Alberta Promotes Beef, Pork in Japan
29 May 2012


CANADA - In early April, an Alberta delegation travelled to Japan to promote Alberta’s beef and pork industries to the Japanese meat industry at two events. A Canada/Alberta meat promotion seminar was held, in Tokyo, Japan, on April 3, 2012, with keynote speakers from various Alberta companies, agencies and associations to showcase Alberta’s beef and pork industry to targeted Japanese meat industry representatives.

In addition to the promotion seminar, delegation members also participated at the Japan Meat Industry Fair event from April 4 to 6, 2012, exhibiting within the Canada/Alberta tradeshow booth, and showcasing Alberta beef and pork to tradeshow attendees. Alberta participants were impressed by the quality of contacts they made at both the promotion seminar and the tradeshow with ongoing follow-up exploring new export opportunities for Alberta beef and pork exports to the Japanese market.
 
“The opportunity to promote Alberta’s agri-food industry within the Canadian context is crucial for increasing retail and foodservice sales and therefore increasing consumer recognition and awareness of our high quality products available to them in Japan. Our international competitors do a great job in branding their products under their national umbrellas for greater recognition by Japanese consumers, and we need to do the same,” says Lana Gudmundson, trade development officer with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
 
The Canada/Alberta meat promotion seminar and Japan Meat Industry Fair tradeshow participation were organised and supported by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA), the Alberta Japan Office, Canada Beef Inc., Canada Pork International and the Embassy of Canada.

Brazil Feed Forecast Up 2.8 Per Cent in 2012
29 May 2012


BRAZIL - Brazilian feed production is projected to grow 2.8 per cent in 2012 compared to the previous year, with production of 66.2 million MT of feed and 2.58 million MT of mineral supplements, according to the Brazilian Feed Industry Association (Sindirações).

In 2011, the sector saw growth of 5.2 per cent as well as turnover of $25 billion in feedstuffs and additives while producing 64.5 million MT of feed and 2.35 million MT of mineral supplements.

 "The modest increase expected along 2012 will be gauged by livestock producers' performance that have suffered a lot because of higher costs of agricultural commodities and low domestics prices as well as exports slowdown for chicken, pork and beef," explains Ariovaldo Zani, CEO of Sindirações.
 
According to Mr Zani, the Brazilian livestock production chain has seen successful cycles of expansion, thanks to the continuous mobilization of technology and fostered by the global voluptuous appetite for animal protein. It already represents 6.5 per cent of GDP, has generated millions of jobs and is responsible for 18 per cent of the overall agribusiness exports.
 
Swine Feed
 
The amount of pork exported in 2011 dropped more than 4 per cent due to local currency overvaluation during the first half and because of trade embargoes imposed by usual customers. The domestic market absorbed more than 180,000 tons of pork and per capita consumption exceed 15 kg.

The increase in production cost pulled by higher feedstuff prices set a fast pace in the slaughter of breeders and particularly lighter animals. These factors pushed the swine live price and discouraged increasing the herd.

Following the stability trend, the feed industry produced 15.4 million MT in 2011, and it has projected to deliver the same amount in 2012, although the increased shipments to China and recent open markets in Japan and South Korea are expected to move pork production higher.

Season for Determining Corn Yields is Underway
30 May 2012


US - The 2012 US average corn yield will be one of the dominant factors in determining the level of corn prices over the next year. Expectations about that yield have started at a pretty high level, but the critical period for yield determination is really just beginning, writes Darrel Good.

What do we know about yield potential as the summer growing season begins? The most important development to date is the generally timely planting of the crop. There is a relatively wide window of planting dates for maximum corn yield potential, with yield penalties associated with late planting. Since corn planting dates vary considerably by geographic area, corn planting occurs over a period of several weeks, and corn planting has been occurring earlier over time, there may be a number of ways to characterize timeliness of planting on a national basis. For the period beginning in 1986, we have defined late planting as the per centage of the crop planted after 20 May in the major corn producing states included in the USDA's Crop Progress report.
 
