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Articles
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4722 | IAWS: Continuous Improvement Tool | The Spanish white pork sector seeks to continuously improve in all those advances that are required from the Green Deal. | <p>Companies in the Spanish white pork sector have been progressing and improving for years in providing better living conditions for animals through a profound transformation of farms: limiting the maximum size, generating optimal conditions of space, food, rest and development, and establishing specific biosecurity plans.<br />In this sense, animal welfare labeling and certification systems are proliferating in Europe. Some remain in the field of the farm, without considering transport or what happens in the slaughterhouse, others incorporate food safety or biosecurity, but no regulation is as complete as the one we are now addressing, the Animal Welfare and Biosafety Technical Regulation, Interporc Animal Welfare Spain (IAWS) and its corresponding certification seal: 'Welfare Commitment Certified'.<br />The Technical Regulation has been prepared by experts from the production and industry of the sector,and is evaluated by a Scientific Committee of high-level experts in animal welfare, responsible for the application of changes and improvements which definesit as adynamic and constantly evolving certification.<br />Compliance with the requirements makes the operators comply with the legal requirements of national and European regulations, as well as others that go further, which is an extra requirement and allows continuous progress in those areas of the certification.<br />The system establishes that all the requirements are met in order to obtain the certificate, so those operators that cannot comply with any of them must present and comply with corrective actions. This leads to a continuous improvement of the deficiencies that these operators previously presented, making them progress and improve their facilities and procedures.<br />With this Regulation and certification seal that the sector itself imposes, the Spanish white pork sector seeks to continuously improve in all those advances that are required from the Green Deal, and continue with its place as an international leader of what is known as 'modern livestock': professionalized, innovative, respectful of the sensitivity and needs of animals and focused on reducing environmental impact and caring for the environment. Furthermore, INTERPORC has developed an Independent Dialogue to communicate to the “UN Food Systems Summit Dialogues” the decisive role of the livestock-meat production: https://summitdialogues.org/es/dialogue/13544/<br />For further information, please check our website: https://www.bienestaranimalcertificado.com/animal-welfare-certified/</p> <p> </p> | 1 | Industry | 2021-06-02 08:59:04 | 2025-08-12 01:57:53 | Details Edit Delete | ||
6318 | The Spanish white-coated pork products are available to more than 4 billion people | The Spanish white-coated pork products are available to approximately 4,000 million people, half of the total world population, according to calculations made by the White-Coated Pork Interprofessional (INTERPORC), based on the population of the countries to which it is exported and its relationship with the consumption of pork products. | <p><span lang="DE">This is a very significant figure that demonstrates the export success of the Spanish white-coated pig </span><span lang="DE">sector , which is present in countries in all parts of the world with very diverse populations and with different conditions regarding their diet.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Spain is, since 2021, the second world exporter of pork meat and products, only behind the United States, with close to 3 million tons and a value of more than 8,000 million euros.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">In total, Spanish pork meat and products are present in 111 markets, to which must be added the countries of the European Union, which shows, according to Alberto Herranz, director of INTERPORC, "the confidence of the authorities of all these countries in the quality and guarantee of traceability and food safety that our products offer thanks to our production model, the most guaranteed in the world in these matters".</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">In this sense, Herranz explains that "Spanish pork companies have earned this trust by working hard and well over the last two decades, which has allowed them to establish solid commercial relationships with distributors from all regions of the world".</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Internationalization, adds Herranz, "has made the sector very competitive, which has gradually adapted to the demands of consumers around the world and has made a strong commitment to aspects such as professionalism, innovation and research, to always be one step ahead in the demands of the markets and the consumer".</span></p> | 1 | Retail | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2023-04-07 00:30:55 | 2025-08-11 20:43:29 | Details Edit Delete | |
3678 | NPPC worries about the COVID-19 disruptive impact on farms | The specter of market-ready hogs with nowhere to go is a nightmare for every pork producer, said NPPC President Howard Roth. | <p>The impact of coronavirus outbreak in the US labor force market is a major concern for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), who urged the US government officials to come out with a solution for any disruption created in the supply chain. In a letter to the president and other administration officials, members of Congress, and state governors, NPPC called for expedited solutions addressing the need for more workers on hog farms and in pork plants. It also called on federal, state and local governments to work together to develop a response to COVID-19 that protects public health and, whenever possible, supports animal care and minimizes disruptions to the U.S. pork production supply chain and consumers. NPPC also called on the administration to develop support plans for hog farmers if labor-related bottlenecks in the supply chain prevent hogs from being marketed.<br />"School closures preventing parents from going to work and caring for their animals are already a concern in farm and plant communities. The specter of market-ready hogs with nowhere to go is a nightmare for every pork producer in the nation. It would result in severe economic fallout in rural communities and a major animal welfare challenge," said NPPC President Howard Roth.<br />Currently, the US pork industry relies on foreign labor and needs a stable workforce. Even without the additional challenge presented by COVID-19, the labor shortage threatens to increase production costs and food prices for consumers. Existing visa programs are designed for seasonal agriculture, and reform is needed to address the animal care and other requirements of year-round livestock agriculture, considers the Council.</p> | 1 | Industry | 2020-03-11 08:31:42 | 2025-08-11 14:49:39 | Details Edit Delete | ||
