Thanks Doc
I believe Pacificia Feeds on Cebu Island has access to this breed from what I have been told so far.Thinking about giving this breed a try in the new year.

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates - November 2010
The forecast of total US meat production is raised for 2010 and 2011, as is that for pork production, reflecting exceptional gains in carcass weights, according to the latest USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.


Livestock, Poultry and Dairy
The forecast of total US meat production is raised for 2010 and 2011. Production forecasts for all major meats are raised for 2010. Beef production is raised on higher steer and heifer slaughter and the pork production increase reflects exceptional gains in carcass weights. Broiler hatchery data points toward continued gains in broiler production as the number of eggs set and chicks placed are large. The rate of decline in 2010 turkey production is slower than previously forecast. For 2011, production forecasts for beef, pork and broilers are increased. The beef production increase largely reflects slaughter of the higher-than-expected number of cattle placed on feed during the third quarter of 2010. Pork production is forecast higher in early 2011 as some of the weight gains seen in late 2010 carry into 2011. However, the increase in weights is expected to be moderated by higher costs of feed during 2011. Broiler production is also forecast higher in early 2011 as the sector carries its current expansion into 2011. However, higher expected feed costs are expected to slow the rate of increase later in the year. The turkey production forecast for 2011 is unchanged from last month as is the egg production forecast.

The beef import forecast is lowered for 2010 as the pace of imports to date is relatively slow but the forecast for 2011 is unchanged. Beef exports in both 2010 and 2011 are raised on stronger growth to Asian markets. The forecast for pork imports is raised for both 2010 and 2011 on strong shipments from several markets. The pork export forecast is lowered for 2010 based on the pace of exports but the forecast for 2011 is unchanged. The poultry export forecast is reduced on weaker third-quarter data but the forecast for 2011 is unchanged from last month.

The cattle price forecasts for 2010 and 2011 are raised to reflect continued strong demand for cattle. Hog prices are forecast lower on larger forecast pork supplies. The broiler price forecast is unchanged. Egg prices for 2010 are forecast higher as prices recovered from their late summer decline but the 2011 forecast is unchanged.

Forecast milk production for 2010 is unchanged from last month. However, for 2011, production is lowered from last month as forecast cow numbers are reduced from last month. Milk per cow is adjusted slightly higher in early 2011 but higher feed prices and lower forecast milk prices limit the rate of growth in 2011. Exports in 2010 are forecast higher due to strong growth in butter, cheese and fluid milk/cream. For 2011, continued global economic recovery and a favorable exchange rate should support exports. Revisions have been made to historical export aggregations, resulting in higher estimated exports. Import forecasts are raised on the strong pace of imports.

Cheese and butter prices for both 2010 and 2011 are forecast lower. The 2010 forecast for nonfat dry milk is unchanged from last month but stronger expected exports support a higher forecast for 2011. The whey price forecast is unchanged. Both Class III and Class IV price forecasts for 2010 are lowered due to the lower cheese and butter price forecasts. The Class III price forecast is lowered for 2011 but the Class IV price forecast is raised as the higher nonfat price more than offsets the lower butter price forecast. The all milk price is forecast to average $16.30 to $16.40 per cwt for 2010 and $15.95 to $16.85 per cwt for 2011.

Wheat
US wheat ending stocks for 2010/11 are projected five million bushels lower this month as downward production revisions of 11 million bushels for Hard Red Spring (HRS) wheat and four million bushels for durum more than offset higher projected imports. Imports are raised 10 million bushels with increases for Soft Red Winter (SRW) wheat and durum. Exports are unchanged, but shifts among classes result in higher projected exports of Hard Red Winter and HRS wheat and reductions for SRW and durum. The projected season-average price received by producers is narrowed five cents on each end of the range to $5.25 to $5.75 per bushel. Heavy early season marketings and forward sales limit upside potential for the season-average farm price.

