An argument over sacrificing goats during a Hindu festival triggered a stampede that killed 10 people in a packed temple in northern India. More than 40,000 people, many inebriated, had taken their goats to the Tildiha village temple in Bihar state to offer sacrifice and prayers to the goddess Durga on the last day of the Navratri festival. As the worshippers lined up before the butcher, a scuffle broke out and some people were trampled. "People were vying with each other to get their goats sacrificed first, and they had a verbal duel with the butcher,". Four women and six men died in the stampede, and another 11 were injured, three of them critically, Banka district police director Neelmani said. The injured were being treated in hospitals. The district spokesman said some 30,000 goats were sacrificed at the temple on Saturday. The 10-day Navratri festival honours Durga, the mother goddess in the Hindu religion. The village in Banka district is about 200km southeast of Bihar's state capital, Patna

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.

Thursday, August 02, 2012
Canada Gears Up Beef Promotions in Japan

CANADA - Anticipating the possible relaxation of the 20 months age restriction, Canada has launched a series of beef promotions in Japan, reports Meat and Livestock Australia.

The Canada Beef International Institute (CBII) was quoted by the trade news Chikusan Nippo this week that it will focus its marketing activities on barbecues and outdoor settings and re-enforce “clean air, pure water, big nature” images among Japanese consumers.
 
The CBII has already been working with other Canadian food suppliers to collectively promote the country, by conducting barbecue events in western Japan and other areas. Activities with major retailers, independent butchers and camping sites will also be launched during this year.
 
Japanese imports of Canadian beef peaked in 2001 at 22,638 tonnes swt - prior to the BSE discovery in 2003 and subsequent import ban.

Shipments resumed in 2005, with the same restrictions imposed on US beef. Imports for the first six months of 2012 total amounted to 3,395 tonnes, up three per cent from the corresponding period in 2011.

CME: Corn Futures Closed Lower Tuesday
01 August 2012






US - September Corn finished down 13 1/4 at 806 3/4, 18 1/4 off the high and 1 1/2 up from the low. December Corn closed down 8 at 806. This was 4 1/2 up from the low and 14 1/2 off the high.

December corn traded slightly lower into the closing bell and managed to hold the 800 level on the day. The lower trade reflects profit taking following yesterday's sharply higher trade.

The Midwest weather forecast remains unfavorable for fall crops, with 90-100 degree temperatures expected for growing areas in the Southwestern Corn Belt this week and part of next week.
 
Scattered showers are also expected in the Midwest to finish out the week but soil conditions are so poor that the light rainfall will provide limited relief. Most of the corn crop is beyond repair at this point, but cooler temperatures may be able to stabilize yield loss for some areas.
 
Taiwan reportedly bought 60,800 tonnes of Brazilian corn overnight, which may be adding pressure to the corn complex today.

Argentina also announced that they would enact a new export policy that grants farmers permission to sell their whole corn harvest as they set single year export quotas, instead of the incremental quota system currently in place.

The market is still trying to gauge yield and production expectations for this year's corn crop ahead of the USDA report next week. Current market conditions suggest a corn yield near 129 bushels/acre with some estimates coming in near 120-122.
 
Outside markets were mixed today with the US Dollar trading lower and crude oil sharply lower on the day. September Rice finished down 0.22 at 15.615, 0.135 off the high and equal to the low.

Soybean Futures Closed Lower

August Soybeans finished down 4 3/4 at 1721, 21 off the high and 9 1/2 up from the low. November Soybeans closed down 2 1/2 at 1641. This was 11 1/4 up from the low and 22 1/4 off the high.

August Soymeal closed down 1.4 at 544.9. This was 3.5 up from the low and 9.3 off the high. August Soybean Oil finished down 0.02 at 52.55, 0.51 off the high and 0.4 up from the low. November soybeans traded slightly lower into the close but traded both sides of the unchanged today.

Early pressure was seen just prior to the start of pit trading, but the market found good support near the lows of the day. A late day sell off was linked to spillover pressure from a sharply lower wheat market and profit taking in corn.

The Midwest weather outlook for the next 2 weeks is offering support. Scattered showers are expected in the northern plains, parts of the central Midwest, and the eastern Corn Belt over the next week. Accumulation is expected to be light and be of very little benefit to soybean crops.
 
Blistering temperatures will move into the Southwestern Corn Belt today and tomorrow. Cooler temperatures are expected early next week, which may provide some relief to crops. Another round of above normal temperatures is forecasted for later next week.
 
Current price levels and crop reports suggest the market is trading a yield between 38-39 bushel/acre. Without cooler and wetter conditions in the next two weeks, soybean crops are susceptible to further yield deterioration. Outside markets were mixed today with the US Dollar trading lower and crude oil sharply lower on the day.

Wheat Futures Closed Lower

September Wheat finished down 26 1/4 at 888 1/4, 31 1/4 off the high and 2 1/4 up from the low. December Wheat closed down 24 3/4 at 902 1/2.

This was 2 up from the low and 29 off the high. September Chicago wheat traded sharply lower into the close of today's session as traders took profits following gains this week.

The wheat market began the day weaker, but losses were accelerated after corn began to tumble from it's record highs.

Russia's Agriculture Ministry may cut it's 2012 grain crop production forecast to 75 million tonnes from it's current estimate of 80 million tonnes but traders brushed off the news after the Prime Minister of Russia said he did not expect a domestic deficit for grain despite the lower production estimates.

Jordan announced a purchase of 100,000 tonnes of wheat from their tender issued last week. The official origin is unknown, but traders believe the seller likely came from the Black Sea region.
 