3100 | Pork prices in Mexico are increasing | The spike is driven by higher prices in the main supply market, such as the US, Europe and Canada and low production of corn. | <p>China's increased demand for pork due to the ASF situation and lower corn harvests in the US are triggering an increase in prices of pork and poultry in the Mexican market. The first effect was seen in the pork market, where prices are starting to go higher after the main suppliers have adapted their offer to the situation in China.<br />Mexico is importing almost 40% of its pork consumption and prices in the domestic market have started to increase since April, when a hike in the prices of imported pork from the US and Canada has been observed.<br />"From April to May the price of imported pork from the US and Canada increased 12.8% and 8.1% respectively, due mainly to African Swine Fever (ASF) in China.</p> <p>The increases derive from the rise that began to register since the beginning of March the futures of the pig before the possibility that China loses 25% of its production because of the ASF. The Asian country produces half of the pig worldwide.</p> <p>On April 16, pork futures for delivery in August, without considering other costs (ie: logistics costs, insurance and other expenses), reached their highest level since October 2014 and 33 percent higher than on the same date of 2018. Since May pork futures have fallen because of the rise of corn, as it is making more expensive the production of pork and other animal proteins. But they will rise again once there is less domestic production and once China runs out of inventories, which we estimate will happen around August", commented Fernando Ortiz, Genesus Ibero-America Business Development Manager.<br />Until May, Mexico has maintained retaliatory duties on the US pork up to 20%, which opened the way for more Canadian and European pork imports in the country. Still, pork prices have increased also in these markets and, if China is to lose more than 25% of its swine inventory this year, increased demand from Asia can also lead to a spike in prices for poultry and beef as alternative proteins to substitute the lack of pork in the global market.</p> | 1 | Market | 2019-07-15 08:09:52 | 2025-08-11 15:36:14 | Details Edit Delete | ||
4383 | NZ still concerned about Brexit | <p>Access for New Zealand's red meat exports in the UK and EU remains an issue for the industry, according to a press release from Beef+Lamb New Zealand. Beef + Lamb New Zealand CEO Sam McIvor welcomed the announcement that the UK and the EU have reached agreement on their future relationship, but says the split quotas would have been a concern regardless of whether the UK left the EU with or without a Brexit deal.<br />“We know this has been a really difficult process for the UK and EU and we acknowledge that some steps are needed before it is formalised. We welcome the certainty the agreement brings in minimising border disruptions, which would have made it more challenging to get our product into the UK market. However, it’s hugely disappointing that the EU and UK have agreed to a trade deal between them, but have chosen to compromise New Zealand’s access in the process. This choice sends completely the wrong signal about their commitment to the global rules-based trading system and to trade liberalisation and leadership.<br />The New Zealand Government, along with B+LNZ, the New Zealand Meat Board and the Meat Industry Association, have voiced strong objections over the last four years regarding the EU and UK’s decision to split the quotas. Outside of Brexit, both the EU and UK have said that they want to negotiate ambitious and modern new trade deals with us. The quota split flies in the face of that claim and leaves us on the back foot before we even get to the negotiating table,” he declared</p> <p>Meat Industry Association Chief Executive Sirma Karapeeva says in addition to raising concerns about the split quota, the industry had been preparing for all Brexit outcomes. “The Brexit process has not been easy and we welcome the certainty of an agreed deal. MIA has been working with B+LNZ, the New Zealand Meat Board and New Zealand Government agencies to minimise any possible disruption for New Zealand exporters. Our strong concern is that the quota split erodes the quality and quantity of our market access into these high-value markets. It represents a major step back from the trade liberalisation positions claimed by both the EU and UK, and undermines their WTO commitments and their legally binding obligations. The New Zealand Government must resist this move. It removes our market access rights and ability to respond to commercial opportunities. Now that Brexit has been resolved, we expect to see the UK and EU taking urgent steps to live up to their word that New Zealand is not left worse off as a result of the Brexit process. While we understand the UK and EU have been grappling with a range of serious issues, we urge them both to seek to minimise the impact of their choices on a trusted and longstanding trading and political partner,” she said.</p> | 1 | Industry | 2020-12-29 10:55:59 | 2025-08-11 03:52:11 | Details Edit Delete | |||
8300 | FAO: The spread of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza calls for stepped up action | The spread of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, bringing losses of hundreds of millions of poultry worldwide with increased spillover into mammals, highlights the urgent need for strengthened biosecurity, monitoring and surveillance, rapid-response mechanisms, and risk communication to safeguard the poultry sector and protect livelihoods and economies. | <p style="font-weight: 400;">FAO Deputy Director-General Godfrey Magwenzi described the spread of the disease as unprecedented, "leading to serious impacts on food security and food supply in countries, including loss of valuable nutrition, rural jobs and income, shocks to local economies, and of course increasing costs to consumers". </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Among the complex challenges avian influenza poses are how to protect poultry production systems to ensure food security and the nutrition of the millions who rely on poultry for meat and eggs. Additional challenges revolve around safeguarding biodiversity, livelihoods and safe trade, and preventing social impacts, most often borne by poultry farmers, Magwenzi said. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Coordinated response needed</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol emphasized that this is a transboundary issue requiring a global, coordinated response. "'FAO has been on the front lines of tackling this virus for over 20 years – supporting governments in detecting, preventing, and responding to outbreaks", she said. To strengthen these efforts, FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have launched a ten-year Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Bechdol highlighted FAO’s role in combating avian influenza and other potential pandemic threats, underscoring the importance of strong veterinary and animal health system capacity in every country. “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By working together, we can reduce the impact of avian influenza and protect both animal and human health – locally and globally,” she said. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The last four years have seen a major shift in avian influenza in terms of geographical spread, with increased spillover to mammals and massive losses in domestic birds, impacting food security and driving up prices for poultry products, the Members were told. Large numbers of wild birds have succumbed to the disease, harming biodiversity with at least 300 newly affected wild bird species since 2021.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">FAO called on countries to take several measures to address the global avian influenza challenge: </p> <ul style="font-weight: 400;"> <li>Enhance surveillance and reporting</li> <li>Improve laboratory capacity</li> <li>Develop and implement preparedness plans and plan for business continuity</li> <li>Promote risk management through biosecurity</li> <li>Consider a potential role for vaccination in risk mitigation</li> <li>Strengthen outbreak response</li> <li>Foster regional and international cooperation</li> <li>Raise awareness</li> </ul> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Bechdol said "FAO remains fully committed to global monitoring, sharing information, and providing guidance and tools to support all our Member countries tackle this serious threat". She also emphasized that partnership with the private sector is vital. She described the sector as the key stakeholders in HPAI prevention and control, playing a crucial role in ensuring safe and responsible value chains, developing new technologies for vaccines and diagnostics, and providing good quality animal health services.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Funding proposals call</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The meeting also included a third call for funding proposals for initiatives to be undertaken by the Pandemic Fund, hosted by the World Bank, with which FAO has co-led dozens of projects in the last two years.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Pandemic Fund projects aim to improve disease surveillance, develop early warning systems, strengthen health infrastructure, and promote cooperation across human, animal, plant and environmental health sectors. The Fund aims to attract additional resources, incentivize increased investments from countries, enhance coordination among partners, and serve as a platform for advocacy.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Among the other participants in the session were Permanent Representatives from Indonesia and Senegal and representatives from the International Poultry Council, the World Egg Organization and Health for Animals.</p> | 1 | Industry | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2025-03-24 00:05:28 | 2025-08-12 02:35:32 | Details Edit Delete | |
