UK Pig Meat Production: Q1 2024 Analysis
Overview of Current Trends The UK pork industry experienced some stability in the first three months of 2024, despite lower slaughter numbers and flat pig prices. Production and Slaughter Figures According to the latest figures from Defra, UK pig meat production totalled 227,800 tonnes in Q1 2024. This marks a 2.5% decrease from the same […]
Independent Assessment of Beef & Lamb Production Standards
Introduction to the Reports An independent series of reports is set to outline the current and future positions of the English Beef & Lamb sector. By comparing voluntary assurance standards and regulatory requirements, these documents aim to guide strategic industry decisions. Initial Findings and Future Releases The initial report focuses on a comparison between English […]
Enhancing Beef Genetics in New Zealand
Project Overview The Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme aims to boost the use of high-quality genetics in the beef industry. It now involves 37 commercial beef farmers. Programme Objectives The INZB programme focuses on several key areas: – Developing NZ-specific breeding indexes. – Building genetic evaluation across breeds. – Implementing a beef progeny test. […]
NZ Meat Board Allocates $1.7m to Agricultural Research
The NZ Meat Board has committed $1.7 million to support advancements in beef genetics and the management of facial eczema in livestock. This funding will be distributed between two key projects, with the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) genetics initiative receiving $700,000 and up to $1 million going to the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) […]
New Zealand’s Shift Towards Alternative Proteins
New Zealand faces crucial changes in its food export markets due to advancements in food technology and the emergence of alternative proteins. Impact on Land Use A recent study titled ‘Protein Futures: Future Scenarios for Land Use in Aotearoa New Zealand’ suggests a potential 35% reduction in dairyland use. This shift could profoundly affect pastoral […]
New USDA Report: Updates on Wheat
Key Insights from Latest Data The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released pivotal reports as we near the end of the 2023/24 marketing year. These include the Prospective Plantings and the quarterly Grain Stocks reports, offering crucial data as we approach the 2024 harvest. Wheat Planting Trends USDA data suggests a decrease in […]
Rising Trends in Red Meat Exports
Despite an early Easter, March saw a significant rise in red meat exports from Australia, reaching 182,480 tonnes. This marks the largest March for exports since 2015 and the second largest on record. Beef Exports Surge Australia exported 106,574 tonnes of beef in March, showing an 8% increase from the previous year. The most notable […]
Australian Beef Producers Set Eyes on Expansion
The Beef Producers Intentions Survey (BPIS) conducted in November 2023 offers insights into the Australian beef industry, revealing producers’ plans and current herd dynamics. Breeding Herd Dynamics The survey highlights significant regional differences in breeding practices. Queensland reports the lowest heifer rebreed rate at 76%, while New South Wales and Victoria are slightly higher at […]
EU’s Agricultural Strategy Report: Balancing Sustainability and Profit
The European Commission is set to receive a crucial report by the end of summer. It will explore ways to make European agriculture sustainable yet profitable, as stated by two EU officials in Washington this week. The Commission’s Initiative Launched on January 25 by Ursula von der Leyden, the European Commission’s president, the Strategic Dialogue […]
Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Update
TL;DR: Cattle prices slightly fell while cow prices rose last week in the UK. Sheep prices increased due to tight supply, with stable demand in retail and exports. Cattle Market Trends Last week, GB deadweight prime cattle prices fell slightly, dropping below the figures from the same week in 2023. The steer average decreased by […]
