our top beef markets. The only scenario we see for a sharp appreciation in the US currency is if the Euro breaks up, leading to an inflow of capital into US dollar denominated assets. The preponderance of evidence at this point is that the Euro zone will be able to muddle through and further improvements in global economic growth will spur demand for US beef. Finally, it is important to keep in mind the global beef supply picture. Key world beef exporters, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, Canada, are in herd rebuilding mode. While this will pave the way for higher beef supplies in 2013 - 2016, the coming year will likely continue to see limited global beef supply availability. Beef demand in emerging countries will likely continue to increase and, in the short term, the US remains a favored, and relatively competitive, beef supply source. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 14, 2012, 03:51:40 AM Friday, January 13, 2012 Nestle Develops its Largest Milk District in China CHINA - Nestle is to invest in developing its largest milk district in China. This will help the country deliver high quality and fresh milk. Mr Mao Chen, Mayor of Shuangcheng, and Mr Zhan Yudong, Director of Production Technology of Nestle in Greater China Region, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the two sides. The MOU will urge both sides to jointly develop the modern dairy farming and ensure the milk district, which is already Nestle's largest fresh milk supply base in China, becomes a leading milk district under the most professional management and the nation's benchmark for best practice in dairy farming and management. Under the agreement, a total investment of RMB 2.5 billion will be made in the milk district over the next five years through a partnership between Nestle, the local government, investors and farmers. The partnership will promote high quality and efficient dairy farming methods using modern technology and professional knowledge. The agreement will help all the farmers working alone or on small farms in the milk district to be relocated to professionally managed dairy farms or large scale pastures, and will help those who own larger farms to scale up their facilities and use more modern practices. To this end, Nestle and the Shuangcheng government have invested RMB 10 million to purchase 1,000 sets of milking machines. Mr Roland Decorvet, Chairman and CEO of Nestle China said: "The plan will continue to make Shuangcheng the nation's benchmark for high quality and reliable fresh milk. It also underscores Nestle's commitment to grow its dairy business in China in a long-term and sustainable way. The Shuangcheng government highly commended the long-term cooperation between the two sides and said will that the government would do its share to work with Nestle and the partners to accelerate modern dairy development Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 17, 2012, 04:02:06 AM Monday, January 16, 2012 NZ Beef Exports Lower In 2011 NEW ZEALAND - New Zealand (NZ) beef exports in 2011 were down nine per cent year-on-year, at 330,999 tonnes swt, the lowest calendar year total since 2002 according to the NZ Meat Board. According to Meat and Livestock Australia, this drop was largely driven by an estimated six per cent dip in production and the strength and volatility of the NZ$ throughout the year. This drop was largely driven by an estimated six per cent dip in production and the strength and volatility of the NZ$ throughout the year. Despite falling five per cent year-on-year, the US remains the largest export destination for NZ beef, reaching 148,963 tonnes swt to capture 45 per cent of the market share. Most of this beef is bull and cow manufacturing beef for grinding. Exports to South East Asia (37,268 tonnes swt) and Japan (29,194 tonnes swt) also fell by 29 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively. Indonesian permit issues and the natural disasters in Japan were important factors in these areas. Beef shipments to Korea increased three per cent to reach 33,526 tonnes swt in 2011. NZ beef exports for the month of December were down 46 per cent year-on-year, sitting at 18,500 tonnes swt. Demand is expected to increase in January as a result of strong promotional activity in the US in the lead up to the Super Bowl in early February (NZX Agrifax). Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 18, 2012, 03:51:17 AM Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Ron Plain: Cattle on Feed Bucks Forecasts US - USDA's December cattle on feed report said both November placements and marketings were higher than expected. USDA said November placements of cattle into large feed yards (over 1,000 head capacity) were 4.1 per cent higher than in November 2010, reports Ron Plain, University of Missouri. Ron Plain The average of pre-release trade forecasts was for November placements to be down 0.4 per cent. November placements were the highest of any November since 2007. Thus far this year, placements have been above year-earlier levels in 7 of the 11 months. USDA said marketings of fed cattle from large feed yards during November totaled 1.77 million head, down 0.2 per cent compared to November 2010. The trade forecast November marketings to be down 1.5 per cent. The total number of cattle on feed at the start of December was up 4.0 per cent compared to December 2010. The pre-release survey of forecasts predicted an increase of 3.7 per cent. The number of cattle on feed has been above the year-earlier level for the last 19 months. The December inventory is the highest on-feed number for any December since 2007. The number of cattle placed on feed weighing less than 600 pounds was up 20.8 per cent from last November. Placements of feeders weighing 600 to 700 pounds were down 15.4 per cent; placements weighing 700 to 800 pounds were up 0.3 per cent, and placements weighing more than 800 pounds were up 10.8 per cent compared to a year earlier. The calculated average weight of cattle placed on feed during November was 4.1 per cent higher than in November 2010. The average retail price for choice beef during November, $5.001 per pound, was up 6.8 cents from October, up 51.7 cents from November 2010, and record high for the fourth month in a row. Slaughter steer prices averaged $123.50/cwt in November, also a record. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 20, 2012, 01:49:00 AM Thursday, January 19, 2012 Beef Prices Increase As Shortages Continue IRELAND - Despite the attempts of factories to shave up to 5 Euro cents off quotes, beef prices have again been strong in the past week due a shortage of stock, according to the Livestock Price Coordinator for the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA). John Cleary also said that farmers should now be prepared for tougher negotiations from factories but those willing to do us will get the best prices. For a good mix of steers, the base price being quoted is €4.10 – 4.15/kg, a further increase of 10c from last week. Factories are quoting €4.20- €4.30/kg for heifers, a slight increase on last week For a mix of U and R grade bulls, the base price is also €4.20/kg, roughly the same quotes from last week Base price quotes for cows stand at €3.35-€3.65/kg. This is a rise of nearly 20c, a significant rise for cows for this time of the year. Mr Cleary said: “There had been significant talk over this past week that factories had been doing all they could to pull prices by as much as 5c this week but this failed to materialise due a shortage of stock once again coming into the factory the floor. "The return of the marts in the past couple of weeks has resulted in a surge in prices being paid at some ringsides by factories for stock but they are still desperately trying to locate stock and this looks set to be the case for the foreseeable. Farmers with quality stock should be prepared to bargain hard with factories for prices if the rumours of price pulling continues.” Scarcity was the explanation given for a jump in prices last week for sheep but further shortages has resulted in another 10c increase. Prices for lambs up to 23.5kg are €5.30/kg. Ewes are being quoted €3.20/kg. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 20, 2012, 10:09:59 PM Friday, January 20, 2012 Positive Outlook for Beef in 2012 GLOBAL - This year will be another year of record high cattle and beef prices with diverging impacts for various segments of the industry. Again Brazil will be the only country to see production of beef increase, according to analysis from Rabobank. Ranchers will benefit from scarce cattle supplies while feedlots and packers face challenges. Tight cattle supplies—as result of either weak rancher margins over the past years or weather-related problems—will push power up the value chain. Ranchers are set to enjoy some of their best margins in years. Conversely, feedlots and packers should be concerned about both higher prices and limited availability of inputs exacerbating low capacity utilisation problems and causing margin compression. Beef processors’ ability to pass through pricing to consumers will be tested in 2012. Global economic growth has been inconsistent, with growth slowing in many markets. In the world’s largest consumer markets, Europe and the US, growth has been particularly slow. Although not identified yet, there is a limit to what consumers will pay for retail beef. Additionally, the ongoing debt crisis in Europe presents a unique tail risk for some beef processors. If the banking system becomes stressed to the point at which it has to withhold credit, cash- strapped beef companies will struggle. In conjunction with margin compression, possible credit strains could set the stage for accelerated merger and acquisition activity in the beef industry. Signs of this were seen in Q4 2011, with several transactions announced in Europe and in the US. Although the big picture remains challenging for certain segments of the industry, the outlook for beef companies does look positive for 2012 in some countries. Among them, Brazil stands out. Of the top producer countries, Brazil is the only one that is expected to show a combination of increased supply of animals for slaughter, robust domestic demand and a growth in exports (see Figure below). This more favourable scenario for companies operating in Brazil should be viewed as an opportunity for the sector to generate better results and deleverage balance sheets, thus mitigating possible credit-related risk. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 25, 2012, 03:27:41 AM Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Threat from Cheap Imports Falling SCOTLAND, UK - The threat of cheap red meat imports undercutting prices is reducing as a result of the prevailing economic climate. Latest analysis of global meat trends by Quality Meat Scotland has shown that increasing world demand and currency fluctuations outside Europe, means imports from areas such as South America and Australasia are losing their competitive edge on the price front. Stuart Ashworth, Head of Economics Services at Quality Meat Scotland, presented the results of the analysis at this week’s QMS marketing conference. He said: “With the population of the UK expected to grow by eight per cent by 2020, we’re going to be looking at a rise in demand for meat within the UK. When we take into account our growing export activity this means we will be selling into, and buying from, an increasingly tightly supplied global market. “Most of our beef and pork imports come from within the EU, and most of our lamb imports are from New Zealand and Australia. Both have seen declining stock numbers, whereas global demand for meat is set to continue apace.” Studies by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN predict that demand for beef is set to rise by 58 per cent by 2050, with sheep and goat meat up 78 per cent and demand for pig meat up by 37 per cent. While the growth will be seen in developed countries, most of the growth is set to be driven by the emerging prosperity in developing countries. Mr Ashworth said: “With the Euro in the doldrums, the currencies of our traditional trading partners, such as Brazil and New Zealand, are appreciating strongly, and this, coupled with tight supplies, is leading to global prices converging with European prices. “Although the market is global, it is concentrated in a few large producers. Australia and Brazil alone account for more than a quarter of the beef trade, and together New Zealand and Australia cover more than two thirds of global lamb exports. “With Australia a major supplier in the middle east and New Zealand having recently brokered a bilateral free trade agreement with China, it means that although the EU will always be a major customer, there are a number of other countries looking for a bigger share of what is a fairly static supply. “Aside from potential changes to the CAP and international trade deals, the current range of socio-economic changes happening throughout the world look set to underpin strong prices in the medium to long term.” Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 26, 2012, 02:46:59 AM Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Australian Beef Exports to Russia Down AUSTRALIA and RUSSIA - Australian beef exports to Russia in 2011 declined five per cent year-on-year, to 54,088 tonnes swt, reports Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). MLA states that despite a relatively slow finish to the year, with December exports back 66 per cent year-on-year, total exports for the year were still historically high, placing Russia as Australia’s fourth largest beef export market in 2011. Manufacturing beef remained the dominant beef cut to Russia in 2011, totalling 20,490 tonnes swt - up 36 per cent from 2010. Russian demand for Australian manufacturing beef was consolidated in 2011, as domestic beef consumption increased and imports from traditional suppliers, such as Brazil, remained very tight. Brazilian beef exports to Russia decreased 20 per cent during 2011, to 228,822 tonnes swt. Frozen beef accounted for 98 per cent of shipments in 2011, with the majority of product used for manufacturing purposes. Chilled product, largely into the food service sector, decreased six per cent year-on-year, to 1,014 tonnes swt. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 27, 2012, 02:50:39 AM Thursday, January 26, 2012
Indonesian 1st Quarter Cattle Permits Used Up AUSTRALIA - A Northern Territory livestock agent says permits to send live cattle to Indonesia for the first quarter of the year been used up, according to ABC Rural. Indonesia slashed the number of export permits from 520,000 in last year to 283,000 this year. It says it wants to become self sufficient with beef production. ABCRural reports that Katherine Elders branch manager, Warrick Barrett, says there'll be few cattle bought in the Top End for another two months. "Most of the exporters at this stage have bought cattle to fulfil their permit issue for the first quarter, so it's meant that a lot of exporters are now probably out of the market until April," he says. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 27, 2012, 02:52:49 AM Mexico's Emerging Role as an Exporter of Beef to the US
US beef imports from Mexico have at least doubled in each of the last 2 years, continuing an upward trend that began in 2003, writes Rachel J. Johnson and Amy D. Hagerman for the USDA, Economic Research Service. The impetus for the increased imports is beef from Mexican Tipo Inspección Federal (TIF) plants and increased production of grain-fed beef, the quality and type of beef US consumers prefer. The increase in coarse grain domestic feed use in Mexico, in addition to increased exports of US feed and distillers’ grains, is evidence of the shift toward fed beef in Mexico. Beef imports from Mexico in 2010 totaled 107 million pounds, making Mexico the fifth largest exporter of beef to the United States. Through November 2011, imports of beef from Mexico increased by 46 per cent over the same period in 2010. The majority of beef imported by the United States from all sources is processing beef, which is mixed with trim for grinding in the United States. Over the last 10 years, on average over 86 per cent of beef imports to the United States have been boneless, fresh, or frozen meat cuts, much of which is used in processing. This category of imports has increased from Mexico—by nearly 88 per cent in 2010—but is paralleled by increasing imports of bone-in beef cuts as well. Of the bone-in beef cuts imported to the United States in 2010, which excluded processed fresh beef, nearly 42 per cent were supplied by Mexico. However, it is notable that beef imports from Mexico still serve a very small portion of overall US beef consumption. There are two reasons for the increasing exports of Mexican beef to the United States: (1) an increase in the number of TIF plants in Mexico (federally inspected slaughter plants meeting standards similar to those in the United States), and (2) an increase in production of grain-fed beef in Mexico, the quality of beef that most often meets the tastes and preferences of US consumers. For meat to be moved across State borders in Mexico or to be exported to the United States, it must be inspected at the Federal level. When the Mexican inspection program began 60 years ago, 15 TIF establishments were operational; that number has grown to 365 TIF plants in 27 States in Mexico, rising almost exponentially in the past few years. In 2010, 75 TIF slaughter establishments were certified, including some preexisting facilities that were converted to adhere to TIF standards. These efforts are being driven by initiatives in Mexico to produce higher quality meat products, become more competitive in the global marketplace, and capture gains from exports. The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) announced this year that another 100 active slaughter establishments will become certified TIF plants (http://www.sagarpa.gob.mx/saladeprensa/boletines2/Paginas/2011B600.aspx). Through October 2011, Mexico exported beef products valued at $452 million, with 60 per cent of that earned from beef sent to the United States. The increase in TIF plants has resulted in an increase in boxed beef and higher quality, exportable beef cuts. Since TIF plant production of boxed beef is increasing as it replaces traditional hot-carcass (with viscera) marketing on a value basis, not only is there a greater supply of the primal and sub-primal cuts that are in greater demand by US consumers compared with Mexican consumers— such as tenderloin (filete), loin (lomo), sirloin (aguayón), ribs (costillas), and short ribs (agujas cortas), for example—but there is more trim available for processing. Trim is also in greater demand in the United States relative to the Mexican market, where beef from culled animals is not ground but is consumed as muscle cuts. Mexican consumers tend to prefer the leaner cuts of beef, such as the chuck and round, with little or no marbling, since the traditional grass-fed beef production system in Mexico produces leaner beef. Although Mexican consumers still prefer traditional cuts and processing methods, changing preferences in certain areas have resulted in growing demand in Mexico for the flavor and other attributes of grain-fed beef. As a result, increasing numbers of cattle are being fed through semi-intensive and intensive feedlot operations (table 1). One limitation to Mexico’s beef production is forage availability, but with greater numbers of cattle finished in the feedlot rather than on pastures, more forage resources are being released for cow-calf production This, in turn, will allow for greater total beef production in Mexico. Grain-fed beef is still produced in a somewhat less intensive system compared with US feedlot production—feeding periods are shorter and carcasses are considerably leaner, with little or no marbling—but this is still a significant shift from the traditionally grass-fed beef production systems where animals have yellow fat and are often 3-4 years old at slaughter. In addition, feed consumption of coarse grains in Mexico has trended up over the last couple of decades, supporting the expanding Mexican beef production and feedlot industry (fig. 2). The increase in dried distillers’ grains (DDGs) exported to Mexico in recent years (fig. 3) has also supported the increase in Mexican cattle feeding. An increase in TIF processing capacity, changes in beef demand in Mexico and the increase in Mexican grain-fed cattle for slaughter are resulting in a greater supply of beef available and of interest to the US import market. The Mexican beef industry continues to improve infrastructure and marketing channels but still faces challenges in competing for inputs, feed sources, and forage and land availability from domestic crop production. Mexico has the potential to keep growing as a supplier of beef to the United States as the changes in demand, cattle feeding, and slaughter in recent years are sustained. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on January 30, 2012, 11:55:29 PM Monday, January 30, 2012
Outlook Bleak for 2012 Live Cattle Exports ANALYSIS - Reduced permits to Indonesia, rising beef prices, cattle shorts and an expanding domestic feedlot industry don't provide a rosy outlook for 2012 Australian live cattle exports, writes Charlotte Johnston, editor. Last year, Indonesia announced that they would cut 2012 Australian cattle permits, from 520,000 head in 2011 to 283,000 head in 2012, in a bid to increase the country's self-sufficiency. Indonesia will now revise their import permits based on the domestic price of beef in Indonesia. If domestic prices rise sharply there is capacity for their trade ministry to adjust import permits to allow more cattle and beef to enter their market from countries like Australia. Disappointingly for the industry, only 60,000 permits were issued for the first quarter 2012 and there are reports that these permits have already being used up. With this in mind, MLA predicts that live cattle exports will fall by 31 per cent to Indonesia in 2012, and be almost 500,000 head less than the record year in 2009. It is expected that total live cattle exports will fall by 16 per cent, taking into account the factors mentioned above. Despite a less than favourable outlook, many in the industry are still hopeful that Indonesia may raise the number of permits, however for some this does seem a bit too hopeful. Although season conditions, feasibility of exports to price sensitive markets and competition from slaughter markets for suitable young cattle all will play a part in the success of 2012 live cattle exports, the access to the Indonesia market is by the far the most important. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 01, 2012, 06:56:45 AM Tuesday, January 31, 2012 Australia Held Half of Korean Beef Imports AUSTRALIA and KOREA - Korea imported 152,721 tonnes swt of Australian beef in 2011, giving Australian beef a 50 per cent market share of Korea’s imported beef market (KITA), reports Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). MLA states that total Korean beef imports for 2011 reached 307,613 tonnes swt - an increase of 18 per cent year-on-year. Beef imports in Korea for 2011 were the third largest on record and only slightly behind the peak of 325,866 tonnes swt in 2003. Korea’s growth in imported volumes for 2011 can be attributed to several factors, including the impact of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on local beef consumption and the overall growth in meat demand. The US share of the Korean import market increased from 32 per cent in 2010, to 37 per cent in 2011, totaling 115,334 tonnes swt - supplying 41 per cent of total frozen and 21 per cent of chilled beef imports. Frozen beef made up 92 per cent of total Korean imports of US beef. Korean imports of New Zealand beef remained largely unchanged, totalling 34,323 tonnes swt, making up 11 per cent market share in 2011, while Mexican beef made up two per cent of total Korean beef imports. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 03, 2012, 01:41:29 AM Thursday, February 02, 2012 Russia Remains World's Largest Beef Importer RUSSIA - According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Russia is forecast to remain in its new found position as the world’s leading beef importer in 2012, with volumes expected to increase one per cent, to 1.06 million tonnes, reports Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). MLA reports that the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) volume remains unchanged in 2012, with a significant amount again expected to be imported above the quota. Russia continues to have restrictions in place on certain Brazilian beef facilities, significantly reducing imports from Brazil. An embargo placed on selected Brazilian facilities in May 2011, meant that by the end of November only 84 plants out of the original 249 licensed by Rosselkhoznadzor could sell meat without restrictions to Russia. This had a significant impact on Brazilian exports to Russia throughout 2011, with exports falling from a high of 33,854 tonnes swt in May to a low 11,051 tonnes swt in September. Alternative suppliers to Russia are expected to benefit from the continued restrictions on Brazilian beef and the redirection of Brazilian product to other markets, largely in the Middle East and in their own domestic market. Australia exported 54,088 tonnes to Russia in 2011, making Russia Australia’s fourth largest export market behind Japan (342,188 tonnes swt), the US (167,820 tonnes swt), and Korea (146 356 tonnes swt). Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 04, 2012, 01:18:47 PM Friday, February 03, 2012
Spanish Beef Producers Focus on Exports SPAIN - "Exports as the Strategy for 2012": this was the title of the recent Asoprovac (The National Beef Cattle Finishers´ Association) seminar in Toledo, attended by over 300 feedlot operators and traders from all over Spain, according to Cecilia Ruiz, the Madrid Office Manager of Bord Bia Irish Food Board. This is a new development as Spain has traditionally been a net livestock importer. Last year was a relatively good year for both cattle finishers and the beef industry. Cattle prices were strong and cereal prices stabilised. In addition, the is not focusing as strongly on the domestic market - with a per capita consumption of 7kg and demanding specs - they are expectantly looking towards new export outlets both for beef and live cattle. The EU - 27 has become a net beef exporter and Spain is following the same path for the first time. Cattle supplies were almost two per cent higher up to the end of September while an 11 per cent increase in live cattle imports was more than matched by a rise of 19 per cent in live exports (or 38 per cent in the case of >300kg animals). Despite a drop of nine per cent in beef imports, total beef exports were 10 per cent higher in the first nine months of 2011 at 84,000 tonnes. In this different context, Irish beef exports to Spain have behaved remarkably well with an estimated exports of over 16,000 tonnes cwe in 2011, leaving Ireland as the third main supplier of beef to Spain. Bord Bia continues to concentrate its efforts in consolidating Irish beef's presence in the Spanish multiple retail scene and in positioning it as premium offering. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 07, 2012, 10:47:49 AM Monday, February 06, 2012
Nestle's Heifer Project Gathers Momemtum ZIMBABWE - Nestle Zimbabwe's project to boost milk production is now in full swing with the company distributing 100 imported heifers to new farmers joining the programme. TheHerald reports that the dairy expansion programme commenced late last year with Nestle importing 200 dairy heifers from South Africa of which 100 were distributed to contract dairy farmers supplying milk to the company's factory in Southerton. At an event held on Wednesday, farmers were presented with the balance of the 200 imported heifers. The new farmers entering the Nestle dairy scheme include Kunaka Estates of Matepatepa, Panhowe Farm from Mazowe, Pades Wood Farm in Headlands and Nyadire Mission Primary School. The 200 imported heifers are the first batch of 2 000 cows that the company will import under a US$14 million dairy revival project over seven years. In addition, the company also distributed 146 milking cows to its contracted dairy farmers. Nestle country director Mr Kumbirai Katsande said the company was in the process of engaging the Government on the rollout of the company's small-scale dairy development programme across the country. The small-scale initiative is in addition to the contract programme. "Nestle will be rolling out its small-scale dairy development programme to other provinces during the course of the year. Discussions with Governor (Aneas Chigwedere of Mashonaland East and Governor (Chris) Mushohwe of Manicaland have already started and identification of district centres suitable for small-scale dairy development is in progress. "The aim of this project is to enhance the livelihoods of small-scale farmers by providing them with food security and a sustainable way to earn their living," he said, according to The Herald. The programmes will provide an impetus to the growth of Zimbabwe's dairy industry. National milk production in the country had declined from a high of 260 million litres per year in 1996 to the current level of 50 million litres. At its peak, the country had over 200,000 dairy cows compared to the current herd of less than 40,000 cows. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 09, 2012, 04:35:24 AM Wednesday, February 08, 2012 US Cattle Slaughter Down in Q4 of 2011 GLOBAL - US cattle slaughter during the final quarter of 2011 was down 4.2 percent from the previous quarter. According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the number of cattle and calves in the US on 1 January was 90.77 million head. This was 2.1 per cent less than a year ago and was the lowest 1 January inventory since 1952. According to International Meat Review prepared by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the number of cows and heifers that have calved was down 2.2 per cent from a year ago. Of the total cows and heifers, the number of beef cows was 3.1 per cent lower than a year ago. The number of heifers for beef cow replacement was up 1.4 per cent over last year. The number of steers weighing more than 500 pounds fell 2.0 per cent from a year ago. The number of cattle and calves on feed for slaughter in all feedlots on 1 January was a little higher than a year ago. During 2011, the calf crop was less than 2010 and the smallest since 1950. Texas had the largest concentration of cattle with 13.1 per cent of the total inventory. However, due to the drought, this was less than a year ago. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 11, 2012, 10:58:58 AM Friday, February 10, 2012
Live Exports Fall in 2011 AUSTRALIA - In a difficult year for the Australian live export industry, export volumes and values fell for live cattle from 2010 levels, reports Meat and Livestock Australia. Live cattle exports dropped 21 per cent year-on-year to total 694,429 head for 2011 – valued at $629 million (Australian Bureau of Statistics). Indonesia remained the largest export market, despite shipments falling 21 per cent below the previous year, at 413,359 head. It also retained its 60 per cent market share from 2010, while Turkey (56,557 head) and Israel (53,925 head) each recorded a market share of eight per cent. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 14, 2012, 03:49:43 AM Monday, February 13, 2012
Madagascar Resumes Cattle Exports MADAGASCAR - Madagascar can now resume cattle exports after the international embargo imposed on the nation in the 1990s was lifted. “The first batch of 120 steers heading to the Comoros will leave the port of Mahajanga, north western Madagascar, next Saturday,” said the Farming minister, Ihanta Randriamandranto, reports DailyNation. Local traders also expect to meet orders received from the neighbouring island of Mauritius soon. Strict veterinary conditions must be respected, according to the minister. The annual quota for the island is 50,000 cattle. Export is allowed only for steers weighing more than 300 kilogrammes. Calves and cows are banned. A government source said the national herd stands at approximately nine million. With the high consumption of beef in the country, the national herd is under threat. Official records show Madagascar slaughters an annual average of 450,000 cattle. With its two million inhabitants, the capital city Antananarivo alone consumes at least 250 cattle a day. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 15, 2012, 02:43:58 AM Tuesday, February 14, 2012
International Review Forecasts Firm Beef Prices GLOBAL - Global prices for both beef and sheep are likely to remain firm in 2012, helped by demand from the emerging economies. This is the encouraging message from the latest International Meat Market Review, published by AHDB’s market intelligence division on behalf of EBLEX and BPEX in the UK. “Global beef prices continued to increase in 2011 with prices in major producing countries all ahead of last year. It is likely that firm prices will prevail through 2012,” said AHDB senior analyst Debbie Butcher. “Full year figures are expected to show that beef and veal production fell in 2011, but we should see some selected modest recovery in 2012. “In terms of lamb, with tight supplies set against rising demand in emerging economies likely to continue, prices should remain firm in 2012, if not quite reaching the heights recorded at some points in 2011. “As a result of this optimistic outlook, rebuilding of the global flock is expected to become more apparent.” Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 16, 2012, 01:41:55 AM Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Brazil Increases Middle Eastern Dairy Exports BRAZIL - Sales of dairy products to the Middle East grew 34 per cent in January as against the same period in 2011, with a value of US$ 986,000. Exports from Brazil to the rest of the world remained stable in the period. Brazil exported US$ 986,000 in dairy products to the Arab world in the first month of this year, according to figures disclosed by the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade. There was 34 per cent growth over the same period last year, when sales totalled US$ 737,800. The value represented 20 per cent of the total Brazil exported in milk and dairy products in the month, which totalled approximately US$ 5 million. The volume was stable as against January 2011. But the country imported US$ 75.2 million in sector products, which generated a deficit of US$ 70.2 million in the trade balance in the area. Imports rose, according to Ministry figures disclosed by consultancy company Scot Consultoria, 46.2 per cent over January 2011. To the Arab market, Brazil exported items like cream and butter oil. The buyers were the United Arab Emirates, in first place, with US$ 287,600, Algeria, in second, with US$ 209,000, Saudi Arabia, with US$ 127,900, in third place, Oman, with US$ 112,000, in fourth, and Kuwait, with US$ 87,000, in fifth place. Last year, milk collection in the main Brazilian producer states dropped 2.2 per cent over the previous year, according to a study disclosed by Centre for Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea). The reduction meant 500 million less litres of milk. Producers were demotivated due to the high production cost. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 17, 2012, 02:02:03 AM Wednesday, February 15, 2012 Allendale: Cattle is "Trade of the Year" ANALYSIS - Rich Nelson, Allendale, Inc. director of research, said the US cattle market is "the trade of the year" and is bullish beef due to cattle liquidation and production issues, reports Sarah Mikesell, TheMeatSite senior editor. "It is not grains, as far as a high confidence trade, it's in livestock, because you don't have to guess yields. This is a situation we already have proof is developing. And the market hasn't fully priced it in yet," said Rich Nelson, in late January at the Allendale Ag Leaders Outlook Conference. Worst Liquidation Since the '80s As a percentage of the total cow herd, slaughter rate reached 12.5 per cent in 2011. The cattle industry experienced the worst liquidation in 2011 that the US has seen since 1985-1986. Rich Nelson spoke to farmers in late January at the Allendale Ag Leaders Outlook Conference in Illinois, USA. "Beef has actually been liquidating since 2006," he said. "We have a serious loss in our beef production base. As a total cow herd, down 2.5 per cent may not sound like much, but it really is for the US cattle industry." US Production Issues The US has some issues on the production side that have caused this dramatic tighten of the cattle supply - the first being drought in US cattle areas. "Five years out of the past six or seven years have been drought years in the cattle regions," he said. "This is a tough problem on the beef side. Even though consumers are asking for a little bit less beef each year, we have a serious problem in production." Second, hay production acreage has seen a significant shift over to grain since 2008. From 2005 to 2010, the US lost six million acres of harvestable hay ground out of just over 60 million acres, so 10 per cent of hay ground was lost with the highest loss coming just last year. "We lost four million acres going to grain in 2011," Nelson said. "How's that set us up for production if you're going to expand? There's no way you're going to get that hay ground back - not with grain prices where they're currently at." For 2012, Nelson expects to see another million acre loss of hay ground. A few positives on the production side include lower grain prices for 2012 and more widespread use of distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) for feed. "I'm not going to lay out the bearish situation that I normally would for cattle feeding," Nelson said. "It's not going to be as bad as you would assume with a supply crunch." Expansion Timeline "When you decide to expand in the beef industry, you hold young female heifers back in year one. You breed them in year two. They become born calves in year three," Nelson noted. "At a minimum, you have a three-year lag between the decision to expand, and when that expansion actually hits the market." So if expansion starts right now, there will still be lower beef production in 2012. It's also guaranteed lower 2013. And it's lower again in 2014. At a minimum, the industry won't see extra beef until 2015. So expect to see year-over-year declines in beef production played out. "Last year at this conference, we were moderately bullish for 2011, but said the real issue was 2012 and beyond when prices would tighten," Nelson said. "Even though it sounded outlandish, it surpassed what we expected at the time - this massive liquidation and drop in beef production." Cattle Supply Deficit In July, the industry pushed a lot of young 300 to 400 pound calves into the feedlot, giving the US higher cattle on feed right now. However, once the market works through those cattle, Nelson said the industry has decimated the available calf-feeder supply for placements, having placed an extra 4 per cent in this time, when there was actually fewer to place. "There will be months in the next six months with as much as a 10 per cent drop in placements on a month-to-month basis," he said. "While we do have beef production, it's supposed to be a little higher right now. If you break down the current slaughter of cattle, it's actually extra cows slaughtered. If you look at actual feedlot-based slaughtered steers and heifers, they're down 2 to 4 per cent. The total slaughters may be even or a little less than last year because we've got a bunch of cows. The actual feedlot-style beef, which is what the packers are paying for, is actually down." Nelson said the continued losses in placements will set the US up for a big deficit in meat production, hitting the packing plant in the second half of this year. Beef production numbers may not be tight yet, but for the second half of the year, this developing problem will show up in prices. And there's evidence right now at the sale barn. "We have absolute proof that this available cattle and feeders supply issue is going on right now," he said. "In a few months, it's going to hit the fat cattle market and last through the remainder of 2012. This is significant for the cattle industry. Plus, it's even worse than we thought it would be." Looking forward to 2013 and 2014, it's the same situation - expect higher prices based on the live animal, which will not circulate wholly into the wholesale beef end - because this is a supply crunch. "This is not a demand hole, where wholesale beef is leading; this is a supply crunch with cash cattle leading," he said. "This is going to stick with us for the next two years." Sarah Mikesell, Senior Editor Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 21, 2012, 02:04:35 AM Monday, February 20, 2012
Uruguayan Beef in Big Demand URUGUAY - Three countries of the former Soviet Union, Moldova, Georgia and Tajikistan, are interested in buying beef from Uruguay, as expressed by representatives of these markets to members of the Uruguayan delegation participating in the Fair Prodexpo in Russia. The vice president of the National Meat Institute (INAC), Fernando Perez Abella, told The Observer that health conditions must first be met by Uruguay. Buyers from the three countries expressed interest in principle cuts but have said that medical limitations need to be addressed in the boned meat business, said Mr Perez Abella. The fair showed that there is interest in Uruguayan beef but it faces price competition with Paraguay. Russia buys meat from Paraguay, which reported two outbreaks of FMD, the last on 2 January. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 22, 2012, 02:51:37 AM Canadian Cattle Statistics February 2012