Outside markets were mixed with the US Dollar trading lower and crude oil trade sharply lower on the day. September Oats closed down 4 at 380 1/4. This was 2 1/4 up from the low and 5 off the high.

3M Syrians Need Food, Crops and Livestock Assistance
02 August 2012

SYRIA - Close to three million people are in need of food, crops and livestock assistance, according to a recent assessment carried out by the United Nations and the Syrian government.

According to the FAO, of this number, around 1.5 million people need urgent and immediate food assistance over the next 3 to 6 months, especially in areas that have seen the greatest conflict and population displacement. Close to a million people need crop and livestock assistance such as seeds, food for animals, fuel and repair of irrigation pumps. Further scaling up of food and livelihoods assistance will be required over the next 12 months as the people needing nutritional support are expected to reach 3 million.
 
The findings are based on a Joint Rapid Food Security Needs Assessment mission conducted in June 2012 by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and Syria's Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform.
 
The joint mission's final report says the Syrian agricultural sector has lost a total of $1.8 billion this year as a result of the on-going crisis. This includes losses and damages to crops, livestock and irrigation systems. Strategic crops, such as wheat and barley, have been badly affected as well as cherry and olive trees, and vegetable production.
 
"While the economic implications of these losses are quite grave, the humanitarian implications are far more pressing," said WFP Representative in Syria Muhannad Hadi. "The effects of these major losses are first, and most viciously, felt by the poorest in the country. Most of the vulnerable families the mission visited reported less income and more expenditure - their lives becoming more difficult by the day," he said.
 
The assessment reports that as many as three million people are in need of assistance over the next 12 months. Large numbers of rural people of the central, coastal, eastern, northeastern and southern governorates were found to have totally or partially lost their farming assets and livestock-based livelihoods and businesses due to the on-going political crisis and insecurity, coupled with a prolonged drought.
 
Among those farmers needing immediate assistance, around one third of the rural population, 5 to 10 per cent are reported to be female-headed households.
 
"The most vulnerable families in Syria depend entirely or partly on agriculture and farm animals for food and income. They need emergency support, like seeds, repairs to irrigation systems, animal feed and healthcare," said Abdulla BinYehia, FAO Representative in Syria. "If timely assistance is not provided, the livelihood system of these vulnerable people could simply collapse in a few months' time. Winter is fast approaching and urgent action is needed before then."
 
Farmers have been forced to either abandon farming or leave standing crops unattended due to the unavailability of labour, the lack of fuel and the rise in fuel costs, and insecurity, as well as power cuts affecting water supply. Harvesting of wheat has been delayed in the Governorates of Daar'a, Rural Damascus, Homs and Hama. There is, thus, a great risk of losing part of the crop if there is further delay in providing assistance to these farmers.
 
The assessment mission also found that deforestation was on the rise with farmers turning back to the forest for fire wood due to unavailability of cooking gas and fuel. Some irrigation channels have also been clogged and damaged due to lack of labour and inaccessibility.
 
Far-reaching effects
 
Particular attention needs to be given to female-headed households and migrant workers, small farmers, Bedouins and herders. The livelihood of the migrant labourers in their places of origin is at serious threat due to lack of employment opportunities and fast depletion of their income. The sharp drop in remittances to rural households was also another blow to an already vulnerable population, especially in the northeastern and northern governorates.
 
Daar'a Governorate counted on remittances of nearly 200,000 migrant workers, reported the return of nearly 70 per cent of its labour force. A few families said they still have their men in Lebanon but were unable to send any remittance due to unemployment there.
 
With less or no income and very little savings, high recurring expenses, many mouths to feed, and fast depleting resources, these families are cutting the size and number of meals, eating cheaper lower quality food, buying food on credit, taking children out of school and sending them for work, selling livestock and other assets, and cutting back medical and education expenses.
 
Mr Hadi said that during the mission visit to Al Hassakeh "even the richest family in a village reported having food stock for only one more month."
 
WFP launched an emergency operation that started in October 2011 to cover the food needs of vulnerable people affected by the events in Syria. The operation progressively scaled up, reaching 540,000 people in July and aims to reach 850,000 people this month. WFP plans to further expand the operation as access to the affected areas allows. WFP's Syria operation is facing a funding shortfall of around $62 million on an overall budget of $103 million.
 
FAO has provided support since December 2011 to 9,052 small herders and farmers' households, representing some 82,000 people. FAO estimates that now around $38 million are required immediately for the next six months to help 112,500 rural households, or about 900,000 people, to ensure the autumn planting for cereals and keep livestock alive or replace lost ones.
 

Shoppers Urged to Help Save Britain’s Favourite Food
02 August 2012



 
UK - Bacon is Britain's favourite food, according to the Top 100 Foods Index — but it is under threat. 1.5m rashers of British bacon a week look likely to disappear from supermarket shelves. Also in danger of disappearing are 2.3m sausages a week, another high-scoring favourite in the Top 100 Foods Index.

The culprit is poor crop growing weather around the world, making pig feed too expensive for British farmers to afford. In a bid to save the situation, British pig farmers, who are recognised as world leaders in higher welfare pig farming, are asking shoppers to make a special effort to support them over the exceptional few months ahead.
 
"If supermarkets see a surge in demand for British product, they may be persuaded to pay our farmers the few extra pennies a kilo more they need to cover their soaring feed bills,” said National Pig Association general manager Dr Zoe Davies. "So we are asking shoppers, who have always been incredibly loyal in the past, to please be extra careful to look for the British Red Tractor logo on bacon, sausages, and pork."
 
