Record Number of Genotypes Included in Sheep Genetics Evaluations in 2022-2023
TL;DR: This surge in genotyping and other Sheep Genetics activities has been instrumental in driving genetic improvement across all industry indexes. In an unprecedented development, more than 420,000 new animals were submitted to both the MERINOSELECT and LAMPLAN evaluations during this period. This represents the largest number of submissions in 12 months since Sheep Genetics […]
Enhanced Features Coming to eNVD App and Web
TL;DR: In March 2024, the eNVD web-based system and Livestock Consignments App will receive significant updates to improve access and functionality for users across the red meat supply chain. These enhancements are designed to streamline operations and increase efficiency for all stakeholders involved. For the first time, access to the web-based eNVD system will be […]
Modern Merino Producers Advocate for Equitable Treatment of Their Lambs
TL;DR: In an industry where the quality of lamb carcasses is paramount, Merino breeders are making a stand for their livestock. The Greener Cattle Initiative, led by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, is spearheading this change with its second call for research proposals. This initiative seeks […]
Easter 2024 Anticipated to Boost Lamb Sales Significantly
TL;DR: As families across Britain prepare to celebrate Easter, the first bank holiday weekend of 2024, the demand for traditional roast lamb is expected to soar once again. Following a year where lamb sales reached 80 Kt in supermarkets and the market value climbed to £852m, a 4% increase from the previous year, the Agriculture […]
Beef Packer and Feedlot Margins Face Challenges in 2024
TL;DR: The financial landscape for beef packers in 2024 has shown signs of improvement, though margins remain in negative territory, highlighting ongoing challenges in the industry. The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker reported that for the week ending March 2, beef packer margins were at a loss of $105.69 per head. This figure marks a slight […]
US Farmers Embrace Solar Energy Amid Agricultural Challenges
TL;DR: In the heart of America’s farmland, a growing number of farmers are integrating solar power into their operations as a strategic response to the uncertainties of agriculture. Stuart Woolf, a California-based grower of wine grapes and almonds, exemplifies this shift. With 1,200 acres dedicated to solar panels, Woolf views solar energy as a vital […]
France Implements Ban on Meat-Related Terms for Plant-Based Products
TL;DR: In a significant policy shift, France has joined the ranks of countries setting clear boundaries for the marketing of plant-based products by banning the use of meat-specific terms for their promotion. The French Government’s recent decree outlines a list of prohibited words for plant-based items, including “steak,” “tendon,” “sirloin,” “sausage,” and even terms related […]
Weekly Market Update: Trends in Cattle and Sheep Prices
TL;DR: In the latest market wrap provided by Meat & Livestock Australia, the agricultural sector has observed varied trends in cattle and sheep prices as of 8 March 2024. The report highlights key movements in the market, including a slight decrease in processor cow prices and an uplift in light lamb prices, underscoring the influence […]
Impact of Female Cattle Slaughter Rates on Carcase Weights in 2023
TL;DR: In 2023, the dynamics of carcass weights between female and male cattle in Australia underwent notable variations, primarily shaped by the strategic decisions of producers in response to seasonal conditions. Meat & Livestock Australia’s analysis reveals that these decisions were markedly influenced by the absence of drought conditions, leading to a volatile pattern in […]
Consortium Launches Funding for Research to Cut Cattle Methane Emissions
TL;DR: The Greener Cattle Initiative, a collaborative effort led by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, has opened its second call for research proposals. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to reduce enteric methane emissions from cattle, a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. With a focus on developing […]