This year, only four per cent of the corn crop in the 18 major corn producing states was planted after 20 May. That is the smallest per centage of the crop planted late during the 27 year period since 1986. On average, 18 per cent of the crop was planted after May 20 from 1986 through 2011. There were 9 other years when less than 10 per cent of the crop was planted after 20 May. In those 9 years, the US average yield was within two bushels of the trend yield in 5 years. Large deviations from trend yield occurred in the early-planted years of 1987 (+ 8 bushels), 1988 (-29 bushels), and 1992 (+16.8 bushels). These yield results are not especially informative for forming expectations about the average yield in 2012. Planting date may be important for yield potential with everything else equal, but summer weather conditions ultimately determine the level of yields. The small per centage of the crop planted late this year suggests that the US average yield will be higher than if a normal per centage had been planted late, but the level of yields is still to be determined.

A second piece of early information relative to corn yield potential is the crop condition rating provided in the USDA's weekly Crop Progress report. Historically, there has been a positive relationship between the per centage of the crop rated good or excellent at the end of the season and the US average yield relative to trend. Early crop condition ratings are suggestive of yield potential, but ratings can and do change substantially by the end of the season. The first crop condition rating of the season this year showed that 77 per cent of the crop was in good or excellent condition as of May 20. Since 1986, an average of only 66 per cent of the crop was rated in good or excellent condition in the first report of the season. There were only 6 other years when the initial ratings showed 75 per cent or more of the crop in good or excellent condition. The rating at the end of the season was higher than the initial rating in two of those years (1987 and 1994) and the US average yield was well above trend in both years. The rating at the end of the season was below the initial rating in 4 of the 6 years. The average yield was near trend value in three of those years when the final ratings showed 60 to 69 per cent of the crop in good or excellent condition. The US average yield was well below trend in 1991 when the final rating showed 53 per cent in good or excellent condition.
 
A small per centage of the crop planted late this year and the early condition of the crop point to the potential for an above-trend yield in 2012, but the most important part of the season is just beginning. The corn market will continue to follow weather developments and crop condition ratings in order to refine yield expectations. At this juncture two important developments may be required in order to maintain high yield expectations. The first is some convincing evidence that the relatively long period (8 months or so) of above average temperatures is giving way to normal or below normal temperatures. The second is for soil moisture deficits in important areas of the central, eastern, and southern Corn Belt to be eliminated.
 
In addition to yield prospects, the expected size of the 2012 crop will be impacted by the magnitude of planted and harvested acreage. The USDA will provide survey-based estimates in the Acreage report to be released on 29 June. New crop corn prices are expected to remain under pressure as long as large crop expectations prevail.
 

Pork Commentary: Return from China
30 May 2012


Jim Long is President &
CEO of Genesus Genetics.

CANADA - Last week in the commentary we wrote of the car accident we had in China. I am now truly happy to report our return home. As you read last week Mike Van Schepdael my business partner and vice president of Genesus received significant injuries. Fortunately he has had a rapid improvement and his recovery continues, writes Jim Long.

Ron Lane, senior consultant of Genesus in China was also in the accident. Ron was bruised and black and blue from the accident but despite this he was able to call on his over decade long experience in China to quickly facilitate an excellent Beijing hospital. Ron then in true Genesus spirit travelled the next day after the accident to work the Nanjing Swine Exhibition on behalf of Genesus. Ron was like his nickname “Old Dragon” invincible.
 
In the past week we also were exposed to the Chinese cultural perspective on surviving such an accident. “It’s a great omen… strong people, strong genetics, strong pig genetics, etc etc…” The above perspective was good to hear but we’d rather not go to such lengths to receive such accolades.
 