2077 | ASF, the nightmare of the pork sector | The spreading of the disease through Europe and Asia seems unstoppable at this moment and it could be a game changer in global trade. | <p>There are ten years since African Swine Fever is present at the borders of the EU and China, more precisely in Russia. However, there are certain reasons that point out different evolutions of the disease in each region affected by the outbreaks.</p> <p>Russia has the advantage of land distances between farms and that helped to stop the spreading of the virus at a fast pace. “Russia has tried to stop it and has made an excellent effort but so far has not been successful. Without a doubt in Russia and now Europe, humans and back yard production have been a major reason for the spread of ASF. Russia has land and strict biosecurity systems and protocols”, Jim Long, President and CEO of Genesus, compares the situation.</p> <p>However, it was Russia that stood at the origin of the spreading of the virus and the current development in Europe, where countries such as Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Belgium are already experiencing losses due to multiple outbreaks, biosecurity measures and banned exports. </p> <p><strong>Different approaches </strong></p> <p>Even if quarantine, restricted transportation and culling the animals infested are the main measures adopted by authorities in the countries affected by ASF outbreaks, differences are also visible. <br />Russia has appealed to systematic hunt of wild boars for several years to reduce the risk of spreading the disease through the whole country. A similar measure is in discussion in Poland but that came out after 4 years of fight against ASF outbreaks that already count more than 200 cases. In the whole EU block, new measures have been imposed this summer for the member<br />states affected by the disease regarding pig farming, especially for outdoor farms systems, and for wild boar population. The<br />EU legislation regarding the affected areas is fully in line with the OIE international standards. Nevertheless, in order to ensure<br />a higher level of animal health protection, the EU goes beyond the OIE requirements and applies stricter standards. In the<br />current application of regionalisation in Lithuania, Poland and Latvia, for example, no pigs, their semen, embryos or ova are<br />allowed to be moved from the infected area.<br />At the same time, all Member States are asked to respect a new set of guidelines in the matter of biosecurity until 2021, when it will be revised, which indicates that the disease is expected to stay for quite a long period in this part of the world.</p> <p><strong>The Chinese blockade</strong></p> <p>20 outbreaks have been reported in less than 45 days in China and, besides culling thousands of pigs, the authorities have decided to institute restrictions on animal transportation not only in the seven provinces where the cases have been reported<br />but also in other 11 provinces adjacent to those.<br />These growing and more frequent reports are affecting producer’s actions and also market conditions. We are being told that many farms are locking down and not allowing their people out nor outside people in. Bio-security has long been a challenge in China and now owners and managers are taking unprecedented steps to protect their facilities from contracting this devastating disease. <br />Who knows how long farm workers will be content under these lockdown conditions, but many farms are now providing housing, cafeteria, laundry and even barbershop services for their workers. Many farms are becoming almost like small communities<br />with all the comforts of home and even recreational facilities. So they may be able to withstand these conditions for some time.<br />However, local markets are reported to be very volatile as no pigs can ship to a native province from any of the provinces infected<br />with ASF. Nor can pigs be transported from the province of the neighbour of the infected province. That had caused a big variance on hog price from the province to province», reported Lyle Jones, Genesus Director of Sales in China, at the end of September.<br />During the next few months, China could be confronted with a supply gap of 2 million to 3 million tonnes of pork, according to<br />a Rabobank analysis and based on the known facts reported by Chinese authorities. The worst-case scenario China hosts more than 400 million pigs and that represents 55% of the global herd. Of those animals, the backyard pigs are a major part of China’s production - maybe 6-10 million sows, a fact that raises concern over the capability of containing the disease in the areas where it was reported.<br />One of the worst-case scenarios comes from a North-American group of analysts and it could be the „wake up call” for the global industry.</p> <p>Allan Bentley, a Genesus Sales representative for North America, is skeptical regarding the number of outbreaks reported by Chinese authorities by now and, considering the high density of pig farms in the country, that could really be bad news.<br />“After the first case was reported, I surmised there would be more cases reported very quickly. I believe China has reported 18 cases, so if they are<br />admitting to that I would guess it is closer to 180 cases. These cases are spread over a 2,000 km area and millions of swine in between each unit that reported an outbreak. The dense population of swine in China leads me<br />to the conclusion they will never get rid of this disease,” explains<br />Bentley.<br />At the same time, an uncontained spreading of the virus in South Asia could have effects on the global pig market and even reconsider the position of Beijing regarding the trade dispute with the US. “We all know the numbers involved with China’s hog production and their appetite for pork. If they want to feed their people, I would think they would want to get the trade<br />dispute with President Trump resolved quickly,” added Allan Bentley.<br />His opinion is also shared by Dr RC Ebert, Pleasant Hill Animal Clinic. “Can China and the other SE Asia countries control ASF? Their biosecurity is questionable. What effects will a decline in their production have on our markets? These and other questions remain to a be seen,” said the veterinarian.</p> <p><strong>Spaniards are terrified</strong></p> <p>The Belgium cases of ASF discovered in wild boar population has put Spain in the state of alert even if there are almost 1,000<br />km between the two countries. Recently, UPA, the Spanish Union of Small Farmers, has urged the government to adopt five stricter measures in its strategy against ASF entering the country.<br />As rumours about new cases reported in Italy have appeared, the agrarian organization has asked the Ministry of Agriculture to take five measures against swine fever, starting by banning the entry of wild boars in Spain. “It is unheard of animals being imported when, precisely, the last outbreaks of this disease have been detected in these animals that, paradoxically, are growing<br />in numbers uncontrollably until they become a pest in many rural areas of Spain,” complains UPA through the voice of its livestock<br />secretary, Roman Santalla.