US Hog Numbers Show Slight Uptick, Reports NASS
WASHINGTON — The US Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) unveiled its recent Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report on 28th September, pointing to a modest ascent in the US hog count. As of the start of September, US farms housed 74.3 million hogs and pigs, reflecting a minor increase from the same timeframe […]
Farmers Invited to Comment on the M. bovis Eradication Proposal
Overview: Farmers across the UK are being prompted to share their views on the proposed transition of the Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) eradication scheme into the National Pest Management Plan (NPMP). This move marks the programme’s advancement to its next phase. Kelvan Smith, the chair of the M. bovis governance group, highlighted that the eradication […]
Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Meat Sector: A Comprehensive Study
Executive Summary: The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) has established an ambitious objective: by 2030, every member should have greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets endorsed by the Science-Based Targets (SBT) Initiative. This is part of NAMI’s broader strategy to enhance five key areas in line with global objectives consistently. As of June 2023, 12 NAMI […]
Sheep Meat in the EU: A 2023 Analysis
The sheep meat landscape in the European Union has witnessed notable shifts during the initial months of 2023. Data reveals that prominent producers, Spain and France, have seen their outputs dip by 5% when juxtaposed with the figures from the prior year. Conversely, nations like Greece, Ireland, and Italy have bucked the trend, registering growths […]
2023 Global Pork Trade: A Comprehensive Overview
The international pork sector experienced significant shifts in 2023, as detailed in a recent analysis by Rabobank. Amidst a backdrop of challenges from previous years, the global pork trade landscape continues to adapt, offering a mix of challenges and growth prospects. Key European players in the pork industry, Spain and France, have reported a 5% […]
Factors Influencing Sheep Producers’ On-Farm Decisions
Weather remains the primary factor influencing decision-making among sheep producers. This concern aligns with the Bureau of Meteorology’s report that Australia is experiencing an El Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phase. Approximately 47.4% of on-farm decisions are influenced by weather or feed considerations. The size of the property also plays a significant role […]
Dairy Developments in China and New Zealand
The dairy industry is closely monitoring both supply and demand trends in China. Although there’s an evident growth in supply, it’s beginning to slow down. Meanwhile, demand has been somewhat lacklustre. Factors that could rebalance the Chinese dairy market are emerging. Still, the extent and duration of China’s economic slowdown remain uncertain. In New Zealand, […]
Preparation is Key: East Coast Farmers Warned of Potential Drought
Farmers along the east coast of New Zealand are being advised to brace themselves for a potential severe drought this summer. Chris Brandolino, the principal scientist at NIWA, has highlighted emerging weather patterns that suggest an early onset of El Nino. Typically, dry conditions in the region commence in November. However, it’s anticipated to begin […]
Sheep Breeders Cautioned Against Overemphasis on Methane Reduction
South Otago sheep and beef farmer Hamish Bielski has raised concerns regarding the push to breed sheep with lower methane emissions. He warns that this focus might overshadow other essential traits cultivated in New Zealand over years of sheep breeding. One notable initiative in recent times was the Beef + Lamb Genetics Low Input Trial, […]
New Zealand’s Economic Overview: A Complex Mosaic in August 2023
August 2023 presented a multifaceted economic landscape for New Zealand, as revealed by the latest data from Statistics NZ. The nation experienced contractions in both its export and import sectors compared to the same month last year. Specifically, goods exports contracted by 5.6%, settling at $5.0 billion. This decline was exacerbated by a 3.8% drop […]