Canadian cattle farmers had just over 12.5 million cattle on their farms as of January 1, 2012, up 0.5% from the same date a year earlier, in the February 2012 Canadian cattle Statistics. Highlights •Canadian cattle farmers had just over 12.5 million cattle on their farms as of January 1, 2012, up 0.5% from the same date a year earlier. •The inventory of beef cows fell by 1.0% to 4.2 million head, continuing a downward trend that started in January 2006. However, the January 1, 2012 inventory of beef replacement heifers increased by 4.3% to 554,300 head. •Canadian farmers had about 1.4 million dairy cows and heifers on their farms, roughly unchanged from January 1, 2011. •In 2011, cattle and calf slaughter totalled 3.5 million head, down 7.5% from 2010 and down 6.5% from 2009. •There were an estimated 689,300 head of cattle and calves exported in 2011, down 35.2% from 2010 and 35.4% below the level of 2009. Analysis Cattle inventories increased in 2011 as prices improved throughout the year. Canadian cattle farmers had just over 12.5 million cattle on their farms as of January 1, 2012, up 0.5% from the same date a year earlier; the first year-over-year increase in seven years. The inventory of beef cows fell by 1.0%, continuing a downward trend that started in January 2006. However, the January 1, 2012 inventory of beef replacement heifers increased 4.8% in the Western provinces and increased 1.0% in the East. Overall, inventories of beef replacement heifers rose 4.3%. The increase in replacement heifers indicates that producers are beginning to replenish the herd with younger cows. Canadian farmers had about 1.4 million dairy cows and heifers on their farms, roughly unchanged from January 1, 2011. Cattle on feeding operations in Canada were higher by 4.0% at January 1, 2012 from a year earlier. Heifers and calves were seen to have increased by 2.7% and 15.2% respectively, while the number of steers declined 1.2% from a year ago. In 2011, cattle and calf slaughter totalled 3.5 million head, down 7.5% from 2010 and down 6.5% from the same period in 2009. On average, 3.7 million head were slaughtered in Canada in each of the previous five years. There were an estimated 689,300 head of cattle and calves exported in 2011, down 35.2% from 2010 and 35.4% below the level of 2009. Farm type and number An estimated 95,105 farms reported cattle and calves as of January 1, 2012, down 1.4% from the same date last year and down 4.3% from two years earlier. Beef producers account for approximately 85% of the total number of farms with cattle in Canada. Beef cattle production takes place mainly on three types of cattle farms. At January 1, 2012 there were 66,595 cow-calf operations, 10,865 cow-calf backgrounding operations, and 2,945 feeding operations in Canada. The bulk of Canadian beef cow inventories (93.0%) were on cow-calf operations. Usually more than half the heifers for slaughter and steers inventories in Canada, at January 1, are reported to be on feeding operations. The Western provinces had 31.6% of the total feeding operations and accounted for 76.8% of the Canadian cattle inventory on feeding operations on January 1, 2012. There were 16,270 farms reporting dairy cattle at January 1, 2012 with 85.6% of those operations located in Eastern Canada. Specialised dairy farms accounted for 88.0% of all farms producing dairy products. There were 1,570 farms in Canada that kept both a dairy and a cow-calf (beef) herd on the same operation. The number of operations with dairy cattle that reported veal production was 1,155 at January 1, 2012. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 23, 2012, 08:16:42 AM Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Canadian Cattle Inventory Up with Improved Prices CANADA - Canadian cattle farmers had just over 12.5 million cattle on their farms as of 1 January, 2012, up 0.5 per cent from the same date a year earlier; the first year-over-year increase in seven years. The inventory of beef cows fell by one per cent, continuing a downward trend that started in January 2006. However, the 1 January, 2012 inventory of beef replacement heifers increased 4.8 per cent in the Western provinces and increased one per cent in the East. Overall, inventories of beef replacement heifers rose 4.3 per cent. The increase in replacement heifers indicates that producers are beginning to replenish the herd with younger cows, according to a report by StatisticsCanada. Canadian farmers had about 1.4 million dairy cows and heifers on their farms, roughly unchanged from 1 January, 2011. Cattle on feeding operations in Canada were higher by four per cent at 1 January, 2012 from a year earlier. Heifers and calves were seen to have increased by 2.7 per cent and 15.2 per cent respectively, while the number of steers declined 1.2 per cent from a year ago. In 2011, cattle and calf slaughter totalled 3.5 million head, down 7.5 per cent from 2010 and down 6.5 per cent from the same period in 2009. On average, 3.7 million head were slaughtered in Canada in each of the previous five years. There were an estimated 689,300 head of cattle and calves exported in 2011, down 35.2 per cent from 2010 and 35.4 per cent below the level of 2009. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 24, 2012, 03:11:10 AM NZ Beef Mid Season Update 2011-12
Beef exports are likely to increase in 2012, whilst excellent seasonal conditions will push cattle weights higher. Farmgate prices are not likely to change much, according to the Beef and Lamb NZ Mid Season Update. Livestock Numbers Total beef cattle numbers at 30 June 2011 provisionally 3.88 million head decreased 1.7 per cent on the previous June. The greatest decrease was in breeding cows which decreased 3.2 per cent. The driver of this decrease was high schedule prices that encouraged culling of dry and poor performing breeding cows. North Island beef cattle numbers decreased 2.3 per cent to 2.77 million head at June 30 2011. Continued demand from the dairy industry for breeding/finishing land within the Taranaki-Manawatu region with dairy grazers being substituted for beef cattle contributed to this decline. Overall, North Island beef cow numbers decreased 2.6 per cent for the year to 30 June 2011. South Island beef cattle numbers estimated at 1.11 million head were almost static (-0.2%) on the previous June. Ideal climatic conditions resulted in an increase in finishing cattle retentions, particulary in Otago where total cattle numbers increased 7.4 percent. Within this South Island beef cow numbers to 30 June 2011 decreased 4.2 percent. Dairy cattle at 30 June 2010, totalled provisionally 6.18 million head. This was an increase of 4.4 per cent or 260,000 head on the previous June period. As referred to earlier in this section one of the drivers of the sheep flock decline was the increase in dairy cattle numbers. This was largely driven by an estimated 120 new dairy farms starting in the spring of 2011 along with a recovery in dairy cow numbers from drought particularly on the North Island. Beef And Veal Exports In the year ended 30 September 2011 New Zealand beef exports decreased 2.3 per cent to 356,100 tonnes shipped weight. However, beef exports receipts increased 14.8 per cent to $2.1 billion with the price per tonne increasing 15.8 per cent. North America accounted for 49.0 per cent of beef exports but 45.0 per cent of export receipts due to shipments dominated by processing beef. Total exports to North America decreased 4.0 per cent from the previous year to 175,902 tonnes. Shipments to USA and Mexico decreased 7.0 and 18.0 per cent respectively while shipments to Canada increased 22.0 per cent. North Asia, the next largest market region, took 26.0 per cent of New Zealand’s beef exports. The main markets in North Asia were South Korea (9.8%), Japan (8.5%) and Taiwan (5.5%) which accounted for 24.0 per cent of beef export receipts and tonnage shipped. Exports to South Asia decreased 18.9 per cent to 43,900 tonnes shipped weight. The majority of the decrease was to Indonesia (-28.7%) reflecting Indonesian plans to curb beef imports and increase their domestic beef supply. New Zealand beef exports to the European Union (EU) in the year to 30 September 2011 increased 24.5 per cent. Overall the EU took 3.9 per cent of beef exports but accounted for 8.4 per cent of total export receipts reflecting the high value mix of cuts that New Zealand ships to the EU. For 2011-12, total FOB receipts for beef products (including co-products) under the USD 0.79 exchange rate scenario are estimated to increase 1.7 per cent to $2.59 billion on the previous year. Beef shipments are expected to increase (+4.5%) on the previous year while the price per tonne is estimated to decrease 2.4 per cent. Co-products export value are expected to remain almost static (+0.2%) at $473 million even though the associated beef volume increases. Final data for the year ended 30 September 2011 shows total beef receipts were $2.55 billion, up 13.3 per cent on the previous September year. This reflects a 14.8 per cent increase in beef price while volumes shipped decreased 2.3 per cent. Beef Price – International Situation The graph above illustrates the effect of the weaker USD against the NZD on New Zealand beef returns in 2010-11. In 2010-11, the annual average in-market US beef price increased 20.6 per cent compared with the previous year while the same price in New Zealand increased a significantly lesser 10.5 per cent. This was driven by the weaker USD compared with the NZD. The NZD:USD exchange rate averaged 0.79 cents in 2010-11 compared with an average of 0.71 cents for the previous year. In 2011-12 season average in market prices and NZD:USD are expected to remain almost unchanged. Overview The global economy remains uncertain with increasing fears of recession in Europe. This is expected to soften consumer demand for high value food products. United States As expected the US herd continues to shrink. The January 2012 cattle inventory was down 2.0 per cent on the previous year to 90.8 million head, and the beef cow inventory was down 3.0 per cent. Liquidation has continued due to high feed costs and drought conditions in Texas and surrounding states which account for 40.0 per cent of the US beef cow herd. In 2011 US beef exports achieved a milestone, with shipments surpassing the volumes that existed prior to the discovery of BSE in December 2003. US beef exports grew 19 per cent in 2010 and provisional figures for 2011 show an increase of 25.0 per cent. Export accounted for 11.0 per cent of total beef production. Despite high prices for beef in US, these have not been enough to encourage expansion. The latest USDA forecast is for a 14 per cent increase in beef imports in 2012. Australia ABARE reports the Australian cattle herd to increase by 5.0 per cent in 2011-12 to 30.2 million, supported by good weather conditions and pasture growth. Beef cattle slaughter is forecast to decrease by 2.0 per cent to 7.9 million head, the lowest since 1995-96. Despite the fall in total slaughter, Australian beef and veal production is forecast to remain unchanged at 1.2 million of tonnes because of higher average carcass weights due to the good pasture availability. Total Australian beef exports are forecast to remain unchanged at 941,000 tonnes although market diversification is increasing. Over the last decade exports to USA, Japan and Korea, the three main markets for Australian beef, accounted for 82.0 per cent of all beef exports. In 2011-12 these are estimated to fall to 68.0 per cent. North Asia The Japanese market is not expected to change in 2012 as the market continues to be “fragile” after the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear reactor breaches in addition to currency issues and a sluggish economy. Japan is one of the leading export destinations for US beef and import data for the year to November 2011 showed US exports to Japan were up 29.0 per cent in volume and 38.0 per cent in value compared with the same period for 2010. European Union Beef output in the EU-17 region is expected to fall by almost 3.0 per cent in 2012 to just over 7.1 million tonnes. This fall is largely attributable to lower production in France, the UK and Ireland. French output is forecast to fall by 4.0 per cent to 1.51 million tonnes on the back of the drought that occurred earlier in 2011 which led to some liquidation of the herd. UK output is expected to fall by 6.0 per cent to 881,000 tonnes with most of this fall occurring in the first half of the year. Beef Prices – Farm-Gate The monthly trend for the M Bull, P Steer and Heifer (270-295kg) schedule price to the end of September 2011 is shown in the two graphs above. Three exchange rate scenarios are provided in the 2011-12 outlook to cover possible exchange rate variability. The three scenarios use annual average exchange rates of USD 0.69, USD 0.79 and USD 0.89 and the associated cross rates against the GBP and EUR. At USD 0.79, the estimated average price for M Bull (270-295kg) is 411 cents per kilogram (+0.1%) and for P Steer/Heifer (270-295kg) 420 cents per kilogram (+0.1%). The 2010-11 average exchange rate was USD 0.79 which is what the majority of New Zealand beef and lamb was traded under. The three exchange rate scenarios shown in the above charts highlight the comparison with last year’s prices and the large leveraged effect the USD has on the New Zealand beef price to farmers, i.e. moving from USD 0.79 to USD 0.69 (-12.7%) increases the beef price 18.9 per cent. Beef Production Cattle Overall In 2011-12 cattle slaughter is estimated to increase 1.7 per cent to 2.31 million head. The increase is driven primarily by an expected increase in cow slaughter (+2.2%) linked to the dairy herd expansion. The 2010-11 export cattle slaughter increased 1.2 per cent to 2.28 million. The increase was from cow and heifer slaughter underpinned by the expansion of the dairy herd. Carcase Weight Export cattle weights increase an estimated 2.8 per cent to 258.2kg for 2011-12. Slaughter weights increase across all classes of cattle due to exceptionally good seasonal conditions in most regions. For 2010-11 export cattle weights decreased 2.7 per cent to 251.2kg. This was underpinned by steer and bulls being slaughtered at lighter weights, indicating leaner seasonal conditions and younger stock in the slaughter mix than in some years. Cow For 2011-12, the cow slaughter increases 2.6 per cent to 878,000 head, an increase of 22,000 head on last year. This is linked to the increase in dairy cow numbers, the majority of the increase taking place in the South Island. For 2010-11 cow slaughter numbers increased 4.6 per cent to 856,000 head on the previous year. This was due to increased slaughter in both Islands particularly the South Island (+10.0%) due to the majority of the dairy herd expansion occurring in the South Island. Bull In 2011-12 the export bull slaughter is estimated to remain almost static (+0.5%) on the previous year at 436,000 head. This reflects little change in dairy bull beef calves retained in the previous two years. In 2010-11 the export bull slaughter decreased marginally (-0.5%) on the previous year to 434,000 head. Heifer For 2011-12, the New Zealand export heifer slaughter increases (+2.4%) to 419,000 head, up 10,000 on last year. The largest change occurs in the South Island (+6.5%) which follows the dairy cow herd increase in recent years. For 2010-11 the export heifer slaughter increased 2.4 per cent to 409,000 head. This was due to a 3.7 per cent increase in North Island heifer slaughter numbers, off-setting a 1.5 per cent decrease in South Island heifer slaughter. Steer The steer slaughter for 2011-12 increases slightly (+0.7%) to 581,000 head. This was due to an increase in finishing cattle held over particularly in the South Island following favourable pasture cover in 2010-11. For 2010-11 steer slaughter numbers decreased 3.0 per cent to 577,000 head. The largest of these changes occurred in the South Island with a decrease in slaughter to 165,000 (-5.8%) head due to an increase in finishing stock retentions. February 2012 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on February 25, 2012, 03:51:30 AM Friday, February 24, 2012
Weekly Cattle Summary AUSTRALIA - This report is a collection of weekly cattle price summaries from each Australian state by the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). Queensland Numbers jump As the Roma Store sale and Longreach sales returned to the selling roster, supply at MLA’s NLRS reported markets increased a large 55%. The total yarding was the largest since the middle of November last year, as Longreach, Dalby and the Roma Store sales combined to account for almost 70% of the cattle offered. The forecast rain and recent cheaper prices though meant that across most centres yardings were lower on last week with just Murgon, Warwick and Toowoomba Landmark larger. Young cattle accounted for 63% of the states throughput with yearling steers the single largest category penned. Restockers and feeders continue to underpin the market, purchasing a combined 72% of the young cattle,, leaving just 28% for the trade. Of the grown cattle, cows represented almost 50% while around 32% were grown steers. The highlight of the Toowoomba Elders market was a run of good quality cattle from the Goombungee Haden Oakey Beef Classic. Overall though quality was varied and this was reflected in the prices achieved. This trend was also evident at other market as all centres had properly finished cattle through to the plain lines. A cheaper trend was evident for young cattle. The small run of vealers sold to a mixed trend as the bulk were firm to 13¢/kg cheaper. Light and medium weight yearling steers were 10¢ to 20¢ cheaper as the heavy weights lost up to 5¢/kg. The yearling heifers sold to similar trend as the steer portion with the medium weights suffering the greatest falls. Grown steers were also cheaper by 2¢ to 6¢/kg. Cow were the least affected falling market with most categories firm to 3¢/kg cheaper. Cheaper trend The small number of calves returning to the paddock reached 250.2¢ as those to the trade sold closer to 199¢/kg. Medium weight vealer steers to the trade sold from 187¢ to 201¢ as the heifer portion averaged 202¢/kg. A large number of light yearling steers returning to the paddock lost 15¢ to 226¢ as the medium weights made close to 199¢/kg. The medium weights to feeders sold from 203¢ to 215¢ as the heavy weights eased 5¢ to 189¢/kg. A handful of medium weights to the trade averaged190¢ with the plainer lines closer to 167¢/kg. Light yearling heifers to restockers lost 15¢ to 207¢/kg. Medium weights to feeders ranged from 190¢ to 195¢ which was 10¢ to 20¢/kg cheaper. The better medium and heavy yearling heifers to the trade sold mostly in the early to mid 180¢/kg range while the plainer lines made from 158¢ to 170¢/kg. Medium weight grown steers to feeders eased 2¢ to180¢ as heavy C4 steers to export slaughter dropped 4¢ to 180¢ with sales to 192¢/kg. Bullocks made to 190.6¢ with most closer to 182¢/kg. Light D2 cows averaged 121¢ as the D3s in large numbers lost 4¢ to 143¢/kg. Heavy cows made to 174.2¢ as the D4s averaged 158¢ which was 3¢/kg cheaper. New South Wales Numbers fall away Cattle yardings at the physical markets reported by MLA’s NLRS decreased 16%, with several larger selling centres penning a reduced amount of cattle. Supplies are roughly 20% back compared with the same period in 2011. Numbers in the north of the state remain restricted with the wet summer conditions prevailing. Inverell, Gunnedah and Tamworth supplies were all back, while numbers at Dubbo reduced with western regions now affected by the migrating flood waters. Consignments as CTLX were also reduced, as weekend storms meant numbers fell 18%. Young cattle numbers were back but quality remained fairly similar to the previous weeks, with plenty of secondary lines available. Restocker and feeder orders were strong on the well-bred pens and the mixed quality section mainly sold to weaker demand. Vealers to the trade were in good numbers, with processors especially keen to purchase vealer heifers. Grown steers carried good weight, with the strong seasonal conditions and mild temperatures generally allowing for solid weight gains. Cow numbers were back, with the softer prices from the processing sector enticing producers to hold onto their breeders. This is despite demand for manufacturing beef remaining high – with the higher A$ eroding the benefits of this to livestock prices. Direct to works rates over all cattle categories decreased, with processors across the state showing reduced demand. The tough export trading conditions caused by the higher A$ has mainly impacted grown cattle prices, although young cattle rates were also weaker this week. Processors are reporting that cattle are still in excellent conditions, with higher yielding and heavier carcases. Demand weakens The only categories to increase in price overall were vealer steers as they gained 11¢ and yearling heifers which were 14¢/kg dearer. Yearling steers tended to be steady while vealer heifers and cows reduced by 7¢/kg. Grown steers and bullock indicators were also down slightly, as export processor demand remained soft. The medium C2 vealer steers to trade reduced to 225¢ while restockers paid 239.4¢/kg. Restockers paid up to $860/head or 209.5¢ for heavy C2 steers while feeders paid 206.8¢/kg. Heavy C3 feeder steers were unchanged at 192.3¢/kg. The light C2 yearling heifers to feeders were slightly cheaper 192.6¢/kg. The medium C2 yearling heifers were reduced 7¢ to be 186.9¢ while C3 heifers followed suit to be 189.9¢/kg. Medium weight grown C2 steers were close to firm at 186.5¢/kg. The heavy C3 steers sold firm at 179¢ while C4 were also unchanged at 182¢/kg. Medium D2 cows were reduced 5¢ to sell at 130¢ while the D3 lines also sold cheaper at 139¢/kg. The heavy D3 cows made 143¢ to be 2¢ lower and the D4 cows finished at 147¢/kg. The few light C2 bulls averaged161.5¢ while the heavy C2 bulls made 157¢/kg cwt. Victoria Yardings lower The decline in quality was one of the main factors behind young cattle selling to a cheaper market. This was despite overall supply falling 19% at MLA’s NLRS reported markets, with competition from all buyers noticeably weaker in the eastern states. There was however a dearer trend for some of the vealer pens, with quality contributing also. The Easter Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) compared to last week has fallen 8.25¢ and at the completion of Thursdays markets was 381.75¢/kg cwt. Demand was stronger for the better quality vealers which reached a topped of 246¢/kg. There were some highlights for yearling steers and heifers, as the C muscle steers were firm to 5¢/kg dearer. There were some good results for heifers as a supermarket was more active, which aided price increases of up to 7¢/kg for heifers meeting their specifications. Processor demand was mainly firm with direct to works rates unchanged, with a good amount of cattle already consigned for the coming weeks. Prices for grown cattle were generally better with one export processor returning to more markets after a lengthy break. Grown steer and bullock prices were mostly dearer, although some discounting occurred for excessive weight, and some manufacturing steers lost ground. Some discrepancies occurred at cow markets. The general trend was firm to dearer, but Camperdown with over 600 cows penned was cheaper by 8¢ to 14¢/kg as competition was reduced. For most sales the extra competition lifted prices 2¢ to 8¢, as the carcass weight price was estimated to be 278¢/kg cwt. Prices edge lower Some excellent quality vealers were made between 210¢ and 246¢ as the C muscle vealers ranged from 190¢ to 230¢/kg. The majority of the light and medium weight yearling steers made 185¢ to 210¢/kg. Heavy weights mainly sold between 175¢ and 198¢/kg. Due in part to supermarket competition, a number of yearling heifers sold from 194¢ to 215¢/kg. However, plainer D muscle yearling heifer prices varied from 155¢ to 192¢/kg. As the supply of grown steers and cows reduced, demand increased as most of the pens were above average in quality. Heavy, well finished grown steers sold from 175¢ to 194¢/kg. Several pens of excellent quality Angus bullocks at the Leongatha market sold from 180¢ to 186¢/kg. However, with prices varying greatly across the state, most prices ranged from 165¢ to 178¢/kg. The better quality beef cows made 125¢ to 160¢/kg. The heavy end of the dairy cows ranged from 112¢ to 153¢, and the poorer quality lines sold from 60¢ to 132¢/kg. Across the various cows markets, carcass weight price averages were between 249¢ and 292¢/kg cwt. Heavy B muscle bulls topped at 178.6¢ and averaged 7¢ higher on 162¢/kg. West Australia End of split sales Moist continues remain in the far north of the state with a reasonable wet season continuing. There was some moderate rain recordings also throughout the Pilbarra and Gascoyne regions. Further to the south, the Agricultural regions recorded another week of predominately fine and hot weather with some isolated thunderstorm activity realised in eastern parts. Feed conditions in the traditional cattle growing areas of the south remain solid with no pressure this year from water shortages. This years calving continues with the first of this seasons calves now on the ground. There were similar supplies of cattle at all physical markets reported by MLA’s NLRS. Muchea had lower numbers, but this was off set by larger numbers at the Great Southern sales. Pastoral cattle supplies were only moderate and lower than those in recent weeks, which would be expected at this time of year. Vealer supplies improved this week due to improved volumes penned at the Great Southern sale. As has been the trend this year there were only moderate supplies of trade weight yearling steers and heifers were available, while the supplies of all classes of heavy grown steers and heifers remained limited. Cow volumes were lower with weaker supplies of both local and pastoral grades recorded in physical markets. Processor demand across the majority of slaughter grades remained very buoyant, while feeder and restocker demand became more selective. There was little or no demand in vealer and lightweight bull categories from the live export sector. Cow market maintained Vealer quality and weight were far more mixed. Demand from the feeder and restocker sectors was generally recorded at lower levels comparable to the previous week. Medium and heavy weight vealer steer sales were lower by 3¢ to 4¢/kg, but despite this heavy weight vealer grades enjoyed solid local processor competition. Lightweight vealer steer sales remained similar to restockers, while most vealer heifer sales were lower by between 4¢ and 10¢/kg lwt. Trade weight grass finished yearling trade steer and heifer quality was fair. Demand for these from the local trade remained firm with little or no change recorded in average price levels. The very limited supplies of heavy grown steers and bullocks remained similar in value across both local and pastoral grades. This was also the case in grown heavy weight heifer classes. Cow quality was maintained. Demand for cows of all weights and condition scores continued to be very strong from the processing sector. Subsequently the values throughout the cow classes remained similar. Heavy weight bull values were again lower with prices generally back between 5¢ to 8¢/kg. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 01, 2012, 07:59:16 AM Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Farmers Respond to Indonesian Abattoir Abuse AUSTRALIA - In response to footage shown on Australian television earlier this week, and notification from the Ministry of Agriculture that they are investigating alleged animal cruelty at two certified Indonesian abattoirs, farming organisations express concern. WAFarmers President, Mike Norton, said WAFarmers members are committed to maintaining the highest animal welfare standards for all animals under their care. “The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is currently completing an investigation into the supply chains identified in the footage,” Mr Norton said. “WAFarmers is not aware of all the details and is awaiting the release of the report from DAFF. At this stage, it is unclear whether the cattle depicted in the vision are Australian cattle or if in fact some of the vision is current footage under the new framework. “As has been noted, the release of this vision has been strategically timed to coincide with the 1 March implementation date for the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), in Tranche 1 markets (Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey).” Mr Norton said WAFarmers was supportive of the implementation of the ESCAS, which the Australian Government established last year as a new regulatory framework for the export of livestock. The ESCAS framework incorporates a process for the investigation and management of any instance of non-compliance. ESCAS holds individual exporters and supply chains responsible for animal welfare practices. Queensland farm lobby group, AgForce also supports a full Federal government investigation. AgForce Cattle president Grant Maudsley said grass-roots cattle producers remain firmly committed to improving animal welfare standards here and overseas. “What we saw on our TV screens is unacceptable to the cattle industry and we want to send a very clear signal to the Australian public that such practices need to be investigated and if necessary appropriate action taken,” Mr Maudsley said. “The footage raises questions that can only be answered by a thorough review so let’s allow that review to take place.” Mr Maudsley said since the new Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) system was introduced last year, private exporters and the government have made strong progress in improving animal welfare standards in approved Indonesian abattoirs. “The live export industry has never pretended it could transform the processing practices employed in a foreign country overnight and there would be challenges,” Mr Maudsley said. “We appreciate the ongoing support of the Federal government, Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig and the general public in allowing us the time to effect real change. The DAFF report, when released, will identify any non-compliance and take corrective action with the supply chain as required. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 02, 2012, 01:34:53 AM Monday, February 27, 2012
Fewer Farms, Less Land but Greater Production ANALYSIS - The US agriculture industry appears to be contracting and consolidating with fewer farms, less land devoted to agriculture and a drop in livestock numbers, writes TheCattleSite editor in chief Chris Harris. Despite the latest cattle inventory report from the USDA, which predicts a 1.4 per cent increase in heifer numbers being held back as replacement for the national herd, the report on farms, land and land in farms from the USDA NASS shows a drop in the total number of cattle operations of one per cent. And further investigation shows that the number of heifers being retained this year, estimated at 5.21 million, is the lowest since 1986. This sight rise in the number of heifers that it is believed will be held back could be the start of a rebuilding of the herd, but the NASS figures appear to indicate that the trend is for the opposite to happen because the number of cattle businesses is falling. Last year there were 922,000 cattle operations with 734,000 beef businesses, down by one per cent and 60,000 dairy farms, down by four per cent. In the pig farming sector, the number of operations has remained fairly flat standing at 69.100 farms. The vast majority of these farms, 87 per cent, are large scale operations with more than 2000 head. The total number of farms is down slightly at 2.2 million and although the average size of each farm has risen - up by on average an acre to 420 acres - the amount of land devoted to agriculture and farming in the US has fallen by 1.87 million acres to 917 million. The drop in the number of farms appears to be in the middle sized farms, with the small farms the very large establishments growing in numbers and the largest farms growing in size dramatically. The number of farms valued at more than $500,000 grew by 5.9 per cent last year and the amount of land on these farms has grown by 2.5 per cent, while the land in the small and medium scale farms fell by 3.5 per cent. Against this backcloth of a drop in the amount of land on farms, production is rising, with beef production up and more corn expected this year, indicating a rise in yields and potentially improvements in production systems. This is all despite there being fewer cattle numbers and lower year stocks of wheat and feed grain. The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report recently recorded that "despite expected tight fed cattle supplies, cow slaughter is expected to remain relatively strong during the first quarter and carcass weights are forecast higher" A similar picture has been drawn for pig meat production. Chris Harris, Editor-in-Chief Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 03, 2012, 03:10:59 AM Friday, March 02, 2012
Weekly Cattle Summary AUSTRALIA - AUSTRALIA - This report is a collection of weekly cattle price summaries from each Australian state by the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). New South Wales Rain holds back supply Cattle yardings at the physical markets reported by MLA’s NLRS fell 6%, with a mixed trend recorded between the regions. Heavy, and at times flooding rain, disrupted southern sales later in the week as up to 100mm of rain fell. Seasonal prospects during autumn look excellent, with graziers state wide having a good fodder base and ample water storages heading into winter. Numbers in the north of the state were generally higher, with producers moving cattle after wet weather prevailed for most of February. Cattle supplies in central NSW were firm to higher, with CTLX and Dubbo providing the most cattle. Competition increased as numbers contracted in the eastern states, with buyers lifting prices in a bid to secure enough supplies. Processors orders were noticeably stronger, with trade and export cattle prices increasing. The rain will also have a twofold effect – firstly by holding up supplies and secondly by ensuring that restocker demand remains prominent. Feeder prices continued to show a slightly softer trend as demand for grain fed meat remains and suitable cattle are in good numbers. Export processors were prepared to pay more to secure cow supplies, as the higher demand stemmed the current record prices for global manufacturing meat. Quality is still well above average, with the majority of young and grown cattle showing the benefits of the wet and mild summer conditions. Yearling drafts are showing good weight for their age, whilst the best trade cattle are crop finished or supplementary fed. Higher prices Vealer steers selling to restocking and backgrounding orders mainly ranged from 237¢ to 245¢, and were up to 9¢/kg dearer. Medium vealer heifers returning to the paddock were in smaller numbers and averaged 226¢/kg or $528/head. Vealer heifers to domestic trade orders ranged from 220¢ to 229¢, and prices were 3¢/kg higher. Light yearling steers to restockers sold between 215¢ and 230¢, while the pens to feed were on 210¢/kg. Medium feeder steer prices fell 4¢ -to 203¢, while the C3 heavy pens to feed averaged 195¢/kg. Heavy trade steers topped at 220¢ and were 4¢ higher on 197¢/kg. Light yearling heifers were a shade dearer, selling from 190¢ to 201¢/kg. The better quality pens to slaughter generally sold from 187¢ to 199¢, as prices improved by up to 10¢/kg. The better covered grown steers topped at 196¢ and made 188¢, while the leaner types were 5¢ dearer on 184¢/kg. Bullocks were strongly supplied as prices topped at 195¢ and averaged around 188¢/kg or $1,202/head. Both lean and well covered cow prices showed a dearer trend, as the medium weight pens made from 135¢ to 147¢/kg. The D3 heavyweights were 3¢ higher on 146¢, as the D4 pens averaged 153¢/kg. Queensland Supply dips again Supply across the physical markets reported by MLA’s NLRS fell 34% week-on-week. This reduction was the result of the rain affecting cattle movement which also meant the Longreach sale had to be cancelled. Only Dalby, Mareeba and Roma Prime were able to offer greater numbers this week. When compared to the corresponding period in 2011 supply was down 39%. The total February yarding at markets reported by MLA’s NLRS for this year was just under 56,000 head which was down 30% on the same period last year. Most of the reduction year on year was due to the Roma Store market able to only hold two sales this February as a result of the flooding. After a slow start to the year, all processors operated last week, as cattle slaughter reached the highest level since late November. However when compared to the five year monthly average, February 2012 was slightly less. Quality continued to be mixed and some of the plainer lines were discounted by all buyers with the light end of the young cattle most affected. The properly finished lines including export cattle were able to sell to improved prices. There was a reduction in the number of young cattle offered, yet they still accounted for 57% of throughput. Vealers were in small runs as most young cattle were yearling steers. Similar to last week, restockers and feeders remain the main purchases of young cattle with just 28% secured by the trade. Slightly less grown steers were offered while cows again represented around half of the grown cattle yarded. Light cattle cheaper Around three quarters of the vealer steers offered were medium weights returning to the paddock around 230¢ which was almost 20¢/kg cheaper. The medium weight vealer heifers to restockers suffered a similar fall to average 206¢ as those to the trade gained 10¢ to sell at 212¢/kg. Large numbers of light yearling steers to restockers eased 4¢ to 222¢ as the plainer lines made closer to 189¢/kg. Medium weights returning to the paddock ranged from 208¢ to 218¢ as those to feeders made from 190¢ to 200¢/kg. Some heavy weights to feed made mostly in the early 190¢ range with a small number to the trade averaging 195¢ to be 7¢/kg dearer. The medium weight yearling heifers to slaughter jumped 19¢ to average 201¢ as heavy weights gained 5¢ to 189¢/kg. Limited numbers of medium weight grown steers were offered with most purchased by feeders. The heavy C3 and C4s to slaughter were 8¢ to 14¢ dearer in ranging from 182¢ to 188¢ after topping at 194.2¢/kg. Bullocks lifted 7¢ to average 189¢/kg. Around half the cows offered were medium weights which gained 6¢ to 8¢, as the D3 pens sold closer to 151¢/kg. Heavy D4 cows topped at 176.2c to average 164¢/kg. South Australia Similar numbers A slightly smaller yarding at the SALE started the week in very mixed quality runs of local and pastoral bred cattle. These generally attracted a dearer trend from the usual trade and export buyers. Feeder and restocker buyers were active as they sourced well bred yearling steers at much dearer levels. After a hot weekend overall quality slipped at Naracoorte and sold to steady trade and export competition. There was an additional Adelaide wholesale order present and an interstate feedlot also sourcing steers and heifers. Mt. Gambier’s slightly smaller yarding sold to strong competition from the usual SA and Victorian buyers, with some exceptional prices being paid for lightweight vealer heifers. Plain quality cows were keenly sourced by a Deniliquin (NSW) order and a Victorian processor to put out, as heavy rainfall in many regions could see supplies tighten. Millicent had a larger yarding for its now fortnightly sale, with the Wattle Range Council holding a meeting in a fortnight to discuss the viability of the yards. Only limited numbers of vealers were penned. They attracting spirited bidding up to 235¢ for the steers, and 258¢/kg for the heifers. Most light and medium weight yearling steers finished with feeder and restocker orders, with the heavy weights to processors being dearer. Yearling heifers were also generally dearer to the trade. Grown steers tended to remain basically unchanged despite the small numbers offered. The cows that featured many 1 and 2 scores sold mainly to restocker activity at dearer levels, with processor purchases also at improved levels. Prices lift It was a generally dearer week as smaller numbers and some heavy rainfall sparked some intense bidding at times. Vealer steers to the trade sold from 190¢ to 235¢ to be 3¢ to 9¢/kg dearer. Feeders and restockers purchased B and C muscled light and medium weight steers from 168¢ to 232¢ at prices up to 14¢/kg more. Vealer heifers attracted strong demand between 180¢ and 258¢, to be unchanged to 3¢/kg more with isolated sales much dearer. Yearling steer C3 and B muscled sales were from 165¢ to 213¢, or 6¢ to 20¢/kg dearer. Feeder and restocker orders sourced C2 and C3 steers between 165¢ and 220¢/kg at much dearer levels. Yearling heifer C3 and C4 medium and heavyweight sales ranged from 160¢ to 202¢, to be 1¢ to 14¢/kg dearer. Grown steers sold generally from 174¢ to 198¢ to be basically unchanged, and mostly 310¢ to 350¢/kg cwt. The 1 and 2 score cows to restocker activity sold from 125¢ to 142¢, with processor purchases of 2 to 6 score medium and heavy beef cows from 110¢ to 162¢, or 275¢ to 310¢/kg cwt. Friesian cows sold from 115¢ to 150¢/kg, also at dearer levels and averaged 275¢/kg cwt. Victoria Throughput lifting Numbers at MLA’s NLRS reported physical markets increased 8% with most of the gains in early week markets. The rain over a wide area of the state has meant that processors are expecting numbers to tighten which aided the start of price increases. Rain was heavy at times, with several districts receiving well above average rainfall. However, rainfall in the Western Districts was not as widespread, with the dry seasonal conditions prevailing. Quality continues to be mixed with some good quality being penned, but there were also plain condition lines available. There were some excellent quality vealers offered, particularly in Gippsland markets. Given the large variations in our weather conditions over the past couple of weeks, dressing percentages are reportedly slipping, further compounding the dearer prices for processors. Grown cattle yardings were slightly lower and competition picked up, with strong global demand for manufacturing beef translating to the dearer cow prices. As the week progressed, prices climbed between 3¢ and 12¢/kg, although some sales were noted to be even higher. Receiving the greatest gains were grown cattle as all export processors and some wholesalers were actively seeking supply. Feedlots and restockers matched this strong demand in order to ensure they secured sufficient supply, with plenty of suitable cattle available. Following the good falls of rain, it is expected that restocker demand will continue. This trend has also been evident in store sales held over the past week as producers are eager to secure cattle in order to utilize the exceptional seasonal conditions. Dearer trend There was a fair percentage of heavy B muscle vealer steers that made from 212¢ to 249.6¢/kg. Secondary lines made mostly between 175¢ and 225¢/kg. The B muscle vealer heifers mostly made around 220¢ as the C muscled lots ranged from 204¢ to 217¢/kg. Some medium weight yearling steers to restockers made from 181¢ to 196¢ as heavy weights to feed averaged 194¢/kg. There were some supplementary fed yearlings to the trade that made between 220¢ and 235¢/kg. Aided by strong supermarket demand, the best heifers sold from 192¢ to 210¢ with most others from 170¢ to 195¢/kg. Grown steers and bullocks were 4¢ to 12¢/kg dearer. Heavy steers mostly made around 193¢ after selling to 202.6¢ as the bullocks generally traded in the mid to late 180¢/kg range. Restocker activity on cows was stronger, particularly on dairy cows. Medium weight D1 dairy cows gained 7¢ to average 118¢ as the plainer E1s made closer to 111¢/kg. Heavy dairy cows mostly ranged from 122¢ to 143¢/kg. Medium weight D2 and D3 beef cows were 6¢ to 10¢/ dearer in making from 136¢ to 142¢/kg. The heavy D4 cows lifted 6¢ after making to 178¢ to average 152¢/kg. The carcass weight price average was estimated to be 292¢/kg. Western Australia Reasonable numbers continue Warm and predominately fine conditions were recorded in the southern corner of WA. There was some isolated thunderstorm activity, while there were light rainfall bands seen across the south coast and south eastern regions. Forecasts have predicted another week of warm to hot and generally hot weather with temperatures again tipped to rise to very hot levels mid-week. Feed levels remain reasonable but there was been an increase in supplementary feeding in many areas as would be expected in southern WA at this time of year. Early calving continues in the south and is on the increase. Bull sales in the south are now nearing the end for this year and sales thus far have been encouraging with good averages and clearances having been seen. Conditions in the north of the state remain reasonable. Saleyard numbers remained reasonable this week with the Great Southern sale at Mt Barker returning to a one day sales format with last week seeing the end of the official vealer selling season. Muchea’s yarding continued to have solid supplies of pastoral cattle, while the southwest and Mt Barker yardings were also reasonable for this time of year. Heavy weight steers and heifers continued to be seen in only limited supply, as were trade weight yearlings. Vealer supplies although lower were also fair, while the supplies of cows dipped slightly this week. Trade competition remains solid, while restocker and feeder demand were solid and a feature at all markets. Vealer demand rises Vealer quality and weight remain fair but very mixed as we see the end of the sell off of last year’s calves. The end of the two-day sale saw an increase in both feeder and restocker demand throughout all the classes, with all recording higher price levels in favour of the vendor. This week also saw a large line of well bred heifers sold in the Great Southern market. All of these were purchased for breeding by restockers at prices between 244¢ to 268¢/kg. The quality of trade weight yearling steers and heifers remained mixed on the tight supplies available. Local trade and retailer activity and demand remained strong in both heifer and steer classes with grass finished sales firm to slightly dearer comparative to the previous week. The tight supplies of heavy weight steers, bullocks and mature heifers followed a similar trend as their trade weight counterparts with tight supplies remaining in place. The cow market eased in early weekly sales, but this trend was reversed by the end of the week, where trade demand increases to similar levels seen during last week. Heavy weight bulls recorded a slightly stronger demand this week with increases of up to 8¢/kg. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 03, 2012, 03:12:04 AM Friday, March 02, 2012