Once again I want to thank all of the people in China that helped us and offered aid to us. Monita Mo and her people at Best Genetics, James Jiang, Dr Shen and Gu Ya Ping of COFCO, Chairman Wu and the Tiabang Corporation, Giastar Corporation, Norio Itazaki, and Akira Motoyama of Nippon Ham, Wendell Burge of GSI based in Shanghai, Lyle Jones from Osborne Inc, Hu Song and Rosemary Smart of CSEA. The doctors and nurses at Peking Union College Hospital were hospitable, professional and knowledgeable. The take away for us is that as we travel the world we continue to meet wonderful people who have tremendous caring attributes. It is tough to be involved in a situation like we were in a faraway land but our challenge was made easier by the involvement and support of our customers, colleagues, and medical professionals. We will appreciate this forever.
 
Markets
 
This past week we have been distracted. The simple observations we can make is that the US corn market took a hit from what we understand was China delaying deliveries from summer to fall. Being in China we can see the quest to modernize pig and poultry production which as production increases will lead to greater needs for feed imputes. Indeed production projects are so big we hesitate to discuss because the scale is so large they could be perceived as fantasy. The need to feed 1.3 billion people in itself is a huge undertaking. When you are in meetings where companies plan on 20 – 2500 sow units this year, the scale and magnitude of a 600 million hog market hits home; short term the hog price in China reflects a pork shortage relative to demand in an economy with increasing per capita income.
 



Author: Jim Long, President & CEO, Genesus Genetics

EU Pig Prices: Record Prices in Spain
30 May 2012

 

EU - This week, friendly European pig prices are prevalent in markets, even if price increases could not be enforced everywhere.

In Spain, the price went up to a converted €1.77 per kg slaughter weight, the highest level experienced there for more than eight years.

At the beginning of the holiday season, the Spanish slaughter companies’ demand for pigs for slaughter still cannot be covered.

After the French prices have not made any progress for a long period of time, remaining at a very unsatisfying level, they now also went up by +5 cents. This may be attributed to increasing domestic demand on the one hand and to lower quantities on offer of pigs mature for slaughter on the other hand. Yet, the French producers are far from cost-covering prices, at €1.55 per kg.
 
In Denmark, the quotation went up by +3 cents. There, the meat business is reported to be improved, and the Danish exports are still going well. The Belgian quotation also could go up by €1.61 per kg. Just like in Germany, no price changes were reported from Austria and the Netherlands.
 
Trend for the German market: The German slaughter companies’ demand continues to be good. Although this week one day of slaughter has been missing due to Pentecost, no backlog supply has piled up. Batches were sold at a 5 cents’ additional charge on the concerted price for the new week of slaughter at the ISN market. The meat business proves to have become friendlier over the past weeks.

As a result of the weakening euro as well, the export business also gathers momentum. As a consequence, the prices are expected to remain at least stable.
 


Week

D

NL

DK

B

F

PL

CZ

IT

ESP

AUT

GB

SWE

IR



Week 15

1.626

1.570

1.573

1.593

1.542

1.583

1.718

 

1.713

1.561

1.716

1.073

1.459



Week 16

1.626

1.570

1.573

1.593

1.542

1.601

1.699

1.589

1.713

1.561

1.750

1.063

1.459



Week 17

1.626

1.570

1.573

1.581

1.541

1,621

1,691

1.582

1.713

1.561

1.786

1.070

1.459



Week 18

1.626

1.561

1.600

1.569

1.516

1,617

1.686

1.576

1.713

1.561

1.794

1.062

1.459



Week 19

1.576

1.522

1.601

1.544

1.499

1.608

1.698

1.538

1.713

1.509

1.801

1.062

1.459



Week 20

1.576

1.522

1.601

1.544

1.490

1.571

1.660

1.516

1.713

1.509

1.796

1.052

1.497



Week 21

1.626

1.570

1.602

1.581

1.503

1.546

 

1.500

1.733

1.540

1.818

1.039

1.497



Week 22

1.626

1.570

1.629

1.606

1.550

 



1.500

1.768

1.540

1.828

1.051

1.497



Prices in Euros (€)

 

Jamaican Pig Farmers See Tough Times Ahead
29 May 2012


JAMAICA - The US$2.3 million state-of-the-art Sweet River Abattoir project in Westmoreland could be dead before it gets off the ground as a result of the 16.5 per cent general consumption tax (GCT) added to animal feed and pork, say the island's pig farmers.