<br />Other four measures are seen as necessary to be adopted urgent, as mentioned in the letter sent to the Secretary-General of the<br />Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Fernando Miranda. One of those, the control of piglets imports, has already been<br />applied in Catalonia and UPA believes that it should be extended through all the provinces of Spain. The organization has<br />also requested that all biosafety measures be extended to vehicles involved in the transport of animals, “as it is known that it is<br />one of the most frequent routes for the spread of diseases in livestock,” they have assured from UPA.<br />Fourth, the farmers have proposed that the Ministry create a Coordination Table with the Autonomous Communities and the entire sector. “The goal has to be to point out and share all the news and actions related to African swine fever,” said Santalla.<br />Finally, UPA proposes that the breeders should maximize each and every one of the measures of biosecurity in the farms, in order to avoid a possible external contagion.</p> <p>Recently, the disease has begun to expand alarmingly acrossEurope, with the latest cases (unconfirmed yet) appearing in Italy. Spain has been confronted with ASF outbreaks almost 30 years ago and the losses for the sector were significant.</p> | 1 | Industry | 2018-10-22 06:59:21 | 2025-08-11 16:48:47 | Details Edit Delete | ||
7865 | New season lamb supply surges amidst producer caution | The spring flush is in full swing, with more new-season lambs hitting the market. However, after a turbulent 18-month period in the livestock market, producers are increasingly cautious about their stocking decisions. | <p style="font-weight: 400;">Over the third quarter, lamb prices began to rise in June, peaking in July as supply slowed. On average, prices increased by 12–25% during the quarter and have since stabilised at around 800 to 820¢/kg carcase weight (cwt) for the Heavy and Trade Lamb Indicators. Higher-quality lambs have commanded the best prices, while lower-quality stock has experienced less demand. This has led buyers to focus on heavy lambs, pushing prices close to $300 at Wagga. Although prices have returned to late 2021 and early 2022 levels, it is unlikely they will continue to reach new highs. Mutton prices have dropped by 24% since early July, potentially driven by the early turn-off of older breeding ewes.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">A stellar season in NSW has resulted in more new-season lambs coming to market earlier than in Victoria. The market witnessed a 20–40% increase in lamb supply compared to 2023 during the third quarter. NSW lamb yardings increased by almost 2% compared to last year as new-season lambs began arriving by mid-August. In contrast, Victorian yardings in September were down by 5% compared to last year.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The seasonal conditions in Victorian have resulted in lighter new-season lambs and a higher number of lambs under 22kg cwt. In early September, there were reports of ewes being sold earlier in the hopes of keeping younger lambs to sell in early spring. Better-quality, heavier lambs are becoming scarce at Victorian saleyards.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">It is a tale of two states, with NSW experiencing one of its strongest seasons, marked by a higher number of heavy lambs, while Victorian saleyards have seen more lighter lambs and older ewes being sold.</p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2024-10-25 00:05:28 | 2025-08-11 17:58:59 | Details Edit Delete | |
6198 | AI: French breeders will be able to gradually repopulate their farms | The stabilization of the avian influenza epizootic in farms over a large part of the territory – particularly in Pays-de-la-Loire – now opens the door to a strategy of gradual restocking on farms. The system, concerted with the inter-professional organizations, ensures that any new runaway is prevented and that sensitive sites (hatcheries and breeding farms) are protected in a context where wildlife mortality remains high in certain regions. | <p style="font-weight: 400;">The Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Marc Fesneau, reaffirmed before professionals in the poultry sector the commitment of the State alongside breeders. All players are mobilizing to collectively build a more resilient sector.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">To date, 308 outbreaks in breeding have been recorded on the national territory. The health situation appears to have stabilized for a few weeks in the Pays-de-la-Loire region and in the South-West. The number of weekly outbreaks in the Pays-de-la-Loire region has gradually decreased, thanks to the strengthening of management measures and the reduction of poultry densities.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Vigilance remains, however, required throughout the national territory: six outbreaks have been declared since February 13 in a very dense breeding area of the Côtes d'Armor. Contamination of wildlife remains high throughout the national territory and low temperatures favor the survival of the virus in the environment.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The improvement in the health situation in the Pays-de-la-Loire region makes it possible to initiate a repopulation strategy . The reinstatement of animals in farms will begin in the least dense areas of waterfowl in the coming days. The reinstatement of waterfowl will remain prohibited until May 15 in the 45 densest municipalities but also within a radius of 3 kilometers around 30 farms with high strategic stakes for avian genetics.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The collaborative work around the vaccine strategy continues with the objective of a decision on the scenario to be retained in May. A first step was taken on February 20 with the publication of the European delegated regulation authorizing the use of vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza in the European Union. In addition to financing part of the cost of the upcoming vaccination campaign, the Ministry of Agriculture remains mobilized to successfully complete the next important steps by the summer: the results of the experiment on the vaccination of ducks ; validation of the vaccine strategy and the technical and economic conditions of its development ; exchanges with international trading partners, etc.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, the reflection aimed at building a shared strategy to strengthen the resilience of the poultry sector to health risks is continuing. The themes identified relate in particular to avian genetics, biosecurity and the integration of farms in the territories. The poultry interprofessions will formalize the commitments of the poultry sectors to gain resilience and sovereignty by mid-June 2023 .</p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2023-03-02 00:05:28 | 2025-08-11 03:52:16 | Details Edit Delete | |
5788 | Belgium: Exit program for pig farmers has been delayed | The start of the Flemish buy-out program for pig farms with high nitrogen emissions, originally planned for this autumn, has been delayed because the EU Commission has not yet completed the review of the program. | <p>Due to the tense economic situation in pig farming, the Flemish farmers' association is quickly demanding clarity for the farms.<br />This summer, the government of the Belgian region of Flanders decided on a voluntary phase-out program for pig farmers. Pig farms that have a noticeable impact on the surrounding nature with their emissions should be bought up via the program for around €200 million. The government determined that around 900 farms or 25% of Flemish pig farmers are eligible for a subsidized production phase-out.</p> <p><br />Meanwhile, the Flemish Farmers' Association explained that the EU Commission could probably criticize inadmissible state aid with regard to the design of the purchase program. Farmers urgently need clarity about the conditions and the planned compensation , demanded Lode Ceyssens President of the Flemish Farmers' Association. For a number of people who no longer see a future for their businesses, this could be an opportunity to exit the sector in a socially responsible way, he explained. The reduction in nitrogen emissions achieved through the purchase program should count towards future targets for the pig sector, Ceyssens demanded.</p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2022-10-24 03:00:00 | 2025-08-12 02:35:01 | Details Edit Delete | |