The National Pig Association acknowledges that empty spaces on supermarket shelves could be filled with imported bacon and sausages, but these would not be produced to British welfare standards. In any case European pork products will soon be in shorter supply too, as the European Commission expects European pig production to shrink next year.
 
The problem for British pig farmers is that the cost of pig feed ingredients such as wheat and soya has increased over 25 percent in recent weeks as a result of poor crop-growing conditions, particularly in the United States.
 
At the same time, intense high street rivalry is making supermarkets reluctant to pay farmers more to cover their extra costs of production. In a survey just completed by the National Pig Association, pig farmers representing ten percent of Britain's weekly pig production say if they don't see a fair price between now and Christmas they will have no option but to stop production — because they cannot afford to feed their animals.
 
In addition to the loss of 1.5m British bacon rashers and 2.3m British sausages a week, this will mean...
 •1.5m fewer British sausage rolls
 •250,000 fewer British pork pies
 •300,000 fewer British pork chops
 •63,000 fewer British rolled shoulder joints
 •And 31,000 fewer British leg roasts.
 
Over the next few weeks, British pig farmers need to persuade all actors in the pork supply chain to work together towards a producer price that reflects the recent rises in feed prices.
 

Canada Hog Markets
01 August 2012

 

CANADA - Ontario – Summertime… and the livings not so easy, writes Bob Fraser, Sales and Service at Genesus Ontario.

Crops
 
At least not if you toil in barns or fields. Perhaps if you’re at the beach or a cabin the seemingly endless summer feels like a boon but for those in agriculture the deepening drought with its continuous news cycle now reaching the mainstream media can become increasingly disconcerting and discouraging. However here in our small batch (Ontario) we’re in reasonable shape. With apologies to those that haven’t caught the rains crops look relatively good. Blessed as we are surrounded by the Great Lakes we’re not particularly familiar with widespread crop failure. We certainly have years better than another but we tend to always get rain. Not always enough and the nature of thunderstorms in the summertime it can rain on one side of the road and not the other. Therefore some areas are in better shape than others but virtually everyone will have a crop with opportunity for many to have quite a good crop.
 



Genesus Global Market Report
Prices for the week of July 22, 2012
 


Country

Domestic price
(own currency)

US dollars
(Liveweight a lb)
 


USA (Iowa-Minnesota)

94.57¢ USD/lb carcass

69.98¢
 


Canada (Ontario)

1.75¢ CAD/kg carcass

63.70¢
 


Mexico (DF)

23.48 MXN/kg liveweight

80.44¢
 


Brazil (South Region)

2.15 BRL/kg liveweight

47.64¢
 


Russia

95 RUB/kg liveweight

$1.34
 


China

13.24 RMB/kg liveweight

94.37¢
 


Spain

1.38 EUR/kg liveweight

77.04¢
 

The general rotation in Ontario is corn, soybeans and/or edible beans to winter wheat. My unscientific canvas of customers with winter wheat would deem the crop as average to better than average with yields suggested from 75 bus to 113 bus. Seeming to average around 100 bus. Which by most measures would be considered a good crop in Ontario. As well the crop appears to have been dry and toxin free. So the first round of the harvest cycle has been encouraging as well as 3 to 4 weeks early encouraging some to take a shot on double cropping soybeans. This doesn’t have a great track record of success here but “hope springs eternal”. So the beans and corn for the most part skates along the edge of stress, looking for rain but catching some, looks to be opportunity for reasonable crops here.
 
Hogs
 
If we take a look at the OMAFRA Weekly Hog Market Facts compiled by John Bancroft, Market Strategies Program Lead, Stratford OMAFRA john.bancroft@ontario.ca it’s difficult not to think of the opening line of Dickens – Tale of Two Cities “it was the best of times it was the worst of times”. John’s estimated margin after feeder pig and feed for the last five weeks is considerably better than we’ve seen for a very long time. However a review of the Ontario Feed Market below shows lots of trouble with corn and SBM with a trajectory that would do Cape Canaveral proud!
 



The Ontario Market

22-Jun-12

29-Jun-12

6-Jul-12

13-Jul-12

20-Jul-12
 


Average price ($/ckg, DW total value)

$202.79

$214.73

$211.69

$209.71

 
 


Low price ($/ckg, DW total value)

$175.34

$183.71

$190.65

$186.27

 
 


High price ($/ckg, DW total value)

$222.49

$234.23

$233.56

$228.52

 
 


Weekly Average Dressed Weight (kg)

96.46

96.61

96.42

$96.20

 
 


Market Hogs Sold

82,399

82,931

75,753

85,175

 
 


Market Hogs Sold - % of Previous Year

106%

115%

92%

99%

 
 


100% Formula Price ($/ckg, 100 index)

$184.02

$190.80

$185.80

$183.89

$175.57
 


Previous Year - 100% Formula Price ($/ckg, 100 index)

$174.16

$180.50

$173.95

$166.72

$164.90
 


Weaned Pig Value (C$/pig) - Formula Value

$47.85

$49.61

$48.31

$47.81

$45.65
 


Feeder Pig Value (C$/pig) - Formula Value

$75.91

$78.71

$76.64

$75.85

$72.42
 


Est. Grow Finish Feed Cost for Current Week

$88.41

$92.80

$99.14

$102.26

$109.75
 


Est. Margin after Feeder Pig and Feed

$43.58

$50.45

$44.30

$43.70

$34.69
 





The Ontario Feed Market
(Friday's Closing Prices)

22-Jun-12

29-Jun-12

6-Jul-12

13-Jul-12

20-Jul-12
 


Chicago Corn (US $/bushel) - Sept'12

$5.9025

$6.2850

$6.9525

$7.4050

$8.2450
 


Chicago Soybeans (US $/bushel) - Aug'12

$14.4150

$14.8175

$15.6725

$15.9475

$17.5750
 


Soybean Meal ($/tonneHamilton + $20)