Global wheat supplies are projected slightly higher for 2010/11 as higher world production offsets lower carry-in, mostly reflecting higher 2009/10 wheat feeding in China. World production is raised 1.5 million tons for 2010/11 as increases for Argentina, Australia, EU-27 and Paraguay more than offset reductions for FSU-12 and the United States. Argentina production is raised 1.5 million tons as favourable returns and timely rains boost area and yield prospects. Australia production is raised 1.0 million tons as rising yield prospects in eastern growing areas more than offset reductions from extended dryness in Western Australia. Production is raised 0.6 million tons for EU-27 mostly based on higher reported area for Poland. Production for Russia is lowered 0.5 million tons as harvest results indicate lower-than-expected yields in Siberia. Production is also lowered 0.5 million tons each for Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan as the latest reports confirm higher-than-expected yield losses from the extended drought across the region.

World wheat trade for 2010/11 is raised this month with imports up 0.5 million tons each for China, Egypt and South Korea, mostly reflecting higher reported shipments so far for the marketing year. Imports are also raised for Azerbaijan and the United States. Turkey’s imports and exports both are reduced one million tons as short supplies of FSU-12 wheat limit Turkey’s wheat imports and flour exports. Kazakhstan exports are lowered 0.5 million tons with the smaller crop. Exports are raised 1.0 million tons each for Argentina and EU-27 with larger available supplies in Argentina and the strong pace of EU-27 export licensing. Russia exports are raised 0.5 million tons as flour exports will now be allowed after 31 December 2010.

Global wheat consumption for 2010/11 is raised 2.5 million tons with much of the increase reflecting a 2.0-million-ton increase in China wheat feeding. Wheat feeding is also raised 0.5 million tons for Korea based on the pace of feed quality wheat imports. Feeding is lowered 1.0 million tons for Russia but is offset by a 1.0-million-ton increase in food use. Global ending stocks for 2010/11 are projected 2.2 million tons lower with the largest reduction for China where stocks are lowered 3.4 million tons. Ending stocks are also lowered 1.0 million tons for Russia. Partly offsetting are higher projected ending stocks for Australia, Egypt, Argentina and Paraguay.

Coarse Grains
US feed grain supplies for 2010/11 are reduced this month with lower expected corn production. Corn production is forecast 124 million bushels lower as the national average yield is lowered to 154.3 bushels per acre, down 1.5 bushels from the previous forecast. Feed and residual use is projected 100 million bushels lower with the smaller forecast crop and higher prices expected to reduce feeding. Exports are lowered 50 million bushels as higher prices trim export demand. Corn use for ethanol is raised 100 million bushels with record October ethanol production indicated by weekly Energy Information Administration data and favourable ethanol producer margins. Ethanol prices continue to track higher with corn prices, supporting returns for ethanol producers. Although small relative to domestic usage, higher ethanol exports and lower imports are also expected to add to corn use for ethanol with high sugar prices limiting the availability of ethanol from Brazil.

Corn ending stocks for 2010/11 are projected 75 million bushels lower. At 827 million bushels, ending stocks would be the lowest since 1995/96 and represent a carry-out of 6.2 per cent of projected usage. In 1995/96, carry-out dropped to five per cent of estimated usage. The season-average farm price is projected at $4.80 to $5.60 per bushel, up 20 cents on both ends of the range and well above the previous record of $4.20 per bushel in 2007/08.

Global coarse grain supplies for 2010/11 are projected 3.3 million tons lower reflecting reduced corn production in the United States, reduced barley production in China, and reduced oats and rye production in Russia. Global corn production is reduced 1.1 million tons as the US decline is partly offset by a 2.0-million-ton increase for China on higher 2010/11 area. Corn production for China is also raised 2.0 million tons for 2009/10 based on an area increase of 800,000 hectares as indicated by official government statistics. Global 2010/11 barley production is lowered 0.8 million tons mostly on a 0.7-million-ton reduction for China on lower area and yields. Other barley changes include small reductions for Belarus and EU-27, and a 0.3-million-ton increase for Australia as abundant rainfall in eastern growing areas support higher yields. Global oats production is lowered 1.3 million tons mostly on a 1.0-million-ton reduction for Russia. Global rye production is lowered with a 0.4-million-ton reduction for Russia.