5463 | Pig prices in Germany take a dive | The start of the grilling season brings an average price of €1.80, 8% lower than a few weeks ago. | <p>Pig prices in Germany have dropped by €0.15 in just a couple of weeks, as Easter Holliday has limited the activity in slaughterhouses. As a result, a surplus of livestock remained on the market, which upset the market balance. Moreover, the mood in the industry is negatively affected by the lack of strong impulses to increase the demand for pork. Exports are not growing and the barbecue season has yet to gain momentum, informs PolPig. For the moment, the proposed rate of €1.80 per kg is far from the expectations of the breeders. However, market participants are of the opinion that this is not a sustained downward trend. Currently, pork production is declining in Europe, the US and China. In neighboring Poland, prices have dropped also to PLN 7.95 (€1.65) per kilogram, despite the poor supply of livestock. "Many fattening farms remain vacant. The limited demand from trade is clearly visible. If the production of pigs is to be kept unchanged, then with rising production costs, the purchase prices should increase," analysts commented.</p> <p> </p> | 1 | Market | 2022-05-10 07:16:06 | 2025-08-10 23:48:53 | Details Edit Delete | ||
1309 | mOOvement could reduce losses for livestock farmers | The start-up funded by Rabobank is tested on 6,000 cattle in Australia and aims to cover 70,000 head in the next period. | <p>Rabobank has financed an idea that has a huge potential to be exported to the largest producing cattle countries around the world. Consisting in an application, dubbed mOOvement, the technology is able to track and trace cattle and to transmit the information on every 30 minutes.<br />The idea won the Moonshot prize awarded by Rabobank and received the funds necessary to start tests, recalls Roel van de Ven, co-founder of mOOvement. The application is based on a sensor worn by the cows and it transmits GPS and other data every half hour. In this way, mOOvement can be a useful tool for livestock farmers, such as the Australian cattle farmers.<br />"Their problem is keeping track of their tremendous herds. These can number anything from 1,700 to 8,500 head, and roam on ranches the size of 500,000 soccer fields. We went to Australia in 2017 to visit ranches, talk to farmers and learn about the challenges they face. We also tested tags on cattle and signed up our first 20 customers. That means tracking 6,000 head of cattle. Long term, we’re aiming for 70,000. A firm of IoT specialists based in the Netherlands is working on the tracking devices and has already delivered prototypes. Once these have been tested, we plan to scale up production later this year", explains van de Ven.<br />The advantage given by the new technology is important as it could reduce losses suffered by the farmers. "We’ll be building a huge database, which will certainly represent value over time. For example, we could partner with veterinarians to offer farmers support. Australian cows are a hardy breed and usually give birth outdoors without assistance. Only the fittest survive. With the tracking system, however, loss of cows and calves can be prevented, saving farmers AUD 1,400 (EUR 900) per head", added Roel van de Ven.<br />The start-up founders believe that their technology has a huge potential to be exported to countries like the US, Brazil and Argentina, where big ranches are also common.</p> | 1 | Industry | 2018-05-23 15:51:45 | 2025-08-11 07:45:02 | Details Edit Delete | ||
3984 | Spanish government sets subsidies level for pig producers | <p>An amount of €10 million will be split among Iberian pig producers in Spain to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This government provision aims to facilitate the removal of animals from farms for slaughter before reaching the age and weight that would make them valid to be labelled as Iberian. Officials in Madrid hope that in this way, the market of the Iberian product may be rebalanced, strongly affected by the closure of the Horeca channel during the state of alarm and its slow recovery after its lifting. Subsidies will be conditional on the presentation of a participation plan for each farm which will include the animals slaughtered or to be slaughtered in the eligible period. This plan must be sent to the autonomous communities before August 31, 2020. The eligible period runs from last July 7 to October 15. For their part, the animals will have to be slaughtered between the ages of 5 and 9 months, and the carcass weight of the lot should be between 70 and 95 kilograms per animal. The amount of the subsidy will be 40 euros per animal and up to a maximum of 500 animals per farm.</p> | 1 | Industry | 2020-07-23 10:50:50 | 2025-08-12 02:37:17 | Details Edit Delete | |||
5381 | Turbulent year for Vion Foods | The statement comes from CEO Ronald Lotgerink, as an unprecedented combination of challenging global developments and market dynamics is seen as a perfect storm for the company's operation, especially in the German market. | <p>2021 and the latest developments in the market seen this year are worrying executives from Vion Foods. In a statement posted on the company website, company's CEO Ronald Lotgerink warned about the difficult condition foreseen in the market. "The past year and the latest developments in our markets were characterised by an unprecedented combination of challenging global developments and market dynamics, which greatly affected our German operations in particular. The continued COVID-19 pandemic, African Swine Fever limiting exports from Germany especially to China, high inflation rates, the steep increase in beef prices and a strong increase in labour costs all had an impact on our company and markets in 2021. At the same time, we are accelerating our successful strategy of building short, closed supply chains based on market demand from our customers in partnership with our suppliers," Mr Lotgerink said.</p> <p><img src="/files/pictures/article/1_1.jpg?1648207284194" alt="1_1" height="100%" /></p> <p><strong>External developments with an impact on Vion</strong></p> <p>The Pork Business Unit faced difficult conditions in Germany as a result of COVID-19 and African Swine Fever (ASF), which led to limitations on exports to Asia and especially China and much lower pig herd sizes. The strongly reduced demand for pork products in China resulted in an excess of pork in Europe, particularly Germany, causing pork prices to drop significantly.</p> <p>The markets for beef saw a different scenario with a decreasing supply in combination with steady demand. During the year, the price of beef increased and this accelerated towards the end of the year. The price increase had an impact on Vion’s margins. Price increases for fresh meat have a time lapse period in which customers need to adapt, and this put Vion’s margins under extra pressure.</p> <p>On 1 January 2021, Germany’s new Occupational Health and Safety Act for the meat industry came into effect, which has the goal of banning flex workers from the industry. In all German locations, Vion therefore welcomed subcontracted employees into permanent employment. The investments related to this new legislation had a heavy impact on the profitability of the company.</p> <p>The war in Ukraine also has consequences for food supply chains. Vion expects higher purchase prices for cattle, partly as a result of increases in the price of raw materials for cattle feed and higher energy costs. Price inflation and the consequences of the war will also have an effect on the prices of meat and meat products. Vion has no activities in Russia and limited in Ukraine.