$535.56

$543.61

$581.09

$609.31

$677.54
 


Old Crop Corn ( farm price - $/tonne) based on Sept'12

$230.40

$255.30

$277.64

$287.59

$320.65
 


Western Ontario feed Corn ($/tonne) - based on Sept'12

$242.61

$275.38

$298.90

$302.94

$336.80
 


New Crop Corn ( farm price - $/tonne) based on Dec'12

$192.51

$216.43

$235.42

$254.02

$281.78
 


DDGS FOB Chatham/Sarnia/Almer ($/tonne)

$222.50

$217.50

$222.50

$235.00

$257.50
 

Prospects
 
This trajectory results as shown by John’s excellent work on margins being slashed from the present $37 to $15 and appearing to be on its way even further south.
 
The Hog Margin Tracker for 20 July 2012
 •Pigs marketed this week showed a realized margin of $37 per hog based on a market hog value of $190, a feeder pig cost of $62 (placed on feed April 6th), and a feed cost of $91 per pig. The expected margin when the pigs went on feed in April was $27. The difference is the higher realized market hog price this week.
 

•The pigs that went on feed this week (20 July) are to be marketed the week ending 2 November show an expected margin of $15 per pig. This is based on a formula feeder pig purchase value of $29, an estimated feed cost of $108 per pig and an estimated market hog value of $152. The estimated feed costs and market hog value are based on the basis adjusted closing futures for lean hogs, corn, soybean meal and the Canadian dollar for Thursday, 19 July.
 
Once again highlighting the need for astute risk management in its many forms be it having a land base, judicious buying & selling to protect margin, to adaptation of the latest technology to ensure maximum productivity.
 
Finally for interest how exports of live pigs to the US have changed in the latest six months. The North Dakota port of entry would represent Western Canada pigs primarily Manitoba. The Michigan & New York port of entry represents Eastern Canada pigs primarily Ontario.
 



Summary of US Pig Import Numbers
 


Port of Entry

Feeder Pigs

Market Hogs

Sows & Boars
 


Total for Canada
 


% Change from 2011

2%

-23%

-3%
 


Avg. Head/Week 2012

92,680

8,060

8,634
 


Change/week from 2011

1,728

-2,403

-260
 


North Dakota
 


% Change from 2011

6%

-30%

-1%
 


Avg. Head/Week 2012

77,483

1,915

5,100
 


Change/week from 2011

4,312

-840

70
 


Michigan & New York
 


% Change from 2011

-5%

-36%

-9%
 


Avg. Head/Week 2012

15,008

3,024

3,514
 


Change/week from 2011

-816

-1,692

-350
 

The % shown is the percentage change in 2012 versus 2011 as of 30 June 2012

The Avg. Head/week is for 2012 based on 26 weeks

Change /Week is the average difference in the number of pigs per week from 2011

Data Source: Canadian Live Animal Imports by State of Entry (USDA WA_LS635)

Fresh Pork Price to Rise
02 August 2012

MALTA - The price of fresh Maltese pork will go up from Monday due to the global increase in the cost of animal feed, the Pig Breeders’ Cooperative Society Limited said on Wednesday, 1 August.

>The increase will be of 20c per kilo on the price of whole pig carcasses sold by the cooperative, TimesofMalta.com.
 
It blamed price volatility in international markets for cereals and other ingredients, exacerbated by poor weather in cereal and soya producing countries.
 
The cooperative did not rule out further increases, with indications being that cereal prices will continue to rise.
 

Weekly Roberts Market Report
01 August 2012



 Michael T. Roberts
 Extension Agriculture Economist,
Dairy and Commodity Marketing,
NC State University


US - The US House of Representatives is scheduled to vote this week on extending the current 2008 farm bill by one year in order to reinstate emergency drought and other aid for farmers and ranchers. Sources confirm that included in the proposal will be help for producers to deal with losses from widespread drought for corn and soybean production and elevated livestock prices, writes Michael Roberts.

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R., Okla.) said Saturday that drought assistance measures would be revived in a one-year extension of the 2008 farm bill by cutting funding for subsidy programs. The 2008 farm bill is set to expire on September 30, 2012 there is some doubt whether or not there is enough support in the House to pass a new 2012 five-year farm bill. The Senate passed its version of the new 2012 farm bill on 21 June, but the House leadership has yet to schedule a vote on its own version. Mr Lucas said he is trying to get a House floor vote on the new 2012 farm bill his committee approved on July 12 that would reduce spending by $35 billion over 10 years by cutting agriculture subsidies, food-stamp spending and other programs. Both bodies of Congress must pass a version and then create a unified bill before it can be signed into law.
 
LEAN HOGS on the CME finished up on Monday with the exception of the nearby August contract. AUG’12LH futures finished $0.650/cwt lower at $94.65/cwt and $1.325/cwt lower than last Monday’s close. The DEC’12LH contract closed at $80.00/cwt; up $0.700/cwt and $3.950/cwt over last report. Seasonal trends and spillover from commodity markets were supportive. Pit sources said they expected the drought and rising feed costs to push producers to cut back on production tightening supplies of hogs into next year. Slightly higher sow culling was noted. Prices for breeding stock were under pressure at a number of local and regional markets last week and again on Monday. Quotes for sows ranged $1-$3/cwt lower. Some plant schedules have been trimmed due to hot worker conditions. Average slaughter weights were down 4 lbs/hd from a week ago to 271 lbs/hd. Average weights have declined due to hot weather over the last two weeks and are expected to erode further for another week or two. According to HedgersEdge.com, the average packer margin was raised $3.65/hd to a negative $3.65/head based on the average buy of $67.66/cwt vs. the breakeven of $66.40/cwt. Monday the CME lean hog index was estimated at 96.04; down 0.02 and 2.01 lower week before last.
 