Decline in French Cattle Numbers in 2011 FRANCE - French cattle numbers in November 2011 were down three per cent year-on-year, with both dairy and beef herds back one per cent and two per cent, respectively, reports Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). MLA states that a four per cent increase in adult cattle slaughter between January and November 2011 contributed to the decline. Total cow slaughter increased nine per cent in the 11 months to November 2011, largely due to the culling of beef cows as a result of drought in the spring and lower profitability. The number of heifer replacements aged over two years was down seven per cent, indicating a further decline in cow numbers in 2012. The Institut de l’Elevage has predicted that female beef production is forecast to decline five per cent in 2012. Male cattle numbers decreased four per cent, and consequently male cattle slaughter is likely to drop in the first half of 2012, with male beef production for 2012 forecast to fall by as much as six per cent year-on-year. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 03, 2012, 03:14:18 AM Friday, March 02, 2012
Panel Suggests Renewing Beef Exports in India INDIA - A working group report on animal husbandry and dairying for the 12th Five Year Plan, has recommended lifting a ban on beef exports from India. The working group on animal husbandry and dairying (2012-17) recently submitted a report to the Planning Commission on the present performance of the livestock sector and its contributing factors including development programmes and policies pursued in the recent past. It suggested a road map for achieving the targeted rate of growth during the 12th plan while ensuring its sustainability and inclusiveness, reports The Times of India. Sukanya Kadyan, the United Nations (UN) affiliated International Organisation for Animal Protection's (OIPA) event director in India, flayed the recommendation in the report which says: "There is an existing ban on beef exports. Therefore, it is necessary to revise the EXIM policy to allow beef exports." The OIPA and even local NGOs like Sukrut Nirman Charitable Trust and People for Animals (PFA), Nagpur, have demanded the report be withdrawn and government should apologize to the nation before 'religious and nationalist people' pour out into the streets in protest. "Export of beef will not only butcher cows but will also amount to murder of the Constitution and dharma, on which country's foundation has been based," said Naresh Kadyan, India's OIPA representative. The report was more inclined to slaughtering animals rather than protecting them. The matter has been taken up with the President and plan panel, he added. Quoting directive principles under Article 48 of the Constitution, Kadyan said these clearly prohibit slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle. "We cannot tolerate slaughter of cows or its family at any cost," he remarked. Kannubhai Savadia, chairman of Sukrut, said his NGO has been sending representations to the Planning Commission for the past four years against meat exports, but strong lobby of traders backed by politicians appears to have prevailed upon the government. Meat exports were basically to boost foreign exchange but now that the country has sufficient forex reserves, why promote such exports, Mr Savadia asked. "Allowing beef export would lead to massive slaughter of cows, which is already being carried out clandestinely. Our agriculture ministry is supposed to protect and promote cows instead of slaughtering them," Mr Savadia added. "The government should stop playing with the religious sentiments of the people. The recommendation exposes double standards. On one hand, cows are revered and students are taught about its importance and protection, while on the other promotion of beef exports is spoken about," said Karishma Galani, city chief of PFA. Allowing beef exports would lead to farm and food crisis. As per the cattle census conducted in 2007, cattle population has already dwindled. "So why is a need being felt to promote beef exports?" Mr Galani asked. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 03, 2012, 03:18:29 AM Friday, March 02, 2012
Does NZ Dairy Pose a Threat to the US Markets? ANALYSIS - This week, leaders from nine countries are meeting to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement (FTA) in Melbourne, Australia. And for the first time in two years access to dairy markets will be on the table. For the US this could be an issue. Last year President Barack Obama backed full and comprehensive opening of markets in TPP talks, however in the dairy industry there is some resistance to this. Only last week the US Dairy Export Council sent a letter to US Trade Representative Ron Kirk and US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Despite supporting the TPP, the letter cited concerns about pervasive anti-competitive practices by the New Zealand dairy industry. The US dairy industry claims that New Zealand has a "smothering domestic monopoly and aggressive pricing in foreign markets". New Zealand does have a dominant role on global dairy markets, accounting for 35 per cent of global dairy exports. Over the last year, New Zealand dairy exports of milk powder, butter and cheese increased 25 per cent. The US accounts for 12 per cent of global trade in major dairy commodities. The US Dairy Export Council believes that because of New Zealand's dominant role, it policy allowing anti-competitive practices imposes negative impacts on global competitors. "Such a dominant role affords it unfair advantages over its competitors and distorts international trade in dairy products." Fonterra, a New Zealand owned co-operative maintains around a 90 per cent market share of NZ produced milk. The US industry has also said that is will oppose major non-tariff measures that negatively impact the US's ability to fairly compete both at home and abroad. Simon Tucker, from DairyNZ said that shutting NZ dairy exports out of the US will not help US dairy prospects. The US is a major player on global dairy markets, and so restricting access to its domestic markets will have effect their access to foreign markets in the long term. With NZ focusing their dairy marketing efforts on South East Asian and Chinese markets, it seems unlikely that they will dramatically increase sales of dairy products to the US. Earlier this year, the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture (MAF) announced proposed changes to the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA). Looking at raw milk regulations, MAF has proposed that Fonterra increase the volume of raw milk it makes available to independent processors. Still under consultation, the proposals hope to increase competition at the farmgate and ensure that sufficient regulated milk is available for dairy food and beverage companies who process raw milk but do not have their own supply. Fonterra Chairman, Sir Henry van der Heyden, said that the proposal would impose nearly NZ$200 million of additional costs over the next three years alone and work against the co-operative's efforts to reduce the price of milk in New Zealand. With European dairy quotas being lifted in 2015, an additional nine billion litres of milk is expected to come onto the global market. Kevin Bellamy, senior global dairy analyst for Rabobank, has said that New Zealand has little to fear from this. "Continued strong medium-term growth in world demand for dairy is set to absorb the additional supply." Charlotte Johnston Charlotte Johnston, Editor Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 06, 2012, 08:07:38 AM Monday, March 05, 2012
Cattle Outlook: Fed Cattle Prices at New Record High US - Fed cattle prices set new record highs this week. Sales volume was moderate, writes Ron Plain. Ron PlainThrough Thursday, the 5-area average price for slaughter steers sold on a live weight basis was $128.92/cwt, up $2.45 from last week, up $16.08/cwt from the same week last year, and $1.02 above the old record high set the week ending December 2, 2011. Steer prices on a dressed basis averaged $205.02/cwt this week, up $3.88 from a week ago, up $24.69 from a year ago, and up $1.70 from the previous record also set the week ending last December 2. The beef cutout value, for both choice and select carcasses, also reached new record highs this week, breaking the old records set just last week. On Friday morning, the choice boxed beef carcass cutout value was $197.83/cwt, up 57 cents from last week. The select carcass cutout was up $1.30 from the previous Friday to $194.71 per hundred pounds of carcass weight. The choice-select price spread, $3.12/cwt this week, is the tightest since August 19 of last year. The spread is often small at this time of year. The spread was over $10/cwt from mid September until early January, and at times in October and November was above $19/cwt. A small choice-select price spread is sometimes an indicator of weak beef demand. This week’s cattle slaughter totaled 621,000 head, up 4.9% from the week before, but down 3.7% compared to a year ago. The average dressed weight for slaughter steers for the week ending on February 18 was 854 pounds, down 1 pound from the week before, but up 20 pounds from a year earlier. Weights have been above year-earlier for six straight weeks. Year-to-date beef production is down 4.9%. Feeder cattle prices were mostly steady to $5 lower at auctions across the country this week. Oklahoma City prices were steady to $2 lower on feeder cattle with the ranges for medium and large frame #1 steers: 400-450# $200-$210, 450-500# $185-$199.50, 500-550# $184.50-$197, 550-600# $178-$196.75, 600-650# $167.50-$182.50, 650-700# $160.50-$171, 700-750# $156.25-$162.75, 750-800# $152.75-$157, 800-900# $138-$155.50, and 900-1000# $135.25-$142.25/cwt. The April live cattle futures contract settled at $129.95/cwt today, up 45 cents compared to last Friday. The June contract closed at $127.27/cwt, down 48 cents for the week. August fed cattle settled at $129.65 and October at $134.32/cwt. Feeder cattle futures contracts had modest gains this week. The March contract ended the week at $158.10/cwt, up 43 cents from the previous Friday. April feeder cattle settled at $161.32, up $1.05 for the week. May was 90 cents higher this week ending at $162.85/cwt. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 08, 2012, 12:36:54 PM Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Kenya Opts for Ayrshire Genetics Over US Holstein US and KENYA - US cattle genetics producers and exporters will likely experience declining demand and market share in Kenya consistent with the declining farm size of small-scale farmers. Kenyan small-scale farmers, many of whom have one or two dairy cows and a small plot of farmland appear to be opting with greater frequency for Ayrshire genetics. Most analysts expect that the transition away from the Holstein breed will be very slow and correlated to retiring farmers dividing their farms to the benefit of their children. Government of Kenya (GOK) statistics indicate that cattle producers own about 14 million indigenous (Zebu) and three million dairy cattle. More than 650,000 small-scale producers own 80 per cent of the dairy cattle, the most vibrant sector for animal-genetics through artificial insemination. Small-scale producers depend in large part on rain to water and feed for their dairy cows. Reportedly, Kenyan small-scale dairy producers have begun buying Ayrshire genetics, because the breed generally exhibits strong body structure, foraging adroitness and good milk production even during periods of dryness, and good longevity. These advantages become even more important as small-scale farmers divide their plots into even smaller plots. Anecdotal evidence seems to reinforce Kenyan dairy industry data indicating that these small-scale farmers produce much of Kenya’s milk. During the raining seasons when fodder becomes readily available, Kenya’s countryside and cities overflow with milk. Milk prices to small-scale dairy farmers plummet. Farmers give their milk away and even retail outlets reduce consumer milk prices. During these periods, schemes that would increase milk processing or otherwise increase consumption appear and then the dry periods return. As a result of the above mentioned transition to smaller farms, many local analysts expect slightly declining import prospects for US genetics in the Kenyan market (see table below). Other prominent suppliers to the market, some of whom have strong Ayrshire genetics, include South Africa, Canada, and the Netherlands. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 08, 2012, 12:39:52 PM Wednesday, March 07, 2012
CME: Cattle Feeders Looking at Severe Losses US - The profit pictures for the cattle feeding and farrow-to-finish pig production sectors for this year could hardly be more different, write Steve Meyer and Len Steiner. Cattle feeders — at least when one considers full yardage and feed markup costs — are looking at severe losses this year while hog producers are looking at their third profitable year in a row. The chart below shows projected breakeven costs through July courtesy of the Livestock Marketing Information Center. As we mentioned, these estimates include full yardage and feed markup costs and thus over-state the cash cost situation of yardowned cattle. But they are still an accurate portrayal of long-run costs and they imply some serious deficits for cattle this summer, especially with the $4-$5 selloff we have seen in recent sessions. The column chart below paints a very different picture for hog producers. Continued strength in Lean Hogs futures and moderating costs have left expected returns near $20 per head this summer. We say “moderating” costs because they are not expected to be significantly lower for the year than they were in 2011. Our estimates, using closing corn and soybean meal futures prices for Tuesday, are for Iowa farrow-to-finish operations to see breakeven costs of $86.06/cwt carcass in 2012. That is just $0.57/cwt lower than last year. Similar costs and, at least according to Lean Hogs futures prices, slightly higher hog prices should provide profits roughly $2.40 per head higher than in 2011. Our current estimate is for average profits of $7.35/head this year. Why the difference in performance — especially given record -high fed cattle prices? The answer is found in the intermediary feeder cattle market. Cattle feeders buy virtually all of the animals they feed where farrow-to-finish producers simply transfer pigs internally. The need to buy feeder animals leads to behavior that frequently torpedoes cattle feeding profits as yards chase feeder cattle to the point of bidding away all profits. That is true in spades this year as feeder cattle supplies are very tight. Oklahoma City 600-700 pound feeder steers topped $170/cwt the week of February 24 and remained at $169.61 last week. 400-500 steer calves have eclipsed the $200/cwt. mark the past two weeks in OKC. Of course, not every hog is produced in a farrow-to-finish enterprise. A substantial number of pigs are traded each week as either weaned pigs (10-14 pounds, roughly 21 days old) or feeder pigs (40-50 pounds, roughly 8 weeks olds), moving from specialized farrowing operations to feeding operations. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service reported prices for 5.1 million weaned pigs and 1.2 million feeder pigs last year but more (number unknown) were traded through private treaty and not reported to USDA. A good portion of these pigs are formula priced on spot markets or on deferred Lean Hogs futures with current or deferred corn and soybean meal prices frequently factored in as well. But the spot-traded pigs are subject to the same forces as feeder cattle. Weaned pig prices have been near record high in recent weeks, driven by expected summer profits and, to some degree, death losses related to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). These losses have been large this year but whether they are greater than in years past remains to be seen. ERRATA — Our comment in yesterday’s DLR regarding the capacity impacts of a potential closing of Tyson’s Denison, Iowa beef plant was in error. We misread Tyson’s statement which said “ . . . the Dakota City plant . . . will be able to increase the number of cattle it harvests for processing. However, the change is not expected to increase Tyson’s overall beef slaughter capacity.” The Dakota City plant has, for many years, processed more carcasses than it has produced. Many of those extra carcasses have come from the Denison plant which has very limited, if any, capabilities for carcass fabrication. So, according to the Tyson statement, “The Dakota City plant will no longer need a supplemental supply of beef carcasses from the company's satellite beef plant in Denison. This means that the Denison facility. . . may close sometime in 2013.” Tyson’s statement says its total capacity “is not expected to increase” but the company never says its capacity will actually decrease. The statement regarding carcass shipments seems to indicate that the two changes will more or less offset each other. If that is the case, overall industry capacity will remain the same, maintaining the current over-capacity in the beef processing sector even if the Denison plant is closed in 2013. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 09, 2012, 08:07:52 AM Thursday, March 08, 2012
2011/12 Cattle Slaughter Figure Adjusted Upwards EU - The 2011 and 2012 cattle production, slaughter and stock figures are adjusted to a higher level than anticipated in the Annual Livestock Report. A revision of official census and slaughter numbers in 2010 is the basis for higher estimates of the calf crop and ending inventories in 2011 and 2012, in the USDA GAIN: EU-27 Livestock and Products Semi-annual report. Slaughter is also revised to a higher level as a result of increased feed costs and high carcass prices throughout the EU. The 2011 cattle export figure has been adjusted upwards by more than 100,000 head as Turkey lowered the import tariff for live cattle countering the higher Turkish import tariffs for beef. The 2011 and 2012 beef export figures are adjusted to a lower level accordingly. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 10, 2012, 01:08:12 PM Friday, March 09, 2012
Weekly Australia Cattle Summary AUSTRALIA - AUSTRALIA - This report is a collection of weekly cattle price summaries from each Australian state by the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). New South Wales Consignments fall Cattle supplies at the physical markets reported by MLA’s NLRS dropped 23 per cent, as southern regions experienced heavy rain and widespread flooding. The flooding even led to the cancellation of the Wagga cattle sale, while Forbes agents only penned 100 head. Markets that managed to proceed in the Central West were also limited due to the rain, while yardings in the Northern Tablelands were adequate given the wet weather. The rain also had the effect of further boosting restocker demand, with the rain fostering further optimism in livestock producers. The seasonal conditions are looking solid heading into autumn, with the mild temperatures allowing pastures to hold on and the rain has meant dams remain full. Producers in some areas will no doubt be looking forward to some clear weather, while others will take time to clean up after the flooding across the Riverina. Cattle quality and weight was generally good, with supplementary fed grown cattle in the best condition. Graziers continue to offer a high level of store young cattle, with the prices paid by restockers seemingly too good to refuse. Prime yearling cattle were in solid supplies, with several heavy yearling steers and heifers included. Competition in the physical markets increased throughout the state – with southern processors competing strongly in the wake of the cancelled Wagga market. No changes were observed in direct to works rates, with processors hoping supplies begin to open up next week. Feeder buyers remain active, buying a good amount of suitable cattle to place onto feed as the colder months approach. Prices dearer Vealer steers returning to the paddock sold in smaller numbers and prices strengthened, with most of the medium weight drafts selling from 247¢ to 265¢/kg. The better covered vealer steers and heifers to the trade were firm to 3¢ dearer as the C2 lines averaged from 223¢ to 232¢/kg. Large samples of lightweight yearling steers to restock were slightly cheaper on 216¢, while the medium weights averaged 214¢/kg. Heavy yearling steers to feed sold at 199¢, and the medium weight pens to feed were dearer on 214¢/kg. The best heavy yearling heifers to the trade sold at 215¢, while the C3 pens averaged 196¢/kg. Restockers secured the lion’s share of light pens at 198¢/kg. Grown steer prices were upbeat, with export processors and feeders keen to secure supplies. Medium weight pens to feed averaged 187¢, as the heavy C3 pens made 185¢/kg. The better quality C4 drafts topped at 196¢ and averaged 187¢, and the few bullocks retuned 183¢/kg or $1,165/head. Medium weight cows were firm to 4¢ dearer, with the D3 section topping at 161¢ and averaging 148¢/kg. The heavy pens were a shade dearer, with the D4 lines mainly selling at 157¢ and the few exceptional quality C3 pens averaged 162¢/kg. Queensland A lift in supply The supply of stock at physical markets reported by MLA’s NLRS climbed 38 per cent. The return of Longreach into the selling program combined with a lift of 45 per cent at the Roma store sale as the flow of Western cattle returned numbers to normal after the recent flooding across a wide area of inland Queensland. Quality across most markets was generally fair to good, and buyer representation was excellent with increased numbers of northern New South Wales restocker buyers present in the buying gallery at the Roma store sale. Improved competition from restockers and feeder operators lifted prices on lightweight yearling steers across all markets by 3¢/kg. Vealer heifers experienced a cheaper trend at early week sales, however as the week progressed average prices at Dalby improved 9¢/kg. The stronger feeder support combined with better quality lifted medium weight yearling steers by close to 20¢/kg. This trend also flowed onto the heavy weight yearling steers to feed with one large consignment of 230 head making 195¢/kg, and despite a good supply average prices generally improved. Restockers were very keen to lift breeder numbers and a large selection of lightweight yearling heifers averaged 24¢/kg dearer. Heavy grown steers and bullocks to export slaughter generally maintained the improved prices of the previous week, however extra Queensland export processor competition at the end of week markets lifted bullock prices slightly. Cow values varied from centre to centre with medium weight lines unable to maintain the improved rates of the previous week. Nevertheless good heavy cows generally attracted strong competition across all markets and remained close to firm. Feeders dearer Calves returning to the paddock made to 257.2¢ to average 229¢, and a good sample of vealer steers returning to the paddock also averaged 229¢/kg. Vealer heifers to local and southern processors improved 1¢ to average 213¢ with some to local butchers at 228¢/kg. A large selection of light yearling steers sold to restockers 3¢ better at 225¢ with sales to 246.2¢/kg. The better end of the medium weight yearling steers to feed generally sold in the 220¢/kg range with some to 229.2¢/kg. Heavy yearling steers to feed averaged 1¢ better at 192¢ with a few sales to 200.2¢/kg. The largest numbers of lightweight yearling heifers returned to the paddock at an average close to 220¢ and sold to 244.2¢/kg. A good selection of slaughter classes averaged 200¢ and made to 218.2¢/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed averaged 5¢ dearer at 198¢ and sold to 210.2¢/kg. Heavy steers to export slaughter averaged 187¢ and sold to 198.6¢, while the bullock portion mostly sold around 190¢/kg. Full mouth bullocks improved in price to average 183¢ and sold to 186.2¢/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows averaged 3¢ cheaper at 132¢ and a large selection of 3 scores averaged 1¢ less at 149¢/kg. Heavy 3 scores averaged 153¢, and the better 4 scores averaged 163¢/kg. Victoria Larger yardings Large rain events affected at markets reported by MLA’s NLRS. However, it was not as expected with a number of markets offering larger supplies as producers looked to take advantage of the improved prices. Overall supply increased 24 per cent. The Goulburn Valley is suffering flooding, and despite this Shepparton still offered a slightly larger yarding. In Gippsland, markets were 20 per cent to 40 per cent larger. Across all markets saw plainer quality all round. The only exception to this was vealers, particularly in East Gippsland. Parts of East Gippsland have received up to 200mm of rain in the past eight days, which influenced the top quality Cann River vealers to come in two weeks early. Many of these were carrying plenty of weight and topped at 265¢/kg. Dollar per head prices were to $1,200/head, while most sales were closer to $1,000/head. It is so wet in East Gippsland, that Elders have postponed their annual mountain cattle weaner sales scheduled for next week and moved them to after Easter. Overall, prices varied greatly and once away from vealers, prices were ranged from 8¢ cheaper to 12¢/kg dearer. Most affected were grown steers and cows. Due to the rain and subsequent flooding in NSW, a number of markets including Wagga were cancelled as transport was impossible, or not allowed. This was a reason behind better competition. Even though some abattoirs in NSW did not operate early in the week, and some feedlots were reluctant to buy because of the rain, prices were still very good. Mixed trends All vealer sold exceptionally well. The top quality B muscle lines sold from 220¢ to 265¢, as sales of light C muscle vealers ranged from 215¢ to 255¢/kg. Light and medium weight yearling steers sold to 235¢ with most sales of C muscle steers were from 195¢ to 225¢/kg. Heavy yearling steers sold between 192¢ and 212¢, and most of the better quality heifers ranged from 180¢ to 215¢/kg. After several days of hot weather, and now cool and extremely wet conditions, it was very noticeable the fall in quality. Prices for a range of D muscle cattle, and plainer 2 scores were from 160¢ to 195¢/kg. Early in the week prices for grown steers and bullocks excelled reaching 208¢/kg. This resulted in a much larger penning at Leongatha, but the quality was notably plainer. Despite this most sold between 184¢ to 198¢/kg. Bullock prices ranged from 162¢ to 190/c, only the best quality and lighter weights selling to the strongest demand. Cow prices varied between 8¢ cheaper and 6¢/kg dearer. Most sold from 125¢ to 160¢/kg. Carcass weight prices were very comparable to the previous week at an estimated 296¢/kg. South Australia Increased yardings A slightly smaller mixed quality yarding at the SA LE greeted the usual trade and export buyers that also included an additional Victorian order. Feeder and restocker orders were also to the fore on suitable vealer and yearlings at basically unchanged prices. Increased numbers of vealers were yarded, with feeders purchasing most steers, and the trade sourcing all the heifers. Most light and medium weight yearling steers finished with feeders, while the C3 medium and heavyweights were purchased by the trade at much dearer levels. Most yearling heifers finished with the trade at improved prices. The smaller yarding of cows were dearer as processors sourced all available. Naracoorte had a larger yarding for the first combined sale this year. The saleyards are also undergoing a transition of a new roof and weighbridge. Overall quality was mixed and generally led to a fluctuating priced sale as the usual trade and processor buyers picked their way through. The mixed quality yarding of cows failed to maintain last Friday’s momentum and generally sold at lower levels. With virtually no rain south of Keith and Bordertown over the past few days, supplementary feeding is becoming a must in the mid and lower South East. Mt. Gambier’s increased numbers sold to steady competition from the usual buying contingent, albeit with a couple very selective with their purchases. Feeder and restocker orders were quite active at generally lower levels. A few lightweight B muscled vealers attracted spirited bidding despite most being generally cheaper. Good quality runs of grown steer and a mixed quality yarding of cows tended to lose ground. Fluctuating demand It was a week of fluctuating demand due to not all buyers operating at optimum levels. Vealer steers to the trade sold from 196¢ to 240¢ with a single at 262¢ to be 4¢ dearer for the B muscled, and 5¢/kg cheaper for the C muscled. Feeders and restockers sourced increased numbers from 165¢ to 215¢, with C2 lightweights 4¢ dearer and the medium weights 5¢/kg less. Vealer heifers to the trade sold between 181¢ and 251¢ with isolated sales dearer and the balance generally 4¢ to 15¢/kg cheaper. Feeder and restocker purchases were mainly from 158¢ to 215¢/kg on C and D muscled lightweights. Yearling steer C3 sales ranged from 180¢ to 228¢ with the medium weights 4¢ cheaper and the heavyweights 9¢/kg dearer. Yearling heifer C3 medium and heavyweights sold from 174¢ to 222¢ to be 3¢ to 5¢/kg dearer. Grown steers and bullocks sold between 170¢ and 197¢ to be unchanged to 3¢ cheaper, and generally 310¢ to 350¢/kg cwt. Most medium and heavy beef cows to processors sold from 125¢ to 160¢/kg. The 2 scores were dearer due to restocker activity and the balance unchanged to 3¢/kg cheaper, and generally 260¢ to 300¢/kg cwt. West Australia Long weekend impacts The southern Agricultural districts suffered a return to very hot conditions with temperatures across the weekend forecast to hit 40 degrees. The hot weather has been accompanied by fine weather with no rainfall recorded over the past seven days. Feed conditions in the south remain solid for this time of year with only limited supplementary feeding activity currently being under taken. The majority of the northern and eastern pastoral regions continue enjoy reasonable seasonal conditions with further thunderstorm activity recorded throughout these regions over the past week. Physical market numbers were lower and impacted by the public holiday Monday. This resulted in the Muchea’s sale being moved to the Tuesday and the subsequent cancellation of the south western sale, which happens in these circumstances. Muchea’s numbers were considerably lower, while the Great Southern sale at Mt Barker saw its volumes remained similar to recent week’s levels. Muchea’s smaller yarding had very healthy percentages of mixed quality ex-pastoral cattle that continue to be consigned from southern agistment areas, rather than being consigned direct from pastoral runs. As has been the case in recent times the supplies of prime heavy and trade weight steers and heifers remained tight. Cow numbers remained fair, while there were again reasonable volumes of vealers recorded. Quality at both markets was very mixed throughout the classes. Generally processor demand remained buoyant in most classes with restockers and feeders also remaining active in the market. Cow market falls Despite being lower than what was offered during last month there was once again a reasonable supply of vealers available. Quality remained fair with a reasonable spread of numbers still recorded throughout the classes. Heavier steer and heifer vealers enjoyed a slight increase in feeder demand that lifted price between 2¢ and 4¢/kg. Medium and light weight classes struggled to maintain their previous price levels due to a more subdued restocker demand on a more mixed and generally plainer quality in these grades. The numbers of prime trade steers and heifers continued to be limited with quality mixed. Prime better muscled drafts received solid and firm local processor competition, while mixed quality grades recorded discounting with most averages in line with the previous week’s quotes. Heavy weight steer and bullock prices remained similar on limited supply, while heavy weight grown heifer sales were considerably lower due to a weaker processor demand. This was also the case in cow classes whereby processor inquiry dropped sharply and continuously as the week progressed. This was also the case in heavy weight bull classes, while lightweight received some live export interest. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 10, 2012, 01:11:11 PM Friday, March 09, 2012
Further Support for the Beef Industry CANADA - An additional investment of C$3 million has been made to the Canadian cattle industry to help improve their profitability and competitiveness. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz made the announcement at the Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) 2012 annual general meeting today where he underlined how important the beef industry is to the Canadian economy, with more than $6.2 billion brought to the farm gate in 2010. "The new investment will further improve the flow of information across the beef value chain, leading to better management decisions, greater production efficiencies, reduced costs and improved overall competitiveness of the Canadian cattle industry," said Minister Ritz. "The great work the cattle industry has done on traceability has built a strong platform for the Beef InfoXchange System and this investment will further improve the system." Last March, Minister Ritz announced an initial investment of $5.3 million for the Beef InfoXchange System (BIXS), which allows the seamless transfer of animal and carcass data from producer to processor. This additional funding will enable the CCA to improve the quality of information available through BIXS and facilitate the transmission of electronic data from packing plants to the BIXS database. "The flow of fundamental information to the BIXS database will enhance the completeness of the data and reinforce the value of the BIXS program offering," said Travis Toews, President of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. "I thank Minister Ritz for ensuring the BIXS database is as robust as possible." 2012 has already been a year of successes for Canada's beef sector, including restored market access to South Korea for beef under 30 months of age and to China for bovine tallow for industrial use. These breakthroughs mark the first time in nearly a decade that such products have been able to reach these key markets. Market access for Canadian tallow to China is expected to be worth $50 million annually, according to the Canadian Renderers Association, while the Canadian beef industry has estimated that restored beef access to South Korea could result in annual sales reaching $30 million by 2015 for Canadian producers. "Economic growth is a key priority for our Government, and that's why we are creating new market opportunities for the Canadian cattle and beef industries," said Minister Ritz. "Canada is among the world's largest exporters of high-quality beef and we're working hard with the industry to make that business grow even stronger." Minister Ritz underlined the Government's commitment to standing up for Canadian producers, both at home and abroad. He highlighted the very clear victory for Canada's livestock sector with the ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the US mandatory Country-of-Origin Labelling measure exemplifies the Government's determination to stand alongside the livestock industry against unfair treatment. Minister Ritz continues to work with his US counterpart and industry to see that the necessary changes to comply with the WTO panel decision are made as soon as possible. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 10, 2012, 01:12:48 PM Friday, March 09, 2012
Saleyard Cattle Prices to Rise AUSTRALIA - Continued restocker demand, combined with relatively low slaughter rates, are expected to underpin average saleyard cattle prices in 2011-12. According to the latest Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) Agricultural Commodities March 2012 report, the average cattle saleyard price is expected to increase two per cent year-on-year, to 330¢/kg cwt. However, over the medium term, ABARES forecasts a slight fall in average saleyard prices, with prices in 2016-17 expected to fall to around 312¢/kg cwt. The fall in value is expected to be the result of higher slaughter following an increase in herd numbers, as well as a rise in beef being sent to developing countries (due to greater competition in traditional export markets), that have historically offered lower returns than the major markets of Japan and Korea. The Australian cattle herd is expected to rise five per cent year-on-year in 2011-12, to 30.2 million head, before increasing a further four per cent year-on-year in 2012-13, to 31.4 million head, and reach 31.8 million head by 2013-14. The forecast growth is expected to be underpinned by the retention of female breeding stock and favourable seasonal conditions. Total slaughter is expected to fall two per cent in 2011-12, to 7.9 million head, before rising to 8.1 million head in 2012-13. Despite the fall in slaughter numbers, production is expected to rise 1% in 2011-12, to 2.1 million tonnes cwt – underpinned by higher male turn-off and subsequent heavier average carcase weights. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 13, 2012, 12:05:18 AM Monday, March 12, 2012
Mexico to Increase Beef Export to Japan MEXICO & JAPAN - Japan will allow larger quantities of Mexican beef to be imported at a reduced tariff rate, under the revised Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The amendment to the current EPA protocols will come into force from 1 April 2012. According to Meat and Livestock Australia, the quota for Mexican beef will be increased from the current 6,000 tonnes per year, to 10,500 tonnes per year. Tariff rates will remain as previously agreed, at 30.8 per cent for chilled and frozen boneless products, except for the ‘other’ frozen category. Japan applies a 38.5 per cent tariff for chilled and frozen beef from other countries, including Australia, with the right to increase the rate to 50 per cent if import volumes exceed levels set by the government. Japanese imports of Mexican beef have accelerated since the Japan-Mexico EPA in 2005, with shipments in 2011 reaching 17,403 tonnes swt - up 46 per cent from the previous year and just 1,772 tonnes swt in 2004. While it is still a minor beef supplier to Japan, Mexico is gearing up its promotional activities in the market. It was reported by the trade media Shokuniku Sokuho this week that Mexican beef exporters are planning to conduct seminars and promotions for chefs and consumers in Japan throughout 2012. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 14, 2012, 12:35:04 AM Tuesday, March 13, 2012