According to The Gleaner, ground was broken six months ago on the massive venture, which is set for completion in November, but the investors, Sweet River, some 500 farmers, and Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited (CPJ), say the development - the largest combined investment in the history of the pork industry - faces imminent suspension.
 
"The announced GCT will see an increase of 12 per cent to the current price of pork from the farmers, and consumers will pay an alarming 25 per cent more," said Sweet River's managing director, Valdence Gifford. He cautioned that with chicken being exempted, pork would be at a severe disadvantage.
 
"Why would anyone want to purchase pork now?" added Mr Gifford.

On average, consumers are currently paying between J$180 and $200 per pound for pork.
 
Mr Gifford's concerns have been echoed by treasurer of the Jamaica Pig Farmers' Association (JPFA), Henry Graham, who revealed that a number of the island's farmers have invested some J$300 million into improving their infrastructure to supply the new abattoir and the new processing facilities at CPJ in Montego Freeport, and the new measures would have dire effects on their investments.
 
"It will also affect our ability to compete with the rest of our CARICOM partners. If this takes effect, it would result in the industry dying," he argued, noting that the farmers had not taken into account the magnitude of the increase in doing business.
 
The idea behind the abattoir was to ensure the industry became self-sustainable, having the ability to produce meat products that are traditionally imported, and that have been reared, handled properly, and processed, saving the country millions of dollars.
 
Currently, the country imports an average of three million kilograms of pork annually.
 
"We can reduce that by one-third. However, we feel that the Government did not put enough thought into the taxation implications. We were encouraged by the Government to increase our local input in order to reduce importation, and over the last three years, this has been progressively done, culminating with this investment," said the JPFA treasurer.
 
CPJ's co-managing chairman, Tom Tyler, is convinced the new tax will kill any potential the industry might have to export.
 
Mr Tyler said CPJ invested J$350 million into a modern processing plant, and with the abattoir, could apply for certification for export.
 
"This has always been our response to successive ministers of agriculture who have encouraged us to invest in local farm production. The one industry that has the most far-reaching effects in Jamaica is agriculture. Protecting that industry is protecting the most vulnerable in the society," he argued.
 
Investor Neville Grant, a returning Jamaican, also expressed disappointment with the taxation measures, stating that he was giving up his dental lab practice in New York to concentrate on pig rearing, and the increase had placed a damper on his outlook and decision.
 
"I am trying to help the pig industry that has been lagging 50 years behind other developed countries," said Grant. So far, he has invested US$1.4 million in his own farm, and J$5 million in the Sweet River project.

SA_LS320
San Angelo, TX    Wed May 23, 2012   USDA Market News

Producers Livestock Auction Co, San Angelo, Texas

Sheep and Goat Auction:
Weekly:

Total Receipts:  5241    Last Week:  2226    Year Ago:  10,412
Sheep Receipts:  2719    Last Week:   867    Year Ago:    5100
Goat  Receipts:  2522    Last Week:  1359    Year Ago:    5312

  Compared to last week heavy slaughter lambs not well tested; light
slaughter lambs firm.  Slaughter ewes 2.00-5.00 higher.  Feeder lambs
firm to 5.00 higher.  Nannies firm; kids steady.  Trading fairly active,
demand good.  Supply included 25 percent slaughter lambs, 10 percent
slaughter ewes, 15 percent feeder lambs, balance goats.  All slaughter
lambs went to non-traditional markets.  All sheep and goats sold per
hundred weight (CWT) unless otherwise specified.

SLAUGHTER LAMBS:
   Choice 2-3 shorn and wooled 100-130 lbs 120.00-135.00.

   Choice and Prime 1 40-60 lbs 156.00-170.00, few 170.00-182.00; 60-70
lbs 154.00-170.00; 70-80 lbs 153.00-166.00; 80-90 lbs 140.00-152.00; 90-
100 lbs 135.00-149.00.
Choice 1 40-60 lbs 140.00-155.00; 60-70 lbs 135.00-151.00; 70-80 lbs
135.00-150.00; 80-90 lbs 130.00-140.00; 90-100 lbs 125.00-135.00.
Good 1 60-85 lbs 126.00-135.00.

