High and Dry for Many as We Go into March
TL;DR: As New Zealand transitions from February to March, the country is grappling with notably dry conditions, affecting various regions to different extents. The shift into March doesn’t bring immediate relief, with cooler mornings, heavier dews, and still mild to hot afternoons. Regions such as Marlborough, Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay (south of the Napier-Taupō Highway), […]
North American Meat Organisations Unite for Industry Advancement
TL;DR: In a significant move to bolster the meat industry’s growth and cooperation across North America, the Canadian Meat Council (CMC), Consejo Mexicano de la Carne (COMECARNE), and the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) have come together under a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Announced by NAMI, this agreement lays the groundwork for enhanced coordination and […]
US Livestock and Poultry Production Sees Increase in January 2024
TL;DR: The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has unveiled its findings for January 2024, indicating a positive shift in the production volumes of key livestock and poultry categories. This report sheds light on the dynamics within the sector, revealing an overall growth in production despite variances in slaughter numbers. In the red meat category, […]
Australian Cattle Herd to Ease Slightly to 28.6 Million Head
TL;DR: As of 27 February 2024, the Australian cattle industry is poised for a slight adjustment, with the national herd expected to decrease by less than 1% to 28.6 million head by 30 June 2024. This forecast comes after a period of significant growth, culminating in the largest cattle herd seen in a decade by […]
January 2024 Beef Market Update: Prices Rise Amidst Varied Production and Trade Dynamics
TL;DR: In January 2024, the British beef market experienced notable shifts, with an increase in GB deadweight prices for both cow and prime cattle. The all-prime average price matched the figures from Spring 2023, starting the month at 487.2p/kg and closing at 491.4p/kg. Cow prices also peaked at their highest since July 2023, suggesting a […]
UK Farmers and Australian Beef: A Debate Over Environmental Standards
TL;DR: In a recent development reminiscent of sportsmanship debates, UK farmers and environmentalists have raised concerns over the environmental impact of Australian beef, drawing parallels to contentious moments in sports history. This concern has escalated to a legal challenge against the UK government by the environmental group ‘Feedback’. The group argues that the free-trade agreements […]
Australia’s Beef Herd Sees Recovery After Brief Liquidation Phase
TL;DR: Last year, the Australian beef herd momentarily entered a liquidation phase, as indicated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in their latest report. This phase, akin to the government’s definition of an economic recession, is marked by two consecutive quarters of the female slaughter ratio (FSR) exceeding the 47 per cent threshold, signalling […]
A Year of Growth for Australia’s Livestock Sector: Record Production Achieved
TL;DR: In 2023, the Australian livestock sector experienced unprecedented growth, setting new records in lamb production and slaughter, according to the latest quarterly statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The country produced a historic high of 599,461 tonnes of lamb, making more products available both domestically and for key export markets. The […]
UK Sheep Meat Market Sees Price Surge Amid Tight Supply and Robust Retail Demand
TL;DR: In the first few weeks of 2024, the UK has witnessed a significant rise in GB deadweight SQQ lamb prices, reaching unprecedented levels for this time of year. The price for the week ending February 17 soared to 689.9p/kg, marking a notable increase and setting a new benchmark for January and February prices. This […]
EPA Clarifies GMO Definition, Boosting Research Opportunities
TL;DR: In a significant development for New Zealand’s primary industries, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recently clarified the status of null segregants, stating they are not to be classified as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. This clarification has been met with enthusiasm from researchers, as it […]