CME: Beef Exports Down in January but Price Up US - US pork exports began 2012 right where they left of 2011 — on the positive side of the ledger — while beef exports fell slightly in quantity versus January 2011 but grew in value and broiler exports increased over 9% versus year-ago levels. All-in-all, not a bad start to the year, especially amid concerns that a stronger dollar might negatively impact U.S. meat and poultry exports. The charts at right show exports to key markets for each species on a carcass/ready-to-cook weight basis. Some highlights of the data released by USDA’s Foreign Ag Service (product weight and value) and Economic Research Service (carcass weight data) are: Pork exports remained stellar in January, posting their second highest monthly volume ever (second only to November 2011) and their third highest value on record. Carcass weight equivalent exports jumped 36% versus one year ago with shipments to China/ Hong Kong leading the year-on-year growth at +156%. The 96.318 million pounds, carcass weight, shipped to this market was 9.6% lower than in December and continues the downward trend from the near-record monthly high reached in November so there is still some concern about how far monthly sales to China/Hong Kong may fall before stabilizing. China was not the only growth area for pork — shipments to Japan were +19% vs. January 2011. Canada was +51%, Korea was +31% and Mexico was +16%. On a product-weight basis, shipments of pork, pork variety meats and sausage casings were 28% larger than one year ago. The value of those shipments was up 43% from last year and accounted for nearly $60 for each hog slaughtered in January. Beef exports were 4.4% lower than in January 2011 on a carcass weight equivalent basis. That is the first year-on-year decline for monthly beef exports since September 2009. Slightly tighter supplies and cutout values that were over 10% higher than last year were the primary reasons for the decline. The year-on-year decline for beef exports cannot be blamed on any one market. As can be seen in the chart, there is no clear cut leader among markets for U.S. beef as four different countries were the largest destination for beef exports at some point in 2011. Mexico was our largest customer in January but shipments there were actually 2% smaller than last year. Canada was the #2 market and the 32.1 million pounds, carcass equivalent, sent there in January was a slight increase on 2011. Shipments to Japan were 3.5% higher. And in the “numbers can be deceiving” category: Beef exports to Russia were 87% larger but Russia only accounted for 3.6% of total U.S. beef exports in January. On a product weight basis, beef and beef variety meat exports were virtually even with 2011 while the value of those shipments grew by 14% according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. “Other” countries remain a critical part of chicken exports, accounting for 40% of the total. Among these, Taiwan was our second largest customer in January while Cuba was #3. The United Arab Emirates and Vietnam also ranked in the top 10 while all of the second 10 U.S. markets are included in the “Other” category. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 15, 2012, 05:05:13 AM Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Increase in Cattle Inventories Forecast for 2012 BRAZIL - A three per cent increase in cattle inventories in 2012 as a result of government financial support for cattle herd rebuilding, genetic improvements, pasture improvements, and sustained cattle prices has been forecast. According to the USDA's Brazil Livestock and Products Semi-annual 2012, by the end of this year, cattle inventories are expected to reach nearly 204 million head. 2012 cattle exports have been forecast to rise, with increased shipments expected to Venezuela and Suriname due to competitive prices. Despite of a drop in cattle exports in 2011, the Brazilian Meat Packing Industry officially submitted a request for a 30 per cent export tax on live cattle exports to the federal government on 31 January. 2012 beef production has been forecast to rise by two per cent. Increased exports, continued growth in domestic demand and higher consumer purchasing power are expected to factor the growth in beef production. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 16, 2012, 03:29:52 AM Thursday, March 15, 2012
Asia Must Import to Meet Growing Dairy Demand GLOBAL - Asian countries have the need for continued imports from significant dairy producing countries, such as the United States, to meet burgeoning demand. “Demand growth in Asia is expected to soar over the next decade as incomes rise and demand for animal protein increases,” the Hoogwegt Horizons newsletter reports. Markets in Viet Nam and Korea are especially attractive for dairy because both countries are expected to experience significant growth in dairy consumption over the next decade. Per capita dairy consumption is currently much lower in Asia than the United States and other Western countries, but it's expected to grow drastically as the region’s large population base begins to gain a taste for foods like pizza. Throughout Asia, the new and growing demand for milk and milk products will need to be fulfilled by imported products because many countries can't meet domestic production needs. The newsletter notes that 78 per cent of Vietnam’s milk needs are met by imports, along with 37 per cent for Korea and 75 per cent for Indonesia. It warns, however, that the expected large increase in demand is unlikely to be sustained without significant increases in the volume of imports from dairy producers in the United States and a few other countries. "The United States is uniquely positioned to supply this growing demand. We have the infrastructure to efficiently produce and process dairy products, and we have the ability to grow significantly to meet increasing global demand," said Jerry Slominski, International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy. "But Republicans Collin Peterson’s milk supply management proposal would limit our industry's growth, curtail exports and hinder job creation. IDFA opposes any form of supply management, especially at a time of great market opportunity for our members and the entire US dairy industry." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 17, 2012, 03:41:53 AM Friday, March 16, 2012
Korean Producers Struggle As Prices Collapse SOUTH KOREA - Oversupply of cattle is expected to push prices further down in 2012, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Producers are facing increasing pressure as cattle prices are plummeting. Despite suffering from foot and mouth disease in late 2010 and early 2011, cattle numbers are strong. Steer prices have fallen 35 per cent since 2010, likely due to an increase in cattle inventories, which have increased 70 per cent over the last 10 years, and 26 per cent over the last five. To combat this the Ministry of Agriculture is offering incentives, to encourage producers to send poor performing cattle to slaughter, instead of keeping them for the breeding herd. The Ministry hopes to reduce cattle numbers by 100,000 head in 2012 and a further 100,000 head in 2013, in a bid to level out cattle prices. Offering 500,000 won/head ($444) for heifers and 300,000 won/head ($267) for cows has seemed to help stabilise the market. Cattle prices are still far below pre foot and mouth levels, which is also encouraging producers to liquidate herds. All of this is expected to increase cattle slaughter, which is now estimated for 2012 at 1.1 million head, a 27 per cent increase on 2011. Consumption of beef is always increasing. Supermarkets offer local beef (Hanwoo) at discounted prices to encourage consumption. Estimations for 2012 suggest that consumers may favour US beef over Australian beef. However, the Korea-US free trade deal which came into play yesterday (15 March) is not likely to have a significant impact on US beef imports due to the tariff levels not being reduced by much. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 21, 2012, 01:27:45 AM Global Beef Outlook: Tough time Ahead for Packers
Speaking to Matt McKamey from Rabo AgriFinance in the US, Charlotte Johnston TheCattleSite editor looks at cattle market projections for 2012. Mr McKamey appears to be cautiously optimistic about cattle production over the next couple of years. Speaking at the National Cattlemens Beef Association annual convention, it was hard not to be optimistic. With the industry seeing sky-high prices last year, he is fairly confident that 2012 will see double digit returns for beef producers. Despite a declining beef herd - which will limit supply, all time high beef exports and new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Mr McKamey's caution comes on the back of the global economic crisis, which he says we are not clear of yet. He also said that consumers hold the power, at any time they could decide to purchase another protein product. One concern is how consumers will respond to increasing beef prices. Mr McKamey said that this was currently unknown. "So far it seems that consumers have been able to absorb the additional expense, but at what point will this stop," he said. It is likely to be a tough year for meat packers, he said. They could potentially be dealing with losses, as cattle costs increase, how much of this can they pass onto consumers, or how can they pass some of the cost back to producers? Demand for beef is still strong, despite per capita consumption falling over the past 25 years. Instead consumer demand for high quality beef has increased. As a general trend beef production has been declining, as producers have liquidated herds in order to maintain their operations. The drought in the South has had and will have an impact on beef supplies, Mr McKamey said. Saying this, cattle are producing more pounds of beef per animal, which is going someway to offsetting the decline in production. March 2012 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 22, 2012, 09:08:39 AM Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Beef Supplies Short; Producers to Expand Herd US - US beef producers have started the early stages of herd expansion as beef supplies remain very short, says Purdue Extension agricultural economist Chris Hurt. Beef cow numbers have dropped by nine per cent, or three million head, since 2007. They dropped by three per cent in 2011 alone, meaning a smaller calf crop in 2012 and lower slaughter numbers through 2014. But strong finished cattle prices and moderating feed costs have driven some producers to start the expansion. Producers have reduced their herds in recent years primarily because of escalating feed costs since 2007 and a drought in the southern Plains that dried up pastures and forages. According to a January US Department of Agriculture cattle report, the most recent available, beef heifer retention has increased one per cent - a sign that producers are starting to expand. If US crop yields return closer to normal during the 2012 crop year, Hurt said feed prices could come down even more, which would encourage further herd expansion. "This is the first increase in heifer retention since feed prices began increasing," he said. While higher retention rates would seem to suggest lower finished cattle prices in 2012, Mr Hurt said the opposite is likely true. Beef producers retaining heifers results in lower slaughter supplies and, ultimately, lower beef supplies. With a reduction in cow numbers, the calf crop could be down more than two per cent in 2012, and if heifer retention continues in 2012 and 2013, Mr Hurt said beef supplies might not increase until 2015. "The modest heifer retention now is actually a price-enhancing factor in the short run," he said. "Look for finished cattle prices to push into the higher $120s in the spring, moderate to the mid-$120s this summer, and finish the year near $130. Spring highs in 2013 could climb to the low $130s." Despite the high finished cattle price projections, Hurt said producers need to keep an eye on the weather and 2012 crop yields before they make further expansion plans. Producers in the southern Plains should watch drought conditions, while producers nationwide need to watch crop progress. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting that a region of the western Corn Belt will continue to be very dry into the spring. "That raises concerns for corn and soybean meal prices," Mr Hurt said. "Higher feed prices would depress cattle prices." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 23, 2012, 08:30:29 AM Thursday, March 22, 2012
NZ to Increase Beef Production in 2012 NZ - New Zealand beef production is set to increase by 6.5 per cent in 2012, boosted by higher carcase weigths and excellent growing conditions. Cattle slaughter was down slightly at the ned of 2011, due to good pasture conditions making it possible for farmers to carry more stock over the summer months. As the dairy and beef herds increase, higher cow kills are expected due to replacements. On top of this the cow herd is expected to grow even bigger with an additional 80-90,000 cows in 2012, the majority going into the expanding dairy herd. Domestic consumption will remain unchanged, which means that the extra production will be ready for export. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 24, 2012, 09:16:00 AM Friday, March 23, 2012
Weekly Australian Cattle Summary AUSTRALIA - This report is a collection of weekly cattle price summaries from each Australian state by the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). West Australia (WA) Weather conditions moderate Weather conditions cooled substantially in the southwest of WA this week with a solid drop in temperatures recorded after the heat wave. Conditions in the north of the state remain reasonable with widespread rainfall seen throughout much of the interior, goldfields and down though to Esperance on the south coast. The majority of the Agricultural districts however recorded fine and dry conditions. This year’s calving is now in full swing with solid numbers now on the ground throughout much of the southern regions. Supplementary feeding is on the rise as feed levels decline as would be expected at this time of year. The numbers of cattle sold in physical markets dropped this week due to a solid reduction in the volumes penned in the Great Southern and despite an increase in Muchea’s volumes. The southwest’s sale remained the smallest of the three weekly venues. As numbers constrict some agents have indicated that several of the weekly sales may revert to a fortnightly fixture during the winter as happened during the same period last year when throughput dropped away. Vealer supplies were lower this week, while the supplies of trade weight yearlings were also very constricted. Heavy weight steer and heifer volumes remained minimal, with cow volumes again only moderate. Quality throughout the classes remained very mixed and plain with the supplies of prime slaughter grades again limited and this continued to support a buoyant processor inquiry. Cow market rebounds The majority of vealers sold this week remained in store condition with the majority being of medium and light weight as heavy weights were sold in relatively limited numbers. Feeder demand was more conservative and selective and this saw slight decreases in medium and heavy weight steer classes, while a plainer quality lightweights saw these classes fall sharply as restockers imposed discounts. The majority of vealer heifers on the other hand enjoyed a similar demand from both restockers and feeders with selected breeds recording premiums from the live export sector to a high of 227c/kg lwt. The limited supplies of trade weight yearlings included an increased percentage of grain assisted drafts with few prime grass finished lots recorded. Demand from the local processing and retail sectors was buoyant with solid market conditions remaining in place. This was also the case in heavy weight steer, bullock and mature heifer classes with most of these firm to dearer in price. Cow quality remained mixed and demand from the processing sector again increased throughout the classes, which saw prime heavy weight sales up to 12c/kg dearer. Victoria Full selling week returns Victoria returned to a full selling week, with numbers lifting 10 per cent. However, supply remains low with the processing industry still unable to secure adequate supplies after returning to a five day slaughter week. Strong demand led to better competition across the majority of markets, and in turn lead to further price increases. The week started slowly with trade cattle prices firm to dearer, while grown cattle prices eased on Monday on a fortnightly comparison. However, this was short lived as demand was much stronger from Tuesday onward. Some excellent results were achieved for grown steers and bullocks depending on the complex. Light and medium weight steers and bullocks were 4c to 15c/kg dearer. Demand varied greatly for vealers and yearlings with processors being more selective early in the week, however by Thursday buyers were more flexible with specifications. Vealers sold very well, as did some of the yearling heifers. Some of this was driven by supermarket competition aided by an additional buyer at Bairnsdale on Thursday, a sale they have not attended for a long time. Affecting cow prices was the emergence of a grinding beef order for the US market. All processors competed strongly for lean 1 score cows aiding a reasonable increase in the carcass weight price average to 304¢/kg cwt. Several weaner and autumn store cattle sales were held over the past week. Prices increased significantly and this forced more competition onto physical sales. This also assisted in some strong results for secondary cattle. Prices increase All categories performed better this week despite the increased yardings, with vealer heifers recording the greatest gains in price. There was less demand for yearling heifers and cows which were only fair to slightly better. This was seen especially in vealer sales with a large number of B and C muscle vealers making 235¢ to 266¢/kg. Most others sold between 200¢ and 250¢ with D muscle steers and heifers from 175¢ to 228¢/kg. Supplementary fed yearlings sold as high as 255¢, but most light and medium weight steers and heifers made between 190¢ and 225¢/kg. Strong competition between wholesalers and exporters saw grown steers and bullocks make to 213¢, most selling from 192¢ to 208¢/kg. Prime bullocks suffered a huge range of prices partly due to weight and breeding. Prices ranged from 172¢ to 206¢/kg. Because of the strong competition for cows, the top price was 176¢/kg. Better quality beef cows made mostly from 145¢ to 165¢/kg. Leaner 2 and 3 scores sold mostly between 120¢ and 148¢, although some very poor quality sold at lesser rates. Probably one of the more notable issues at most markets was buyers lowering the quality they purchased in order to secure supply. New South Wales Numbers tighten Cattle yardings at the physical markets reported by MLA’s NLRS decreased 13% week-on-week after most selling centres penned fewer cattle. Overall supplies contracted in the central west, despite supplies at Forbes more than doubling as flood water recede. Solid rainfall over the Hunter Valley on the weekend contributed to the reduced consignments at both Scone and Singleton. Numbers were mixed in New England and throughput tightened at Casino after less grown cattle were yarded. A higher proportion of lightweight vealer and yearling cattle were recorded in the physical markets, as producers continued to offload cattle in store condition. This has been a widespread trend across the state, with graziers happily offloading stock before the winter season. Despite this, a fair amount of medium and heavyweight yearling steers were presented in prime condition and sold to solid processor and supermarket competition. Grown cattle number contracted and quality was mixed in places – as cattle begin to show the signs of the cooler, variable weather. Cow numbers remained strong overall and most yardings were dominated by heavyweight consignments carrying adequate condition. Demand for cattle was relatively stable, with direct to works rates showing a firm trend across all categories. Processors have a good amount of cattle booked in for the coming weeks, and if it remains dry supplies will only increase. Export grades were firm despite the A$, but the stronger demand for manufacturing beef helping hold the market stable. Competition in the physical markets was slightly higher, with restockers once again underpinning the strong young cattle prices. Restockers chase light steers Light vealer steers to restocking and backgrounding orders were keenly contested, with prices averaging up to 15¢/kg dearer. Restocker vealer steers mainly sold from 245¢ to 268¢, while the medium weight lines were firm on 235¢/kg. Vealer heifers to restock went against the trend, as prices fell 6¢ - to 217¢/kg. The better quality vealer heifers to the trade were firm to 2¢ dearer on 225¢ and the C3 pens settled on 220¢/kg. Light store yearling steers to restock and feed sold from 215¢ to 235¢, while medium feeder steer prices were stable on 208¢/kg. Heavy feeder steers were unchanged on 195¢ and the better covered lines to slaughter made 201¢/kg. Restocker yearling heifers topped at 236¢ and averaged 4¢ lower on 198¢/kg. The medium weights to feed made 195¢ and the heavy C3 pens to slaughter gained 4¢ -to 194¢/kg. Medium weight grown steers to feed were in greater numbers and prices topped at 188¢ and averaged 182¢/kg. The heavy pens to export slaughter mainly sold firm on 185¢, while the better quality C4 consignments made 188¢/kg. Bullocks averaged 187¢ or $1,193/head. Medium weight cows eased 2¢ - to 143¢ and heavy D4 cows were firm on 153¢/kg. South Australia Increased Yardings SA LE numbers increased after a two week break and featured very mixed quality runs. There was an easing price trend from the usual local and interstate trade and export buyers. However, feeder and restocker orders were active as they sourced many of the young cattle and some 1 and 2 score beef cows. The majority of the vealer steers finished with feeder activity at dearer levels, while the few vealer heifers sold at lower levels. Most yearling steers under 400kg were purchased be feeders. The heavy C3 steers were sourced by the trade at lower prices. Yearling heifers followed suit with many light and medium weights purchased by feeders, while the trade secured the balance. Naracoorte larger improved quality yarding sold to a generally dearer trend, with most of the regular SA and Victorian trade and export buyers purchasing stock. Feeder and restocker orders were also quite active on a mixture of young cattle, plain quality cows and a few lightweight bulls. There were also some prime supplementary fed steers from Loxton that attracted very strong demand. Most categories were unchanged to 6¢/kg dearer, with isolated feeder purchases higher. Mt. Gambier’s yarding of only 849 head was one of the smallest yardings in some seven months. However, apart from isolated sales of plain quality and some vealer heifers that were cheaper, most categories attracted improved prices. And outstanding pen of 330kg vealer heifers sold at 271¢/kg after some solid bidding. Medium weight grown steers topped the 200¢ mark, while some supplementary B-muscled yearling steers peaked at 237¢/kg. Most Categories Dearer Improved prices were evident across the majority of categories as the smaller numbers that are now appearing, particularly in the lower South East. Yearling heifers were the only exception and performed weaker. Vealer steers in limited numbers to the trade sold from 180¢ to 250¢ at prices unchanged to 4¢/kg dearer. Feeders and restockers sourced C2 light and medium weight steers from 195¢ to 225¢, also at generally dearer levels. Vealer heifers to the trade sold mainly from 183¢ to 238¢ with isolated sales at 256¢ and 271¢/kg. Yearling steer C3 sales were from 170¢ to 211¢, with the B muscled 204¢ to 237¢ to be 1¢ to 10¢/kg more. Feeder purchases of C2 and C3 medium and heavy steers were from 160¢ to 215¢, also at dearer levels. Yearling heifer C3 medium and heavyweights sold between 170¢ and 200¢, or unchanged to 8¢/kg cheaper. Grown steer C3 steers sold from 172¢ to 207¢, at prices 1¢ to 5¢ dearer and generally 330¢ to 365¢/kg cwt. The grown heifers were up 2¢ to make 190.7¢/kg. The D3 to C6 beef cows sold between 137¢ to 165¢ to be 1¢ to 6¢ dearer, and mainly 275¢ to 310¢/kg cwt. The bulls remained fair with prices between 140¢ and 191 to average at 153.50¢/kg. Queensland Rain reduces supply Numbers at physical markets fell away by close to 40 per cent after heavy tropical rainfall across the central and northern areas of the state. The return of flooding rain severely reduced numbers at Mareeba and cancelled the Longreach sale plus almost all other selling centres in the central and northern regions. As the rain influence moved south and combined with another weather front from the west supply at southern selling centres also reduced. The overall quality of the young cattle was mixed while the standard of the export classes of heavy steers, bullocks and cows was generally good, with the vast majority of the cows in the 3 and 4 score ranges. All the usual export buyers were present at markets early in the week and not all were operating. However, by mid-week the cancellations of sales and direct consignments due to the wet weather meant most export buyers were operating. Prices for young cattle early in the week generally met firm demand, selling in line with the reduced prices of the previous week. Nevertheless the drop in supply by mid week turned prices around with vealer steers and heifers and lightweight yearling classes improving 5¢ to 10¢/kg. The only category to go against this trend were heavy yearling steers to feed. Heavy steers and bullocks to export slaughter at early week sales remain firm on the previous weeks reduced rates, while the shorter numbers by mid and late week sales lifted prices by 5¢/kg. Apart from adjustments in places due to quality cow prices remained generally unchanged. Prices firm to dearer A large number of calves returned to the paddock 4¢ dearer at 235¢ with a few pens at 259¢/kg. Vealer steers also returning to the paddock improved 5¢ and sold to 248.2¢ with a fair supply at 230¢/kg. Vealer heifers to slaughter improved 6¢ to average close to 213¢ and sold to 224¢/kg. Lightweight yearling steers returning to the paddock generally sold around 223¢ with a very occasional sale to 269.2¢/kg. Medium weight yearling steers to feed averaged 206¢ and made to 230¢/kg. Heavyweights to feed made to 208¢ with a good sample at 195¢/kg. Despite a fairly large supply of lightweight yearling heifers to slaughter penned, average prices lifted by 5¢ to 213¢, and restocker lines mostly sold around 214¢/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed improved 3¢ to average 192¢ and sold to 207.2¢/kg. Heavy steers to export slaughter averaged 5¢ better at 188¢ and sold to 197.2¢/kg. Bullocks sold to the same level with most 5¢ dearer at 190¢/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows averaged 130¢ and 3 scores made 144¢/kg. Good heavy cows were in demand all week and averaged 158¢ with the occasional pen topping at 169.2¢/kg. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 28, 2012, 04:16:01 AM Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Mexico to Defend WTO Meat Labelling Decision MEXICO - Following on from the US announcing that it will appeal against the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) ruling on Country of Origin Labelling (COOL), Mexico has said that it will continue to support the WTO's final ruling last November. Last November WTO decided that US COOL on meat products treated Mexican and Canadian products less favourably, violating WTO trade rules. The Mexican government has said that it will continue to support WTO and urge the US to develop COOL in accordance with WTO rules, in order to protect Mexican producers. Mexico claims that the current COOL legislation is of detriment to Mexican imports into the US, and since its introduction US processing plants have limited Mexican cattle imports, as well as discounted the price by $60 per head of cattle. The government said that Mexico is committed to restoring the conditions for Mexican cattle into the US market. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 29, 2012, 10:31:08 AM Wednesday, March 28, 2012 Weekly Roberts Market Report Michael T. Roberts Extension Agriculture Economist, Dairy and Commodity Marketing, NC State University DAIRY CLASS III futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) closed up on Monday with the exception of the April 2012 contract. MAR’12DA futures closed at $15.64/cwt; up $0.01/cwt. The MAY’12DA contract closed at $15.34/cwt; up $0.23/cwt. JULY’12DA futures closed at $16.12/cwt; up $0.14/cwt. Spot Cheddar block and barrel markets were quit. USDA’s Livestock Slaughter report released last Friday showed dairy cow slaughter at 525,000 year-to-date; 12,000 head more than this time last year. USDA’s more recent Milk Production report showed the US dairy herd increased by 27,000 head for the same period. Despite greater slaughter, the dairy herd continues to expand. Fundamentals do not support recent price increases. Milk production is increasing on a weekly basis with no peak in view. Current strength is most likely the result of traders wanting to get out of recently established short positions due to cheese price movement. Prices for Class III futures were: 3 months out = $15.53/cwt ($0.06/cwt lower than last report); 6 months out = $15.81/cwt ($0.10/cwt under a week ago level); 9 months out = $16.09/cwt ($0.06/cwt less than this time last week); and 12 months out = $16.12/cwt ($0.04/cwt under a week ago). The All Milk Price for 2012 has declined over $2/cwt from January through February. LIVE CATTLE futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) closed up on Monday with the exception of August 2012 and June 2013 contracts. The APR’12 contract finished at $124.550/cwt; up $0.050/cwt. JUNE’12LC futures closed at $121.100/cwt; even with Friday’s close. DEC’12LC futures closed at $130.075/cwt; up $0.200/cwt. According to pit sources cattle futures were mixed while traders took in last Friday’s bearish supply report and after the demise of a common ground-beef filler. Last Friday USDA showed a greater-than-expected number of cattle placed in feedlots coming off drought and dry grass from the southern Plains. The number of cattle marketed was lower than expected and also fundamentally negative for prices. On the other hand several pit sources thought this news was already factored into the market. Additionally, traders are trying to gauge the impact of the rapid phasing out of lean finely textured beef, which critics describe as “pink slime.” Many grocery store chains now say they won’t sell beef containing those trimmings. The American Meat Institute said Monday that it could take an additional 1.5 mi head of cattle to make up the difference in meat lost by phasing out those trimmings thereby fundamentally supporting the market even though in the near-term prices could be negatively affected. In a word, tight beef supplies could get even tighter. Cash cattle markets were slow on Monday but are expected to pick up later in the week since packers laid off buying last week. USDA on Monday put box beef prices at $191.74/cwt; down $0.91/cwt and $5.24/cwt lower than a week ago. According to HedgersEdge.com, the average packer margin was lowered $18.30/cwt to a negative $70.80/head based on the average buy of $126.55/cwt vs. the breakeven of $119.73/cwt. Late Monday, March 5, USDA put the 5-area average price at $126.60/cwt; $0.20/cwt over last report. FEEDER CATTLE at the CME finished mixed on Monday. Nearbys were strong while deferreds were lower. APR’12FC futures finished at $152.550/cwt; up $0.125/cwt. The AUG’12FC contract closed $0.050/cwt lower at $156.100/cwt. Some profit taking occurred owing to recent news affecting live cattle fundamentals. The Oklahoma National Stockyard feeder cattle auction estimated receipts for Monday, 3/26/12 at 5,000 head compared to 7,502 last week and 7,940 a year ago. Compared to last week feeder steers and heifers were steady to $3/cwt higher. Stocker steers and steer calves $4-$8/cwt higher. Stocker heifers and heifer calves were $8-$10/cwt higher. Demand was moderate-to-good for feeders and very good for stockers and calves. The CME feeder cattle livestock index was placed at 154.21; up 0.16 and 0.37 over this time last week. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on March 31, 2012, 09:37:45 AM Friday, March 30, 2012 Mexican Cattle Supplies Influenced by Drought MEXICO - Mexico is in the midst of its worst drought in the last 70 years, with a considerable portion of the northern half of Mexico facing extreme or exceptional drought conditions, writes Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). As the dry conditions are expected to persist, Mexican cattle liquidation is anticipated to support domestic beef production, while suppressing beef imports into the market this year. Mexico’s ministry of agriculture (SAGARPA) has forecast Mexican beef production in 2012 to decline two per cent year-on-year, but remain three per cent above the five-year average, at 1.77 million tonnes cwt. This lower production is expected alongside SAGARPA’s expectations of a near record number of live cattle exports in 2012, at 1.43 million head – mainly feeder cattle for the US. While much of Mexico is either in a long- or short-term drought, and estimates of cattle losses are uncertain, the Mexican cattle herd (including the beef cow herd), was estimated at 20.1 million head as at 1 January 2012, the lowest since 1963 (USDA). Beef imports into Mexico in 2011 declined 11 per cent year-on-year, to 186,922 tonnes swt, primarily due to a fall in volumes of chilled beef from the US (down nine per cent) and Canada (down 25 per cent) – the two largest imported beef suppliers in Mexico. Beef imports from Australia also fell 46 per cent in 2011, to 861 tonnes (Steiner Consulting). In contrast, Mexican beef exports increased 45 per cent in 2011, to 104,431 tonnes swt, as a result of a surge in the chilled trade to the US (up 49 per cent) and frozen shipments to Russia (up 542 per cent). The US and Russia were the two largest export markets for Mexican beef in 2011. The rise in Mexican beef exports to the US in 2011 was driven by a combination of factors, including increased supplies of Mexican beef, high beef prices in the US, and the relatively stronger US$ against the Mexican peso. Russia, while traditionally sourcing beef from Brazil and Argentina, has increased orders from Mexico (and other suppliers) amid the shortfall in South American supplies in recent years. Mexican beef exports to Japan in 2011 declined 40 per cent year-on-year, to 16,732 tonnes swt. While Japan was Mexico’s third largest beef export market, Mexico remained a relatively small import supplier in Japan, with volumes accounting for three per cent of total Japanese beef imports in 2011. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 01, 2012, 09:51:28 AM Improper cow nutrition proves costly for beef producers Purdue University Extension | Updated: January 28, 2011 Thin cows can be economically devastating as beef producers head into spring calving season, said Purdue Extension beef specialist Ron Lemenager. "Spring calving cows need to be in moderate body condition at the time of calving because it has a pretty significant effect on how quickly these cows will return to estrus after calving and, subsequently, when or if they conceive," he said. "If cows are thin at calving, producers can expect long postpartum intervals, which means they will calve later the following season." That means instead of having a 365-day calving interval, producers may face 13-14 month intervals and, ultimately, a loss of productivity. Thin cows also tend to have lower colostrum quality, which means calves aren't able to develop the passive immunity they need to protect them against disease, cold stress and other stress factors. "In addition, these thin cows are going to have lower milk production, resulting in lighter weaning weights of their offspring," Lemenager said. Ideally, cows should be carrying a moderate body condition score, which falls at 5-6 on the 1-9 BCS system. In order to evaluate whether cows are at a healthy BCS, Lemenager said producers need to look past the winter hair coat the animals are carrying right now. "There are three places on the cow that are the best indicators for body condition, starting along the top line. If you can see bone structure along the top line right under the hide, the cow is probably pretty thin," he said. "The second place is in the rib section. If the cow shows the 12th and 13th rib, she's borderline. If you can see more ribs – the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th, the cow is too thin. "The third place to look, and it's the least affected by muscle, fill and hair, is right along the loin edge between the 13th rib and the hooks. If a producer can see bone structure at the edge of the loin, the cow is too thin." At this time of year, spring calving cows have advanced into the last trimester of pregnancy. Because of fetal nutrient requirements, correcting low body condition scores can be a challenge, but it's not impossible if producers can strategically supplement the animals. Because corn prices are so high right now, Lemenager recommends beef producers look at some alternative feeds such as soybean hulls, distillers grains and corn gluten feed, which may be more economical. A chart to help producers make those decisions is available at www.thebeefcenter.com. Also included on the site is a how-to video for checking body condition scores. "Producers should be looking at cows monthly and using BCS as a wake-up call," he said. "They are a good indicator of nutrition and reproduction. If cows look to be gaining or losing BCS, producers need to evaluate and adjust rations to optimize performance and minimize expenses." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 03, 2012, 09:58:57 AM Monday, April 02, 2012
Australia to Cash in on Growing European Beef Quota AUSTRALIA - With a grainfed beef quota set to more than double from this August, producers can take advantage of new opportunities in the relatively small but high value European market, writes Meat and Livestock Australia. The European Union (EU) is Australia’s highest value beef export market per tonne – at A$9,302/tonne it easily outperforms Hong Kong, the next highest value large market, at $A5,856/tonne. Beef exports to the EU reached 12,838 tonnes swt in 2011, an increase of 30 per cent year-on-year, despite exports being restricted under a variety of quotas that limit access to a market of 500 million consumers. Most Australian beef is shipped to the EU under both the high quality beef ‘Hilton’ quota (with 7,150 tonnes of Australian access) and the high quality beef grainfed beef quota (20,000 tonne access shared with eligible nations). Changes in these quotas – rather than to the continent’s economic conditions and consumption patterns – is the most important factor impacting Australian beef exports to this prime destination. From August this year, the high quality beef grainfed quota will increase from the present 20,000 tonnes to 48,200 tonnes – providing significant scope to further increase exports in the coming years. Beef quotas unfilled Figures from the International Meat Trade Association and European Commission indicate that most EU beef quotas were not filled during 2011. The ‘Hilton’ quota is administered on a financial year basis and has a total allocation of 65,250 tonnes swt, with 23,333 tonnes swt unallocated in 2010-11. Argentina is the largest quota holder with 28,000 tonnes swt – filling 93 per cent of its allocation in 2010-11. Brazil (allocation of 10,000 tonnes) and the US and Canada (11,500 tonnes) fell well short of using their full quota allocations, using only five per cent respectively. Last year, Australia filled 90 per cent of its allocation, down from the 99% of the allocation filled in the previous three years. The high quality beef grainfed quota was opened in 2009, with Australia gaining access in January 2010. Access is shared between the US, Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Canada and administered on a financial year basis. In 2010-11, 90 per cent of the 20,000 tonnes was utilised, with Australia shipping 4,038 tonnes swt of grainfed product. This grainfed quota is to increase to 48,200 tonnes swt in August 2012. Other beef quotas that Australia has access to were also significantly under supplied in 2011. Only 22 per cent of the 63,703-tonne manufacturing beef tariff rate quota was filled last year, which the 1,500-tonne frozen thin skirt tariff rate quota was only 53 per cent utilised. Capacity to increase Australian supply With quota increases, and European production declining, there is ample scope for Australian producers to fill this gap. Processors and exporters to Europe have expressed concerns over the supply of EU eligible cattle. To be eligible for export to the EU, beef or meat products and some by-products, must have been obtained from cattle sourced from a European Union Cattle Accreditation Scheme (EUCAS)-accredited supply chain, which includes producers, feedlots and saleyards. The EU has a number of market specifications including: Steers and heifers of any breed in a 380-500kg lwt range Cattle with a 320-420kg cwt and 7-2mm of fat Guaranteed traceability of all animals through NLIS No use of hormone growth promotants Milk or two-tooth, requiring genetics and grazing management to turn-off cattle younger than 30 months. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 04, 2012, 08:40:31 AM Dairy Cows Have individual temperaments
From a young age, dairy cows react differently from each other to stimuli from their surroundings. An animal’s temperament determines how it reacts in stressful situations, but may also influence its general health. In the future, temperament could be bred as a selective trait to improve the robustness and wellbeing of dairy cows. This is the conclusion reached by zootechnician Kees van Reenen, who will receive a PhD from the University of Groningen on 30 March 2012. Mr Van Reenen studied black-and-white Holstein-Friesian cows as they developed from calf to cow. He carried out behavioural tests and physiological examinations in order to determine how the animals react to external stimuli. He focused on the following, among others: fear responses, lowing (vocalisation), stamping, pulse and the release of cortisol as the external characteristics of underlying traits – including timidity, the need for social contact and movement – that, taken together, determine the temperament. Jerry can In order to study the differences in the reactions, Mr Van Reenen subjected the animals to potentially stressful situations, namely securing them with a halter for a short period, separating them from the rest of the herd, and confronting them with a person or unfamiliar object. The unfamiliar object he used was a jerry can. "In this test, the calf or cow enters an empty room in which, after a few minutes, a coloured jerry can appears using a pulley," Mr Van Reenen explained. "The differences between the animals’ responses were very clear: some of them made contact with the jerry can after just a few seconds, while others didn’t dare to approach it at all during the ten-minute test." Anxiolytic drug Mr Van Reenen was also able to measure the fear response physiologically: the animals that investigated the jerry can thoroughly and for the longest time had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood than the animals that were more cautious. In order to prove that the caution was indeed a fear response, Mr Van Reenen administered an anxiolytic drug (Brotizolam) to the animals. "The length of contact with the jerry can increased considerably in the animals that had been given an anti-anxiety drug, and the cortisol levels fell more quickly after the test." Lowing Although lowing could be easily interpreted as a fear response in the first instance, this was not the case. "The frequency of the lowing did not change when the Brotizolam was administered. Apart from that, calves that lowed a great deal when separated from others in the herd had a higher milk yield when they were milked for the first time later, as heifers, than the animals that were less vocal. Therefore, lowing is not a fear response, but probably a form of social behaviour: a sign that they like to be near other cows. Animals that exhibit this behaviour could benefit from social contact with other animals in stressful situations – when they are being milked, for example." Robustness Notably, the differences in temperament in individual animals proved consistent throughout the research period. "This shows that temperament is a stable underlying trait in the animal. We know from research into other species, such as coal tits and rats, that temperament can influence an animal’s health and wellbeing. If that also applies to dairy cows, temperament could be bred as a selective trait to produce robust animals, in the same way as traits such as good bone structure, fertility and low susceptibility to mastitis," he said. March 2012 Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 05, 2012, 09:07:38 AM Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Cattle Prices Expected to be Lower in 2012 AUSTRALIA - According to the latest National Australia Bank (NAB) Rural Commodities Wrap, the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) is still expected to decline during 2012, albeit by less than the 5.6% forecast earlier in the year. NAB forecasts the EYCI to fall 3.6 per cent year-on-year, which would result in an average of 382¢/kg cwt for 2012. Underpinning the expected decline in average cattle prices is the predicted rise in Australian beef production, which is forecast to increase 0.6 per cent in 2011-12 and a further 2.1 per cent in 2012-13. The report also highlights the strength of the A$ as a challenge to prices. However, helping to maintain prices is the expectation that global beef production will contract for the fifth consecutive year in 2012, according to USDA forecasts. This tight supply is likely to push beef prices higher in Australia’s key competitor markets, notably the US and South America. While cattle prices are expected to ease during 2012, NAB predicts an improvement in lamb prices from current levels. Historically tight global supplies are the underlying factor in the expected price rise. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 06, 2012, 09:25:40 AM Thursday, April 05, 2012