SLAUGHTER EWES:
   Good 2-3 (fleshy) 55.00-60.50; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh)
60.00-73.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 50.00-60.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very
thin) 40.00-50.00; Cull 1 (extremely thin) 30.00-35.00.

SLAUGHTER BUCKS:
   64.00-78.00, few 88.00-96.00.

FEEDER LAMBS:
   Medium and Large 1-2 45-80 lbs 166.00-178.00, few 181.00-186.00; 80-
90 lbs 161.00-172.00, few 176.00; 90-105 lbs 160.00-168.00, few 170.00-
174.00.
   Medium and Large 2 50-100 lbs 140.00-160.00.

REPLACEMENT EWES:
   Medium and Large 1-2 baby tooth 140.00 per head; hair ewe lambs 60-80
lbs 168.00-200.00 cwt; baby tooth hair ewes 142.00 per head; solid mouth
hair ewes 122.00 per head.


GOATS:  Estimated 50 percent of receipts:
All sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless otherwise specified.

SLAUGHTER CLASSES:
   KIDS:  Selection 1 38 lbs 200.00; 40-60 lbs 200.00-218.00, few 230.00-
256.00; 60-80 lbs 200.00-216.00; 80-100 lbs 192.00-204.00; 110-115 lbs
180.00-184.00.
Selection 1-2 30-40 lbs 160.00-184.00; 40-60 lbs 180.00-202.00; 60-80 lbs
180.00-200.00; 80-100 lbs 170.00-186.00; 100-135 lbs 156.00-164.00.
Selection 2 25-40 lbs 100.00-158.00; 40-80 lbs 150.00-180.00.
   DOES/NANNIES:  Selection 1-2 80-130 lbs 122.00-134.00, few 136.00-
140.00; 130-160 lbs 118.00-130.00; thin 70-115 lbs 110.00-120.00.
   BUCKS/BILLIES:  Selection 1-2 70-100 lbs 142.00-170.00; 100-150 lbs
120.00-150.00, yearlings 148.00-176.00; 150-250 lbs 114.00-136.00, few
140.00-142.00.

REPLACEMENT CLASSES:
   DOES/NANNIES: Selection 1 60-105 lbs 152.00-172.00.
Selection 1-2 60-120 lbs 134.00-150.00.


Source:  USDA Market News Service, San Angelo, Texas

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.

87M Kg of Pork Smuggled in 2011 into Philippines
25 May 2012


PHILIPPINES - As much as 87 million kilograms of pork have been smuggled into the country last year alone and the illegal meat entry continues, according to the head of a local hog industry group.

According to Inquirer News, Rosendo So, head of the Swine Development Council, said this should prompt President Aquino to finally put a stop to smuggling which is killing the Philippine hog industry.
 
Mr So, quoting reports from the Bureau of Customs (BOC), said that of at least 102 million kg of offal imported in 2011 at least 87 million kg “illegally entered the country and flooded wet markets last year.”
 
“The syndicated smuggling operations of these unscrupulous importers and corrupt BOC and Department of Agriculture personnel are not only killing local industries, but is also depriving the government billions of pesos in revenues,” said Mr So, who is also chair and representative of the party-list group Abono, said in a statement.
 
He said a “top to bottom revamp” of the customs bureau and agriculture department is needed because the smuggling syndicates “could not have done this without the connivance of BOC and DA personnel.”
 
Mr So said the National Meat Inspection Service’s list of 142 meat importers showed that only 29 are processors and two are “integrators.” Processors and integrators are the only companies allowed to import offal, he said.
 
Offal refers to a butchered animal’s innards, skin and other leftover parts used as extenders in processed meat products.
 
“Where did the 87 million kg of offal go when we did not see offal flooding the wet markets? It looked like they magically turned into prime cuts of pork and were passed off as fresh meat that flooded the market,” Mr So said.
 