</p> <p><strong>Changing social requirements</strong></p> <p>Vion offers customers increasing transparency, products that can guarantee welfare for animals and can be traced back to their origins, but also climate protection efforts, increased biodiversity and regional sourcing. At the same time, farmers are asking for more stable pricing to invest in increased requirements for animal welfare and emission reduction measures. Ronald Lotgerink: “We understood that changes in our society would also have an impact on our industry and we used this realisation to decide our strategy early on. We are building the food supply chains that our customers are demanding in which transparency is the starting point for every partner. Since 2016, we have published all our reports on animal welfare and food safety on our website, and we publish our Corporate Sustainability Report annually. In a biennial survey on transparency among the 500 largest companies in the Netherlands, we became number one in the Food & Drinks sector with our reporting in 2021. Our commitment to the Science-Based Emission Reduction Target, or SBTi, is another step we are taking to actively reduce emissions and build more sustainable food chains.”</p> <p><strong>Highlights of 2021</strong></p> <p>At the beginning of the year, Vion added beef producer Adriaens based in Zottegem, Belgium to its portfolio, making Belgium its third home market after the Netherlands and Germany. This strengthens the company’s regional presence. The Vion Adriaens site is located in the middle of the Western European region for beef cattle.</p> <p>The organic chain De Groene Weg opened a web shop for consumers of organic meat and processed meat products. Customers can place their order online for delivery to their home or a local butcher’s shop. De Groene Weg was also introduced in Germany and Belgium. The more than 100 farmers who supply pigs to De Groene Weg are members of a suppliers’ association and are all certified with the European Organic standards (SKAL), EKO and the Dutch Beter Leven 3-star label.</p> <p>In the plant-based Vion concept ME-AT the alternative a next step was taken with the use of more plant-based proteins from Dutch soil instead of soya that often comes from outside the Netherlands. Farmers’ organisations ZLTO, Agrifirm, Herba Ingredients and ME-AT the alternative want to contribute to the plant-based protein transition towards a sustainable food chain for future generations. In 2020, 30 hectares were sown with broad beans and the first products are now being sold by retailers.</p> <p>In 2021, Vion connected the Good Farming Star pork supply chain to the ‘digital highway’ by means of blockchain technology. Good Farming Star VISION connects supply chain partners (e.g. feed suppliers, farmers, logistics service providers and retailers) to exchange data. This guarantees the origin and integrity of its products and creates trust among all partners. The Good Farming Star supply chain is the first in the sector to be connected through blockchain technology. Other supply chains will follow in the years to come.</p> <p>Vion has added product integrity monitoring by using the DNA of animals and their end products. The DNA of all Good Farming Star sows and organic sows is analysed and stored in a DNA databank. It provides the ultimate check for customers, while demonstrating product integrity throughout the supply chain.</p> <p>A select group of 100 Dutch pig farmers working within the Good Farming Star supply chain was asked to take part in a new programme named ‘Better for Pig, Nature and Farmer’. The farmers receive a premium for their investments in animal welfare, biodiversity and reducing CO2 emissions. The programme offers greater continuity, security and a healthy revenue model.</p> <p>Together with the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals, Deloitte and Eyes on Animals, Vion has developed a system to improve the effectiveness of camera surveillance in all areas of slaughterhouses where animals are handled. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera system analyses the movements of animals and humans. The software is used to help to improve the well-being of the animals. It is a system that is now being implemented throughout the industry.</p> <p>In close cooperation with two farmers’ organisations and the food retail organisation, Vion developed and introduced Simmental PUR with the Geprüfte Qualität Bayern certificate. This regional beef programme offers beef from the Simmental brand with a Bavarian origin.</p> <p>Based on the positive feedback from customers, Vion developed Robusto, a selection of pig cuts such as leg and belly meat originating from trusted and professional pig farmers with the right fat and intramuscular fat content and cut to specification, for the top segment of dried premium Parma and Serrano hams on the Italian and Spanish market, and for pork belly in the South Korean market.</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Revenue was down 6.2% to € 4.6 billion. This drop was mainly driven by lower prices due to volatile market conditions during the year. The sales volume decreased by only 1.9%. Disruptions in the global supply chains greatly impacted supply and demand, resulting in lower prices for pigs and in a temporarily limited production capacity due to COVID-19 infections among our employees.</li> <li>The normalised earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) decreased to € 40.0 million. The global market disruptions in the meat industry also had a strong impact on our financial performance. Higher fixed personnel costs, extra protection measures, a higher absenteeism rate and production disruptions all occurred due to COVID-19 and inflation, and had a significant impact on the financial results.</li> <li>Depreciation and amortisation costs increased by € 5.8 million to € 68.2 million due to the investments made in recent years. Furthermore, Vion recognised additional impairment charges of € 0.8 million for the writing-off of fixed assets.</li> <li>The loss for the year amounted to € 29.0 million, compared to a profit of € 52.9 million in 2020. This fall in profit was mainly caused by a decline in revenue and the gross margin, together with a sharp increase in variable and fixed costs.</li> <li>Financial expenses increased by € 0.8 million to € 5.3 million in 2021, due to foreign currency exchange losses and an increase in interest expenses.</li> <li>Apart from the lower result in 2021, the significant increase in working capital was mainly attributable to increased inventories due to higher prices for cattle at year-end and an increase in receivables and payables. Vion did not make full use of its working capital facility and ended 2021 with a positive bank balance of € 18.7 million.</li> <li>In 2021, € 60.8 million was invested in further optimising the company’s footprint and improving the efficiency of various production locations.</li> <li>As of 31 December 2021, Vion had a positive liquidity position of approximately € 18.7 million despite a sharp increase in the company’s working capital. No funds were drawn under the € 250 million working capital facility; however, € 75 million was drawn under a Schuldschein, an unlisted bond loan.</li> <li>In 2022, Vion will issue no dividends for the year 2021.</li> </ul> <p><img src="/files/pictures/article/2_1.jpg?1648207329331" alt="2_1" height="100%" /></p> | 1 | Industry | 2022-03-25 10:25:04 | 2025-08-11 08:17:01 | Details Edit Delete | ||