Weekly Cattle Summary AUSTRALIA - This report is a collection of weekly cattle price summaries from each Australian state by the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). New South Wales Short week lowers supply Cattle supplies across the MLA’s NLRS reported markets decreased 21% ahead of the Easter holiday. Most of the fall in yardings occurred towards the end of the trading week, as processors anticipated limited processor demand due to the long weekend. Casino recorded the greatest drop in yardings as numbers reduced by more than half. The yarding at Goulbourn dropped 40%, while CTLX also offered fewer cattle. Forbes was the only market to record an increase in supply. The remaining markets maintained a similar offering of cattle to last week. Once again young cattle were generally well supplied across all the markets , however overall veal supply and quality fell. There were a good proportion of cows presented but grown steers and bullocks were in reduced supply. The quality of cattle was overall fair to good, particularly in the yearling grades. Most of the northern and inland markets did report a drop in quality as cattle showed the effects of the recent dry and hot weather. The cattle offered sold to all the usual buyers, though competition was not fervent due to the shortened processing week. The price trends across the markets varied with quality however most categories recorded a cheaper trend. An exception was in vealer heifers which managed to make some small gains. Heavy steer prices held their ground due to the limited supply. The OTH market also recorded a cheaper trend as prices reduced across all categories. Processors required fewer consignments as the long weekend reduced slaughter capacity. Cheaper trend The majority of indicators decreased with yearling heifers experiencing the greatest losses. Light vealer steers to restock sold from 220¢ to 276¢ to be down by 12¢/kg. Medium weight C2 vealer steers remained in solid supply with the majority selling between 198¢ and 241¢ while those to the trade 224¢/kg. Heavy C3 vealers to process were up 3¢ to 225¢/kg. Vealer heifer prices were mostly cheaper as trade buyers secured the majority of stock. Medium weight C2 vealer heifers were 4¢ cheaper on 222¢/kg. Yearling steers to feed were dearer across the majority of categories. Medium weight dominated and ranged from 170¢ to 240¢/kg. Heavy weights were also in good numbers averaging 196¢ to be 1¢/kg higher. Yearling steers to the trade were from 204¢/kg. The majority of yearling heifers were purchased to process with the heavy weight topping 214¢/kg. Grown cattle prices were varied, though lower overall. Medium C2 feeder steers were down 3¢ to 177¢ while those to processors were 6¢ lower at 190¢/kg. Light C3 grown heifers to processors were down 2¢ and sold around 169¢/kg. Medium D2 restocker cows made 11¢ less at 145¢ while those to processors made 127¢ being down 7¢/kg. Heavy D4 cows sold 3¢ cheaper at 149¢/kg. C2 bulls were cheaper at 154¢/kg. South Australia Smaller numbers There were only two sales conducted due to the Easter Break that will see two short kill weeks and led to reduced numbers being yarded at the SALE and Naracoorte. Next week Naracoorte, Mt. Gambier and Millicent will hold sales. The SA LE’s smaller mixed quality yarding of mainly young cattle and cows sold to fluctuating demand from the usual trade and export buyers. There was limited feeder and restocker orders operating. Most lightweight vealer steers were sourced by feeder orders at generally dearer levels, with trade purchases cheaper. The vealer heifers followed suit at lower levels to mainly trade competition. Light and medium weight yearling steers were sourced by feeders below 201¢/kg. Small lines of yearling heifers to the trade were unchanged to 5¢/kg cheaper, while the 2 to 4 score beef cows to processor demand tended to sell at basically unchanged prices. Naracoorte’s smaller yarding contained mixed quality runs of young cattle and cows that sold to steady SA and Victorian trade and export competition. Feeder and restocker orders were active on a yarding more suitable to their requirements. While the yarding contained mainly local cattle, there were pockets of pastoral breds including some Brahman grown steers that sold at 180c/kg. Prime B muscled heavy vealers steers sold to a top of 244c/kg at improved levels, while feeder and restocker orders were very active on mainly lightweight Angus steers also at generally dearer levels. Limited numbers of yearling steers and heifers were yarded and sold at lower prices. Cows tended to lose ground as most sold to processors. Erratic trends The varying quality available only led to erratic trends for most categories from the limited number of trade and export buyers who were operating. Even feeder and restocker purchases were varied on the increased numbers they sourced. Most lightweight vealers to feeder and restocker inquiry sold from 195c¢ to 227¢, at prices unchanged to 18¢/kg dearer for mainly Angus steers. The trade sourced limited numbers between 193¢ and 244¢, with heavy B muscled sales 5¢/kg dearer. Vealer heifers were a little more erratic as most to the trade sold from 190¢ to 235¢/kg. This left some sales 11¢ to 13¢ dearer and others up to 50¢/kg cheaper on last week’s extremes. Feeders and restockers sourced increased numbers from 185¢ to 210¢/kg at generally lower levels. Yearling steers C3 sales were around 8¢ cheaper selling from 160¢ to 212¢, with the heifer equivalents 175¢ to 206¢ or unchanged to 3¢/kg less. Small numbers of grown steers sold generally from 175¢ to 187¢ to be 7¢/kg cheaper. Cow prices tended to lose ground as most ranged from 133¢ to 160¢, or 260¢ to 300¢/kg cwt. This left some sales 1¢ to 3¢ dearer and others 1¢ to 3¢/kg cheaper. West Australia Quality mixed There has been little change in seasonal conditions in the southern parts of the state. Temperatures were moderate with conditions remaining predominately fine and dry. This was despite the fact that a weak cold front crossed the southern corner of the country, which brought limited rain to most Agricultural regions. Feed conditions subsequently continue to slide and with the majority of producers now calving supplementary feeding remains a daily chore on most properties in local districts. Conditions in the majority of the northern and eastern pastoral regions remain reasonable, with adequate feed levels reported. Physical market numbers were affected by the Easter long weekend, which caused the cancellation of the Great Southern sale. Muchea’s saleyard total although marginally lower than the previous week remained moderate and the larger of the two sales held this week, while the south western sale at Boyanup continued to be reasonably limited with less than 400 head yarded. With Muchea dominating total numbers as pastoral cattle accounted for a very healthy percentage of the weekly total. Prime drafts of local cattle in both trade and heavy weight steer and heifer categories were subsequently limited in numbers with the volumes of cows available also remaining only moderate. Quality was mixed with the vast majority of cattle offered being in store condition. Processor demand throughout the classes remained relatively similar to previous week’s levels. Feeder and restocker demand for store classes remained very selective and quality dependant. Cow market stable The volumes of vealer in physical markets was only moderate with quality mixed with most producers now having sold most of last year’s drops and now down to their tail end drafts. Restocker and feeder demand throughout the weight classes in both heifers and steers were selective with quality a determinable factor in pricing levels. The tight supplies of finished trade weight yearlings were again predominately grass finished with few supplementary fed drafts available with quality in both categories mixed. Demand from the local trade and retailers however remained solid with little or no change recorded to price on prime drafts, while feeders and restockers were again active on plainer conditions consignments. This was also the case in heavy grown steers, bullocks and heavy weight grown heifer sales with firm processor demand. Cow quality remained mixed. Processor demand on prime heavy weight local and pastoral cows remained constant with price levels remaining similar. Both local and pastoral cows cow sales peaked at 155c/kg with the average around 148c/kg. The small numbers of heavy weight local bull sold at lower processor demand with prices reducing by 10c/kg lwt. Queensland Reduced supply The supply of stock at physical markets covered by MLA’s NLRS leading into the Easter break fell 21%. Numbers at some markets early in the week increased with stock drawn from a wide area including some of the drier districts, and the Roma store sale on Tuesday also experienced a jump of 35%. However most other centres experienced smaller numbers and with no Longreach sale and the cancellation of the Roma prime sale due to the Easter break added to the downturn in supply. Overall quality varied from centre to centre, with a fair percentage of the calves and vealers steers showing the effects of the changing season. There was also a slip in the overall standard of the export cattle at markets early in the week. Values for young cattle experienced a mixed trend at the Roma store sale, highlighted by lightweight yearling steers which at the start of the sale met strong demand, however as the sale progressed restocker buyers become more selective and average prices fell. Calves and vealers at Warwick also eased, nevertheless by mid week despite a relatively good number of calves and vealers penned local and southern processors plus feeder and restockers were able to absorb numbers available. Prices were also able to maintain average prices close to last weeks level. A fairly good supply of yearling steers and heifers to feed generally maintained strong competition at all markets. Heavy steers and bullocks to export slaughter experienced price reductions at early week markets and this trend continued as the week progressed. Cows also suffered falls, however losses were confined to 4¢ to 6¢/kg. Export lines cheaper Calves to the trade averaged close to 222¢ while those returning to the paddock averaged 227¢ with the occasional sale to 270.2¢/kg. The majority of vealer steers sold to restockers at 223¢ with a few to 248.6¢/kg. A good supply of vealer heifers sold to slaughter and feeder operators at 210¢ and a few slaughter lines made to 229.6¢/kg. A large selection of lightweight yearling steers returned to the paddock at 217¢/kg with some well bred lines to 257¢/kg. Medium weight yearling steers to feed were well supplied and most sold from 200¢ to 206¢/kg. Heavy weights to feed were also in large numbers and averaged 195¢/kg. Lightweight yearling heifers to the trade averaged 212¢ and medium weights to feed 188¢/kg. Medium weights to the local meat trade were in demand and gained 9¢ to average 195¢/kg. Heavy steers to export slaughter across all markets averaged 3¢ less at 175¢, while the bullock portion fell 8¢ to average 176¢ with some to the wholesale meat trade at 190¢/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows averaged 5¢ cheaper at 124, and 3 scores lost 4¢ to average 140¢/kg. Good heavy cows were not as plentiful as the previous week and average prices eased 5¢ to 152¢ with the occasional sale to 164.6¢/kg. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 10, 2012, 01:24:48 AM Thursday, April 05, 2012
Interesting Three Months Ahead for Markets AUSTRALIA - With another very wet first quarter of the year coming to a close, the next three months are set to pose some interesting questions and challenges for cattle and beef markets. While the path of the A$ and the strength of export demand in coming months will make for interesting watching, the largest questions being posed surround the anticipated supply of cattle heading into the traditionally higher turnoff months of May and June. With the two wettest years on record across the key cattle producing regions of Australia underpinning female retention and herd growth, supplies are anticipated to increase in the second quarter of 2012. Indeed, the disruption caused by flooding to the logistics throughout the first quarter of 2012 may even add to the number of cattle that enter the market between April and June. However, when looking at the anticipated increase in cattle coming to the market in the second quarter, it must be noted that seasonal influences almost always see slaughter numbers increase into May and June, as producers in the north sell cattle following the cessation of the wet season, while southern producers look to reduce numbers heading into winter. A review of historical numbers for the past decade shows that given the seasonality associated with adult cattle slaughter during the second quarter of the calendar year, throughput numbers have always been greater than the first quarter – averaging 11 per cent higher. Given the increased supply in the second quarter, it should also be noted that a similar review of average prices between the first and second quarters of the calendar year shows a tendency to lower prices in the second quarter, but with no clear trend. Indeed, according to MLA’s NLRS national saleyard averages, for the past 10 years, the average price for heavy steers in June has been below the average in March for six of the ten years, but only averaging a decline of one per cent over the ten year period. Demonstrating the contrasting market factors from year-to year, in 2011 the average heavy steer price in June was 12 per cent below the average in March, while the average monthly price in June was higher than March in 2008 (nine per cent), 2009 (three per cent) and 2010 (four per cent). Assuming an increase in cattle supplies in the coming three months, there is expected to be additional downward pressure upon cattle prices. Indeed, if the current malaise for Australian beef in export markets, especially Japan and Korea, continues through to June, the pressure upon prices could be magnified. However the recent decline in the A$ will provide some hope for an improvement in export demand and prices, along with the expectation for demand from the US to remain positive. However, the one elusive factor to consider for the coming three months is how producers will react to any decline in cattle prices, given that most would be flush with feed and water, providing the flexibility to hold cattle if prices are deemed unfavourable. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 11, 2012, 09:44:39 AM Thursday, April 05, 2012
Could the Spanish Dairy Sector Collapse? ANALYSIS - This week, the Spanish Small Farmers Union (UPA) has said that the Spanish milk market is on the brink of a collapse. The union says that rising production costs are crippling farmers, and farmgate milk prices are falling. For the dairy industry, feed accounts for around 70 per cent of production costs. These feed costs have reportedly increased by 50 per cent since 2010 and the current drought situation is set to make this worse. UPA has said that demand for dairy products is increasing, which should economically speaking increase prices, but as yet Spanish and European milk producers, have not seen this. Spanish producers are set to organise protests over the coming month, demanding a fair price for milk. Arnaud Petit, Director of Commodities and Trade for Copa-Cogeca told TheCattleSite that Spain was not the only country suffering from falling milk prices. In fact, it is a trend that has been seen across Europe in the last couple of months. Passing the cost of production on from producers to retailers and onto the consumer is a global problem, he explained. Whilst Spain is suffering from drought, it also has a feed advantage due to the trade deal it has with South America, he says. Through this trade deal Spain can import around two million tonnes of maize and sorghum at a low duty, providing low cost feed for producers. However, Mr Petit points out that South America is also currently suffering from severe drought, which has lowered harvest estimations, particularly for maize. Whether the Spanish industry is on the brink of a collapse or not is unknown. Certainly producers are struggling with high production costs and a low milk price. Whilst it is too early to see any impact of the European Milk Package, which was given the go ahead last month, it is hoped that when it comes into play, it will give producers more power to negotiate with processors for a fair milk price. Charlotte Johnston, Editor Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 12, 2012, 08:19:44 AM Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Ontario Cow Breaks World Record Milk Yields CANADA - A Canadian cow is laying claim to the world’s record for lifetime milk production. Gillette Emperor Smurf has produced 216,893 kilograms (or 478,167 pounds) of milk over her lifetime, according to recent reports. “She is the best producer of all the cows in the world,” Ontario owner Louis Patenaude said. And she’s not done yet. Gillette E. Smurf, as she is officially known, is awaiting the birth of her 11th calf next month. The previous record was set in 2006 by a Michigan cow, Tacoma Mark My-Word, that was credited with 471,900 pounds of milk. In 2011, Gillette E. Smurf was recognized for becoming the first Canadian cow to produce more than 200,000 kilograms of milk and now it appears she has gone on to break the world record. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 13, 2012, 10:31:52 AM Thursday, April 12, 2012
CME: Cutout Values Still High, Feeder Cattle Still Low US - Amid the carnage wrought by the LFTB situation over the past few weeks, we think some basic fundamentals of the current beef situation are getting overlooked, write Steve Meyer and Len Steiner. While this is a demand hit that no one saw coming, there are still some factors — especially on the supply side — that are going to cause some major changes in the beef situation. The short-term impact of 50% CL trim prices plummeting are negative for sure but let’s remember some basic facts of the current situation. Cutout values are still high by historical standards. Yes, it now appears that the magic $200 level may not materialize this year when just a few weeks ago it appeared to be a lock. But the Choice cutout still averaged over $180 last week. Monday’s $1 gain has been erased by two more down days but the value was still $177.09 yesterday. That is still higher than any cutout value prior to 2011 except for those two weeks back in 2003. Yes, we know costs are different and we agree that this situation is unfair but the cutout value is still nearly $180! The number of feeder cattle available in the country is still VERY LOW relative to history. The Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) in Denver estimates, based on USDA’s January 1 cattle inventory data, that there were 25.8 million head of feeder cattle outside of feedlots on January 1 this year. That is 4% fewer than one year ago and nearly 7% fewer than on January 1, 2010. This year marks the first time EVER that beginning-year feeder cattle numbers have been below 26 million head. And the trend will almost certainly continue this year. The last time that a U.S. calf crop was larger than the preceding year was in 1995. There is no big move toward expansion at present. Heifers being held for beef cow replacement numbered 5.212 million on January 1 — 1.4% higher than one year earlier. Moreover, this year marks the first year since 2006 that the year-onyear change has been positive. A big reason for this positive but small number is, of course, the fallout of last year’s drought in the southwestern states that hold so many beef cow. Heifer numbers in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri — the top three cow-calf states — were down 60, 55 and 30 thousand head, respectively, from one year earlier. The percentage declines are 9.8, 15.5 and 10 for those three states. Heifer numbers in New Mexico were down 20,000 or 21%. Numbers are growing in states that have grass —Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming—but until the big cow-calf states know they have enough forage, cow numbers will not increase much. The stage is set for expansion. The factors cited above point to exceptional returns for cow-calf operations in 2012 and 2013 provided the U.S. corn crop is not a complete failure. The chart at right shows LMIC’s estimates of cow-calf returns over cash costs (including pasture rent) since 1984. The next two years should shatter previous record highs based on current expectations for calf prices. The cattle business differs from other livestock/meat businesses, though, in that what people WANT to do and what Mother Nature ALLOWS them to do are sometimes very different things. Pasture conditions are improving in those big cow-calf states but it is only spring. The moisture situation, including pond/stock tank levels, is still far from good in many areas and it is only April. The summer months will be the test of whether the drought is over. The beef cow herd usually lags profits by two years. The 2012 herd is a function of losses in 2008 and 2009 plus the drought. Profits in 2010-11 and improving grass conditions should spur heifer retention and cow herd growth. More heifer retention will tighten feeder cattle supplies even further over the next two years — a major reason for those $200-plus per cow forecasts. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 17, 2012, 09:45:05 AM Monday, April 16, 2012
EU Cattle Prices Surge EU - Cattle prices within the EU surged to record high levels in late March, despite a slow start to the year, as concerns about the tightness of forward cattle supplies and falling herd numbers continue to influence the market. Figures from the EU Commission showed that prices for O3 cows averaged €304.30 per 100kg deadweight (dw) for the week ending March 25, a 16.5 per cent increase year-on-year. Prices for R3 steers averaged €394.36 per 100kg dw, a 21.2 per cent increase on the same period in 2011. Prices paid for heifers and bulls were also at historically high levels. The recent strength in cattle prices across the EU is closely linked to falling production levels, with cattle numbers down across the majority of large beef producing nations. Provisional figures from the EU commission indicate French cattle numbers were down 2.6 per cent, to 19.14 million head in 2011, the UK herd was back 2.2 per cent, to 9.68 million head, while German numbers were down 1.4 [er cent, to 12.53 million head. Cattle slaughter throughout Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic so far in 2012 is well back year-on-year, indicative of the tight supply of slaughter ready cattle. Steer slaughter for the week ended 25 March in Great Britain was back 5.5 per cent year-on-year, while Northern Ireland and Irish Republic slaughter levels contracted 12.4 per cent and 27.2 per cent, respectively. Indicative of the very tight throughput in the UK, the O3 cow price in the UK was the highest of the top five EU beef producing nations, at €335.07 per 100kg dw. The UK was the fourth largest producer of beef in the EU in 2011, producing 936,000 tonnes cwt, or 12 per cent of total EU production. France was the largest beef producer, at 1.56 million tonnes cwt, or 20 per cent of total production, followed by Germany (1.16 million tonnes cwt) and Italy (1.09 million tonnes cwt). Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 18, 2012, 10:01:33 AM Beef Prices Fell 19 Per Cent in Last Six Months PARAGUAY - Since the 15 September cattle prices in Paraguay have fallen 47 per cent following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the country. The prices of cuts of beef in supermarkets also fell by 19 per cent. The first outbreak of FMD by the National Quality and Animal Health (SENACSA), was dated as the 17 September 2011. Since then, the last six months have experienced a strong downward trend in prices of cattle in the four large spiker firms: Ferusa, Codega, El Rodeo and El Corral, reports ABC The price of cows, on average, on 15 September 2011 was G. 7,575 per kilogram, while data from the 13 April 2012 shows that the price went down to G. 4,232 per kilogram, a 44 per cent reduction. As for the prices of bulls, the drop is 40 per cent. The average prices of different cuts of beef fell by 19 per cent. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 19, 2012, 07:34:39 AM Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Market Access for Irish Beef to China IRELAND - Speaking in Beijing earlier this week, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney welcomed the agreement to set up a Joint Working Group on market access for Irish beef to the Chinese market involving the Chinese Inspection and Quarantine Service (AQSIQ) and his Department. Minister Coveney said: "This is a major step forward and one of the few such joint working groups which have been established by the Chinese authorities." He also said that he was very pleased that Vice Minister Wei from AQSIQ will visit Ireland from 13-16 June when, it was agreed, beef market access will be discussed further. The Minister expressed satisfaction at the priority and engagement of the Chinese authorities on this important issue for Ireland, which has been under negotiation for some time. These developments follow the agreement and signature today of two separate Memoranda of Understanding between Minister Coveney and Minister Zhi Shuping of AQSIQ and Vice Minister Niu Dun of the Ministry of Agriculture. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural co-operation provides a new five year framework for exchanges of expertise in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Minister Coveney said that Vice Minister Gao Hongbin will visit Ireland in May in a continuing build up of increased cooperation between the respective Ministries of Agriculture. Vice Minister Niu Dun also responded favourably to Minister Coveney’s invitation to visit Ireland again in the near future. The Memorandum of Understanding with AQSIQ was highly significant, providing for the first time for cooperation across the full range of sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues in relation to agriculture and food and fisheries products. The Minister said that this will ensure clear communication channels between his Department and AQSIQ thereby facilitating trade and the exchange of technical data. Minister Coveney said that the formal agreements reached today as well as the visits of Chinese Ministers will lead to an even greater understanding of the sustainable nature of Irish agriculture and food safety controls that are integral to the production of quality Irish food products. He concluded by saying that he was very pleased with the outcome of the visit on beef and looked forward to continuing dialogue with his Chinese counterparts which will facilitate increased trade with this expanding market. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 20, 2012, 09:37:39 AM Thursday, April 19, 2012
Korean Cattle Slaughter Up 50 Per Cent SOUTH KOREA - Korean government statistics released this week quantified the magnitude of the increase in Korean beef production so far in 2012, with total cattle slaughter for January and February up 50 per cent year-on-year, at 176,610 head. Interestingly, while the year-on-year increases for the first two months of 2012 is compared to a disrupted period in 2011 (due to the foot and mouth disease outbreak); it was still 34 per cent above the same two month period in 2010, reports Meat and Livestock Australia. A significant component of Korean slaughter so far in 2012 has been an increase in Hanwoo cow numbers, at 66,287 head – up 83 per cent year-on-year and 36 per cent on 2010. Hanwoo cows made up 38 per cent of total cattle slaughter (including Hanwoo, beef cattle and dairy), with assistance from government programmes aimed at helping to lower herd numbers, given the prolonged period of lower cattle prices. Total Korean beef imports in the first two months of 2012 decreased seven per cent year-on-year, but were still 10 per cent above the same period in 2010 (KITA). Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 21, 2012, 08:52:02 AM Friday, April 20, 2012 India to Become World's Largest Beef Exporter INDIA - India is forecast to become the world’s leading beef exporter in 2012 due to an expanding dairy herd, efficiency improvements, increased slaughter and price-competitiveness in the international market particularly compared to Brazil. Exports currently account for 44 per cent of production. According to the USDA Livestock & Poultry: World Markets & Trade, India’s exports are exclusively deboned frozen buffalo meat (carabeef) which is included in USDA’s global estimates of beef (bovine) meat production. Export sales have made significant inroads in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia (key Brazilian markets) as all carabeef is lower priced and produced according to halal standards. In 2012, additional export orientated slaughterhouses are expected to come on line, increasing supplies. Production gains are largely destined for the export market. Domestic demand is constrained by cold-chain facilities and consumer preference for non-bovine proteins such as poultry products, dairy products and pulses. India is the only country expected to significantly increase beef production in 2012 to 3.5 million tonnes. Australia are some way behind India forecast to produce 2.2 million tonnes (an increase compared to 2011 production), whilst the US stays at the top beef production at 11.5 million tonnes. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 24, 2012, 07:00:09 AM Friday, April 20, 2012
Chinese Invest in New Zealand Dairy Farms, Fonterra Invests in China NEW ZEALAND - This week New Zealand has given the thumbs up for Chinese investors to purchase the former CraFarms. The topic has been one of controversy in New Zealand, with concerns over large scale overseas investment particularly in farmland. Today, after nearly a year of discussions, the New Zealand government has approved a new recommendation from the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) to grant consent to Shanghai Pengxin to acquire the 16 Crafar farms, in the Central and North Island. Shanghai Pengxin will run the 16 farms (covering 7,892 hectares), through Milk New Zealand Holding Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pengxin. New Zealand Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson and Associate Finance Minister Jonathan Coleman have said that the consent comes with stringent conditions. “Twenty seven conditions have been imposed to ensure Milk New Zealand’s investment delivers substantial and identifiable benefits to New Zealand,” Dr Coleman said. The conditions require Milk New Zealand to invest $16 million into the farms and to protect and enhance heritage sites. “The combined effect of the benefits being delivered to New Zealand as a result of this transaction is substantial.” Back in February, the government had to reconsider its approval of the sale after the High Court said that there was no real economic benefit from the sale to New Zealand. Overseas investments of land, involving more than five hectares of farmland, must be approved by the OIO. It is reported that Shanghai Pengxin put in a bid of NZ$210 million for the farms, whilst a New Zealand bidding group, Crafar Farms Purchase Group bidded NZ$171.5. The decision is likely to be challenged by the Crafar Farms Purchase Group. "It's a bad day for New Zealand," said Sir Michael Fay, a member of the bidding group. "Three out of every four New Zealanders are against selling these farms into foreign ownership." Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers President said that the ongoing purchases of farmland from foreign investors is worrying New Zealanders. "Many fear they will become tenants in their own land." However, he said there were larger concerns, including the growth on forestry and lifestyle blocks. “Given there’s 1.6 million hectares of dairy farms, overseas investors over that time bought less than one per cent. Even with a spike in the first quarter of 2012, less than 1.3 per cent of dairy land was consented to go into overseas hands. “We are also missing the bigger picture by focusing on the former CraFarms farms. Landcare Research shows 873,000 hectares of farmland are now in less productive lifestyle blocks. That’s equivalent to 110 Crafar farms being taken up by our expanding cities. “This is the big picture we should be looking at in this debate,” Mr Wills concluded. Had the government not approved the deal, there are concerns about what affect it may have had on NZ-Chinese relations. China is currently New Zealand's second largest exporting nation and New Zealand seems keen to invest there. Last week, Fonterra (a New Zealand owned co-operative) announced plans to develop two new large-scale dairy farms in the Hebei province. With two additional units, Fonterra has committed investment to five farms in the Hebei Province, in the north east of China, with two currently operational. Combined, the five farms will have a herd size of around 15,000 milking cows producing 150 million litres a year. Chief Executive Theo Spierings said the success of Fonterra's farming operations in China, and their future growth would not be possible without the support of local Government. Charlotte Johnston, Editor Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 26, 2012, 10:40:29 AM Wednesday, April 25, 2012
US Confirms BSE Case: Beef Products Still Safe US - The US's fourth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been detected in a dairy cow in California, reports USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford. "As part of our targeted surveillance system, the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the nation's fourth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a dairy cow from central California. "The carcase of the animal is being held under State authority at a rendering facility in California and will be destroyed. It was never presented for slaughter for human consumption, so at no time presented a risk to the food supply or human health. Additionally, milk does not transmit BSE. "The United States has had longstanding interlocking safeguards to protect human and animal health against BSE. For public health, these measures include the USDA ban on specified risk materials, or SRMs, from the food supply. SRMs are parts of the animal that are most likely to contain the BSE agent if it is present in an animal. USDA also bans all nonambulatory (sometimes called "downer") cattle from entering the human food chain. For animal health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban on ruminant material in cattle feed prevents the spread of the disease in the cattle herd. "Evidence shows that our systems and safeguards to prevent BSE are working, as are similar actions taken by countries around the world. In 2011, there were only 29 worldwide cases of BSE, a dramatic decline and 99 per cent reduction since the peak in 1992 of 37,311 cases. This is directly attributable to the impact and effectiveness of feed bans as a primary control measure for the disease. "Samples from the animal in question were tested at USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Confirmatory results using immunohistochemistry and western blot tests confirmed the animal was positive for atypical BSE, a very rare form of the disease not generally associated with an animal consuming infected feed. "We are sharing our laboratory results with international animal health reference laboratories in Canada and England, which have official World Animal Health (OIE) reference labs. These labs have extensive experience diagnosing atypical BSE and will review our confirmation of this form of the disease. In addition, we will be conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation in conjunction with California animal and public health officials and the FDA. "BSE is a progressive neurological disease among cattle that is always fatal. It belongs to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Affected animals may display nervousness or aggression, abnormal posture, difficulty in coordination and rising, decreased milk production, or loss of body weight despite continued appetite. "This detection in no way affects the United States' BSE status as determined by the OIE. The United States has in place all of the elements of a system that OIE has determined ensures that beef and beef products are safe for human consumption: a mammalian feed ban, removal of specified risk materials, and vigorous surveillance. Consequently, this detection should not affect US trade. "USDA remains confident in the health of the national herd and the safety of beef and dairy products. As the epidemiological investigation progresses, USDA will continue to communicate findings in a timely and transparent manner." “American beef and dairy products are safe. The safeguards our government has in place to detect any incidence of this disease are clearly working. The report of Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on April 27, 2012, 09:53:52 AM Thursday, April 26, 2012
Weekly Roberts Market Report US - Lower soybean exports from South America and rumors that Brazil will halt exports this week were supportive, writes Michael T. Roberts. Michael T. Roberts Extension Agriculture Economist, Dairy and Commodity Marketing, NC State University DAIRY CLASS III futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) closed down on Monday. APR’12DA futures closed at $15.73/cwt; down $0.04/cwt and $0.06/cwt lower than this time last week. The MAY’12DA contract closed at $14.79/cwt; down $0.36/cwt and $1.19/cwt lower than a week ago. JULY’12DA futures closed at $14.77/cwt; down $0.42/cwt and $0.87/cwt lower than last report. Supply is ample and production is up pressuring futures. Prices are expected to remain lower for longer than previously indicated. Some data show that production may be peaking in Florida and Arizona while production in other milk producing areas is still increasing. As schools wind down and let out for the summer demand is expected to seasonally decrease moving more fluid milk to manufacturing. Class III futures were: 3 months out = $14.89/cwt ($0.35/cwt lower than last report); 6 months out = $15.17/cwt ($0.50/cwt under a week ago level); 9 months out = $15.49/cwt ($0.39/cwt less than this time last week); and 12 months out = $15.59/cwt ($0.36/cwt under a week ago). Fundamentally unless hot weather begins to slow milk supply supplies are expected to remain heavy weighing on prices. Short term outlook is bearish and “any” rallies should be used to price production. Floor sources say slowing production and better exports in the fall of 2012 could help prices. Feed can be priced further out than hand-to mouth but not more than two months. LIVE CATTLE futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) finished mixed on Monday. JUNE’12LC futures closed at $114.575/cwt; down $0.875/cwt and $1.575/cwt lower than last report. The AUG’12LC contract closed at $118.600/cwt; down $0.250/cwt and $0.425/cwt under a week ago. DEC’12LC futures closed at $127.025/cwt; up $0.175/cwt but $0.325/cwt lower than last week at this time. CME cattle were pressured by lower outside markets, a higher US dollar, and a USDA Cold Storage report showing slower domestic demand amid renewed publicity over a certain ground-beef product additive. Beef stocks rose 7.9 per cent from the previous month and 14 per cent over a year ago. USDA on Monday put box beef prices at $188.57/cwt; up $0.56/cwt and $7.31/cwt over a week ago. Estimated packer margins are projected to remain poor but processors will continue to buy cattle to meet near-term retail demand. According to HedgersEdge.com, the average packer margin was raised $69.70/cwt from this time last week to a negative $19.20/head based on the average buy of $122.55/cwt vs. the breakeven of $119.27/cwt. On Monday USDA estimated cattle slaughter at 120,000 head processed vs. 109,000 the week before and 93,000 head this time last year. Monday’s cash cattle were called $0.50-$1.00 lower. Late Monday, April 23, USDA put the 5-area average price at $122.48/cwt; $0.02/cwt lower than this time last week. See graph. FEEDER CATTLE at the CME closed lower on Monday. APR’12FC futures finished at $149.425/cwt; off $0.700/cwt and $0.925/cwt lower than a week ago. The AUG’12FC contract closed $1.100/cwt lower at $155.225/cwt and $0.250/cwt under last report. Feeders were pressured by higher corn futures slowing demand. Some profit taking was noted. Monday’s estimated receipts at the closely watched Oklahoma City market were put at 9,500 head vs. last week’s 5,451 head. This time last year 4,193 head were sold. Feeder steers and heifers were steady-to-$1/cwt lower. Stockers and calves were steady-to$2/cwt higher. Demand was considered moderate-to-good. The CME feeder cattle livestock index was placed at 149.96; down 0.22 but 0.0270 over this time last week. See chart. This table shows the maximum price a producer could pay for feeder cattle and still break even, assuming the costs and conversion/performance factors listed above. Producers should remain aware that calculations are based on averages. Courtesy DTN. CORN futures on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) closed up on Monday. The JULY’12 contract closed at $6.224/bu; up 10.0¢/bu and 9.25¢/bu higher than last Monday’s close. The DEC’12 contract closed at $5.454/bu; up 8.75¢/bu and 19.025¢/bu higher than last report. Exports, speculative buying new crop corn, and continued commercial buying of old crop contracts were supportive. Funds decreased net-bull positions to 210,431 lot down 28,838 contracts. Corn basis was steady-to-firm with end users raising bids trying to keep grain flowing. Farmer selling is slow due to early corn crop plantings. Exports were bullish with USDA putting corn-inspected-for-export at 29.386 mi bu vs. estimates for 28-34 mi bu. Weekly exports needed 3this week 3.8 mi bu to stay on pace with USDA export demand expectations. See chart. SOYBEAN futures on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) closed down on Monday. The MAY’12 contract closed at $14.372/bu; down 9.5¢/bu but 17.25¢/bu higher than last report. NOV’12 futures closed at $13.414/bu; down 14.5¢/bu and 8.75¢/bu lower than a week ago. Lower exports from South America and rumors that Brazil will halt exports this week were supportive. US exports were weak with USDA announcing soybeans-inspected-for-export at 12.005 mi bu vs. estimates for 19-25 mi bu. Weekly inspections needed to be 11.5 mi bu to stay on pace with USDA’s 1.29 bi bu demand projection. See chart. WHEAT futures in Chicago (CBOT) closed up on Monday. The MAY’12 contract closed at $6.250/bu; up 9.25¢/bu and 8.75¢/bu higher than this time last Monday. JULY’12 wheat futures finished at $6.324/bu; up 9.25¢/bu and 11.25¢/bu higher than a week ago. Exports, risk of frost damage to US crops and increasing Chinese demand for US wheat were supportive. Compared to this time last year US exports to China for the first quarter of 2012 exports increased more than fifty times over. USDA put wheat-inspected-for-export at 24.391 mi bu vs. estimates for 16-22 mi bu. The weekly export pace needed to stay on pace with USDA’s 1.0 bi bu demand projection is 18.5 mi bu. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on May 01, 2012, 09:38:04 AM Monday, April 30, 2012