He said some importers misdeclared the prime cuts of meat as offal to avoid paying the right tariff, depriving the government of revenues. He said misdeclaration and undervaluation deprive the government of some P3.7 billion in revenues yearly.
 
“We demand that those responsible for this crisis be held accountable,” he said.
 
“We call on President Aquino to declare an all-out war against smugglers,” he said

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.

TOPIGS Philippines & QJJ Group Build Top Genetics Base
23 May 2012

 
PHILIPPINES - TOPIGS Philippines chartered 1164 GGP and GP pig breeders for QJJ Farm located in the main pig producing province of Luzon. The animals are currently under strict quarantine and adaptation procedures in the newly constructed modern facility of QJJ Farm.

 

Dr Bryan M. Retales (General Manager of TOPIGS Philippines) and Ms Alice L. Guo (Head of Farm Operations of QJJ Group) during the unloading of the animals.

 

Full charter of 1164 animals with Cathay Pacific Cargo Boeing 747 from North America that arrived at Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (Clark Airport), Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines

 

QJJ Group and TOPIGS Philippines bannering the arrival of the imported top breeding animals

CME: Little to No Good News for Meat Sectors
23 May 2012

 

US - USDA’S monthly Cold Storage report was released today and it contained little good news for the meat and poultry businesses and was particularly ugly for the pork sector, write Steve Meyer and Len Steiner.

The chart below shows inventory levels for the four major meat species as well as the total.
 


The table on page 2 (please see link below) contains all of USDA’s data regarding the amounts of the various cuts in the US freezers on 30 April. Some important features of the report are:
 •Total frozen meat and poultry inventories stood at 2.249 millin pounds on April 30. That is 5.9 per cent larger than last year and 7.5 per cent larger than on March 31. It is also the largest stock of frozen meat and poultry at the end of any month since August 2009. YTD meat and poultry production is DOWN 2.3 per cent.
 

•The total inventory of pork, at 659.532 million pounds is the second largest on record. It falls just short of the 663.443 million pounds that was in freezers at the end of April 2008. This year’s April 30 inventory is 20.1 per cent higher than last year and 8.1 per cent higher than last month.
 

•Hams are the largest contributor to the grown in frozen pork stocks, coming in 46 per cent higher than last year and 40.6 per cent higher than last month. There are 35.6 million more pounds of hams in U.S. freezers than one year ago — and 32.5 million more than last month! Hams have been a challenge all winter and spring after the holidays passed with significant volume still on hand. It doesn’t appear that we are very near working through the backlog yet.
 

•Bellies were the second big contributor to freezer stock growth, coming in 40.6 per cent higher than last year and 13.2 per cent higher than last month. That 40.6 per cent means that there are 21.6 million more pounds of bellies available this year.
 

•Based on weekly data, April 30 pork stocks amounted to roughly 36 per cent of April pork production. That is the highest percentage of monthly production in month-end cold storage since April 2000.
 

•Chicken inventories grew by 5.6 per cent in April but remained 18.2 per cent lower than one year ago. April stocks are the second lowest (to March) since March 2007. Wing inventories are barely half of their April 2011 level but did increase by 10.3 per cent last month — maybe those prices are getting a bit too high to keep them moving? Stocks of breasts and breast meat fell to 119.97 million pounds, 18 per cent lower than last year and 2.7 per cent lower than last month. This is the lowest level of breast meat in freezers since November 2010. The only hiccup for chicken was a buildup of leg products in April with drumstick, leg, leg quarter and thigh/ thigh quarter stocks growing by 19.5 million pounds or 18.7 per cent.
 

•Total beef stocks, at 517.5 million pounds, were 16.8 per cent larger than last year and 2.9 per cent larger than last month. Those percentage increases were, to a great degree, equally shared between boneless beef and beef cuts. The April 30 total was the largest since November 2006 and marks only the 6th time that month-monthend beef inventories have exceeded 500 million pounds. It should be noted that monthly beef output in April 2011, based on weekly data, will be about 2 billion pounds. It was 2.2 billion in November 2006 and in the range of 2.2 to 2.5 billion pounds in the fall of 2002 when beef stocks were also over 500 million. This year’s stocks represent a larger share of production than did similar levels in the past.
 