2235 | Lumpfish are now the third-largest farmed fish species in Norway | The strange-looking bluefish is an efficient weapon to combat sea lice in salmon farms. | <p>Norway seafood industry is using a strange tool in the fight against sea lice infestation of salmon farms that led, in 2016, to total losses of around € 300 million to the global fish&seafood industry and a drop of 10% in production.<br />Sea lice, which have found to be prevalent in the Atlantic salmon farming industries in Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and Chile, affect the health, welfare, and quality of farmed fish, and between their possible transferral to wild salmon populations and the deleterious effects of anti-sea lice treatments, can cause harm to the environment, according to <a href="https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/aquaculture/lumpfish-production-becoming-big-business-in-norway?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_content=newsletter&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiT1dRMFpqVTBORGd3WWpVeCIsInQiOiI0QVc0anVBaFpLNnIxamZzREdnS2pJVCszc084eWt2YVJGSjBcLysrdnhjWWI0cEppcVFCWWN6Z3lmVDBKM3o0UTdOTTFxMkRTUjNlTFo1Z1BZcU05Q1ZuUW56U1ZqSDdteVZQRUNpN2cxWE5sQXd1UWtKT0lhT1VmTVwvVDk4ZTNcLyJ9">Seafood Source</a> magazine.<br />Now, salmon producers in Norway are using lumpfish as a cohabiting “cleaner fish” and the production figures for lumpfish have ramped up quickly. The number of lumpfish producers in Norway stands at around 40, many of them being start-ups, with commercial production figures reaching rising over 30 million juveniles, up from just a few thousand fish in 2010. <br />That makes lumpfish the third-largest farmed fish species in Norway with a value of € 2.56 for a vaccinated 50-gram fish.<br />The boost in cleaner fish production and their expanded use in Norway has resulted in an increased focus on their welfare, and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority has started a dedicated campaign that will improve monitoring over the next year.</p> <p>The larger Norwegian companies have multiple owners, many of them from the salmon farming industry, who prefer to tie in supply rather than buy on the spot market. Namdal Rensefisk for example, one of the largest lumpfish producers, is owned by salmon farming companies Bjørøya Fiskeoppdrett, Marine Harvest, Midt Norsk Havbruk, Nova Sea, and Emilsen Fisk, and specialist breeding company AquaGen.</p> <p>AquaGen recently took up the challenge of breeding lumpfish in collaboration with Namdal Rensefisk. According to AquaGen researcher Maren Mommens, the current focus is on improving lumpfish health, durability, and efficiency, since the survival of these fish is essential if they are to effectively control sea lice infection levels on salmon farms.</p> <p>“We are delighted to have initiated a collaboration with Namdal Rensefisk, which has built a state of the art broodstock unit alongside its lumpfish production facilities. This will play an important part in the new breeding program,” AquaGen CEO Nina Santi declared for the magazine.<br />After two years of producing lumpfish, Namdal Rensefisk has reached an annual production of 2 million fish.<br />The trend was adopted even in Wales, where lumpfish producer Ocean Matters has introduced a lumpfish certification label, through which it aims to make consumers more aware of how the industry addresses the biological challenge of sea lice through co-habitation strategies. "We believe that salmon farmers who choose lumpfish over mechanical treatments for salmon delousing should be recognized and celebrated for their commitment to fish welfare and environmental stewardship. This is why we created our certification program to support customers’ efforts to achieve a sustainable future for salmon farming,", mentioned Werner Forster, Ocean Matters Chief Executive. The company is producing over 4 million fish annually in an effort to meet growing demand from the market in the United Kingdom.</p> | 1 | Industry | 2018-11-23 06:12:52 | 2025-08-12 02:16:12 | Details Edit Delete | ||
5535 | INTERPORC: "Our pork generates confidence abroad due to its quality and safety" | The strength abroad of the Spanish white-coated pig "is due to the confidence generated by the quality and safety of its meat." This was highlighted by Alberto Herranz, director of the Interprofesional del Porcino de Capa Blanca (INTERPORC), during his participation in the Ágora Top Gan 2022 Virtual Table. | <p>In his presentation, 'The Spanish pig and international markets', he explained that Spanish companies sold a total of 3.1 million tons of pork products abroad in 2021 for a value of more than 7,718 million euros. This represented a growth of 4.36% in volume and 1.2% in value, compared to the previous year.</p> <p>Of these quantities, 92.8% in volume and 83.4% in value correspond to meat, offal and related products. The rest corresponds to processed products.</p> <p>These figures have taken the Spanish pig sector from third to second position in the world ranking of exporters, and very close to the first, the USA. Specifically, Spain exports pigs to more than 130 international markets.</p> <p>Main agri-food exporter</p> <p>The positive trade balance for pigs provides a surplus of 7,212 million euros for the Spanish economy, which makes it a driving force for the Spanish economy and the largest export sector in the agri-food sector, ahead of fruit, vegetables, wine or the olive oil.</p> <p>However, more than the figures, the director of INTERPORC has highlighted that "for the rest of the world, our production model is synonymous with sustainable production, quality, animal welfare and food safety, and that is the key that leads us to continue growing in the most competitive markets”.</p> <p><strong>Asian market</strong></p> <p>On the other hand, Herranz has referred to the data from the latest study carried out by the Interprofessional on the perception of white-layer cured ham in Japan, China, South Korea, China-Taiwan and Vietnam.</p> <p>This work, he said, shows that "in Asia there is a clear trend of increased consumption of pork products and we must seize the moment, especially because the image of the Spanish pork product is very good among consumers."</p> <p>In fact, three of these countries (China, Japan and South Korea) are among the six to which most pork is exported from Spain. "A clear example of the potential that this area presents for Spanish companies", he concluded.</p> | 1 | Industry | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2022-06-27 08:05:59 | 2025-08-11 19:53:03 | Details Edit Delete | |
1672 | Norwegian seafood exports report record levels in H1 2018 | The strong demand from the EU markets contributed to Norway's seafood export growth in the first half of 2018, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council. | <p>Norway's seafood exports reached 1.4 million tonnes with a value of NOK 48.1 billion in the first six months of this year, with an increase of 10% in volume and 4% in export value compared to year-earlier levels.</p> <p>"The first half of 2018 has set yet another record for Norwegian seafood exports. Although the figures are largely driven by salmon exports, we are also seeing the best half-yearly results for cod, saithe and haddock," Paul Aandahl, Analyst with the Norwegian Seafood Council, said.</p> <p>"The main reason for the value added by salmon is increased demand from the EU. We are seeing a clear increase in consumption of fresh salmon in markets such as France, the UK and Italy. Reduced domestic supplies of salmon in the EU and strong Euro and British currencies have also contributed positively," Aandahl added.</p> <p>In June, Norway exported 180,000 tonnes of seafood worth NOK 7.9 billion. Volume was down by 9 per cent, while the gain in value was NOK 274 million, or 4 per cent, compared with June last year.</p> | 1 | Industry | 2018-07-27 15:40:29 | 2025-08-10 14:41:02 | Details Edit Delete | ||
8691 | New Zealand: Maximising lamb finishing performance | The strong outlook for lamb is an even greater incentive for farmers to maximise the kilograms of product they sell next season. | <p>Maximising lamb finishing performance was the focus of a recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand Central Otago Farming for Profit webinar featuring farm consultant and former farmer Peter Young.</p> <p>He set the scene by saying the profitability of a lamb production system is determined by the reproductive performance of the flock, wastage, and pre- and post-weaning growth rates.</p> <p>"The goal is to maximise the kilograms of product sold".</p> <p>He says the most efficient time to grow lambs is pre-weaning and these pre-weaning growth rates are driven by several factors. These include the body condition of the ewes at lambing, pasture covers at lambing, pasture quality, stock water, genetics and animal health factors such as internal parasites, trace element status and clostridial diseases.</p> <p><strong>To finish or to store</strong></p> <p>If a choice is necessary, the priority must be given to capital stock over finishing stock.</p> <p>Peter says in making this decision, farmers need to consider how much feed they have available and how much of it is suitable for lambs.