Global 2010/11 coarse grain trade is lowered slightly this month with lower corn imports for the Philippines and South Korea partly offset by small increases in corn imports for Saudi Arabia and sorghum imports by EU-27. Corn exports are raised 0.5 million tons each for EU-27 and Serbia mostly offsetting the 1.3-million-ton reduction for the United States. Global coarse grain consumption for 2010/11 is lowered slightly as higher corn feeding in China and Argentina are mostly offset by reduced corn feeding in EU-27, South Korea and the Philippines. Oats and barley consumption are also lowered with reduced oat feeding in Russia and China and reduced barley feeding in EU-27 and China. Global corn ending stocks are lowered 3.2 million tons. At 129.2 million tons, world corn stocks would be the lowest since 2006/07, the first year of the rapid expansion in US ethanol production and use.

Oilseeds
Total US oilseed production is projected at 101.8 million tons, down one million from last month as lower soybean and cottonseed production are only partly offset by higher peanut production. Soybean production is forecast at 3.375 billion bushels, down 33 million from last month. The soybean yield is projected at 43.9 bushels per acre, down 0.5 bushels from the previous estimate. Soybean exports are raised 50 million bushels to a record 1.57 billion due to increased global import demand and to a record sales pace, especially to China which accounts for over 70 per cent of known US soybean export sales through October. Soybean ending stocks are projected at 185 million bushels, down 80 million from last month.

Soybean oil ending stocks for 2010/11 are raised this month due to higher beginning stocks reported by the US Census Bureau and to reduced domestic disappearance reflecting lower projected food use of soybean oil.

Prices for soybeans and products are projected higher for 2010/11. The US season-average soybean price range is projected at $10.70 to $12.20 per bushel, up 70 cents on both ends. The soybean meal price is projected at $310 to $350 per short ton, up 20 dollars on both ends of the range. The soybean oil price range is projected at 42.5 to 46.5 cents per pound, up three cents on both ends of the range.

Global oilseed production for 2010/11 is projected at 440.7 million tons, up 0.1 million from last month. Increased soybean production is mostly offset by lower sunflower seed, rapeseed, peanut and cottonseed production. Global soybean production is projected higher with increases for Brazil, Argentina, India and South Africa only partly offset by a reduction for the United States. Argentina soybean production is raised two million tons to 52 million due to increased area as producers respond to relatively high soybean prices. Brazil soybean production is projected at 67.5 million tons, up 0.5 million from last month due to increased area. Global sunflower seed production is projected lower due to reduced estimates for Russia, Argentina, India and EU-27. Other changes include lower rapeseed production for Australia, lower peanut production for India and lower cottonseed production for China.

Oilseed trade is projected at 111.4 million tons, up 1.8 million. China soybean imports for 2010/11 are raised to 57 million tons, up two million from last month. EU-27 imports of soybeans and soybean meal are raised this month to offset lower sunflower seed and rapeseed availability.

Thailand’s rice supplies tighten
[12 November 2010] Thailand, the world’s biggest rice exporter, said that output will drop because of flooding, while the Philippines, the largest buyer, said its harvest may miss a target, potentially raising import demand. Main crop, rough-rice output may decline 3.9% to 22.34 million tonnes, while second-crop production may gain 0.9% to 8.33 million tonnes, according to a statement from Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

 Monsanto tries to grow new corn in China
[12 November 2010] US-based multinational agricultural biotechnology company Monsanto said this week that it will trial growing a new species of corn in Jilin Province, a major maize growing production area in northeast China. The new corn species is high-yielding and pest-resistant, and its comparative advantage is quality rather than cost, according to Kevin Eblen, Monsanto's regional leader for North Asia, who was optimistic that the new corn species would appear on the local market of Jilin within two years. Monsanto's sales in China in 2009 totaled USD 11.7 billion. 
 