Thailand Bans US Beef THAILAND - Thailand is suspending imports of beef from the United States following the discovery of mad cow disease in California, says Tritsadee Chaosuancharoen, director-general of the Department of Livestock Development. Washington reported on Tuesday that a cow in California had been infected with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease. Imports of US beef have been temporarily halted until the department is assured that it is safe, Dr Tritsadee said on Friday, reports BangkokPost. The suspension is in accordance with the Animal Epidemics Act, even though the imports of boneless beef cuts from animals under 30 months of age are not affected, she said. "Thailand is safe [from mad cow] and is not at risk definitely because the Livestock Development Department has measures to prevent and control the disease," she added. "We strictly inspect the quality and sources of foreign beef and closely monitor disease outbreaks in the country and overseas." Dr Tritsadee said Thailand would stop importing beef and lamb from countries hit by mad cow disease immediately. In 2011, the country imported 58,969 kilogrammes of boneless beef cuts from the US worth 29 million baht. In the first quarter of this year, the country imported 37,599kg worth 18 million baht. Indonesia is the first country to suspend imports of US beef. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on May 04, 2012, 09:53:25 AM Thursday, May 03, 2012
Beef Popularity Grows in Middle East AUSTRALIA - While being widely recognised as our largest export destination for sheepmeat, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has a growing appetite for Australian beef, says Meat and Livestock Australia. In 2011, the MENA region was Australia’s largest sheepmeat export destination for the second year running despite declines in volumes from the heights of the previous year. Lamb shipments reached 35,643 tonnes swt for the year (a decline of seven per cent) and mutton exports reached 39,699 tonnes (a decline of eight per cent). At the same time, Australian beef exports have embarked on a period of explosive growth – increasing by 107 per cent over the last two years to reach 34,310 tonnes swt in 2011. The growing popularity of beef reflects social and economic changes in the region, in particular the growing financial clout of the oil-rich United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite a population of only 8 million people, this small country ranks as one of the world’s wealthiest with GDP per capita of more than $48,500. Last year, the UAE replaced Egypt as our number one beef and lamb export market in the region, with Australian red meat imports to the country reaching 28,804 tonnes in 2011. Beef imports in particular, increased sharply by 28 per cent from 5,801 tonnes swt in 2010 to 7,431 swt in 2011, with chilled beef imports reaching 3,306 tonnes swt. The UAE also almost maintained 2010 import levels of around 12,500 tonnes of Australian lamb products in 2011. Forecasts indicate demand is likely to strengthen, with Australian red meat well placed to seize future opportunities to deliver quality beef and lamb. In the UAE’s foodservice sector alone, beef sales are expected to grow 152 per cent, alongside a 290 per cent increase in lamb sales by 2014. Food purchases overall are predicted to grow by 191 per cent during the same period. To capitalise on these shifts, MLA opened its MENA regional office in the UAE’s largest city Dubai on 25 April. The office relocated across the Persian Gulf from its former location in Bahrain. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on May 08, 2012, 09:12:56 AM Friday, May 04, 2012
Weekly Australian Cattle Summary AUSTRALIA - This report is a collection of weekly cattle price summaries from each Australian state by the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). West Australia Reasonable rainfall recorded Further rainfall has fallen across much of the agricultural regions of WA over the past seven days with several troughs crossing the coast and bringing much welcomed moisture with it. The first front seen last weekend brought moderate falls to some areas while the second later in the week was more widespread and of greater intensity. It is hoped that this will be the break to this year’s growing season with pasture levels now virtually non-existent with little feed value left in them. Consequently supplementary feeding remains a high priority on farms especially with calving now peaking. With more moderate weather conditions being enjoyed in the northern pastoral regions mustering activity is on the rise and subsequently there should be increased volumes of cattle from these regions seen in the south in the short term. Feed conditions in the majority of the pastoral regions continues to be reported a reasonable. Saleyard numbers increased this week with Muchea the largest of the three weekly sales. The possibility of green feed in the near future should have a negative affect on the numbers of locally bred cattle seen in the market, but this should be offset by an increase in pastoral supplies. There were again only limited supplies of heavy weight steers in physical market. Heavy weight heifer volumes were moderate, while there was a slight increase in grain assisted yearlings. Cow volumes remained solid in all three markets, while young store grades continued to have a healthy representation. Trade demand increases Vealer supplies were again minimal as would be expected at this time of year and restricted predominately to calf weights. Local retailer and trade demand remained solid as did restocker inquiry with solid returns recorded. There was a reasonable quality and weight evident in grain assisted yearlings this week. Local processor demand increased slightly with slight increased in values recorded throughout the weight ranges, while medium and lighter drafts continued to enjoy a solid feeder demand. Grass finished trade weight yearling supplies were limited. These also recorded a slight improvement in both trade and demand and the values paid. There continued to be a reasonable weight and quality available in local store drafts of young cattle. Medium and heavier drafts of both steers and heifers recorded a slight increase in feeder demand with dearer values recorded. Lightweight store steers and heifers both recorded a further increase in restocker demand, which are expectant of green feed in the short term. The limited supplies of heavy weight steers and bullocks realised firm to slightly dearer rates with this also the case in mature heifer classes. The cow market continued to record a solid processor demand which saw prime values increase to 151¢/kg on average. Queensland Larger numbers A return to a full working week lifted total throughput at physical markets covered by MLA’s NLRS. Numbers across individual centres though tended to level out and in some cases, like Roma store, declined after several weeks of large sales. A combination of some rain in the supply area and the recent reduction in values generally restricted the numbers coming forward. Overall quality across most markets was mixed and as winter draws closer the trend of young cattle dominating the selling pens continued. Buyer attendance was generally good and a few extra restocker buyers were present in the buying panel at the Roma store sale. However at a number of markets not all export processors were active. Values for young cattle experienced a wide variation in price depending on quality as buyers become more selective. Calves returning to the paddock averaged 9¢/kg better and vealer steers also met strong competition from restockers. Vealer heifers to slaughter struggled at times with most close to the reduced levels of recent weeks. However local butchers at Warwick lifted values by 10¢/kg on a relatively small sample of top end quality lines. Prices for medium and heavy weight feeder categories turned around to regain some of the losses. Competition was subdued at markets early in the week however as the week progressed prices averaged 5¢ to 10¢/kg better. Virtually no heavy steers and bullocks were penned at the early week markets nevertheless by mid and late week sales the general shortfall in supply lifted processor demand and average prices gained 6¢ to 8¢/kg. Cows experienced a similar trend however price improvements were confined to 1¢ to 2¢/kg. Values generally dearer Calves returning to the paddock averaged 9¢ dearer 218¢ with a few pens to 248.2¢/kg. The vast majority of the vealer steers also returned to the paddock at an average of 217¢ with sales to 235.2¢/kg. A large selection of vealer heifers sold to local and southern processors at 189¢ with some to local butchers at 219.2¢/kg. Lightweight yearling steers sold to restockers at 212¢ with a few to 228.2¢/kg. Medium weight C2 yearling steers to feed averaged 192¢, while the better condition lines averaged 200¢ with sales to 207.2¢/kg. Heavy feeders mostly sold around 185¢ with a few pens to 197.2¢/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed and the local trade market averaged 181¢ with some to slaughter at 208.2¢/kg. Heavy steers to export slaughter averaged just under 174¢ with some to 179¢/kg. Bullocks also averaged close to 174¢ to be 8¢ dearer with sales to 181.2¢/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows averaged 2¢ better at 120¢, and 3 scores lifted 3¢ to average 129¢/kg. Good heavy cows managed to average 1¢ dearer at 142¢ the occasional pen to 160.2¢/kg. Heavy bulls made to 176.2¢ with a fair sample at 150¢/kg. South Australia Smaller yardings Cattle numbers fell at the three operating sales after last week’s lower prices that were paid. The SA LE had mixed quality runs of mainly young cattle that sold to fluctuating competition from the usual trade and export buyers. Feeder orders were also active, albeit quite selective with their purchases and breeding being the main criteria. Limited numbers of vealers remained basically unchanged. The C3 yearling steers were dearer, while B-muscled sales tended to ease. Feeder purchases of the steers were quite erratic. Limited numbers of yearling heifers were dearer to the trade, with C2 lightweight sales to feeder cheaper. Cow prices remained quite stable as most to processors. Naracoorte’s smaller yarding after a week off due to the new roof construction will see no sale being held next week as the building continues. It was a very mixed quality yarding that sold to steady trade and export competition from most of the usual SA and Victorian buyers at generally lower levels, with only isolated sales being dearer. Feeder and restocker orders were also active and were able to lower their prices. Mt. Gambier’s smaller yarding for the first sale in a fortnight contained very mixed quality runs of young cattle and grown steers, while cow quality was quite good overall despite some very plain quality dairy cows being yarded. Most of the usual SA and Victorian buyers were present and operating, albeit at times struggling to source enough killable young cattle. The sale tended to recoup some of the previous sale’s lost ground. Mixed results There were mixed results for cattle producers due to the varying quality offered and some limited trade and export competition. Vealer steers to the trade and some local butcher inquiry sold from 200¢ to 230¢/kg at unchanged prices. Feeders and restockers purchased C muscled steers from 170¢ to 210¢/kg at lower levels. Vealer heifers to the trade sold mainly between 188¢ and 221¢ with an isolated sale at 238¢, to be unchanged to 10¢/kg dearer. Yearling steer C2 and C3 medium and heavy yearling steers to wholesalers sold from 165¢ to 210¢ at prices 2¢ to 10¢/kg more. Feeder purchases on increased numbers were generally from 160¢ to 205¢/kg at mainly dearer levels. Yearling heifer C3 sales were between 165¢ and 205¢, or 5¢ to 19¢/kg dearer. Grown steers in mainly 2 score condition sold from 160¢ to 192¢ to be 10¢ to 20¢ dearer and averaging 330¢/kg cwt. Grown heifers sold mainly from 142¢ to 184¢ to be 7¢ to 20¢/kg dearer. The beef cows attracted prices from 112¢ to 144¢, or unchanged to 4¢ dearer and generally 240¢ to 285¢/kg cwt. Restockers paid from 105¢ to 138¢ for 1 and 2 score beef cows. New South Wales Mixed quality Supply increased across most yards with total throughput up 23% at markets reported by MLA’s NLRS when compared to the public holiday effected markets last week. Going against the trend was Wagga and Forbes with Wagga numbers down by around half. Supply though was 32% down on the corresponding week last year. The regular panel of buyers was present with many providing increased competition to secure their supplies. There was also the return of southern orders at both Gunnedah and CTLX. After the cheaper trend that has been evident lately, prices for young cattle were firm to dearer however there were some lines that were dealt further price reductions. The EYCI though has regained some of the falls of recent weeks, particularly earlier on in the week. At the completion of Thursday’s markets the EYCI was 374¢, a gain of 7.50¢/kg cwt on week ago levels. Grown steers were in much smaller numbers and this was a factor behind them climbing 8¢ to 22¢/kg with the 0 and 2 tooth heavy steers and bullocks receiving the greatest gains. Cows also lifted 1¢ to 8¢/kg to processors as those to restockers were cheaper. Quality was again mixed with some of the young cattle starting to lose condition. Even though the approaching winter conditions are having an effect on paddock feed and subsequent cattle quality, there still remained runs of high yielding finished cattle. Young cattle accounted for 60% of the states throughput and to be expected for this time of year, the majority were vealers. Following the recent trend, just over 55% of the grown cattle were cows. Prices improving Light vealer steers to restockers mostly made from 205¢ to 210¢ after reaching 260¢/kg. The large numbers of medium weights returning to the paddock made mostly from 189¢ to 255¢ to be up to 7¢/kg dearer. Processors paid from 210¢ to 220¢/kg for medium and heavy weight vealer steers. Most of the medium weight vealer heifers were purchased by processors in the early 200¢/kg range. Those secured by restockers mostly made from 170¢ to 215¢/kg. The majority of the light yearling steers went to restockers around 201¢ to be slightly cheaper while the medium and heavy weights to feeders were fully firm in making from 185¢ to 194¢/kg. The C3 medium weights to the trade averaged 198¢ as the heavy weights lifted 7¢ to sell closer to 194¢/kg. The lightweight yearling heifers to restockers also improved 6¢ while the medium weights to feed climbed 7¢/kg. The trade paid from 160¢ to 178¢ for medium and heavy weights, which was 1¢ to 11¢/kg dearer. Heavy grown steers mostly made from 142¢ to 202¢/kg. There were only a few bullocks offered with most selling from 163¢ to 181¢/kg. Medium D3 cows improved 8¢ to 131¢ as the heavy cows were 5¢ to 7¢ better and ranging from 136¢ to 140¢/kg. Victoria Supply increases After the much reduced public holiday affected yardings last week, all markets operated and supply increased 75%. Most markets reported by MLA’s NLRS recorded greater throughput except for Ballarat, Pakenham which declined 16% and 50% respectively. The smaller yarding at Pakenham was generally due to producers withholding cattle following the recent cheaper prices. After no market last week, Leongatha was the largest yarding. In comparison to this week last year, yardings were down 30%. Grown cattle accounted for 70% of the cattle offered with cows dominating. The young cattle were almost evenly split between the vealers and the yearlings. Quality has remained mixed, ranging from poor quality through to over-conditioned lines particularly in the cows, through to finished cattle that had been supplementary fed suitable for slaughter. This trend is expected to continue as winter approaches. Warrnambool though was of improved quality compared to the sale a fortnight ago and was most noticeable on the yearlings with many being supplementary fed. Prices have started to regain some of the losses incurred recently particularly those to slaughter orders. Vealers were firm to 15¢ dearer while yearlings were 5¢ to 11¢/kg dearer. An improved trend has also been evident across the other states and is highlighted by the EYCI climbing 7.50¢ on last week to finish Thursday on 374¢/kg cwt. Dearer prices Medium weight C muscle vealer steers to the trade mostly made from 202¢ to 208¢ as the B muscle lots generally made around 234¢/kg. The few to restockers and feeders sold from 208¢ to 234¢/kg. Heavy B and C muscle vealer steers made from 206¢ to 225¢/kg. The medium and heavy vealer heifers to the trade ranged from 186¢ to 218¢/kg with most carrying plenty of weight. Heavy yearling steers to slaughter gained 7¢ to average 199¢ after making to 226.6¢kg. Heavy C3 yearling heifers were 11¢ dearer at 189¢, while the plainer end gained 16¢ to average 196¢/kg. Medium weight grown steers held firm around 186¢ as the heavy C3s in large numbers gained 11¢ to average 192¢/kg. The bullocks generally made around 188¢ to be up to 13¢/kg dearer. There were also a few heavy bullocks yarded that sold in the mid 180¢/kg range. Medium D3 beef cows improved 8¢ to 137¢ as the heavy D4s gained 4¢ to average 141¢/kg. The better end of the medium weight dairy cows improved 4¢ to average 115¢/kg. Heavy dairy cows made to 148.6¢ with most making form 104¢ to 146¢/kg. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on May 11, 2012, 07:42:33 AM Thursday, May 10, 2012
CME: Global Meat Demand and US Export Outlook US - USDA revised this week its estimates for global beef production and trade in 2012. The updates for some countries were particularly interesting in light of recent trade talk about global meat demand and US export outlook, write Steve Meyer and Len Steiner. The USDA estimates are updated twice a year (April and October) and the USDA FAS does a tremendous job in bringing together an incredible amount of detail about global meat production, trade, and domestic use. Global beef production is currently estimated at some 57 million MT (carcass wt. basis), about 0.2 per cent higher than the previous year but still about 1.5 million MT or 2.5 per cent lower than the record high in 2007. In the last 10 years, global beef output has expanded by 5.2 per cent but that increase has not come from countries that traditionally have been the primary actors in the global beef trade. Beef production in the US (the fourth largest beef exporter in the world) has contracted in the past 10 years, in part due to the impact of BSE (December 2003) which limited export markets, but also higher feed costs that undermined produce profitability. Production in Australia and New Zealand has been for the most part steady in the past decade and it will likely show only modest growth in the coming years. On the other hand, we have seen tremendous growth in production from emerging/developing countries. It may surprise many that India has now emerged as a top global beef supplier, expected to surpass Brazil as the largest global beef exporter in 2012. Keep in mind that Indian beef production is not from cattle (which are sacred), rather it is from buffalo bovines (carabeef). Indian beef production has expanded by almost 1.7 million MT in the past decade, much of that growth going into export markets. Indian beef exports for 2012 are forecast at 1.525 million MT, 25 per cent higher than the previous year and an almost three fold increase in the past 10 years. The data on pork shows the outsize influence that China has in the global pork market. Pork is the meat protein of choice in China and as the Chinese economy has expanded, so has the appetite for pork. Chinese pork production in 2012 is currently forecast at 51.6 million MT. By comparison, US pork production is forecast at 10.6 million MT and EU production is forecast at 22.6 million MT. Chinese output is expected to recover in 2012 and increase by 2.1 million MT or 4.2 per cent from the previous year. High prices in 2011 have encouraged Chinese producers to expand and the increase in domestic supply will limit imports in 2012. But even as USDA now forecasts Chinese pork imports to be about 100 million MT lower than the previous year, this still represents a significant increase from the levels we saw in 2009 and 2010. Lower global grain prices should support some expansion in pork output not just in US and China but also in other markets. Indeed, USDA revised up its 2012 production prospects for most large pork producing countries. Current world pork production is forecast at 104.4 million MT, almost 1 million MT larger than the October forecast for 2012 and 2.7 million MT or 2.7 per cent higher than in 2011. By Q4 of 2012 exports accounted for almost 1 in 4 pounds of pork produced in the US and global expansion has significantly impacted US pork prices. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on May 12, 2012, 10:22:23 AM Friday, May 11, 2012
Weekly Australian Cattle Summary AUSTRALIA - This report is a collection of weekly cattle price summaries from each Australian state by the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). West Australia Larger pastoral supplies There was solid rainfall across the previous weekend and into the early parts of this week that has bought the break to the growing season. Falls of up to 45mm were recorded throughout much of the agricultural regions and with the temperatures currently remaining warm there has been a very solid germination in paddocks. Conditions in the north of the state continue to reasonable with the more moderate temperatures now allowing full access to mustering with this occupation now in full swing. Saleyard numbers varied this week. Muchea’s numbers continued to rise due to larger volumes of cattle sourced from the northern pastoral regions. The southwest sales were small with only 200 head penned for sale, while the Great Southern sale at Mt Barker saw further constriction in it’s yarding. This constriction in cattle volumes sourced from the southern Agricultural regions will continue as further rainfall is received and feed levels increase as is usual at this time of year. The supplies of heavy weight local steers and heifers remained very tight in physical markets. This was also the case in trade weight yearlings, both grass finished and grain assisted. Cow volumes, particularly local drafts were sold in considerably lower volumes this week with heavy weight bull numbers also more constricted. These lower supplies were however offset by the increased supplies of pastoral grades with these being of a solid quality. There were also very good supplies of reasonable quality local store yearlings available. Processor demand increases Vealers were again confined to calf weights. Demand from the local trade and retailers, which continued to be under pinned by restocker interest, saw very solid conditions remain in these categories. The limited volumes of grain assisted trade weight local yearling steers and heifers recorded a stronger local trade competition. This created dearer values in both sexes and all weight categories. The supplies of grass finished trade weight yearlings were all but non-existent with quality generally only moderate. The majority of these were purchased by the feeder sector at slightly dearer price levels. The solid supplies of local store yearlings enjoyed an increased competition from both the feeder and restocker sectors. All grades and categories recorded dearer prices. The prices for heavy weight steers, bullocks and heifers, both local and pastoral drafts received stronger demand. The smaller supplies of cows penned this week enjoyed a further increase in processor demand. This stronger demand saw prime heavy weight sales rise a further 2 to 3c/kg peaking at 161c/kg lwt. Heavy weight bull prices also increased due to a stronger processor demand with rates in the Great Southern up to 15¢/kg lwt dearer. New South Wales Supply lifts Yardings increased 38% again as the majority of centres reported by MLA’s NLRS offered greater numbers. Gunnedah recorded the largest yarding since November last year while CTLX was one of the largest prime markets since the market commenced. The firm to dearer trend of recent weeks along with fine weather in some parts of the state as well as the approaching winter were factors behind supply increasing. The trend of mixed quality was again evident. The better end of the slaughter cattle had generally had access to supplementary feeding or were crop finished. Competition was from the recent panel of buyers although at Wagga not all the usual feeder buyers were in attendance. Armidale late in the week was also missing a number of regular orders. Young cattle accounted for 68% of the states throughput with greater numbers of vealers penned. Cows accounted for almost 60% of the grown cattle. Trade cattle were firm to dearer while later in the week a cheaper trend was evident. Even though some processors are booked a week or two in advance with direct cattle, those meeting specifications were firm to 8¢/kg dearer with the yearlings receiving the largest gains. Solid demand has been evident across the eastern states as well. This was highlighted by the EYCI climbing 0.25¢ to 374.25¢/kg cwt at the completion of Thursday’s markets. Most of the grown steers offered were heavy weights which improved 1¢ to 6¢/kg as the bullock portion were fully firm. The light and medium weight cows to processors were firm to dearer however the heavy weights sold to a mixed trend. A dearer trend Large numbers of medium weight vealer steers were purchased by restockers from 212¢ to 216¢ with sales to 244.2¢/kg. Medium and heavy weights to the trade range from 202¢ to 213¢/kg. Medium and heavy weight vealer heifers to the trade ranged from 198¢ to 202¢ with the heavy weights making to a top of 233¢/kg. Medium weight C3 yearling steers to the trade gained 8¢ to 207¢ as the heavy C3s improved 2¢ to 196¢/kg. Medium and heavy weights to feeders ranged mostly from 190¢ to 197¢ to be up to 5¢/kg dearer. Light and medium weight yearling heifers to feeders were firm to 10¢ dearer however some of the medium weights to restockers lost 5¢/kg. Medium and heavy weights to the trade were slightly dearer in making from 183¢ to 188¢/kg. Heavy C3 grown steers gained 5¢ to average 188¢, while the C4s were fully firm at 194¢ after making to 200¢/kg. The few bullocks ranged from 176¢ to 187¢/kg. Medium weight D2 and D3 cows were firm to slightly dearer and averaged 123¢ and 132¢/kg respectively. A fair number of medium weights returned to the paddock around 126¢/kg. Heavy cows made to 150¢ as the D3 and D4s generally sold in the mid to late 130¢/kg range. Queensland Steady supply Despite the absence of the Toowoomba sales due to the public holiday and a reduced yarding at Dalby, overall supply at physical markets covered by MLA’s NLRS hovered around last weeks level. This was due to increased numbers at both the Roma sales plus a few extra at Warwick. The change in the season was reflected in overall quality, and as the first of the frosts appear young cattle made up 60% of total numbers yarded. With a few areas starting to dry off values for calves and vealer steers tended to ease around 4¢ to 8¢/kg. A fairly large sample of vealer heifers to slaughter varied in price from centre to centre and for the week averaged 5¢/kg cheaper. A large run of good quality lightweight yearling steers suitable for restockers were penned and the overall high standard managed to push prices up by 6¢/kg. Domestic medium weight yearling feeder steers struggled to maintain the previous week price averages and in places lost around 5¢/kg. However heavy feeders went against this trend and despite not all feeder operators being active in the market the remaining buyers were able to absorb the supply plus lift average prices by 2¢/kg. Bullocks to export slaughter experienced a mixed trend and across all markets for the week averaged 2¢/kg cheaper against the solid gains of the previous week. Demand for cows also varied in places and gained ground at Warwick but lost value at late week sales nevertheless overall average prices for the week on good heavy cows experienced very little change. Some cattle cheaper Calves returning to the paddock averaged 8¢ cheaper at 210¢ and sold to 238.2¢ while slaughter descriptions averaged 197¢/kg. Vealer steers to restockers averaged 4¢ less at 213¢ with a few to 235.2¢/kg. Vealer heifers to slaughter lost 5¢ to average close to 184¢ while a small selection of top end quality lines sold to local butchers at 218.2¢/kg. A large supply of lightweight yearling steers to restockers made to the occasional 244.2¢ with most around 217¢/kg. The largest number of medium weight yearling steers to feed averaged 5¢ cheaper at 195¢ with sales to 211.2¢/kg. Heavy yearling steers to feed averaged around 188¢, the occasional well bred pen to 200.2¢/kg. Lightweight yearling heifers to the trade averaged 188¢ while a large sample sold to restockers at 203¢/kg. Good medium weight yearling heifers to feed averaged 171¢ and the D muscle lines made closer to 153¢/kg. Heavy steers to export slaughter averaged 174¢ and sold to 183.2¢ while the bullock portion made to 178¢ to average 2¢ cheaper at 172¢/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows averaged 116¢ and 3 scores 130¢/kg. A fairly large sample of good heavy cows experienced no change in price at 142¢ with a few to 158.2¢/kg. South Australia Small yardings The SA LE had a smaller yarding that featured mainly young cattle with supplementary fed yearlings attracting strong demand from the usual trade and export buyers. Lines of well-bred vealers and store conditioned yearling steers attracted strong competition from feeder buyers who had their numbers boosted by an additional order. Small numbers of pastoral bred lightweight C1 and C2 yearling steers sold from 127¢ to 172¢/kg. Vealer steers were in limited numbers to the trade and feeder orders with all sales rising above 200¢/kg. Lightweight and a few medium weight yearling steers sold to feeder activity at much dearer levels. The trade sourced C and B muscled medium and heavyweight yearling steers also at improved prices. Only a handful of grown and manufacturing steers and grown heifers were penned, with the small lines of beef cows selling from 110¢ to 154¢/kg. After some more useful rainfall over the past week and following the dearer trend of past weeks Mt. Gambier’s numbers remained similar. Most of the usual SA and Victorian trade and export buyers were operating, albeit selectively at times. Feeder and restocker orders were also quite active on a mixture of young cattle, plain quality 1 score beef cows possibly in calf, and lightweight bulls. Millicent’s much smaller yarding for its fortnightly sale contained young cattle, mainly manufacturing grown steers, beef and a few dairy cows in mixed quality runs that sold to limited trade and export competition due to the small numbers available. Feeder orders were also active on suitable well bred young cattle at mainly dearer levels. Variable prices The varying quality yarded combining with some limited trade and export competition led to erratic trends on most categories. Limited sales of vealer steers to the trade sold from 203¢ to 238¢ with C3 sales 11¢ to 19¢/kg dearer. The C1 and C2 lightweight steers to feeder and restocker activity sold from 185¢ to 216¢/kg. Vealer heifers in small numbers to the trade sold between 180¢ and 214¢, with C muscled sales 2¢ to 27¢ cheaper and the D muscled 17¢/kg dearer. Yearling steer C3 medium and heavyweights sold from 180¢ to 210¢ with B-muscled sales to 224¢ at prices 5¢ to 6¢/kg more. Feeders sourced C2 medium weight steers from 182¢ to 207¢/kg at dearer levels. Yearling heifer C3 sales ranged from 163¢ to 200¢ with the medium weights 14¢ dearer, while the heavyweights were 9¢/kg cheaper. Limited sales of C2 and C3 grown steers sold generally from 173¢ to195¢, or unchanged to 7¢ dearer and averaging 345¢/kg cwt. The beef cows sold from 110¢ to 154¢ at basically unchanged prices, and mainly 235¢ to 285¢/kg cwt. Friesian heavyweights sold from 122¢ to 135¢ to be unchnaged to 6¢/kg dearer. Victoria Supply climbs again Following on from the larges yarding last week, supply increased a further 20% across all markets reported by MLA’s NLRS. Just over half the cattle offered were at Leongatha, Pakenham and Wodonga. When compared to the corresponding week last year, yardings are up 43%. The extra supply though had an impact on quality at a number of centres as more plainer cattle were offered. This is to be expected at this time of year with the cooler weather impacting pastures and livestock. Pakenham early in the week though had some good supplementary fed yearlings and bullocks, while at Bairnsdale there were increased numbers of high yielding heavy vealer steers. Young cattle accounted for just 33% of the total throughput with yearlings only just out numbering the vealers. Most of the young cattle offered were medium and heavy weights. Cows represented just over 31% of the states yarding with around 46% being dairy cows, while grown steers accounted for 22%. Similarly to the young cattle, the grown cattle were carrying plenty of weight. Young cattle generally sold to a mixed trend as the vealers were mostly firm to cheaper. The yearling steers were firm to a couple of cents dearer while the heifer portion was generally cheaper. At the close of Thursdays markets the EYCI was 374.25¢ which was up 0.25¢/kg cwt on week ago levels. Heavy grown steers were 3¢ either side of firm as the bullocks were mostly cheaper with the lean lines most affected. Medium and heavy beef cows were firm to cheaper as the dairy portion was cheaper. Mixed prices Heavy muscled and high yielding B muscle vealer steers to the trade made to 240¢ with most of the medium and heavy weights making from 218¢ to 221¢/kg. The C muscle medium and heavy weights ranged from 201¢ to 216¢//kg. Medium weight vealer heifers were 9¢ to 11¢ cheaper as the heavy B muscle lines lost around 8¢/kg. The heavy C3s slipped 3¢ to average 206¢/kg. Medium weight C3s to the trade improved 1¢ to 207¢ as the heavy weights were firm around 199¢/kg. Feeders mostly paid from 188¢ to 193¢/kg. Heavy yearling heifers to the trade averaged 186¢ to be 3¢/kg cheaper. Heavy C3 steers eased 2¢ to 191¢ as the C4s improved 3¢ to average 192¢/kg. The bullocks offered generally made from 178¢ to 186¢/kg. Medium weight D3 beef cows lost 8¢ to 130¢ with sales to 145¢/kg. Heavy D4 cows reached 152¢ to average 141¢/kg to be fully firm. Medium weight D1 dairy cows eased 3¢ to 112¢ as the D2s lost 6¢ to average 119¢/kg. The heavy dairy cows were in large numbers as the D1s were slightly cheaper with most around 117¢ as the 2 and 3 scores ranged from 125¢ to 132¢/kg. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on May 18, 2012, 11:43:54 AM Thursday, May 17, 2012
Breed, Body Condition Impact Cow Fertility AUSTRALIA - Breed and body condition have a critical impact on fertility, according to preliminary results from Cash Cow research presented at Beef Australia 2012. An overview of the Cash Cow project presented at Beef Australia 2012 gave producers insights into the range of factors impacting on fertility rates of cows post calving. Preliminary data from the MLA-funded Northern Australian Beef Fertility Project (Cash Cow) has demonstrated a substantial variation in reproductive performance in herds throughout Queensland, Northern Territory and the Kimberley. Professor Mike McGowan, project leader from the University of Queensland, honed in on lifting breeding performance at the MLA producer seminar at Beef Australia. His colleague Dr Geoffry Fordyce from the University of Queensland looked at various ways of measuring the efficiency of breeding herds. Prof McGowan’s presentation examined factors impacting on the percentage of cows pregnant four months after calving and factors impacting on the percentage loss between confirmed pregnancy and weaning. His analysis showed two key factors stand out as making a difference: Bos indicus females had a lower percentage pregnant by four months after calving and a higher risk of loss between pregnancy and weaning than composite or Bos Taurus females; Body condition prior to calving had a significant effect on re-conception rates (see next week’s edition of fridayfeedback for more on this topic) Cash Cow data was collected from two reproductive cycles during the project’s study of 60,000 cows from 78 commercial properties over 2009-10. It is being used to identify realistic benchmarks for major reproductive traits such as annual pregnancy rates based on the value achieved by the upper 25 per cent of herds in the study. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on May 22, 2012, 03:48:23 AM Beef/Cattle