</p> <p>The drench status of the farm may also influence this decision as will the market at the time. If the store market is particularly strong, it might be more profitable to sell at least a portion of the lamb crop as store, but ultimately the decision comes back to feed and the quality of feed available to finish lambs.</p> <p><strong>Forage options for finishing lambs</strong></p> <p>Forage options for lamb finishing include ryegrass and clover pastures, summer brassicas, specialist mixes such as herbs and legumes, and single species including lucerne and red clover.</p> <p>Each of these has its strengths and weaknesses.</p> <p><strong>Ryegrass and clover</strong></p> <p>Under the right conditions, ryegrass and clover pastures are capable of driving high lamb growth rates, but this is dependent upon the quantity of clover in the sward. The quality of ryegrass-based pastures also deteriorates in heat and with maturity.</p> <p>Peter says given a choice, lambs would choose a diet that is 70% legume and 30% ryegrass.</p> <p>As soon as the quantity of legume in the pasture drops to 30%, lambs should be moved and a different stock class brought in to graze the remaining pasture covers.</p> <p>This means that lamb finishing pastures should be assessed on remaining clover rather than residual covers.</p> <p>"If we’re going to maintain high lamb growth rates, we need to move them on as soon as the legume has gone".</p> <p>Peter says complementary follow-up stock such as R2 cattle will still put on weight on these pastures, after lambs have picked out the legume. Cattle will also help control sheep worm larval burdens.</p> <p><strong>Brassicas</strong></p> <p>Compared to pasture, brassicas are very efficient at turning water into drymatter, growing around 34kgDM/1mm of water – provided nutrients aren’t a limiting factor.</p> <p>Brassica crops are an effective way of transferring a spring surplus until later in the year, but there are costs involved with growing brassica crops, and they need to be able to fit into the farm system i.e. taking out ground in spring may not be ideal.</p> <p>While brassica crops can drive high lamb growth rates, there is a transition period, so the longer the lambs are on the crops the higher the growth rates.</p> <p>As a "clean" crop, brassicas can also be used to manage worm burdens, particularly on farms with drench resistance, although there can be other health risks associated with these crops.</p> <p>A supplement may be required when feeding brassica crops and Peter suggests not looking at supplement as a cost, as it will add to the crop’s overall performance.</p> <p><strong>Legume/herb mix</strong></p> <p>These highly digestible mixes can drive impressive growth rates at certain times of the year, but there are health risks associated with them, particularly clostridial diseases.</p> <p>From an agronomic point of view, weed control options for these mixes are limited.</p> <p><strong>Lucerne</strong></p> <p>Protein- rich lucerne is capable of very high growth rates- both animal and drymatter.</p> <p>Because it has a shorter growing season (it doesn’t come away until late spring), within a breeding system, it can exacerbate the early spring feed pinch.</p> <p>Lucerne is high in crude protein, so it may require a high-fibre supplement if lambs are not growing as well as expected. Peter recommends getting feed tested once factors such as internal parasites and trace element deficiencies have been ruled out.</p> <p>When the lucerne stand is mature or flowering, feed quality can be variable; the stem can have an ME of 8 while the leaf has an ME of 12.</p> <p>Peter recommends measuring the proportion of stalk and leaf and determining the lamb stocking rate based on this. Once the lambs have grazed the high-quality leaf, cattle can be used to utilise the stem without any risk of bloat.</p> <p>Stock do need access to salt when grazing lucerne.</p> <p><strong>Red clover</strong></p> <p>Red clover can be used as an alternative crop to brassicas. It’s drymatter production is similar to that of a summer brassica and has the same potential for lamb growth.</p> <p><strong>Maximising the value of the lamb crop</strong></p> <p>Peter urges farmers to try and reduce the variability on their killing sheets by checking the fullness of the loin of every lamb above the target weight.</p> <p>"Don’t use the weight of the lambs as the only selection criteria".</p> <p>The fullness of the loin in conjunction with weight can generate more consistent carcase yields.</p> <p>The frequency of drafts is subject to both lamb growth rates and drench withholding periods.</p> <p>In developing a sale strategy, Peter recommends farmers compare store and prime values and use this information in conjunction with feed availability, feed quality and the requirements of capital stock.</p> <p>Most years the schedule will increase going into winter, but the cost of wintering also needs to be considered, as does the genetic potential of the lamb. This is affected by gender and feed quality.</p> <p>Peter says terminal sire lambs may not necessarily finish earlier, they simply have the potential to put on more weight.</p> <p>"Every lamb will have an optimal finished weight".</p> | 1 | Technology | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2025-08-01 00:05:41 | 2025-08-12 02:40:33 | Details Edit Delete | |
4314 | Packaging market will continue to grow | The strongest growth will be seen in rigid plastic category says a new study from Ipack Ima Business Monitor in cooperation with Mecs. | <p>Observing the packaging materials types in use around the world offers interesting insights into the present and the future of a highly differentiated sector. For all categories of packaging materials, it’s forecasted a growth in the 2020-2024 period due to new consumers’ behaviours that are leading people to choose products with packaging that enhance food safety, says the latest report from Ipack Ima Business Monitor in cooperation with Mecs.</p> <p>Starting from the strong growth of the rigid plastic category expected with a CAGR of + 2.4%, which means 1,024,634 pieces produced in 2019, so to reach 1,153,217 in 2024. Flexible packaging is also growing, which includes plastics and flexible films, aluminium, paper and polylaminate materials. In 2019 this segment produced 1,551,840 billion packages worldwide and has a growth forecast CAGR of 2.2% to reach 1,746,144 in 2024.<br />Liquid Carton packaging follows, with data comparable to flexible materials, whose CAGR is +2.2 for a jump from 224,109 pieces in 2019 to 245,036 in 2024.<br />Finally, at a distance, metals + 0.8%, glass at + 0.4% and paper-based materials packagings at + 1.0% with quantities forecast for 2024 respectively equal to 416,445 for metals, 306,873 for glass and 269,100 million pieces for paper and cardboard.</p> | 1 | Industry | 2020-12-03 11:15:32 | 2025-08-11 18:19:52 | Details Edit Delete | ||
1737 | Danish experts to investigate Romania's ASF outbreak | The study is going to focus on small-scale farms be used in preventing further outbreaks in the future. | <p>A team of Danish epidemiologists is going to study the ASF outbreak in Romania along with their local counterparts in order to realize a study about the way the virus spread to small-scale farms in the country.<br />Romanian veterinary watchdog (ANSVA) and a team lead by Sten Mortensen, head of Animal Disease Control Unit of Danish Veterinary and Food Administration will investigate the cases of ASF discovered in Romania, informs local magazine <a href="https://www.industriacarnii.ro/Articol-Specialistii-danezi-cauta-solutii-pentru-prevenirea-raspandirii-PPA/5447">Industria Carnii</a>. <br />Mortensen does research in Veterinary Epidemiology, Animal Health Economics and Disease control and he is currently working on a project named "Better African swine fever preparedness". The Danish team of experts was invited to study ASF in Romania by the president of ANSVA, Geronimo Branescu, during the EU meeting of national vet authorities held in Brussels last month.</p> <p>(<em>Photo source: EBRD</em>)</p> | 1 | Industry | 2018-08-08 12:29:28 | 2025-08-12 02:04:45 | Details Edit Delete |