 
 

Is anyone raising the Star Cross egg layers over the other white leg horns.Someone has told me the Star Cross produces a larger white egg over the other leg horns?

Thank you
Farmers Feed The World:

Rosalyn
The turkeys are sold live between 8 months and 1 year old,mature birds.Have never scaled them because people buy them live.In our area of Negros Oriental turkeys sell for P800.00 each live and is seasonal.With the holiday season coming we hope the foreigners that live in our area will buy again this coming season but after school graduation people buy them instead of pork.We have 2 different seasons for the turkeys,Christmas and graduation time.

If someone wanted a lechon turkey business,one would make even more money over live sales.

Hope this is of some help to you
Farmers Feed The World:
mikey

Indian corn consumption up 30% by 2015
[11 November 2010] Corn consumption in India is expected to grow 30% to 22.4 million tonnes by 2015 mainly driven by increasing demand for feed from the livestock sector as rising incomes allow Indian consumers to eat more meat. Rice production grows to 51% to 132 million tonnes by 2014/2015. This increase will come from increased domestic demand as India’s population continues to swell, as well as better access to pesticides and fertilizers, which will improve crop yields, noted the country’s agribusiness report.

UN warns of food crisis
[11 November 2010] The United Nations (UN) has warned that the world may be on the verge of a major new food crisis caused by high food prices. The global food crisis brought on this threat but environmental disasters have further triggered food price inflation.  The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization believes that both rich and poor countries will be faced with a malnutrition problem.

Philippine Halal workshop helps develop sector
[11 November 2010] The Philippines recently held an International Halal Poultry Standards Training Workshop to promote and grow its halal industry. Attended by speakers from Malaysia the workshop is expected to accelerate the development of halal standards for food commodities for the country in order to tap the multi-billion dollar global market for halal products. The industry is set to capture at least 2% of the demand for 770,000 metric tonnes per year of halal food products in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines under the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area’s proponent project.

Rene

I did post some time ago a website based on the USA cuts but that site now is no longer available.I did try some years ago to set up a grade standard for meat goats but there was no interest from the meat industry as a whole in the Philippines based on prime,good and utility or culled.Once a grade standard is set up then goat meat cuts is the next step.Alaminos did a few years back spearhead goat meat cuts for the industry and only Alaminos can answer that question for you.I do think in time a grade standard and goat meat cuts will become more common and I hope will become a standard for goat meat production in the Philippines.I do think goat meat like pork and such is still sold buy the kilo in the markets and not sure if cuts are popular as of yet.

The different breeds of goats will play an important role in the grade standards.Boers because of their double muscle produce better grade standards and crossbreeds the next standard while dairy breeds because of their long lean bodies a different standard.The nubian over the years has been bred for dairy industry not like in the 60s and 70s when I remember the nubians were much heavier in muscle and well suited for the meat industry.I wish I could find some of these older genetics for nubians but seems all are lost now in favor for the dairy industry.You would not believe some of those older nubians that were bred for meat,heavy muscles with round barrel bodies,impressive beasts.

The goat industry has come along ways from the early days and good things will come in the future for those who wish to get into the business.

, November 09, 2010
Pork Commentary: New Highs for CME Hogs
CANADA - This week's North American Pork Commentary from Jim Long.


Jim Long is President &
CEO of Genesus Genetics.
The hog industry had some interesting developments this past week.

Our observations:

Lean hog futures for the last half of 2011 at the CME reached new life of contract highs. Last week August 86.55, October closed at 80.05, and December at 77. These are excellent prices for the fall months. It makes one wonder about hedging fall 2011. There could be an upside, yet on the futures for October – December but 80 cents is a lot better than the 60 cent lean prices we are getting currently. There are always more hogs seasonally in the fall.