•Finally, turkey inventories are sharply higher this year. April’s 438.5 million pounds was 20.3 per cent larger than last year and 16.9 per cent larger than last month. As can be seen in the chart above, monthly gains in turkey stocks through June or July are the absolute norm as producers and end-users build the inventories necessary to handle holiday sales. This year is no different except that the pace of the buildup is considerably faster than the past two years. While whole birds, as expected, counted for the largest volume of April’s increase, every other cut category except mechanically de-boned turkey saw larger percentage increase relative to last year.
 
So what does this mean? The data suggest that meat and poultry movement in April was nothing to shout about. That’s especially true of pork. That slow spring movement has left enough product in freezers to perhaps blunt any cash rallies that could start when hog numbers finally decline this summer — In history we trust!
 
When we look at year-on-year changes, we have to be a bit concerned about beef, whose stocks have increased even though production has moved lower. If exports remained below 2011 levels in April, these mean beef movement was indeed slow.
 
Maybe it is time to move away from record-high and near record-high retail prices long enough to clean up some of these inventories. Grilling season is here and some aggressive features could attract a lot of retail traffic and move a lot of product.
 

24 May 2012
Agricultural Price Indices - March 2012
The agricultural output price index was down 0.5% in March 2012.

 


The agricultural output price index decreased by 0.5% in March 2012 compared with February 2012. The agricultural input price index increased by 0.7% over the same period. Thus, the resulting terms of trade index decreased by 1.2% in March 2012. See Tables 1a, 2a and graph. [For tables, please download the document]
 




The seasonally adjusted output price index in March 2012 was 0.8% higher than in February 2012. See Table 3. [For Table 3, please download the document]
 
On an annual comparison, the agricultural output price index in March 2012 was 11.0% higher than in March 2011. The agricultural input price index was up 1.2% in March 2012 compared with March 2011.
 
A further comparison of the March 2012 sub-indices with March 2011 shows that:
•Cattle, poultry and pig prices increased by 23.1%, 20.5% and 7.5% respectively, while potatoes (incl. seeds) decreased by 19.5%. See Tables 1a and 1b.
 •Seeds, energy, and fertiliser prices increased by 7.7%, 7.6% and 3.1% respectively, while feeding stuffs decreased by 0.6%. See Tables 2a and 2b.
 
Annual EU output and input price index changes (base year 2005 = 100) for selected items are shown at the back of this release.

Jamaica Conducts Pig Industry Census
23 May 2012


JAMAICA - The data collection field staff of the Agricultural Marketing Information Division of the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, in collaboration with Trevor Hamilton & Associates (THA) Limited, is in the process of conducting a field data collection for a census of the pig industry in Jamaica.

Jamaica Observer reports that the census, which began two weeks ago, is part of a wider study of the Pig Industry for which THA has been contracted to undertake with funding assistance from the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, through the Rural Economic Development Initiative Project.
 
Jamaica is relatively self-sufficient in pig production, but there is a dearth of information about the present structure of the industry, largely due to the fact that the last census was conducted almost a decade ago. This census will assess and describe the present structure, as well as make recommendations for an industry plan.
 
The information gathered will assist the ministry and other industry stakeholders to better plan for the development of the pig/pork industry towards meeting the country's needs for pork products.
 
The ministry's officers will be conducting interviews among all pig farmers islandwide during the period May to July 2012.
 

Pork Commentary: Roadtrip in China Ends in Crash
23 May 2012


Jim Long is President &
CEO of Genesus Genetics.

CHINA - We have all experienced challenges in our lives, this past week we had just such an experience.We arrived in China on the Saturday. We had several meetings with customers and prospects. Last Wednesday we were riding in a GM minivan just outside Beijing heading to inspect quarantine site for an importation of Genesus genetics – we had just passed The Great Wall, writes Jim Long.