CORN futures on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) finished up on Monday. The SEPT’12 contract closed at $8.200/bu; up 21.5¢/bu and 6.0¢/bu higher than last Monday’s close. The DEC’12 contract closed at $8.140/bu; up 20.75¢/bu and 28.75¢/bu over last report and established a new life-of-contract high. Continued drought concerns on dry forecasts amid uncertainty about the ultimate size of the crop were supportive. The drought categories of extreme and exceptional, as noted on the graphs below expanded 7 per cent last week. This is the highest level of drought affected acreage since 2003 and the largest weekly increase in the extreme and exceptional categories since Drought monitoring began in the US in January 2000. See US Drought Monitor graphs:
 






Reduced demand for US high-priced corn limited prices somewhat. Livestock industry representatives have asked the government to temporarily halt the ethanol-production mandate that forces much of the crop into fuel. While demand rationing is taking place strengthening inverse in futures spreads show that end users don’t believe it is enough to offset the expected large drop in production. Exports were bearish with USDA putting corn-inspected-for-export at 21.438 mb vs. estimates for 22-24 mb. This is well below the 35.5 mb needed to stay on pace with USDA’s 1.b bb demand projection. Please see graph.
 


The national average basis for corn fell 1.0¢/bu to -10.0¢/bu compared to September futures. Basis in Central North Carolina was +50.0¢/bu and in Virginia -16.0¢/bu. Late Monday afternoon USDA put the US corn crop in good-to-excellent condition at 24 per cent vs. 26 per cent this time last week and 62 per cent this time last year.
 
SOYBEAN futures on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) closed up on Monday. The AUG’12 contract closed at $17.256/bu; up 41.5¢/bu and 27.25¢/bu over last report. NOV’12 futures closed at $434/bu; up 41.75¢/bu and 21.15¢/bu higher than a week ago. Weather and traders adding risk premiums ahead of the USDA crop progress report were supportive. Soybeans are entering a crucial pod-setting/filling stage over the next few weeks. The crop is about two-weeks ahead of the normal production cycle due to early planting and heat stress. When plants are under stress they speed up the life cycle to reproduce before it dies. The National Weather Service forecasts mostly dry weather this week for the important soybean-growing states of Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. High temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s in Iowa and Illinois and low 100s in Missouri. Demand remains strong as China continues to import US soybeans due to low production in South America. Additionally, domestic soybean-meal demand for animal feed remains strong. Late Monday USDA put the US soybean crop in good-to-excellent condition at 29 per cent vs. 31 per cent last week and 60 per cent this time last year. The national average basis for soybeans fell 3.0¢/bu to -36.0¢/bu compared to August futures. Basis in Central North Carolina was -83.75¢/bu and in Virginia -61.75¢/bu. Exports were bullish. USDA put soybeans-inspected-for-export at 15.498 mb vs. estimates for 12-15 mb. Inspections are 78 mb ahead of the demand curve projected by USDA’s 1.34 bb for 2012. Please see graph:
 


WHEAT futures in Chicago (CBOT) closed up on Monday. SEPT’12 wheat futures finished at $9.144/bu; up 16.5¢/bu and 1.75¢/bu over last report. The JULY’13 contract closed at $8.316/bu; up 1.5¢/bu and 21.25¢/bu higher than last Monday at this time. Spillover from corn and soybeans was supportive. Wheat prices are somewhat linked to these as wheat is also an animal feed. In addition, damage to wheat crops in other countries is becoming more apparent. Wheat crop damage from drought is surfacing from Australia and the Black Sea region. Too much rain is reportedly hurting wheat-crop prospects in Europe. Funds continue to be bullish on wheat as global supplies shrink. The national average basis for HRW wheat was down 1.0¢/bu to -55.0 compared to September futures. Late Monday USDA put the US wheat crop in good-to-excellent condition at 63 per cent vs. 60 per cent last week and 70 per cent this time last year. Exports are considered bearish as USDA put wheat-inspected-for-export at 18.601 mb vs. estimates for 19 - 21 mb. This is 5.199 mb short of the 23.8 mb needed to stay on pace with USDA’s 1.2 bb demand forecast.
 

This Week's Pig Industry News
30 July 2012


ANALYSIS - By far the leading topic in the news in the last week is the upward trend in feed prices. The effects of the present drought across much of the US on maize and soybean harvests have already been widely reported.
 Although the North American wheat harvest is looking good at this stage, harsh winter weather in the Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan have hit yields there and weather has also reduced harvests in other significant wheat-producing countries such as Australia, Argentina and Morocco.
 Four new outbreaks of African Swine Fever have been reported in the Russian Federation.

Prospects for global grain stocks and prices for 2012/2013 could be bleaker than some analysts are already predicting, according to a new report.
 
In May and then again this month, the International Grains Council cut its production forecast for wheat by five million tonnes to 665 million tonnes. This is more than 30 million tonnes below the estimates for the 2011/2012 harvest or a four per cent drop.
 
Much of the reduction in wheat production has been put down to the forecast poor harvest in the former Soviet Union countries – in particular Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan – where the harvest is expected to be 17 per cent down on the 2011/2012 estimates – a fall of about 24 million tonnes.
 