The National Base Lean weights for the 4 days last week averaged 207.5 pounds the week before the average weight was 208.44. There appears to be a drop in weights, this is quite positive after we have seen several weeks of relentless weight increases. In our opinion the only way weights could be dropping is a more current inventory. Weather, grain, finishing space for hogs has not changed. Pulling weights down will support prices as it is a reflection on hog supply and will cut pork tonnage. The CME reflects this confidence with December Friday closing at 67 cents a pound, while Iowa – Minnesota was 61 cents per pound. The average bet is pricing is going up.


With lean hogs 61 cents per pound and USDA pork cut – outs $77.50 last week, the 16 cents per pound spread is giving excellent margins to Packers. As hog supply declines we expect this cut – out margin will allow packers to bid up hog prices quickly.


Last week we discussed the USA – Canada swine inventory being 2% smaller than a year ago this past quarter. This obviously means fewer hogs are coming to market for the coming months. The USDA small pig price continues to support the idea of fewer pigs coming. Cash early weans of $37.96 and cash 40 pound pigs $48.41 in the face of corn closing on $6.00 a bushel is a sure sign pig demand is overcoming margin calculations.


Sow slaughter has been around 62,000 a week for the last few weeks. This is up from the 55,000 we have averaged for the year. At 55,000 a week the breeding herd was holding steady. At 62,000 we expect this means liquidation. High feed prices coupled with the drop in hog prices has translated into negative margins. It takes capital and courage to be in the hog industry. Some are being challenged on these attributes and are exiting.


The swine profit margin challenge is putting a big break on potential expansion. Genesus is in the business of selling swine genetics. Empty sow units needing restocking we pay attention too. Before the grain price surge we had several empty units in play to get restocked. The feed price surge has put most if not all plans on hold. There is no way when you consider the biological time period to breed sows and get hogs to market that there will be anything but less hogs in 2011 compared to 2010.


You want to feel bad. Currently Russian hog producers are making $135 per head. That’s more than our gross revenue per head. This is what happens when you have low production and tariffs.


It is a good time to call your congressman and tell them the livestock industry and consumers are both being hurt by the drive up in corn prices pushed by subsidized corn ethanol production. The 45 cent volumetric ethanol excise tax credit and 54 cent ethanol import tariff are due to expire December 31. Let them expire. If the corn ethanol industry is efficient and necessary, it will survive. Of course worse fuel economy and no benefit to the environment have been proven. It is a boondoogle! There is talk to cut government spending as a legacy of midterm elections. China has made it illegal to make corn into ethanol. The insanity of burning food is morally and economically un-defendable.
Finally, we will be at Euro tier Livestock Exhibition in Hannover Germany in a week. You can find us at the CSEA booth 12B40. We look forward to seeing you there!


Author: Jim Long, President & CEO, Genesus Genetics

, November 09, 2010   Weekly Roberts Report
US - Agricultural US Commodity Market Report by Mike Roberts, Commodity Marketing Agent, Virginia Tech.



Last week crop conditions in Argentina were very, very hot and tending to pressure the emerging crop. Two weeks ago soil moisture was adequate but hot, dry weather is wilting young plants that were germinating just a week ago. If this continues both corn and soybeans could suffer yield losses. Timely rains and forecasts for showers next week look to boost crop prospects in Brazil.

LEAN HOGS on the CME finished up on Monday. DEC’10LH futures finished at $67.150/cwt; up $0.200cwt. The FEB’11LH contract closed up $0.650/cwt at $74.175/cwt. The APR’11LH contract closed at $79.150/cwt; up $1.050/cwt. Lower corn prices, seasonal demand and steady cash prices were supportive. Rolling of long December positions by funds and profit taking kept the lid on. Funds rolled 3,000 lots near the end of trading while rolling nearly 10,000 contracts on the day. USDA put the average cash hog price at $77.17/cwt, up $0.03/cwt while cash hogs in Iowa and Minnesota were steady-to-firm. Fundamentally the US hog supply has stabilized and looks like supplies have peaked. Heavy hogs going to market are declining in number amid improved demand. Exports were supportive. According to HedgersEdge.com, the average packer margin was placed at a positive $28.45/hd based on the average buy of $45.14/cwt vs. the average breakeven of $55.45/cwt. The CME lean hog index was placed at 61.71¢/lb; down 0.32¢/lb.

