Meat & Livestock News

UK’s Beef and Lamb Yields Dip in 2023, Weather Plays Spoilsport

In 2023, UK farmers faced a bit of a tough patch with beef and lamb production. Beef numbers went down by 2.5%, and lamb wasn’t far behind with a 1.8% drop. It seems the weather wasn’t playing ball, making it tricky for farmers to get their animals market-ready. Beef’s Bit of a Bother The beef […]

2024 Outlook: Australian Sheep Production and Its Potential Impact on the UK Market

In 2024, the dynamics of the Australian sheep market could have a ripple effect on the UK, influenced by factors like El Nino and evolving global trade patterns. Australian Production Trends Australia’s sheep flock has reached its highest level since 2007, boasting 28.75 million head, as reported by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). This growth […]

China’s New Direction in Pork Production: Impacts Stretch Beyond Borders

China is changing its tune on pork production. After a period of encouraging high output, the government is now advising farmers to dial it back, as reported by Channel News Asia. This shift comes amid an oversupply that’s driving pork prices down, hitting farmers’ earnings. Agriculture ministry officials in China have highlighted the issue, noting […]

Australia’s Prominent Role in Global Beef Trade Amidst Varied International Production Trends

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published its quarterly ‘Livestock Products and Trade’ report, offering insights into global beef production and the future outlook for international trade. The report forecasts global beef production to remain stable at just under 59.5 million tonnes (mt) for the year, primarily due to adjustments in American beef […]

Analysis of Restocker Market: Trends in Steer and Heifer Price Premiums

In the cattle market, the price premium between Restocker Yearling Steer and Restocker Yearling Heifer Indicators is a well-known and established phenomenon. This premium, which reflects the natural cattle cycle, serves as a key barometer of market confidence and restocker demand. Throughout 2022, the cattle market witnessed a price differential ranging from 10-20%. This period […]

House Republicans Challenge Proposed Increase in Agricultural Reference Prices

Six Republican members of the House have expressed their opposition to the proposed increase in agricultural reference prices. This move, led by Representative Alex Mooney, is grounded in a broader strategy to curb federal expenditure and limit the government’s role in market dynamics. Representative Mooney, in a recent press release, highlighted the importance of fiscal […]

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Offers Guidance for Farm Management in Extreme Dry Conditions

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has released a comprehensive fact sheet titled ‘Guidance on extreme dry management’, outlining key strategies for farmers to cope with severe dry weather. The document emphasises four critical areas: business management, feed supply, stock management, and land management, with a strong focus on the importance of early decision-making. Business Management […]

US Meat Exports Eye-Brighter Future with Hong Kong’s Dining Scene Bouncing Back

Hong Kong’s dining sector is slowly but surely shaking off the setbacks caused by COVID-19, as Dan Halstrom, the head honcho at the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), noted during his recent trip. The pandemic had hit hard, with eateries cutting back hours and tourists staying away. Halstrom’s take is that things in Hong Kong […]

Report Highlights Potential of Climate-Smart Policies in Reducing Emissions from Forests and Farms

A recent report underscores the vital role of America’s farms and forests in achieving the country’s climate objectives. Managing co-chair of America Is All In, Gina McCarthy emphasises the importance of innovative policies and substantial investments in conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate-smart agriculture. These initiatives are key to empowering farmers, foresters, and ranchers in their […]

Environmentalists Urge EPA to Expand New Pollution Rules for Slaughterhouses

As public hearings approach this week on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new regulations aimed at reducing pollution from slaughterhouses and meat processing plants, environmental groups are voicing their support while also pushing for an expansion of these rules. The proposed regulations focus on facilities discharging waste into U.S. water bodies. Currently, out of 3,879 […]