The European Union suffered a huge freeze during the winter and is expected to see a four per cent drop in its wheat harvest or five million tonnes although, according to France AgriMer, the EU’s own forecasts are less pessimistic, reducing production by just two million tonnes.
 
These falls in production have to be added to the poor harvests in countries such as Australia, Argentina and Morocco, where wheat production could be reduced by as much as 40 per cent because of drought. Australian wheat production is expected to be reduced by 19 per cent to 24 million tonnes, and Argentina will be see a drop of 14 per cent to 11.5 million tonnes.
 
By contrast, North American wheat production is forecast to rise with the US expecting an 11 per cent rise and Canada a five per cent rise, producing a total of around 87 million tonnes.
 
As reported previously, drought across much of the US, however, is likely to hit the corn harvest hard and soybean volumes will also be down unless rain falls in the coming weeks.
 
Dry conditions are increasing feed prices and quickly spelling financial disaster for livestock producers, according to Purdue agricultural economist, Chris Hurt.
 
Lower harvests will inevitably raise feed prices. However, according to a Texas AgriLife Extension Service economist, the future of corn prices and the impact on fed livestock continue to form an unfolding, tumultuous situation but they have not reached crisis point – yet.
 
Continuing hot, dry weather and the continuing rise in feed prices. Corn and soybean prices have reached record levels in recent weeks, with corn at times above $8 per bushel, soybeans above $17 per bushel and soybean meal above $550 per ton, report Ron Plain and Scott Brown of the University of Missouri.
 
Of course, many leading pig producers will have made plans to mitigate the risks of exposure to high prices. For example, the world’s largest pork producer, Smithfield Foods Inc. of the US has said it will import corn from Brazil, a move that reflects how surging costs for US feed grains are rippling through the livestock and meat industry.
 
In Brazil, the agriculture minister has set a minimum price of R$0.40 (US$0.20) per kilo of pigs. The measure aims to ensure the flow of production from producing regions and cover the cost of production of the sector. This is just one of a series of measures to be announced recently to alleviate the industry’s problems.
 
A modest improvement in pig prices in recent weeks is being overshadowed by a surge in feed prices in Scotland.
 
Australian feed grain prices increased dramatically in July, underpinned by developments in international markets.
 
The International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) has voiced an urgent concern that the rise in feed and food costs will continue unabated for the foreseeable future, in large part due to the diversion of feed and food grains and oilseeds into biofuels. This will result in critical pressure on feed manufacturers worldwide and higher prices for consumers.
 
Changing the subject, three new outbreaks of African Swine Fever were reported by the Russian veterinary service in the regions of Krasnodar and Volgograd last week, and one new outbreak in Tver.






Jackie Linden - Senior Editor

Stacking the Deck
Make the Most of Good Structure in the Dairy Goat Show Ring

By Shelene Costello

 
I love showing my dairy goats. It gives me a chance to evaluate my herd compared to other herds, to see how my breeding decisions have worked out. It also gives me a chance to visit with other goat breeders, and we discuss all kinds of things to do with goats, management issues, health, feeding, and genetics and structure. Taking my dairy goats into the show ring also gives me a chance to ask opinions not only of the judge, but other breeders I respect and value.
 
Over the years, I've watched how others show their goats. There are some basic techniques that help each animal look their best, and as I've shown mine, I've learned a lot about how to set a goat up and how to enhance its best qualities. I've still got a ways to go before I consider myself a master showman, but I've spent time studying the effects of how setting up, or stacking a goat can make or break how they look in the few moments a judge has to evaluate each animal in the ring.
 






I'm in the process of running my hand down Lucky's back to tickle the nerves over the loin so she'd drop her topline down and set in a bit more angles to the rear leg set.

 





I have her front legs a bit too far forward, and the back legs, one too far forward, one too far back, and holding the collar down too low.

 





I'm in the process of setting her rear legs. But I should have set the one closest to the camera(or judge) first. And I've got her front legs too far under the body,causing her to teeter a bit forward.

 





Feet are turned out and hocks turned in, the legs can be picked up and set more correctly under the goat and much straighter.

 





Front legs too far apart.

 





Too close together.

 





Legs set directly under the body, wide enough apart to show width of chest, but not too far apart.

 



Unlike at home, where I have hours every day to watch how my goats stand and move, the judge has to evaluate a bunch of animals in a timely manner to get every one judged in the time allotted. First impressions play a huge role in whether or not an individual animal will make a show ring cut or even get a second look for a more thorough evaluation in the show ring competition. For this reason, it is to every breeder's benefit to spend time working with their animals at home to practice show ring maneuvers and leg sets.
 
I spend time at home working with my animals teaching them to be set up, move in a graceful manner and be handled by someone, as they will in the course of the evaluation in the ring.
 
I make use of cameras, mirrors and other people's opinions, as to what looks best for each animal to present it in the best light possible in an efficient manner. Goats are goats, they have minds of their own and I never know for sure what they will do in public, but training really helps with my odds of presenting a pleasing picture quickly and efficiently. Most judges are forgiving of the occasional idiocy of goats, where they just won't cooperate....but to be competitive, it really helps to have goats who know what to expect so they aren't going to be so hard to evaluate.
 
A goat that is tensed up, will tighten its skin and not feel smooth and silky with loose pliable skin. A goat that isn't standing up well, or is turning one part of its body in or out, doesn't show the judge what it really may have. The judge can't know that at home the goat is fluid in motion and has a really lovely rear leg set if the goat is hunched up with its hocks turned in as it crouches down to get away.
 