CORN futures on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) closed down on Monday. DEC’10 corn futures closed off 2.5¢/bu at $5.852/bu. The MAR’11 contract closed at $5.9924/bu; down 2.5¢/bu. The DEC’11 contract closed at $5.530/bu off 2.25¢/bu. Sporadic fund selling, profit taking, a firm US dollar, and weak export activity weighed on prices. Funds were selling and taking profits ahead of Tuesday’s USDA November crop report that will be released at 8:30 am EST. When the US dollar makes gains US commodities cost global importers more than in other countries so they turn away from US products. USDA put corn-inspected-for-export at 24.890 mi bu vs. expectations for 27-31 mi bu. Fundamentally US corn stocks are approaching 15-year lows. Cash corn was steady-to-firm in both the US Midwest and the Atlantic states. Funds sold nearly 2,000 lots. Futures have shot up over 80 per cent since June amid concerns that the US corn crop will not be large enough to meet strong global demand. The most recent survey shows that analysts expect a US crop of 12.545 mi bu with a yield of 154.4 bu/ac leaving corn ending stocks, on average, at 840 mi bu. Last October USDA put the US corn crop at 12.664 mi bu on a yield of 155.8 bu/ac with ending stocks at 902 mi bu. That news sent corn futures sharply higher. The US is the world’s largest producer of corn. The market is near the top end of nearby trading range on tighter balance sheet outlook. If possible it would be a good idea to advance some sales of the2011 and even the 2012 crop.

SOYBEAN futures on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) finished off on Monday. NOV’10 futures closed at $12.644/bu, down 9.0¢/bu. The MAR’11 contract closed at $12.832/bu; off 9.25¢/bu. NOV’11 soybean futures closed down 7.25¢/bu at $12.146/bu. Some long liquidation ahead of the USDA crop report, overbought chart signs, smaller-than-expected exports, and a firm US dollar pressured prices. Funds were squaring long positions even though there is fundamental strength in the US soybean crop. Funds sold about 4,000 lots taking profits on prices about 19 per cent higher than previous months. USDA put soybeans-inspected-for-export at 56.914 mi bu vs. expectations for 64-68 mi bu. Exports have been sizzling of late with China the biggest importer. Brazil showers were very helpful to the crop there while dry weather in the central regions of Argentina is hurting those soybeans there. Fundamentally USDA is expected to raise the estimate of US production but lower ending stocks on strong global demand for US soybeans. Average analysts’ place the US crop size3.426 bi bu on a yield of 44.6 bu/ac resulting in US ending stocks at 240 mi bu. It would be a good idea to advance some 2011 and 2012 soybeans sales.

WHEAT futures in Chicago (CBOT) finished up on Monday. The DEC’10 wheat contract closed at $7.362/bu; up 7.5¢/bu. JULY’11 futures finished up 8.0¢/bu at $8.104/bu. Concerns of dry weather threatening the US winter wheat crop, short covering ahead of the USDA crop report, and steady exports were supportive. Funds bought an estimated 4,000 lots. Analysts on average expect USDA to raise US wheat stocks by 2 mi bu. Exports held prices back somewhat. USDA put wheat-inspected-for-export at 15.539 mi bu vs. expectations for 19-21 mi bu. Dryness is seen as stressing the Australian wheat crop but expectations for showers later in the week held prices in check. Global stocks are getting tighter but there is still plenty of wheat in inventory. News reports spur fund buying. It would be a good idea to price 2011 and 2012 wheat now.

Where’s the Beef in Raising Pork Prices?
MALAYSIA - Perak pork sellers have denied creating an artificial shortage of the meat.