Cattle and Beef Sectors Mostly Take Recent Events In Stride Drought effects continue to diminish in the United States except for some areas in the Southeast and Southwest. However, most of the northern half of Mexico remains under drought conditions, resulting in a 22-percent year-over-year increase in year-to-date (weekly AMS data through May 5) imports of Mexican feeder cattle into the United States. Corn planting and emergence in the United States is well ahead of last year and the 5-year averages. Similarly, 88 percent of winter wheat is in fair-to-excellent condition leading to a decline in wheat prices. With wheat prices below corn prices, feeding with wheat could alleviate some of the pressure of high corn prices on cattle-feeding profit margins. Federally inspected (FI) slaughter of beef cows has declined steadily since last fall when beef cows represented as much as 60 percent of total (weekly) FI cow slaughter. The cow-calf sector is enjoying high prices for both cull cows and feeder cattle and, despite record-high input costs, is one of two sectors of the cattle/beef industry experiencing positive profit margins—the other being beef packers, since early this month. Feeder cattle prices have dipped from their 2012 record levels of February and March due to declines in stocker calf spring/summer grazing demand and increasing cattle-feeding losses, but they are expected to increase later this year and in 2013. Cattle feeders continue to experience negative feeding margins due to higher costs of feeder cattle and feed. Feed-grain prices are expected to moderate slightly through the spring and summer of 2012, but feeder cattle and soybean meal prices are expected to increase during the same period. Without a significant improvement in fed cattle prices and lower feed and/or feeder cattle prices, feeding margins will not improve. The situation does not appear likely to improve until later in 2012 or early 2013 when new-crop corn prices decline. Weaker corn prices are likely to be accompanied by relatively high protein-meal prices because of an apparent shift from soybean acreage to corn acreage, leading to the expectation of higher supplies of new-crop corn and associated price declines. Another factor offsetting lower new-crop corn prices is anticipated increases in feeder cattle prices over the remainder of 2012 and throughout 2013 in response to the tightest feeder cattle supplies in decades. In hindsight, cattle and beef prices appear to have reached a seasonal spring high early this year, consistent with recent and anticipated weather patterns and their effects on weight gains by cattle in feedlots through the past mild winter. While seasonal price patterns would typically be lower during the summer, the highest prices for 2012 are anticipated to occur during the second half of the year. Based on normal seasonal price patterns, wholesale beef markets appear to have weathered the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and lean finely textured beef (LFTB) storms of March and April 2012 without serious price damage. An exception is the market for 50-percent lean trim. Although short-term impacts are negative, the future outcome for LFTB and 50-percent lean beef trim demand and prices is uncertain and will depend on how consumers respond to LFTB. Prices for 90- percent lean beef have increased steadily since reaching a low in September 2011. Otherwise, price impacts as a result of the April 23 BSE event have been limited primarily to most live and feeder cattle futures price contracts declining by their daily allowable limit on April 24, 2012, followed by a quick recovery. In the meantime, packer margins have improved to show positive returns for the first time since last September. Retail beef prices continue near their highest levels, averaging $5.05 per pound for Choice beef and a record $4.70 per pound for allfresh beef in April. Beef/Cattle Trade First-Quarter U.S. Beef Exports 12 Percent Lower Beef exports in the first quarter of this year have been sluggish compared with a year ago, perhaps due to a slightly strengthening U.S. dollar through first-quarter 2012. U.S. beef exports were lower year-over-year to Japan (-4 percent), Mexico (- 11 percent), South Korea (-41 percent), and Hong Kong (-19 percent). Exports to Egypt and Vietnam were higher, year-over-year, by 31 and 37 percent, respectively. Total U.S. beef exports are expected to decrease in the third and fourth quarters of 2012 compared with year-earlier levels as less beef is available for export. U.S. beef production is expected to be 5 and 8 percent lower in the third and fourth quarters of 2012, and exports are expected to be 9 percent and 6 percent lower in those quarters. Beef export levels in 2013 are expected to be only slightly (1 percent) below forecast 2012 levels, at 2.65 billion pounds. First-Quarter U.S. Beef Imports 27 Percent Higher U.S. beef imports for 2012 are forecast over 18 percent higher, year-over-year, at 2.4 billion pounds. First-quarter imports were 26 percent higher compared with a year earlier Imports were 91 and 4 percent higher, year-over-year, from Australia and New Zealand and 13 and 40 percent higher from Canada and Mexico, respectively. U.S. beef imports for the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2012 are forecast to be 12, 16, and 22 percent higher year-over-year. Increased imports are expected from Oceania, as improved pasture conditions in Australia and New Zealand have boosted carcass weights and production in those countries. Strong U.S. demand for processing beef, amid tightening U.S. production, is expected to at least partly offset the higher Australian dollar and to support higher imports of beef to the United States. U.S. beef imports from North American trading partners Canada and Mexico are also expected to remain strong compared with year-earlier levels. Growth of 8 percent in the U.S. beef import market is forecast for 2013, totaling 2.6 billion pounds. Higher Mexican Cattle Imports Offsetting Lower Imports from Canada U.S. cattle imports through the first quarter are fractionally higher compared with the same period a year ago. Lower imports from Canada have been offset by higher imports from Mexico through the first quarter of 2012. Cattle imports from Mexico were 24 percent higher than in 2011 through March. The continued increase of cattle imported to the United States from Mexico stems from the severe drought conditions that were—and in some cases, still are—present in the southern tier of the United States throughout last year and which extended into northern Mexico. Present export rates of cattle from Mexico may be; however, it remains to be seen whether, and to what extent, Mexican cattle exports to the United States may drop off as the year progresses. This may be largely dependent on weather patterns and if pasture conditions improve. In the first quarter cattle imports from Canada were 5 percent below a year ago. According to AMS weekly reports, imports of slaughter steers/heifers and cows through April are 11 and 18 percent below year-earlier levels compared to the same time period last year. The lower import levels are likely due to Canadian producers being in the midst of herd rebuilding and retaining females for breeding. Imports of Canadian feeder cattle, however, are 69 percent higher than a year ago, due to a sluggish spring Canadian feeder cattle market and a stronger price incentives in the United States. Total U.S. cattle imports for 2012 are forecast at 2.075 million head and at 1.95 million head in 2013, or 6 percent lower year-over-year. Dairy Milk Production Continues Robust Expansion While Prices Soften; in 2013, a Modest Production Increase Could Help Support Prices Corn prices are moderating for both the current crop year and for 2012/13. The corn price is projected to be $5.95 to $6.25 a bushel in 2011/12, a decline from April’s projected price and to slip to $4.20 to $5.00 a bushel next year. Higher corn plantings and higher expected yield could lead to a record-high corn supply in 2012/13 despite tight carryin stocks. The recent Crop Progress report showed a crop well ahead of average development for this time of year. While this is no guarantee of above-average yields, it minimizes the risk of yield loss due to late planting. Soybean meal prices continue to inch upward; this month’s forecast calls for soybean meal prices to average $360 a ton for the current crop year, up from April’s forecast. For 2012/13, prices are forecast at $335 to $360 a ton. The April Agricultural Prices reported the preliminary estimate of alfalfa hay prices at $207 per ton. Hay prices could move downward with the 2012/13 crop. The benchmark 16-percent protein dairy ration was calculated at $11.20 per cwt for January-March 2012. Given crop price forecasts, the ration value will likely head down later this year and could fall further in 2013. For dairy producers, the welcome relief from high feed prices will likely be countered by lower milk prices for the balance of 2012, with some recovery likely in 2013. On balance, the milk-feed price ratio is not expected to signal expansion until later in 2013. The total number of milk cows for 2012 was raised slightly from April to 9.23 million head. The Milk Production report indicated higher than expected cow numbers and, despite weakening returns, producers were not reducing herds as quickly as expected. May is the first month for 2013 forecasts. The dairy herd in 2013 is expected to decline to 9.17 million head, reflecting 2012’s high feed prices and lower milk prices. Milk per cow for 2012 was boosted to 21,880 pounds from the April projection. Production per cow is forecast at 22,100 pounds for 2013. The rise in milk per cow this year is due to nearly ideal production conditions in much of the United States. Next year’s projected increase in production per cow reflects the moderating feed price outlook. Production for 2012 was raised this month to 201.9 billion pounds. The initial forecast for 2013 is for production to reach 202.6 billion pounds, based on higher output per cow. Milk-equivalent imports on a fats basis are forecast at 3.3 billion pounds for both 2012 and 2013 and 5.4 and 5.2 billion pounds for 2012 and 2013 respectively on a skims-solids basis. Milk-equivalent exports on a fats basis are projected at 8.5 billion pounds in 2012, rising to 8.7 billion pounds next year. Exports on a skimsolids basis are estimated at 31.5 billion pounds this year and 32.4 billion pounds in 2013. Higher than expected milk production and weaker-than-expected demand led to lowering of the 2012 prices for the major dairy products in May, except for whey. The cheese price was lowered to $1.555 to $1.605 per pound, butter was reduced to $1.425 to $1.505 per pound, and the nonfat dry milk price was revised to $1.235 to $1.275 per pound. The whey price was increased to 56.0 to 59.0 cents per pound as it appears demand is stronger than expected earlier. Next year’s milk production increase is modest, keeping with the herd-size declines, in response to 2012’s high feed prices and lower milk prices. Higher forecast exports and continued firm domestic demand should strengthen 2013 prices. The 2013 cheese price is forecast at $1.600 to $1.700 per pound, butter at $1.465 to $1.595 per pound and NDM at $1.320 to $1.390 per pound. Whey prices are forecast at 55.5 to 58.5 cents per pound, very near 2012 prices. Milk prices for 2012 were revised downward based on lowered product prices. The Class III price is projected at $15.80 to $16.30 per cwt, the Class IV price was lowered to $14.50 to $15.10 per cwt and all milk is projected at $16.90 to $17.40 per cwt. In 2013, milk prices should recover. The Class III price is forecast at $16.20 to $17.20 per cwt, the Class IV price is forecast to rebound to $15.40 to $16.50 per cwt and the all milk price is expected to climb to $17.25 to $18.25 per cwt. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on May 25, 2012, 09:43:32 AM Monday, May 21, 2012
Abattoirs in Welfare Footage on Approved Export List ANALYSIS - An Australian government investigation into footage of animal cruelty in four Indonesia abattoirs has concluded that two of the abattoirs were approved under a government scheme. The report also suggests that regulatory action be taken against two exporting companies, North Australian Cattle Company Pty Ltd (NACC) and International Livestock Export Pty Ltd (ILE), writes Charlotte Johnston, TheCattleSite editor. On 24 February 2012, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) received a formal complaint from Animals Australia alleging non–compliance with animal welfare guidelines that might involve cattle exported from Australia to Indonesia under an approved Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS). The complaint included video footage that Animals Australia said had been made on 24–26 January 2012. DAFF also received an RSPCA Australia analysis of the same video footage. DAFF’s investigation of the complaint identified four abattoirs shown in the video footage. DAFF considered that four exporters had the potential to have an approved ESCAS that could have a link to an abattoir in the video footage. The investigation determined that the slaughter lines shown in the video footage at two of the four abattoirs were part of an approved ESCAS for two exporters, and the slaughter lines at two abattoirs were not part of an approved ESCAS for any exporter. At the two abattoirs determined to be part of an approved ESCAS, DAFF considers the cattle shown in the video footage made at one of the abattoirs to have been sourced from Australia. In the other abattoir, DAFF considers the cattle are highly likely to have been sourced from Australia. At both these abattoirs, DAFF considers there to evidence of non–compliances with ESCAS animal welfare performance measures and targets. The department has investigated the footage taken at the other two abattoirs and will not be taking any action as there is no evidence the animals involved were sourced from Australia. Action against exporters The investigation recommends that the Secretary take regulatory action with regard to the two exporters, North Australian Cattle Company Pty Ltd (NACC) and International Livestock Export Pty Ltd (ILE) with an approved ESCAS that each included an abattoir where non–compliances with ESCAS animal welfare performance measures and targets occurred. Phillip Glyde, Deputy Secretary, DAFF said that the regulatory action taken compromises of removing the two abattoirs identified in the footage from each of these two exporters’ approved supply chains. Additional conditions will also be placed on the two exporters, including having animal welfare officers present in all abattoirs in their approved supply chains where cattle are slaughtered using a modified Mark 4 restraint box without stunning. The intensity of auditing of the exporter’s approved supply chains, where cattle are slaughtered using a modified Mark 4 restraint box without stunning, will also be increased. Mr Glyde said that the exporters at this time did not face having their export licence removed. "If further animal welfare breaches occur in these exporters’ supply chains, they face additional penalties under the relevant legislation, including the possible loss of their export license," he said. In a statement, Elders has said that the one abattoir (out of 22) was found to not have performed satisfactorily against five performance measures, it confirms that the non compliance had nothing to do with animal cruelty. "Elders considered the suggestions of non-compliances at Petir 1 to be extremely concerning, and acted immediately once it was advised that grounds existed for investigation of the abattoir’s performance in satisfying all of the ESCAS requirements under which it receives cattle from NACC." Elders said it continues to endorse and support the ESCAS protocols. "These non-compliances noted at Petir, whilst disappointing, also represent a small fraction of throughput under the new system. This is an outcome which, given the intensity of ESCAS requirements and the sheer scale of change in an accelerated timeframe it has required from many Indonesian stakeholders, is understandable whilst also being encouraging for the achievement of satisfactory compliance." CEO of the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council, Alison Penfold praised the two exporters involved for undertaking the necessary remedial action immediately upon notification of operational deficiencies, thus ensuring they comply with the requirements of ESCAS. Ms Penfold said the new export arrangements have helped transform the way Australian animals are managed through the export supply chain. Standards have been raised and the welfare processes and practices that sit behind the new regulatory system, ESCAS, continue to improve. "Even so, exporters are concerned that the Government’s regulatory response fails to credit the remedial work undertaken by the two exporters involved and is unnecessarily heavy handed in placing additional requirements on other facilities," she said. “The Governments response adds significant extra cost burdens to the supply chain and does not take into account that the ESCAS is a new system which sets unprecedented requirements on the exporters that must be delivered in developing countries. “To increase compliance measures on to other facilities which were not party to the investigation and which are operated and staffed separately is a serious regulatory overreach. "The industry remains committed to ESCAS and the wellbeing of the animals as they pass through the supply chain. While any instances of non-compliance are regrettable, what this DAFF report highlights is how just quickly industry responds to isolate and fix problems when they arise in order deliver the required standards of animal welfare.” The two other exporters initially identified by DAFF as potentially linked to the video footage were fully cleared of having any connection with the investigated footage. DAFF determined that these two exporters, Australian Rural Exports Pty Ltd (Austrex) and Wellard Rural Exports Pty Ltd (Wellard), did not have either of the relevant slaughter lines in their approved supply chains at the time the footage was taken. In addition, DAFF agrees that the cattle filmed in the relevant sequences were not sourced from Australia. Accordingly, these exporters were excluded from any further part in the investigation. Further action to be taken The investigation also makes three general observations, including that additional requirements could be placed on all future export applications and that the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer conduct a further investigation into the Mark 4 restraint box when used without mechanical head and neck restraint. Commenting on this, Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Mark Schipp said: "I agree that a new assessment of the modified Mark4 restraint box is required. As Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer I share the public’s concerns around the welfare of the animals featured in the footage under investigation. The last assessment of Mark 1 and 4 restraint boxes was conducted in August 2011. "That assessment found that proper use of the Mark 4 box for restraining and casting cattle for non-stun slaughter generally complied with elements of the OIE Code—Chapter 7.5 Slaughter of Animals. "The more recent footage raises new concerns that were not apparent at the time of these earlier assessments. I consider them substantial enough to require further investigation." Dr Shipp said that work on the report will begin immediately. This investigation has taken place under Australia’s new regulatory system for live animal exports – ESCAS. The system includes procedures to investigate allegations of animal welfare breaches and to take appropriate action where required. The investigation also makes observations directed towards closing information and risk gaps that the investigation has revealed in the current process for approval of an ESCAS. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on May 28, 2012, 02:05:06 AM Friday, May 25, 2012
Weekly Australian Cattle Summary AUSTRALIA - This report is a collection of weekly cattle price summaries from each Australian state by the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). New South Wales Supply eases Supply reduced significantly across MLA’s NLRS reported sale yards with total states throughput back 24 per cent. The greatest reduction in numbers came from Dubbo with 33 per cent less yarded week on week. CTLX also experienced significant reductions to supply with just over 3,600 head yarded. At Gunnedah numbers almost halved and Forbes had almost 500 less cattle available. Throughput at Armidale and Casino has decreased 20 per cent and 25 per cent, while Tamworth was back 33 per cent. Inverell and Wagga centres remained relatively firm while Goulburn experienced a reduction of 37 per cent albeit off a low base. Vealer and yearling steers and heifers were all in about equal supply however there were significantly less grown steers and heifers available. Cows remained in good numbers and were primarily heavy weights. Lightweights made up the majority of the bull supply. The reduction in numbers also brought about a reduction in overall quality with many secondary types yarded. There were an increased number of unfinished cattle that producers elected to offload rather than carry through the cooler months. While the variation in quality was larger than last week the New England and North West centres reported some good quality young cattle still available. Trade buyer attendance remains strong with the majority active across all weights and categories. Restockers and feeders were also reasonably active despite the onset of the cooler weather. Prices were mixed however the majority of categories were firm to dearer. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) finished 3¢ higher for the week on 366.5¢/kg cwt. Prices Firm Despite a reduction in quality prices remained held ground with restocker interest assisting young cattle prices. Light vealer steers to restock were 5¢ higher to average 213¢ while the medium weights were up 1¢ to also settle on 213¢/kg. Heavy weight vealers were 4¢ higher on 207¢ while those to feed slipped 2¢ to 200¢/kg. Medium weight vealer heifers to restock and process were firm making 191¢ and 192¢/kg respectively. Heavy weight vealer heifers to the trade made 215¢ to be 11¢/kg higher. Medium weight yearling steers to feed were up 1¢ to 194¢ and those to restock held firm on 192¢/kg. Heavy yearling steers to slaughter were also unchanged on 189¢/kg. Restockers and Feeders purchased the majority of yearling heifers and prices averaged 184¢/kg. Heavy grown steer prices were back 3¢ to 181¢/kg while the C4 bullocks were 9¢ higher on 184¢/kg. Light grown heifers were 2¢ higher on 166¢/kg. Cow prices were mostly higher with the light weight D2’s to process up 1¢ to 118¢/kg. Medium weight cows to slaughter slipped 1¢ to 125¢ and the heavyweights held firm on 134¢/kg. Light weight bulls were back 6¢ to 156¢ and the heavy portion was 1¢ 146¢/kg. Queensland Supply eases The yardings across MLA’s NLRS markets reduced by 7 per cent, losing ground on last week’s jump. While yarding trends were mixed, the larger markets at Dalby and Roma store reduced 13 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively. Longreach, Mareeba and Moreton had the largest reductions, with numbers falling by half. The supply at Murgon doubled while Roma Prime experienced a 12 per cent increase. The Toowoomba markets combined yarding along with that at Warwick remained firm. The majority of the yarding was comprised of yearlings, with more steers than heifers. Grown cattle and the majority of steers made the next largest yarded category. There was a strong supply of cows and vealers, while calves and bulls were limited. With the cool wintry conditions encroaching, cattle have stated to loose condition, with high amounts of cattle pushed into the market. All the usual buyers were present and included some major returning export processors to the buying field. This helped strengthen competition. Operators were keen to make purchases, to secure adequate numbers while prices were firm. Restockers at Toowoomba helped to boost competition, while feeder operators maintained their strong support on suitable lines of young cattle. Export slaughter lines of heavy steers, bullocks and cows improved in price. Light, medium and heavy weight yearling steers met strong support from feeder buyers at Dalby with prices generally improving. It was an enhanced quality yarding at Roma Prime sale with grown heifers pushing prices up. Roma store numbers returned to normal and all categories were well represented. Young cattle dearer The large majority of calves to restockers and processors ranged from 180¢ to 232¢ to average 205¢/kg. Young cattle generally sold to a firm market with the only adjustments made in price due to quality. Medium weight vealer steers sold from 190¢ to 230¢ to be unchanged in price on 215¢/kg. Medium weight vealer heifers ranged in price from 150¢ to 209¢ to average 186¢/kg. Light yearling steers to restockers sold 8¢ higher on 216¢, medium weights averaged 201¢ and the heavy weights to feeder orders were firm on 190¢/kg. Light yearling heifers to restockers sold 13¢ stronger on 193¢, medium weights to feeders were 6¢ higher on 172¢, while heavy weights lost 3¢ to settle on 162¢/kg. Heavy grown steers sold 2¢ lower on 171¢, while a large sample of bullocks averaged around 172¢/kg. Heavy cows ranged in price from 126¢ to 155¢ to be firm on 141¢/kg. Heavy bulls were unchanged in price to average around 148¢/kg. At the conclusion of Thursday’s markets the Queensland yearling steer indicator averaged 190.9¢, while yearling heifers settled on 186.3¢/kg lwt. The heavy steer indicator averaged 171.4¢, while bullocks were on 171.9¢/kg lwt. Medium cows and heavy cows settled on 129.2¢ and 136.9¢ lwt, respectively. South Australia Numbers slip While the SA LE’s numbers increased, Naracoorte’s and Mt. Gambier’s yardings fell. The Millicent sale was cancelled this week due to a lack of numbers. Mt. Gambier’s 533 cattle would have been one of the smallest Wednesday yardings for quite some time with the weekly average this year well over 1,200 head. Quality improved at the SA LE and sold to the usual local and interstate trade and export buyers in a fluctuating sale. Feeders were active at dearer levels on well-bred lightweight vealers and yearling steers and heifers. Limited numbers of vealer steers were yarded and sold at slightly dearer levels to a mixture of trade and feeder activity. Most vealer heifers sold to feeder inquiry at lower prices, while being dearer to the trade. The small numbers of grown steers, grown heifers and manufacturing steers were dearer, while cow prices remained reasonably stable. There was an improvement in the quality at Naracoorte with a greater number of supplementary fed cattle yarded. However, state-wide the offering remained mixed and sold to fluctuating competition from a small number of regular trade and export buyers. Feeder and restocker orders were quite active over a wide range of weights and quality of young cattle and lightweight bulls. While some sales of young cattle were dearer, others including better quality cows tended to lose ground. Mt. Gambier’s very mixed quality yarding of young cattle and grown steers in mainly 2 score condition, featured one bullock that topped the scale at 1,015kgs. While some categories attracted a dearer trend, others were generally cheaper due that varying quality. Varying prices There were fluctuations in prices paid this week due to the varied quality that greeted buyers. Vealer steers on limited trade purchases were from 200¢ to 220¢ or 2¢ to 6¢/kg dearer. Feeders sourced C2 lightweight steers from 197¢ to 209¢ at prices unchanged to 3¢/kg more. Vealer heifers to mainly trade competition sold from 195¢ to 222¢, with C3 lightweights 14¢ dearer and medium weights 3¢/kg cheaper. Medium and heavy C3 yearling steers to the trade sold from 170¢ to 220¢ to be 5¢ to 9¢/kg dearer. Feeders sourced large numbers of light to heavy C2 steers from 160¢ to 204¢, at prices unchanged to 12¢/kg more. Yearling heifer C3 sales in limited numbers were between 169¢ and 207¢ at prices 4¢ to 8¢/kg cheaper. Grown steer B2, C2 and C3 mainly medium weight sales were from 165¢ to 192¢, as carcase weight prices averaged 335¢/kg. Cow prices remained unchanged as beef 3 to 5 scores sold from 122¢ to 143¢, with the 2 scores 100¢ to 132¢/kg. This tended to leave most selling between 240¢ and 280¢/kg cwt. Victoria Quality suffers Cattle throughput at MLA’s NLRS reported markets reduced 3 per cent to total 10,850 head. There were mixed yarding trends across selling centres. There were increased numbers at Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Warrnambool and Leongatha which grew by 20 per cent. The remainder recorded reductions, with Shepparton yarding 20 per cent fewer cattle and Wodonga having 20 per cent less. Last year’s production of vealers is running dry, with very few pens of prime milk veal offered. Most vealers presented were on the heavier end as were many yearlings. Overall there were good numbers of young cattle available. Grown cattle, mostly grown steers and bullocks made up a large proportion of the yarding. Grown heifers were in small numbers at 375 head. The majority of the yarding comprised of cows, which were mostly of dairy breeds in varying condition and quality. Overall the quality followed the pattern of last week, and reducing at many markets. Young cattle were reported to be mostly of plain and unfinished quality. On the whole trade cattle also suffered from reductions in quality. Demand for all cattle grades was weaker despite the reduced supply. While most buyers were present and operating the reduced quality incited selective or reluctant bidding. Once again several exporters were missing from the sales which had a price lowering effect on bullocks. Vealer steers fell by 8¢/kg while heifers struggled to remain firm. Yearling steers fell 5¢, while heifers faced 6¢/kg reductions. Bullocks dropped just under 2¢ and cows tumbled 4¢/kg. Cheaper cattle The medium C2 vealer steers sold firm at 198¢, while the heavy B2’s sold 14c higher to 226¢/kg. Heavy C3’s were up 9¢ to make 210¢/kg. Medium C2 vealer heifers were firm at 189¢, while the heavies reduced by 7¢ to 189¢/kg. The medium C2 yearling steers to restockers improved 2¢ to 186¢, while the heavy C3’s gained 1¢ to sell for 196¢/kg. The medium D3 yearling heifers slipped 3¢ to 164¢/kg. The heavy C3’s reduced 2¢ to 182¢, while the D3’s fell 10¢ to 160¢/kg. The heavy C3 grown steers gained 2¢ to make 189¢, while the C4 bullocks sold 1¢ cheaper for 184¢/kg. Light D3 grown heifers sold 1c dearer at 154¢/kg. The Heavy C4’s also gained 1¢ and sold for 156¢, while the D4’s were 8¢ cheaper at 150¢/kg. Light D2 manufacturing steers slipped 18¢ to 127¢, while the heavy C4’s dropped 1¢ to average 162¢/kg. Medium D1 dairy cows sold for 11¢ or around 3¢ cheaper. The D3 beef cows reduced 2¢ to 127¢/kg. Heavy D1 dairy cows reduced 1¢ to 115¢, while D4 beef cows fell 4¢ to 133¢/kg. The medium C2 bulls gained 7¢ to make 151¢, while the heavy C2’s reduced 8¢ to also make 150¢/kg. West Australia Pastoral numbers of the rise As has been too much of the case in recent years it would seem that the southern Agricultural district of WA will have to endure another false break, with most areas having gone two weeks without any further moisture. To further negate the good start and solid germination, most forecasts indicate that there will be possibly be no rainfall until at least the end of next week. This will see much of the germination die and will also have a negative affect on crops and cropping programmes. Conditions in the north remain ideal for mustering and this is now in full swing. Agents continue to comment that it is their belief that there will be large numbers of cattle seen in the south in the short term, for sales direct to works and into physical markets. Cattle numbers in saleyards this week saw a slight increase with all three weekly markets recording higher numbers at their particular sales. Once again Muchea’s yarding was well and truly dominated by cattle sourced from the pastoral north with only limited supplies of locally bred cattle seen at this market. As has been the case recently the volumes of heavy weight steers were all but non-existent. Heavy weight heifer supplies were fair, while trade weight yearling supplies were also limited in volume. Young store grades on the other hand had plentiful supply, but agents have commented that the majority of these local stores have now been sold and supply should tighten. Cow numbers remained plentiful at all three markets. Cow market falters end of week Vealer numbers remained scarce and continued to be limited to calf weights. Local trade demand, coupled with a solid restocker interest from local and southwest areas continues to buoy prices with little or no change realised in values. There were tight supplies of grain assisted yearling available this week. Demand was again recorded from both the local trade and feeder sectors and consequently there was little or no change in overall values of either heifers or steers. This was also the situation in grass finished yearlings. The very good supplies of young local store were of an improved quality and overall weight this week predominately due to an increase in the yarding in the Great Southern. Demand was generally stronger throughout the classes from both the feeder and restocker sectors with most grades recording dearer price levels than the previous week, particularly in heifer classes. There continued to be good numbers of prime heavy weight local and pastoral cows available in physical markets, despite an increase in the volumes of lightweight, plain conditioned categories. Trade demand started the week at firm to slightly stronger levels, but this demand weakened as the week progressed with prime heavy weight cows lower by 10c/kg. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on May 31, 2012, 07:19:09 AM Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Dairy Investment Wanted, but Times Getting Harder? CHINA - Chinese dairy product import levels were unexpectedly low for March 2012, reflecting modest levels of domestic demand. These are figures to watch as private consumption needs to rise to reduce the need for investment spending. Doubters over the economy’s future are not hard to find, although most private sector forecasters remain positive. The Asian Development Bank, for one, expects GDP to rise to 8.5 per cent in 2012 and consumption to grow by 12 per cent in 2012 and 2013, reflecting higher wages and rising government expenditure on social services. It believes the latter will encourage Chinese consumers to save less: going on price trends, they may well have to, reports Dairy Products China News. The Chinese government is wanting international dairy companies to establish industrial-style farms to produce high quality fresh milk for its consumers weary of food scares centred on dairy products. Ironically perhaps – although in truth this signifies a structural adjustment in the sector which should surprise no-one – the corollary of this is that for many dairy farmers in China life is getting harder. The recent reduced prices for milk being paid by Wondersun in Heilongjiang present a contrast to the April prices rises from Mead Johnson and Nestlé. Such price rises appear to have limited impact on sales, reflecting the specifics of the product category. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on June 07, 2012, 11:31:48 PM Thursday, June 07, 2012
High Korean Cattle Slaughter Continues SOUTH KOREA - Total Korean cattle slaughter during April increased 15% year-on-year, to 68,877 head, taking the national total for the first four months of 2012 to 314,854 head – 35 per cent above the corresponding period in 2011. From January to April, Hanwoo (native Korean) cattle slaughter jumped 39 per cent year-on-year, to 268,251 head, with a 63 per cent year-on-year rise in female slaughter – the highest rate since the year 2000. Previously, the Korean Government had announced an intention to reduce the cattle herd to around 2.6 million head by the end of 2013 to improve cattle prices, mainly through the provision of money to producers to cull less productive cows. Assisted by rising slaughter rates, Korean cattle numbers in the first quarter of 2012 declined for the third consecutive quarter, to 3.3 million head - but remained two per cent above the corresponding quarter in 2011. From January to April this year, Korean beef imports decreased 12 per cent on 2011. During those months, imports of chilled and frozen Australian beef decreased 19 per cent and 10 per cent year-on-year, respectively. The decline in consumer demand for beef has had the biggest impact on beef imports this year, accentuated by higher domestic production levels. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on June 11, 2012, 01:08:50 AM Friday, June 08, 2012
12 Months on - Industry Suffers from Live Export Ban AUSTRALIA - The Western Australian Farmers Federation) (WAFarmers) has urged the community to recognise the devastating impact that the 2011 live export suspension had upon northern Australia, with this marking 12 months since the ban was put in place by the Federal Government. WAFarmers Meat Section President Jeff Murray said suspending the live export trade was a blow from which many Northern producers may never fully recover. “The annual income lost through this period will never be retrieved. The losses felt by producers and small businesses are irreversible,” Mr Murray said. “The impacts of the live export suspension, were not just felt by cattle producers but cut off the life blood for mustering contractors, helicopter pilots and countless small businesses that are dependent on the trade.” Mr Murray said during the suspension many of the cattle became unsuitable for the Indonesian market, forcing producers to find alternative markets. “This led to a flow on impact in the Southern markets with anecdotal evidence demonstrating a lack of confidence amongst WA beef and sheep producers,” he said. Mr Murray encouraged the general public to remember that farmers and pastoralists are committed to animal welfare and were devastated by the images of animal cruelty depicted in the Four Corners footage. WAFarmers is fully supportive of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) which now assures the welfare of Australian animals in export markets. “There is no excuse for animal cruelty and WA farmers are committed to ensuring high animal welfare outcomes,” Mr Murray concluded. WAFarmers has reiterated their strong commitment to supporting pastoralists and will continue working with pastoralists and Government to mitigate the damage and improve conditions where possible. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on June 13, 2012, 08:44:29 AM Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Low-Lactose Dairy Calf Bred in China CHINA - Scientists at a north China university say they have bred the world's first genetically-modified calf that will produce low-lactose milk in two years. The calf, named "Lakes," was born on April 24 at a lab of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University. She is healthy and strong, lab professor Zhang Li said. In May 2011, Professor Li and his research team extracted fetus fibroblasts from a Holstein cow that was 45 days pregnant and genetically engineered the fetus by transplanting an lactose dissolution enzyme into the cell. The engineered fetus was then transplanted into the womb of a cow in July, and Lakes was born about nine months later, said Mr Li. "The enzyme can dissolve lactose -- the main sugar found in dairy products -- into galactose or glucose to ease digestive disorders among the lactose-intolerant people," he said. Lakes may therefore produce safer milk for lactose-intolerant people, who account for nearly 60 per cent of Chinese. Symptoms of the allergy range from rashes to diarrhea and other digestive disorders. "Lakes, the calf, is a blessing for these people," said Mr Li. "She will produce low-lactose milk after she has delivered her first calf, hopefully at 25 months old." The same test was done on 14 heads of dairy cattle last year and five calves were born in April. Only three of them carried the lactose dissolution enzyme but Lakes was the only one that has survived, said Professor Zhou Huanmin, leader of the research team. "The other two died within 24 hours after birth." Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on June 21, 2012, 09:57:25 AM Vast Changes Made to Australian Live Exports 12 Months On
ANALYSIS - Twelve months on since the government brought the live export industry to a halt, Charlotte Johnston,editor looks at how things have changed and what impacts the suspension of live exports had on the Australian cattle industry. Twelve months ago the Australian government imposed a live export ban on cattle to Indonesia. In early 2011, undercover footage of Indonesian slaughter houses caused a public outcry. The government suspended live exports to Indonesia at the end of May 2011, and in early June suspended all live exports after pressure was applied from the public and animal welfare groups. Although live cattle exports resumed to Indonesia in July 2011, the first shipment didn't leave until 11 August 2011. Twelve months later things have drastically changed. There is a new operating environment under which cattle are exported, Indonesia has imposed quotas on imports in a bid to increase self-sufficiency and the Australian industry is still feeling the impacts of the live export suspension. New Operating Rules Following on from an independent review of Australia's Livestock Export Trade conducted by Mr Bill Farmer AO and recommendations from the Industry Government Working Group (IGWG) Reports, the government announced that Australia livestock exporters must establish an exporter supply chain assurance system (ESCAS) to ensure compliance with the requirements of the new regulatory framework for livestock exported for slaughter purposes. There are two key independent audit report documents that a licensed exporter is required to submit to the department as part of the ESCAS requirements. The independent initial audit report (IIAR) is an evaluation provided by an independent auditor of whether the exporter's ESCAS complies with the regulatory requirements. The IIAR must be submitted as part of the exporter's application to export livestock and is part of the information that is considered by the department when determining whether or not to grant approval to export. The independent performance audit report (IPAR) is an evaluation provided by an independent auditor of the performance of the exporter's ESCAS after animals have entered the supply chain. The outcomes of the independent performance audits are considered by the department when making decisions on future applications to export livestock by the exporter. Addressing non-compliance Recently, an Australian government investigation into footage of animal cruelty in four Indonesia abattoirs concluded that two of the abattoirs were part of an approved ESCAS for two exporters. The two abattoirs were guilty of not fully complying with the ESCAS rules, although not on animal cruelty grounds. The investigation recommended that regulatory action be taken against the two exporters. Appropriate actions were taken immediately by both companies involved. CEO of the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council, Alison Penfold said: "The industry remains committed to ESCAS and the wellbeing of the animals as they pass through the supply chain. While any instances of non-compliance are regrettable, what this DAFF report highlights is how just quickly industry responds to isolate and fix problems when they arise in order deliver the required standards of animal welfare.” She also said that the new export arrangements have helped transform the way Australian animals are managed through the export supply chain. Standards have been raised and the welfare processes and practices that sit behind the new regulatory system, ESCAS, continue to improve. The industry's response to this report of breaches has been positive, with it being acknowledged that the new system is working and issues are being addressed. In May 2012, the Australian government released the first independent performance audit report summaries for livestock exports to Indonesia. They will now be released on a monthly basis for the public to view. Indonesia Restricting Imports Last year, in a bid to increase their self-sufficiency, the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture agreed to pull back on Australia's 2012 import permits from 500,000 head a year to just 280,000 head. This restriction on quotas has forced Northern producers to look for alternative, and generally less profitable, domestic and export markets for their cattle, despite the Australian government assuring the industry that it is negotiating with Indonesia to lift its quota. Rabobank general manager Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory Luke Chandler says Indonesia's strongly-growing economy and increasing consumption of beef suggests self-sufficiency goals may be difficult to achieve and there is likely to be an ongoing need for live imports to complement the country's domestic production. "This may provide an opportunity for live cattle quotas to recover over time and the northern Australian cattle industry is well positioned to capture additional demand and supply low-cost disease-free beef to the Indonesian market. There appears a mutual benefit in the trade in both countries," he says. Meat and Livestock Australia predicts that live cattle exports will fall by 31 per cent to Indonesia in 2012, and be almost 500,000 head less than the record year in 2009. At the moment there appears to be no clear alternative market for the surplus cattle. Mr Chandler says the development of a northern Australian processing facility is one option that is being explored to diversify demand and complement the live trade by providing an alternative local domestic market for the northern pastoral zone. A study carried out in Queensland looks at the viability of a northern outback Queensland meat processing facility. The report concluded that an abattoir would reduce live transport, minimise animal welfare and improve the outlook for regional graziers. Impacts of Live Export Suspension Western Australian Farmers Federation President Jeff Murray said that suspending the live export trade was a blow from which many Northern producers may never fully recover. “The annual income lost through this period will never be retrieved. The losses felt by producers and small businesses are irreversible.” Mr Chandler says the northern cattle industry has been dealing with a period of immense change and uncertainty since the suspension. “The impacts of the live export suspension, were not just felt by cattle producers but cut off the life blood for mustering contractors, helicopter pilots and countless small businesses that are dependent on the trade,” concluded Mr Murray. Charlotte Johnston, Editor Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on June 25, 2012, 08:14:53 AM Cattle