At our farm, we practice setting up each goat to show off its best points, prior to the start of show season. We do it often enough that it becomes second nature, so that in the press and excitement of an actual show, it will come naturally without me having to think through each step. Same for the goat, if it knows it's going to get stacked and moved, and stacked and examined, it will be more likely to cooperate no matter what is going on around it. It is no secret that dairy goats like routine, whether in the milk room or in the show ring. So practicing a setting-up routine over and over at home will help the animal show off his or her best attributes when the same routine is performed in the show ring.
 
As I enter any official show ring, I walk in a clockwise direction, with the collar well up on the neck directly under the jaw. I move slowly and carefully, so that my goat is walking gracefully, not swinging her udder from side to side. I want the head to be up and looking alert, pointing forward if possible, so that the body is in a good position to be seen straight and true by the judge. I want her to take long fluid strides showing ease of movement and proper placement of feet as we move.
 
I walk to where the line stops and quickly set up my goat. I try to set up the side of the goat the judge is standing closest to first. For example, if the judge is behind my goat, I'll set up the rear end first. I look down to make sure the legs are set square under the doe, so that there is a straight line from the thurl to the ground when looking from behind. I make sure the hock is perpendicular to the ground, ideally set directly under the pin bones. This usually shows a balanced view of the udder and leaves plenty of room to showcase the udder from behind without extra space showing on either side of the udder between the legs, yet far enough apart that it doesn't squeeze the udder out of place.
 
Next, I'll move up to the front end and make sure the front legs are set directly under the withers, wide enough to show the proper width of the chest floor, yet not so wide as to make the goat look spraddle-legged.
 
Then I'll run my hand down the topline, and tickle the nerves above the loin so that the topline drops down a bit and pushes a bit of angle into the rear legs, making the topline look as level as I can.
 
I continue to hold the head up high if the goat's neck is set on high, or I'll hold the head out a bit more in front to make the neck blend into the shoulders and hold that topline up and level if the neck is set a bit lower. Holding the head out a bit also gives an impression of length for a slightly shorter bodied animal, and it can pull the front legs under the goat a bit more if needed.
 
I work to keep that head held straight, to keep the topline in a straight line and not throw off the profile. It's not pretty to see any animal twisted sideways, making them lean one way or another.
 
As the judge moves about the ring, I watch and keep the goat between the judge and myself at all times, so that there is an unrestricted view of the animal. Besides, no judge wants a view of my backside while I'm handling the goat.
 
My job is to continue to present the best picture of my goat, as close to the ideal dairy goat as I can present it the entire time I'm in the ring, clear through the placements and giving of reasons...no matter where I place in the class.
 
Part of sportsmanship is behaving in a sportsman-like manner the entire time in the ring, no matter if I agree with the judge or not, and no matter what else happens in the ring around us. I try to walk by or lean up and congratulate the winners, if I'm not at the front of the line that time. And if I win, I try to be as gracious as possible to the other exhibitors.
 
I pay attention to the reasons as the judge gives them, looking at each animal in the line up to see if I can make sense of the reasons and see why certain animals were placed as they were. There is a lot to be learned from other excellent showmen and the line-up at the end of each class is a great place to do just that.
 
I also watch as others show their goats throughout the day, looking to see if they are doing things that I can use to try to improve how my goats are presented.
 
When all is said and done, it is nice to head back to our pens and relax and enjoy watching the rest of the show. Dairy goat shows are great places to learn about and appreciate the breeding programs of animals from other parts of the county, state, or even country!
 

SALT LAKE CITY — A man spotted dressed in a goat suit among a herd of wild goats in the mountains of northern Utah has wildlife officials worried he could be in danger as hunting season approaches.
 
Phil Douglass of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources said Friday the person is doing nothing illegal, but he worries the so-called “goat man” is unaware of the dangers.
 
“My very first concern is the person doesn’t understand the risks,” Douglass said. “Who’s to say what could happen.”
 

Related

Can’t understand your goat? Maybe it’s his accent

.
Douglass said a man hiking Sunday along Ben Lomond peak in the mountains above Ogden, about 40 miles (64 kilometres) north of Salt Lake City, spotted the person dressed like a goat among a herd of real goats. The person provided some blurry photographs to Douglass, who said they did not appear to have been altered.
 
Wildlife officials now just want to talk to the man so that he is aware of the dangers. There’s no telling what his intentions are, Douglass said, but it is believed he could just be an extreme wildlife enthusiast.
 




Fotolia

An actual goat (not a goat man)
.
“People do some pretty out there things in the name of enjoying wildlife. But I’ve never had a report like this,” Douglass said. “There’s a saying we have among biologists — You don’t go far enough, you don’t get the data. You go too far, you don’t go home. The same is true with some wildlife enthusiasts.”
 
Douglass said 60 permits will be issued for goat hunting season in that area, which begins in September. He worries the goat man might be accidentally shot or could be attacked by a real goat.
 
“They may get agitated. They’re territorial. They are, after all, wild animals,” he said. “This person puts on a goat suit, he changes the game. But as long as he accepts responsibility, it’s not illegal.”
 
Douglass said wildlife officials received an anonymous call Thursday from an “agitated man” after the sighting was reported in local media. The caller simply said, “Leave goat man alone. He’s done nothing wrong.”’
 
“I want people to enjoy Utah’s wildlife. We live in a really neat place. We have wildlife all around us,” Douglass said. “We just want people to be safe.”
 
Coty Creighton, 33, spotted the goat man Sunday during his hike. He said he came across the herd, but noticed something odd about one goat that was trailing behind the rest.
 
“I thought maybe it was injured,” Creighton said Friday. “It just looked odd.”
 