Kinta District Pork Sellers and Butchers Association chairman Kew Mook Choy said pork sellers were already suffering from poor business because of high prices.

“People are consuming less pork because it is considered expensive meat,” he said.

The Star reports that according to Mr Kew, the ex-farm price of live pigs was RM7.90 per kg while its retail price was between RM13 and 14 per kg.

“In the last five years, we have seen a drastic drop in pork consumption from about 900 pigs to 500 pigs daily.

“Our members used to open for business six days a week. Now we are lucky if we get to operate four days in a week,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Mr Kew was responding to Perak Veterinary Services director Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam statement that the group had used a recent ban on pig movement from Penang as an excuse to push for a price increase.

Mr Kew last week told a press conference that the ban, which started on 25 October following the detection of foot-and-mouth disease at a Tasek Gelugor farm in Penang, would create a shortage of the meat and cause prices to go up.

This was, however, denied by Dr Quaza, who said Perak had more than enough supply to meet the local demand.

Perak Livestock Farmers Association chairman Tung Hong Chai had also concurred, saying that association members had 470,000 head of pigs and enough even to cater for the Klang Valley market.

Mr Kew said they highlighted the matter because they do not want prices to escalate.

“To accuse us of using it as an excuse to increase prices is ridiculous because by increasing prices, we will be breaking our own rice bowls.”

Further Concentration of Farms in Five-Year Plan
CHINA - The proportion of standardised large-scale animal production is set to increase by 10 to 15 percentage points during the 12th Five-Year Plan period.



At the National Meeting on Establishment of Standardized Demonstration Farms for Livestock and Poultry Production held in Yichang, Hubei Province last week, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) stated that by 2015, the proportion of large-scale production of major animals would be raised by 10 to 15 percentage points and the number of standardised farms would account for 50 per cent of the total of large-scale farms; productivity of those standardized large-scale farms would be improved; the animal waste would be treated to reach the standards for discharge or utilized as a resource; and the quality and safety of animal products would be substantially upgraded.

To carry out the nationwide activity on establishment of standardised demonstration farms for livestock and poultry production launched by MOA early this year, the state has invested three billion yuan to support establishment and transformation of standardised pig and dairy cattle farms/farming areas and it has also allocated 500 million yuan of specialised funds to help the farms/farmers that apply standardised farming practices by offering rewards instead of subsidies.

All the local authorities have been working hard to develop this programme into an image or a brand through well-organised implementation, increased financial input, enhanced technical guidance and advocacy for active participation of farms/farmers, ushering in a new climax for development of standardised large-scale animal production. So far, MOA has release the first list of 1276 standardised demonstration farms and granted them the plates for such an honour.

Deals with China Show Why Farming Matters
UK - Farming took a leading role on the international stage this week when three major deals were signed as part of the UK’s biggest-ever trade mission to China.


Business Secretary Vince Cable has put pen to paper on an agreement worth an estimated £45m which will allow the export of British breeding pigs to China, currently home to half of the world’s pig population. A second deal saw formal agreement of the health certificate for pig meat exports from the UK to China, opening up a huge market to approved UK plants.

And in a third move worth tens of millions of pounds, Chinese and British authorities struck an accord to ensure only whisky produced in Scotland will be marketed in China as Scotch. That agreement is expected to act as a catalyst for sales of home-grown barley.

An £80m Chinese market for Scotch is forecast to double in size during the next four to five years thanks to today's geographical indication registration.

Mr Cable is in China along with Chancellor George Osborne and 50 British business leaders as part of a high-profile UK government and trade mission. Up to 50 deals are thought to be on the table and the Prime Minister David Cameron will join the party today.

NFU comment
"We are delighted to see farming take such a central role in government talks with the world’s fastest-growing major economic power.

"This is very much in keeping with the messages of our The Recovery: Why Farming Matters document, which stressed the important role agriculture has to play in helping the wider UK economy towards recovery. It also clearly demonstrates why efforts to reduce costs must not damage the productivity of British agriculture."