Prices and Supply Prime cattle prices edged backwards during May to close the month at 352p/kg dwt, having posted a record high of 355p/kg dwt at the end of April. Though deadweight prices are now trading approximately 12.5% higher year-on-year, they are only slightly higher than six months ago. Prices have shown a similar trend in the auction ring. The recent weakening in prices indicates that abattoirs have been been able to source sufficient volumes of cattle to meet their requirements. Cull stock values have also come off their recent highs with beef cows trading at 143p/kg lwt at the end of May, down from 148p/kg lwt at the end of March. Nevertheless, beef cows are still up 11% on the level at which they opened 2012. DEFRA data for slaughterings at UK abattoirs shows that throughputs continued to slide in April compared with last year as 5% fewer prime cattle were slaughtered. In the first third of the year slaughterings were down 8% on the year. Throughputs fell during April to a lesser extent than in previous months as the number of steers killed fell by 2%, compared with a 6% shortfall in the January to March period. So far this year 8% fewer heifers have been slaughtered, implying that producers have increased retentions for breeding. Young bull volumes fell 17% year-on-year over the four-month period. In Scotland, the supply of prime cattle to abattoirs has been even tighter, down 10% year-on-year over the first four months. Similar to the situation in the rest of the UK, the decline in heifer slaughterings has been greater than that for steers, while the young bull kill has fallen sharply; high feed costs have reduced the profitability of young bull systems. However, the culling of mature stock at UK abattoirs picked up during April. After running 9% behind year-earlier levels in the first quarter (Q1), monthly volumes moved 3% ahead of last year in April. North of the border, a 5% increase in the culling of mature stock during April was enough to move volumes 1% above year earlier levels for the first third of 2012. At the UK level, they remain 6% lower. Irish abattoirs continued to kill fewer cattle than last year during May. Weekly data for the first four months of the year indicate that slaughterings have been approximately 20% lower. However, supplies should begin to ease late in the year as the Irish December census revealed a significant increase in the number of cattle under one year old on Irish farms. A major contributing factor has been a collapse in live calf exports. So with prices falling in the UK despite tight supplies, this points to a fall in demand at the retail level. Indeed the latest data available from market research firm, Kantar, indicates that beef consumption declined by 5.5% year-on-year in the period between mid-January and mid-April. However, consumers actually spent more money on beef, meaning that it was the higher prices that reduced purchased volumes. This is unsurprising given the current squeeze on living standards, in which prices across the economy have been rising faster than wages. Average prices paid for cattle across the EU have been relatively stable during May. While young bulls and heifers have eased slightly, steers and cows have become a fraction more expensive. Irish prices rose 1% during the month and are up by around 12% on the year, slightly above average for the EU. Exchange rate movements have resulted in UK cattle prices being 20% higher than last May when quoted in Euros (well above the 12.5% gain in Sterling terms). Lower domestic production volumes have had a knock-on impact on beef exports. In the first quarter of 2012 they totalled 28,600t, 17% down on the same period last year. Deliveries to all major UK customers declined, except for Ireland, the second largest export market. Ireland purchased 15% more beef to cover its tightly supplied market. The reduction in UK production also led to increased beef imports. Shipments rose 6.5% on the year to 57,400t. There was also a shift in the composition of imports with frozen beef taking an increased share. This can be explained by the 10% reduction in slaughterings of mature animals during Q1 leading to an increased requirement for manufacturing beef, of which Ireland is the principal supplier. News Round Up The EU’s autonomous High Quality Beef import quota (not the Hilton quota) has been changed to a first-come-first-served basis, having previously been allocated through import licences. The previous system worked by allocating each country with a proportion of the quota, and then the exporting country would determine which firms could export, usually based on past trade flows. However, this process had the unintended consequence of leading to an oversubscription of licences as firms with no intention of exporting high quality beef could profit by taking a license and then selling it on to an exporting firm. Nevertheless, the new system has generated a new issue of uncertainty. Once the beef reaches Europe it will count towards the quota, but if the quota has already been filled when the shipment arrives in the EU, then either the full tariff will have to be paid, or the beef will have to be returned to its country of origin. The problem lies in the fact that the exporter cannot know if the quota has been filled when the beef is sent, or if the quota will be filled by the time the beef arrives in the EU. This could pose more of a problem for Australia and New Zealand since their shipping times will be considerably longer than those of the American nations. However, the quota requires full cattle traceability and this gives the Australians an advantage over the US as they already have a form of EID whereas the US does not. Therefore, firms in the US wishing to export will have to invest in a new production unit with full traceability that will not deliver a return for eighteen months, and even when it does, there will be some uncertainty due to the first-come-first-served nature of the quota. The EU has changed the amount of subsidy paid to EU beef exporters for product shipped to third countries. Export refunds have been cut to €163/t (approximately £130/t) from €224/t for beef carcases. The reasons given have been that prices have risen significantly and also that a tightly supplied EU beef market requires more product to remain in the EU. In Brazil a structural change in beef production towards feedlots is expected to continue this year. The number of cattle on feedlots is forecast at 3.87m head, up 15% year-on-year. The rise in feedlot production has offset a historical fluctuation in production volumes which tend to slow from May to September as dry weather reduces the weight gains of grass-fed cattle. The shift towards feedlots now means that Brazilian abattoirs have a more stable source of supply throughout the year and as a consequence prices now show less seasonal trend. As meat processors benefit from the increased certainty offered by stable supplies, they have encouraged growth in feedlot production by setting up their own operations and agreeing partnerships with producers. However, the combination of lower farmgate prices and rising feed costs are set to tighten feedlot margins in 2012. Tight cattle supplies and government policy continued to restrict Argentina’s beef exports in the opening third of 2012. Exports of the high-end Hilton cuts fell by 25% year-on-year while total fresh and frozen beef shipments were down 15%. Exporters were shielded to some extent, however, as market conditions pushed up the average value of the Hilton cuts by 8.5% to £9,900/t and fresh and frozen beef by 2.5% to £4,400/t. Germany continued to take more than half of the Hilton cuts while Israel, Russia and Chile maintained their positions as Argentina’s largest customers for fresh and frozen beef. Chile jumped from third to first as its imports from Argentina increased by 45%. Israel bought 20% less, meaning it fell to third place from first, but despite purchasing 7.5% less Russia remained the second largest buyer. By contrast, Uruguay managed to increase its beef exports over the same period. It shipped 83,100t to other countries between January and April, compared with 75,900t a year earlier. This was an increase of 9.5%. Higher exports have come despite a 5% decline in cattle slaughterings, thereby suggesting significantly lower domestic demand. Meanwhile, Uruguay’s national football team will promote the country’s offering of beef for the next eighteen months, after agreeing a deal with Uruguay’s meat promotion agency. Uruguay will compete at the London Olympics and is currently ranked third in the world. Another country that has seen its beef exports expand in 2012 has been Australia. Shipments rose by 1% to 368,000t in the first five months of the year. Growth has been aided by strong demand from the US, particularly for manufacturing beef, and deliveries are up nearly 60% at just over 100,000t. A recent weakening of the Australian Dollar against the US Dollar has increased the competitiveness of Australian beef and suggests that this growth could be sustained going forward. Of the smaller markets, Russia, Taiwan and Singapore also bought more than in the same period of 2011. However, this was partially offset by a decline in beef exports to Australia’s largest market, Japan. Exports fell 11% to 120,500t. Another significant buyer, Korea, purchased 41,000t, one-third less in the five month period than a year ago. Lower exports to Korea have been attributed to the recovery in domestic production after the FMD outbreak of eighteen months ago, plus a slowdown in beef Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on June 28, 2012, 09:50:56 AM Wednesday, June 27, 2012
UK Cattle Slaughterings Fall UK - UK prime cattle slaughterings were eight per cent lower than in May 2011 at 156,000 head, according to the latest UK slaughter statistics from Defra. Beef and veal production was 69,000 tonnes, six per cent lower than in May 2011. UK clean sheep slaughterings were five per cent higher than in May 2011 at 757,000 head. Mutton and lamb production was 18,000 tonnes, six per cent higher than in May 2011. UK clean pig slaughterings were six per cent higher than in May 2011 at 753,000 head. Pig meat production was 62,000 tonnes, six per cent higher than in May 2011. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on July 03, 2012, 01:08:11 AM Monday, July 02, 2012
Australian Beef Cuts - Where they End up? AUSTRALIA - An analysis of the export data for the main cuts of Australian beef over the course of 2011 reveals the varying tastes between its major markets. Koreans have a taste for Australian blade and cube roll, Americans can’t get enough of manufacturing beef, Russians love silverside, thick flank and manufacturing beef, and the Taiwanese are buying up shin/shank, according to Meat and Livestock Australia. The Japanese like most of Australian cuts. In 2011, Australian industry exported 949,195 swt of beef worth approximately A$4.7 billion. Close to one quarter of this tonnage was manufacturing beef – with 328,516 tonnes swt exported to the top 20 destinations. The two largest markets for Australian manufacturing beef were Japan and the United States who took in around two thirds of this amount between them. The next most popular Australian cut internationally was brisket, with 85,377 tonnes swt exported to the top 20 and Japan taking in the lion’s share of this (almost 79 per cent). Brisket was also one of the fastest growing cuts last year, with year-on-year growth of 15 per cent. Around 63,680 tonnes swt of blade was exported last year, mainly to Japan and Korea. Japan and Russia were the largest markets for the 57,805 tonnes swt of silverside/outside exported last year. Sales of chuck roll to Korea grew strongly for the year, taking in more that 59 per cent of the 54,981 tonnes swt exported to the top 20 destinations. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on July 07, 2012, 10:49:36 AM Friday, July 06, 2012 Beef Exports to Japan Down Four Per Cent in June AUSTRALIA - Australian beef shipments to Japan in June declined four per cent year-on-year to 30,315 tonnes swt, with competition from the US and subdued bids from Japanese buyers reducing grainfed exports (down 17 per cent to 11,529 tonnes swt), reports Meat and Livestock Australia. Grainfed manufacturing beef to Japan during the month decreased 40 per cent from last year to 2,454 tonnes swt, reflecting reduced production. Grainfed fullset volumes were also down six per cent year-on-year, to 708 tonnes swt. In contrast, exports of grassfed fullset almost doubled from last year, to 969 tonnes swt - the highest since March 2010. Total grassfed exports were up six per cent year-on-year. Beef exports to Japan during January to June totalled to 150,870 tonnes swt, down 10 per cent from the corresponding period in 2011. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on July 15, 2012, 05:20:54 AM Friday, July 13, 2012
Weekly Australian Cattle Summary AUSTRALIA - This report is a collection of weekly cattle price summaries from each Australian state by the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). West Australia Tighter local cattle supplies Conditions in the northern and eastern pastoral regions remain reasonable with moderate weather patterns being experienced. Mustering activity remains solid as expected at this time of year. Conditions in the south remain very mixed. After several weeks dry and cold weather, this week witnessed a wide spread but sporadic rainfall. Despite this, conditions in the traditional cattle regions of the southwest remain very solid with good levels of green feed reported. Cattle numbers in physical markets lifted this week due to an increase in Muchea’s numbers and despite low and limited supplies being penned at Great Southern. Muchea’s increased cattle supplies were due to larger and solid supplies of cattle sourced from pastoral regions. The numbers of heavy weight steers and bullocks remained limited, as were heavy weight mature heifer supplies with local trade weight yearling volumes again very limited. Young store grades of local cattle remained fair and similar to what would normally be seen at this time of year, while cow supplies remained moderate. < Trade demand, both export and domestic remained solid throughout the classes, while feeder interest in store classes continued at solid levels. Restocker demand was also solid, particularly in lightweight classes. Local wholesalers continued to report difficult market conditions in the domestic market. Trade demand remains solid Vealer supplies remained very limited with numbers again confined to calf weights. Demand for these from the local, trade, retailers and restockers remained unchanged with solid market conditions remaining in place. The tight supplies of trade weight local yearlings were predominately grain assisted. Local trade and feeder demand remained similar with little or no change seen in prices. Demand from the feeder sector on medium and heavier local store steers and heifers was firm to the previous couple of weeks with little or no change realised in overall average prices Lightweight grown classes, particularly steers enjoyed a strengthened restocker demand that improved values. Heavy weight steers and bullocks were predominately sourced from pastoral regions. Trade demand from both local and export processors remained similar and firm in these classes with little or no change seen in values. The strong demand that has been seen in cow classes over the past six months continued this week. The values of both prime local and pastoral cows remained equal, while plainer conditioned and lighter weights enjoyed an increased competition from the processing sector. Heavy weight bull prices were also unchanged on moderate supplies, while live exporters and export feeders remained active on lightweight drafts. New South Wales Numbers ease slightly Total throughput eased 6% week-on-week as reported at markets by MLA’s NLRS. The largest decline was at Dubbo, being back 66% as rain affected movement throughout the drawing area. Inverell recorded a 27% decline with fewer young cattle yarded. In contrast CTLX lifted 40% on last week with numbers up across all categories. Casino increased slightly with predominately young cattle offered along with several grown consignments. Despite a fall in supply competition was strong and feeders and restockers were competing for the better quality lines as the market generally trended dearer. Processors were also active trying to secure enough cattle for the winter months. Quality continues to be plain with a large portion of unfinished cattle available. Despite the general decline in quality there remain some well finished cattle available especially at Forbes and Tamworth. Contributors across the state have generally left over the hook prices unchanged as supply is currently sufficient in meeting demand. Domestic and export demand continues to be the driver behind processors price levels as well as the general decline in quality available. The majority of NSW indicators increased on the back of lower supply. The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) lifted 3¢ on 381.75¢/kg cwt. The vealer steer and vealer heifer indicators both strengthened 3¢ to settle on 213¢ and 209¢/kg lwt respectively. The heavy steer indicator had the largest increase up 6¢ on 195¢ while the only indicator to lose ground was yearling heifers back 2¢ on 197¢/kg lwt. Prices strengthen Prices reflected a reduction in yardings as buyers moved to secure cattle for the next few months. Medium weight vealer steers to restocker orders sold from 180¢ to 248¢ to average 248¢/kg. Medium weight vealer heifers pursued by processors sold 2¢ stronger on 202¢/kg. Yearling steers sold mostly firm to dearer with light weight C2’s going to restockers from 208¢/kg. Medium weight yearling steers sold 3¢ higher on 206¢, while the heavy weight portion was firm to settle around 200¢/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feeder buyers ranged in price from 166¢ to 208¢ to average 191¢/kg. Heavy yearling steers to slaughter sold 6¢ higher on 189¢/kg. The grown cattle market saw a mostly cheaper trend, with the odd exception due to quality. Medium weight grown steers to feeder orders were firm to average 192¢/kg. Good quality heavy grown steers were 5¢ dearer on 196¢, while bullocks settled on 191¢/kg. Light to medium weight grown heifers were mostly unchanged to average 173¢ and the heavy weight portion was 3¢ dearer on 179¢/kg. Medium weight cows sold from 120¢ to 146¢ to average 135¢/kg. Heavy cows lifted 3¢ to settle around 147¢/kg. Heavy weight C2 bulls to slaughter sold from 125¢ to 176¢ to average 153¢/kg. South Australia Reduced Numbers Following last week’s lower priced sale, the SA LE attracted a smaller mixed quality yarding of mainly young cattle. These sold to strong competition from the regular trade and export buyers. Feeders were also active on well bred yearling steers and heifers. Small numbers of vealers were penned with a heifer at 230¢/kg outselling the steers. Lightweight yearling steers were slightly dearer to restockers, while the trade sourced all C3 medium and heavyweights at improved levels. Yearling heifers tended to follow a similar pattern. Only small lines of grown and manufacturing steers together with grown heifers were penned, while cows tended to sell at dearer levels. Naracoorte’s numbers fell in mixed quality runs and featured some excellent quality supplementary fed yearlings and beef cows which sold dearer. However, the price difference between good quality and plain quality moved further apart. Most of the usual SA and Victorian trade and export buyers were operating, albeit some on a limited basis due to the varying quality. Feeder and restocker orders were quite active as they sourced a mixture of young cattle, plain quality cows and some bulls. Mt. Gambier’s numbers rose slightly after the improved prices that were paid the previous week. Overall quality tended to improve, this being most noticeable on the grown steers and cows which attracted improved prices. Some grown heavy steers sold at around 210¢ while some cows were selling over 150¢/kg. Young cattle quality remained quite mixed, with once again the price disparity getting wider on the better quality and plainer quality. Erratic Trends It was an erratically priced market, with few clear trends evident throughout the sales. Vealer steers to the trade selling from 196¢ to 226¢, with B muscled sales dearer and the C muscled lower. Feeder purchases of C2 lightweights were between 195¢ and 208¢, or 8¢/kg dearer. Vealer heifers to the trade attracted prices mainly from 190¢ to 231¢ at prices unchanged to 12¢/kg cheaper. Feeders sourced C2 lightweights from 185¢ to 209¢/kg at dearer levels. Yearling steer B2 and C3 sales of medium and heavyweights with many having been supplementary fed, sold from 165¢ to 225¢ to be 2¢ to 5¢/kg dearer. Feeder C1 and C2 purchases were between 150¢ and 209¢. Yearling heifers C3 sales were from 160¢ to 215¢ at prices 1¢ to 8¢/kg more. Feeders sourced C2 heifers from 148¢ to 185¢, or 8¢/kg less. Grown steer B2 and C3 sales to strong competition sold generally from 175¢ to 210¢, to be around 15¢ dearer and were averaging 343¢/kg cwt. The 3 to 5 score beef cows sold from 110¢ to 158¢ to be 4¢ to 5¢ dearer, and mainly 275¢ to 305¢/kg cwt. Victoria Throughput higher Throughput at MLA’s NLRS increased with the majority of markets indicating an increase in comparison to last week. The total states yarding was up 16% week on week and was 11% higher compared to the corresponding week last year. Wodonga young and grown markets both increased with the weekly total up 45%. Camperdown supply almost doubled while Ballarat yarded just over 200 head. Shepparton was 44% higher and Warrnambool had similar numbers week on week. The Colac and Pakenham markets also had a similar supply while Leongatha was back by 13% compared to last week. Vealers were in short supply however those available were well conditioned heavyweights. Yearlings dominated supply across the majority of the young cattle sales with sufficient numbers of medium weight and heavy weights available. Heavy C3 and C4 grown steers and bullocks were increasing numbers and there were also more heavy grown heifers available. Medium weight cow numbers were slightly lower however heavy beef and dairy cow throughput increased. Increased supply brought about greater selection for buyers with all the major restockers, feeders and processors present across most markets. Wodonga notably had a very good quality selection of young cattle available particularly some supplementary fed yearlings. Despite the improved quality there were reports of stock continuing to show the effects of cold wintry conditions. Prices rally higher There were few vealers sold to feed on with medium C2 steers selling for $619/head or 226¢/kg. Most vealer steers were heavyweights with the medium with the B2 steers gaining 8¢ to make 226¢ while the C2 steers improved by 6¢/kg. Medium C2 vealer heifers climbed 9¢ to 204¢ while the heavy B2 heifers were 2¢ dearer at 220¢/kg. The majority of yearling steers were heavy weights with the C3 steers gaining 5¢ and the C4 steers dearer by 2¢, both grades selling at 205¢/kg. Light yearling heifers sold to feeders for 183¢, being 11¢/kg up. Heavy yearling heifers were 1¢ dearer at 193¢ while D3 heifers were unchanged at 169¢/kg. Heavy C3 grown steers and C4 bullocks gained 3¢ to sell at an average of 192¢/kg. Light grown D3 heifers sold unchanged for 155¢ while the heavy D4 heifers reduced 6¢ to make 159¢/kg. Heavy manufacturing dairy steers were 2¢ dearer at 158¢/kg. Medium D1 dairy cows sold for 116¢, being 3¢/kg up. Heavy D2 dairy cows were 3¢ up at 133¢/kg. Heavy D4 cows also gained 3¢ to make 149¢/kg. Heavy C2 bulls slip 4¢ to average 150¢/kg. Heavy C3 bulls gained 2¢ and sold for 167¢/kg. Queensland A large lift in supply A spell of fine weather combined with more rain forecast lifted supply at physical markets covered by MLAs NLRS by 54%. The very large yarding at the Roma store sale represented half of the total cattle penned in the state for the week. Young cattle continued to dominate the selling pens in the south of the state however in the north at Mareeba the slightly smaller supply consisted of predominately cows and grown steers. Buyer representation in the young cattle sections was generally good nevertheless similar to previous weeks with restockers selective in their purchases. Butchers at Warwick lifted prices by 15¢/kg on a small selection of vealer heifers, while wholesalers were very active on supplementary fed yearling steers and heifers. Feed lot buyers were keen to make purchases and at Dalby provided very strong buying strength against restockers on well bred heavy yearling steers an average prices for steers returning to the paddock improved by 5¢/kg. A full gallery of export buyers was present and operating at most markets. However at mid week sales despite one export processor not operating to full capacity average prices managed to improve in places. Some good bullocks were penned at late week sales, however average prices suffered due to a large number of plainer bullocks yarded. Plain cows continue to meet strong support from restockers as well as processors and slaughter lines managed to improve by a further 4¢/kg. A fair sample of good heavy cows across all markets for the week averaged 1¢/kg better. Cows dearer The largest numbers of calves returned to the paddock at 211¢ and sold to 228.2¢, while a fair supply of D muscle lines sold to the trade at 187¢/kg. The largest sample of vealer steers returned to the paddock at 217¢ the occasional well bred pen to 240.2¢/kg. Vealer heifers in the south of the state sold to processors at around 200¢ with the occasional sale to local butchers at 244.2¢/kg. A large selection of lightweight yearling steers returned to the paddock 6¢ dearer at 217¢ with sales to 234.2¢/kg. Medium weight C2 feeders averaged 209¢ while the top end quality of the C3s made to 227.2¢/kg. Heavy weights to feed averaged 194¢ while a large consignment returned to the paddock at 202¢ and sold to 205.2¢/kg some returning $1082/head. Lightweight yearling heifers were well supplied and restocker lines averaged 203¢ while feeder and slaughter classes generally sold in the low to mid-190¢/kg range. Heavy grown steers to export slaughter averaged 183¢ and bullocks mostly sold around 179¢ with a few sales to 187.2¢/kg. Medium weight 1 score cows to processors averaged 4¢ dearer at 117¢ and a large number of 3 scores averaged 134¢/kg. Good heavy cows made to the occasional 163.2¢ with most 1¢ better at close to 151¢/kg. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on July 29, 2012, 12:23:36 AM Friday, July 27, 2012
Weekly Australian Cattle Summary AUSTRALIA - This report is a collection of weekly cattle price summaries from each Australian state by the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). Queensland Massive lift in numbers Numbers lifted significantly at physical markets covered by MLA’s NLRS as the drier conditions allowed for stock to be transported from a wide area. Producers took advantage of the fine weather and numbers swelled close to three times the previous week’s level. Overall quality of the young cattle was generally good, being boosted by a large consignment of 1,000 vendor bred yearling steers and 570 heifers at the Roma store sale. The standard of the heavy steers and bullocks to export slaughter was generally good, while a mixed quality line-up of cows were penned. A large representation of buyers was present and operating in the young cattle sections, while at markets late in the week one export processor was absent from the buying panel. Restockers provided strong support on well bred lightweight yearling steers and in places lifted values by 14¢/kg. However the sheer weight of numbers forced average prices to vary on lesser quality lines. Feeder categories of yearling steers and heifers generally remained firm. Heavy steers and bullocks to export slaughter could not maintain the improved prices of last week. Markets early in the week experienced a slightly cheaper trend, nevertheless as the week progressed and more numbers become available and average prices eased around 6¢ to 7¢/kg. Plain cows received very strong demand from restockers and regardless of the increased supply prices remained very strong. However the better condition medium and heavy weight classes to slaughter averaged 2¢ to 6¢/kg less against the wet weather sales last week. Export lines cheaper Vealer steers returning to the paddock mostly sold around 4¢ dearer at 221¢ with sales to 239.2¢/kg. Vealer heifers sold to restockers at 205¢, while the largest numbers sold to slaughter in the 190¢ range with sales to 226.2¢/kg. A very large supply of lightweight yearling steers returned to the paddock 15¢ dearer at 227¢ with a number of pens making to 241.2¢/kg. Medium weights to feed averaged 202¢ and made to 222.2¢ and heavyweights generally sold in the 190¢ range with a few pens of well bred lines to 209.2¢/kg. The large selection of lightweight yearling heifers mostly sold to slaughter 4¢ dearer at 199¢, while restocker classes made to 212.2¢ to average 201¢/kg. Heavy steers to export slaughter averaged 4¢ easier at 184¢, while some to the wholesale meat trade made to 200¢/kg. Over 1,000 good heavy bullocks across all markets averaged 7¢ less at 180¢ with isolated sales to 193.2¢/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows to restockers averaged close to 135¢ with sales to 142.2¢, while those to processors averaged 125¢/kg. Medium weight 3 scores averaged close to 138¢, while a large selection of good heavy cows lost 6¢ to average 143¢ with sales to 162.2¢/kg. Western Australia Seasonal conditions tighten Seasonal conditions in the north and east of the pastoral regions remain reasonable. Mustering activity has resulted in increased numbers of cattle available for both live export from the north and the trucking of cattle to the south with solid supplies of cows being forwarded direct to southern processing plants. The southern Agricultural districts have endured yet another week of predominately dry weather with only limited rain recorded with many areas set to realise the driest July since records began. Rain was limited to south western areas below Perth, south coastal and south eastern areas, but generally falls failed yet again to be larger than 10mm. Even in the traditional cattle growing areas of the southwest, the lack of solid winter rainfall has many producers worried looking forward in regard to dam storage levels where run off has been to this stage very limited. Accompanied by the dry conditions have been very cold days and nights where wide spread and heavy frost has been common. This has adversely affected feed and crop growth with overcast conditions having minimised sunshine levels. Physical market numbers were larger due to a solid spike in Muchea’s cattle numbers, along with slightly higher numbers in the Great Southern. Muchea’s yarding included solid supplies of pastoral cattle as would be expected at this time of year, while local slaughter grades remained in relatively limited supply. Cow market strong Vealer supplies remained limited and restricted to lightweight categories. Demand for these remains solid from local trade, retailer and restocker sectors with quality remaining mixed. There was a reasonable supply of supplementary fed trade weight yearling steers and heifers in the physical market. Once again there was solid demand recorded from the feeder and processor sectors, which resulted in both steer and heifer classes remaining similar in price to the previous week. Young local store grades recorded a slight weakening in the both feeder and restocker competition with prices falling from the high recent levels. Once again the majority of heavy weight export grades of steers and heifers were sourced from pastoral regions. Quality was more mixed across both sexes and this resulted in a weakening in both processor demand and values. There remained reasonable quality and weight in both local and pastoral drafts of cows. Processor demand started the week at higher levels but this did fall as the week progressed. This resulted in the overall weekly average for heavy weight prime drafts remain in line with last week. Victoria Yardings increase Yarding’s increased across markets reported by MLA’s NLRS with 9% greater numbers week on week. Only two sales, Pakenham and Leongatha, had lower supply back 9% respectively. Shepparton had the greatest increase amongst the state with close to 42% more cattle. Wodonga young and grown cattle yarding experienced a combined increase of 19%. All other centres had slightly more numbers week on week. Vealer steers were in lower supply as the majority fell into the heavy weight category and were suitable for the trade. Heavy weight vealer heifers also dominated the yarding with the majority of the C3’s going to the trade. Most the yearling steers and heifers were secured by processors and were well conditioned C3’s. Feeders were not as active securing less than previous weeks. Heavy weight grown steers were also in good numbers as were bullocks with the C3 and C4’s of good quality despite the wintery conditions. Cows dominated the states supply and most were D4 heavy weights. The usual panel of buyers was present and competing with the exception of one major export buyer being absent from the sale at Wodonga. Despite the increase in supply, competition amongst buyers remained strong enough to push most prices higher this week. The vealer steer indicator gained 6¢ to be 225¢ however vealer heifers met a weaker demand and dropped 4¢ to 212¢/kg. Yearling steers performed strongly with the indicator gaining 11¢ to 211¢, yearling heifers also increased by 4¢ to 195¢/kg. Bullock prices generally held firm while cows gained 12¢ to make 147¢/kg. Prices lift Medium weight vealer steers to process lifted 2¢ to 203¢ while heavy B2 muscle lines eased 5¢ to settle on 221¢/kg. Heavy C3 lines to process varied from 200¢ to 249¢/kg. Medium weight C2 vealer heifers topped at 232¢ to settle on 202¢ while the heavy C3’s remained unchanged on 210¢/kg. Light yearling steers to restockers eased 2¢ to average 200¢ while medium weight C3’s to process lifted 11¢ to make 211¢/kg. The majority of yearling steers were heavy weights with C3’s to processors topping at 256¢ to make 210¢ while feeders paid an average of 180¢/kg. Medium C3 yearling heifers were stronger up 4¢ to average 195¢ while heavy weight C3’s lifted 7¢ to settle on 195¢/kg. The majority of grown steers offered were heavy weights with C3’s averaging 195¢ and C4’s increasing 3¢ on 198¢/kg. Bullocks with C4 muscle scoring remained relatively firm on 194¢/kg. Grown heifers to processors eased 4¢ on 160¢ while heavy weight C4’s topped at 185¢ to average 177¢/kg. Medium D1 dairy cows ranged from 102¢ to 139¢ while D3 beef cows saw increased demand lifting 4¢ on 147¢/kg. Heavy D2 dairy cows remained relatively firm on 139¢ while heavy D4 beef cows lifted topped at 170¢ to make 156¢/kg. South Australia Larger Yardings The improved prices paid last week drew a slightly larger yarding at the SA LE, with Naracoorte’s numbers rising over 1,200 head. Mt. Gambier’s numbers rose to just below 1,000 head.The SA LE’s mixed quality runs of mainly local and pastoral bred young cattle sold to fluctuating demand from the regular local and interstate buyers, with supplementary fed yearlings attracting the strongest demand. Feeder orders were active at generally lower levels. The few vealers yarded sold to very strong wholesale competition. Most C2 yearling steers and heifers sold to feeder activity. Heavy C3 yearling steers to processors sold at slightly lower levels, with the heifers basically unchanged. Cows in small lines sold below 119¢/kg. Naracoorte’s quality tended to improve with some excellent quality supplementary fed yearlings attracting very strong competition. The cows sold at improved levels with all SA and Victorian trade and export buyers making purchases. Feeder and restocker orders were active on mainly young cattle and a few plain quality cows. Limited numbers of grown steers and grown heifers attracted improved prices. The cows sold to strong processor competition at up to 167¢/kg. Mt. Gambier’s sale contained a mixed quality yarding of young cattle, improved quality runs of grown steers and a varying quality yarding of beef and dairy cows. These sold to strong SA and Victorian trade and export competition at dearer levels, with only isolated sales losing ground. Such was the strong competition that one pen of heavy bullocks sold at 198¢/kg and returned over $1,460/head. Beef and dairy cows remained unchanged with 169¢/kg the top price. Most Categories Dearer It has been a generally dearer sale week, with only isolated sales retreating. Vealer steers in limited numbers to the trade sold from 186¢ to 233¢ at prices averaging 15¢/kg dearer. Vealer heifers to the trade also on small lines sold from 190¢ to 230¢, or 2¢ to 4¢/kg more. Yearling steers with many having been supplementary fed sold from 200¢ to 233¢ with the grass feds 175¢ to 205¢ at prices generally 5¢/kg dearer. Feeders and restockers purchased C1 and C2 steers between 160¢ and 206¢/kg at varying prices. Yearling heifer C3 medium and heavyweights sold from 154¢ to 210¢, or unchanged to 11¢/kg cheaper with the medium weights most affected. Grown steers C2, C3 and B2 medium and heavyweights to strong competition sold generally from 173¢ to 215¢ to be unchanged to 13¢/kg dearer, and mainly 325¢ to 370¢/kg cwt. Grown heifers to solid demand sold from 145¢ to 192¢ to be 7¢ to 13¢/kg dearer. The 3 to 5 score beef cows sold mostly from 115¢ to 169¢ to be 2¢ to 13¢/kg dearer, and generally 280¢ to 330¢/kg cwt. Heavy 1 to 3 score Friesian cows sold between 110¢ and 148¢/kg, or 250¢ to 308¢/kg cwt. New South Wales Throughput increases while quality remains plain Throughput increased by 27% as reported at markets by MLA’s NLRS compared to last week with the majority of saleyards recording increases. The largest increase was recorded in Tamworth, with more than double the amount of cattle yarded. Forbes saleyards consisted predominately of young cattle with an increased total throughput of 74%, while Gunnedah lifted 66% on last week. CTLX was the only saleyard to record a decline in throughput back 14% with significantly less grown steers available. The quality of cattle continues to be mixed approaching the back end of winter however yardings still continue to include predominately unfinished cattle. Supplementary cattle are becoming more wide spread as producers look to take advantage of the high prices. The regular buyers were present and operating at most saleyards although some export buyers were absent at both Scone and Gunnedah. Processors this week left their rates unchanged as supply is beginning to tighten. Domestic demand is still weak prompting some contributors to look at potential maintenance breaks as good quality cattle are becoming harder to source. At the close of Thursday’s market the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) strengthened by 4.25¢ compared to last week to settle on 387¢/kg cwt. Despite the increased throughput the majority of the NSW indicators increased. The largest increase was seen by vealer steers lifting 9¢ on 229¢, while yearling heifers weren’t far behind increasing 8¢ to settle on 203¢/kg. Yearling steers made 214¢ up 6¢ while the cow indicator lifted 2¢ to make 139¢/kg. Prices lift slightly The general price trend was higher this week across most saleyards however prices did vary due to quality factors. The limited D2 calves to restockers ranged from 197¢ to 241¢ to average 211¢/kg. Medium vealer steers to restockers lifted 3¢ on 220¢ while processors purchased C2 lines form 212¢/kg. Light C2 vealer heifers averaged 210¢ with the medium weights jumping 5¢ on 208¢/kg. Heavy weights to feeders averaged 208¢/kg. Light yearling steers saw increased demand strengthening by 7¢ to make 216¢/kg. Medium weight C2’s to feeders topped at 225¢ to settle on 209¢ with heavy weights averaging 204¢ up 2¢/kg. Yearling heifers to feed topped at 208¢ to make 192¢ while the medium weights experienced a decline back 6¢ on 192¢/kg. Medium grown C2 steers to feed remained relatively firm on 194¢ while heavy weights to process eased 2¢ on 191¢/kg. Light grown C3 heifers were firm on 178¢ with heavy C4’s ranging from 164¢ to 189¢/kg. Medium D2 cows to processors topped at 152¢ to average 134¢ while the D3’s averaged 137¢/kg. Heavy weight dairy cows ranged from 90¢ to 120¢ while D3 heavy beef cows lifted 7¢ to settle on 148¢/kg. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on August 03, 2012, 08:57:44 AM Thursday, August 02, 2012
Dairy Crisis Causing Farm Closures SPAIN - During the last year over five hundred milk-producing farms in Galicia have been hit by a severe economic crisis. Around 12 farms have been disappearing a week as a result of the crisis. Galicia now counts some 10,648 farms, three times less than it was ten years ago, according to data provided by "La Voz de Galicia". Most of the closures that occurred since 2000 were due to the infeasibility of small family farms. Over ten thousand farms that remain are now facing severe liquidity problems. This month, farmers were paid for milk an average price of 0.285 euros per liter, between two and three cents less than the state average and a value less than 2001, before the introduction of the euro. Analyzing the evolution of farms in the last decade shows that there are steep drops in years of lesser crisis. This is explained by the natural process of converting small family farms and also the crisis of urban unemployment. "There are young unemployed men in the city returning to the farm, farms that are being kept for subsistence," explains Javier Iglesias, a spokesman for livestock Agricultural Unions. Title: Re: World Cattle News: Post by: Mustang Sally Farm on August 11, 2012, 09:38:55 AM Friday, August 10, 2012 Namibia Beef Exports Fall NAMIBIA - Namibian beef exports dropped significantly in the first half of 2012 compared to the first six months of 2012. Volumes exported were 10,772 tons, less than half the amount exported in the same time frame last year. Increased costs of production and decreased demand for beef had a major impact on young cattle price. Production and prices suffered, due to the drop in export markets, but also due to lower domestic demand. Competition for exports to South Africa was faced by Botswana selling excess beef onto the market at reduced prices. Beef imports also fell as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak in South Africa as well as a partial ban applied by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Fisheries on beef imports. |