He said he pulled out binoculars to get a closer look at the herd about 200 yards (meters) away and was shocked. The man appeared to be acting like a goat while wearing the crudely made costume, which had fake horns and a cloth mask with cut-out eye holes, Creighton said.
 
“I thought, ’What is this guy doing?’ ” Creighton said. “He was actually on his hands and knees. He was climbing over rocks and bushes and pretty rough terrain on a steep hillside.”
 
Creighton said the man occasionally pulled up his mask, apparently trying to navigate the rocky terrain. The man then appeared to spot Creighton.
 
“He just stopped in his tracks and froze,” he said.
 
Creighton moved down the mountain and hid behind a tree, then began snapping photographs.
 
The goat man then put his mask back on, Creighton said, got back down on his hands and knees and scurried to catch up with the herd.
 
“We were the only ones around for miles,” Creighton said. “It was real creepy.”
 
.
Posted in: News, World  Tags: animals, goats, utah

SA_LS320
San Angelo, TX    Wed Jul 25, 2012   USDA Market News

Producers Livestock Auction Co, San Angelo, Texas

Sheep and Goat Auction:
Weekly:

Total Receipts:  4042    Last Week:  4696    Year Ago:  13,485
Sheep Receipts:   930    Last Week:  1790    Year Ago:    6776
Goat  Receipts:  3112    Last Week:  2906    Year Ago:    6709

   Compared to last week heavy slaughter lambs not well tested; light
slaughter lambs under 70 lbs 5.00-10.00 lower, over 70 lbs 2.00-5.00
lower.  Slaughter ewes steady.  Feeder lambs not well tested.  Nannies
5.00-8.00 lower; kids weak to 5.00 lower.  Trading and demand moderate.
Supply included 10 percent slaughter lambs, 10 percent slaughter ewes,
5 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 100-135 lbs 100.00-110.00.

   Choice and Prime 1 40-60 lbs 130.00-160.00; 60-70 lbs 134.00-152.00;
70-80 lbs 120.00-138.00, few 148.00-154.00; 80-90 lbs 110.00-114.00, few
124.00-132.00; 90-105 lbs 102.00-112.00.
Choice 1 40-70 lbs 110.00-130.00; 70-80 lbs 100.00-120.00; 80-90 lbs
100.00-110.00; 90-110 lbs 90.00-100.00.
Good 1 60-90 lbs 90.00-100.00.

SLAUGHTER EWES:
   Good 2-3 (fleshy) 50.00-55.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh)
53.00-60.00, few high-yielding 65.00-68.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 45.00-
52.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) 38.00-48.00; Cull 1 (extremely
thin) 25.00-36.00.

SLAUGHTER BUCKS:
   45.00-65.00.

FEEDER LAMBS:
   Medium and Large 2 40-60 lbs 100.00-120.00; 60-105 lbs 95.00-105.00.

REPLACEMENT EWES:
   Medium and Large 1-2 few baby tooth to solid mouth 78.00-84.00 per
head, others 120-130 lbs 63.00-66.00 cwt.


GOATS:  Estimated 75 percent of receipts:
All sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless otherwise specified.

SLAUGHTER CLASSES:
   KIDS:  Selection 1 25-40 lbs 180.00-190.00; 40-60 lbs 180.00-199.00,
few show prospects 220.00-240.00; 60-80 lbs 170.00-192.00; 80-110 lbs
160.00-162.00.
Selection 1-2 30-40 lbs 144.00-166.00; 40-60 lbs 150.00-182.00; 60-80 lbs
150.00-172.00; 80-100 lbs 136.00-160.00.
Selection 2 25-40 lbs 126.00-140.00; 40-80 lbs 130.00-150.00.
   DOES/NANNIES:  Selection 1-2 80-130 lbs 88.00-108.00, few 114.00-
118.00; 130-165 lbs 60.00-95.00; thin 70-115 lbs 70.00-90.00.
   BUCKS/BILLIES:  Selection 1-2 70-100 lbs 126.00-142.50; 100-150 lbs
110.00-126.00; 150-250 lbs 100.00-116.00.

REPLACEMENT CLASSES:
   DOES/NANNIES: Selection 1 80-100 lbs 142.00.
Selection 1-2 60-120 lbs 112.00-134.00.

Source:  USDA Market News Service, San Angelo, Texas

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.

USDA Livestock Slaughter

Reports» USDA Livestock Slaughter» USDA Livestock Slaughter - July 2012

20 July 2012
USDA Livestock Slaughter - July 2012
June commercial red meat production is recorded down from last year.


 

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.02 billion pounds in June, down 5 percent from the 4.22 billion pounds produced in June 2011.
 
Beef production, at 2.25 billion pounds, was 5 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.87 million head, down 8 percent from June 2011. The average live weight was up 28 pounds from the previous year, at 1,290 pounds.
 
Veal production totaled 8.9 million pounds, 20 percent below June a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 56,000 head, down 23 percent from June 2011. The average live weight was up 4 pounds from last year, at 270 pounds.
 
Pork production totaled 1.75 billion pounds, down 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.55 million head, down 4 percent from June 2011. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 274 pounds.
 
Lamb and mutton production, at 12.4 million pounds, was down 1 percent from June 2011. Sheep slaughter totaled 168,900 head, 8 percent below last year. The average live weight was 147 pounds, up 10 pounds from June a year ago.
 
January to June 2012 commercial red meat production was 24.3 billion pounds, up slightly from 2011. Accumulated beef production was down 2 percent from last year, veal was down 9 percent, pork was up 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 2 percent.
 
June 2011 contained 22 weekdays (including 0 holidays) and 4 Saturdays.
 June 2012 contained 21 weekdays (including 0 holidays) and 5 Saturdays.