Philippines Responds to Bird Flu Threat with Import Ban on US Poultry
The Philippine Department of Agriculture has taken a decisive step in response to the avian influenza outbreak. It has temporarily suspended the import of poultry products from two US states, California and Ohio. This measure is a direct reaction to the concerns over the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting these regions. This import ban […]
Advocacy Coalition Petitions USDA for Climate-Focused Meat Policy
A robust coalition, encompassing over 250 advocacy groups, scientists, and analysts, is championing a pivotal policy revision at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This group, which includes influential organisations like the Center for Biological Diversity and Greenpeace, has submitted a persuasive letter to Secretary Tom Vilsack. Their primary request is for the USDA […]
Red Sea Crisis Escalates Container Shipping Costs for Australian Red Meat Exports
The ongoing crisis in the Red Sea is exerting significant pressure on container shipping services, directly impacting Australian red meat exporters. The conflict, primarily involving Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen, has disrupted one of the world’s key maritime channels, leading to increased costs and extended delivery times for shipments to the Middle East and Europe. Ship […]
Australian Lamb Market and Hogget Supply: A 2023 Overview
In 2023, the Australian sheep industry experienced notable trends in both the lamb market and hogget supply. The national sheep flock reached its largest size since 2007, with 28.75 million head, driven by high numbers of breeding ewes and strong marking rates. Throughout the year, lamb prices showed significant fluctuations. After a decrease over eight […]
2023: A Banner Year for Australian Meat Exports
The year 2023 stands out as a historic milestone in the annals of Australian agriculture, particularly in the meat export sector. The nation witnessed a remarkable surge in its lamb and mutton exports, setting new records. Lamb exports soared to an impressive 326,014 tonnes, while mutton exports reached a notable 209,580 tonnes, marking a significant […]
Chilean Needle Grass Threatens New Zealand’s Pastoral Sector with Billion-Dollar Losses
Recent research highlights the alarming potential spread and economic impact of Chilean needle grass in New Zealand. Published in the science journal PLOS One, the study by Dr. Graeme Bourdȏt and Dr. Chris Buddenhagen from AgResearch reveals that if left unchecked, this invasive species could infest up to 3.96 million hectares across the country, leading […]
Key Holidays to Shape Sheepmeat Farmers’ Fortunes
The upcoming Chinese New Year and Easter holidays are set to play a pivotal role in determining the success of sheepmeat farmers for the rest of the season. Currently, prime lamb prices stand at about $6/kg, which is up to $1/kg lower than last year. Mel Croad, a senior analyst at AgriHQ, highlights that the […]
Forestry and Farming: A Shared Vision for Sustainable Land Use
In a recent discussion, the mutual interests of forestry and farming were highlighted, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts rather than divisive tactics. This perspective counters Leo Cooney’s suggestion to legislate forestry out of existence, as presented in Rural News on 21 December. A prime example of this collaboration was evident following Cyclone Gabrielle in […]
Woodstock City Council Evaluates Proposal for New Poultry Processing Plant
Woodstock, Ontario, is currently evaluating a plan for a potential poultry processing facility. The city council is set to further discuss this proposal on January 18. The plan, presented by High Noon Investment Corp., involves building a processing plant covering 113,000 square feet on a 14-acre site. This facility’s primary functions would be processing, packaging, […]
UK Pork Imports Rise as Domestic Production Slows
The UK pork industry is experiencing a notable increase in imports, a trend driven by lower domestic production and attractive prices in the European Union. This growth is evident both monthly and annually. Import Dynamics In November, the UK imported 71,300 tonnes of pig meat, marking an increase of 1,200 tonnes from October. This growth […]