Then as you would say ‘an accident happened’. Heading through an intersection in a rural area our van met a tractor – trailer. It wasn’t pretty. The van was hit on the front, the engine and front of the van was sheared off. I was in the front passenger seat. The seatbelt and airbag worked. I climbed out of the carnage. At this point I saw my partner and Vice President of Genesus, Mike Van Schepdael lying on the road. At impact he had flown out of the side window of the van as the vehicle spun (obviously no seatbelt on). Mike was lying on the asphalt highway unconscious with blood all over. All other passengers including the driver were relatively okay. The tractor trailer was 200 feet down the road – the tractor was on its side separated from the trailer also on its side. Mike regained consciousness; you could see his injuries were obviously to his head. The ambulance arrived with 2 – 90 pound female attendances were no match to pick up a 200 pound Van Schepdael. I was in no shape to help, eventually some by standers helped out. English doesn’t help much when in China but hand signals definitely do.
 
Mike had a quick ride to a local hospital. It didn’t take much to figure out this hospital was not geared to handle such a serious situation. After a mad flurry of phone calls we were off to Beijing about one and a half hours away. As we got into the ambulance, I got into the front passenger seat. I had to laugh when they made a big deal that I should wear a seatbelt. If ever I didn’t need to know that it was at this moment. We then rode with a lunatic ambulance driver who at particular times was smoking, and talking on his cell phone as he madly drove through busy traffic. He really enjoyed the siren horn but not at any particular strategic time. He then got kind of lost trying to locate the hospital (that is always reassuring). Eventually we arrived at the hospital thinking after that ambulance ride I had dodged death twice in the same day.
 
Peking Union Medical College Hospital International wing was where we ended up. Quickly the hospital staff reacted – Mike was checked – a CT scan and MRI were quickly carried out. The doctors and nurses spoke English. Their observation was multiple injuries but no surgery needed for Mike. He was lucky (subjective word) 2 cracked vertebrate, multiple lacerations, broken nose, split lip, fractured cheekbone, etc, etc... lots of things adding up but nothing life threatening.
 
It was at this time our customers in China stepped in to help out. Monita Ma owner of Best Genetics, America raised but with business interests in China including Swine Production stepped in. Her connections quickly found 2 nurses at a time that speak English for 24 hour round the clock care. Monita’s people waded in with cash and put down a deposit to cover all hospital costs. Genesus’ International Insurance will cover all in the end but the initial financial push diminished any potential for delays happening. Soon after our arrival at the hospital Dr. Shen, the Deputy General Manager of COFCO– swine division (China’s largest agri – business) and owner of 2 Genesus Nucleuses in China arrived at the hospital offering to help in any way possible. Others arrived quickly – Hu – Song and Rosemary Smart from the Canadian Swine Exporters Association. Rapid response was greatly appreciated. Mike was hurt badly and I wasn’t feeling real well as the body isn’t built to take the force of tons meeting at speed.
 
It is now five days from the accident and I have been discharged, in pain but high level of functioning. Mike is still in the hospital working towards a full and complete recovery. All indications show no other conclusion. In this time we have had visits from James Jiang General Manager of COFCO meat division and Chairman Wu of Tiabang Group both offering any and all we needed. This past five days has been fascinating; we have experienced the hospitality and kindness of many Genesus Chinese associates. The hospital care has been extraordinary. Caring and knowledgeable doctors and nurses have what we believe as world class care. Indeed at one point our International Insurance Company was pushing us to fly by Air Ambulance Jet to Hong Kong. We weighed the options and decided to stay at Peking Union. We made the right decision and are getting better every day.
 
Our experience has reaffirmed our belief that he world and all countries have excellent quality people with character. When we needed help and care we got it. We will be forever grateful to the great people in China that helped us.
 
On a personal note it reminds us how life can be fleeting, a couple of feet was the difference in this crash between life and death. God was with us and we were lucky. It makes you realize that it’s best to live everyday flat out because you really, really never know when it could be over.
 
Final Point: Wear a seatbelt.

 


Author: Jim Long, President & CEO, Genesus Genetics