Meat & Livestock News

The Road Ahead for Australian Beef in China

TL;DR: Australia’s beef exports to China face challenges due to trade tensions and technical issues. China’s diversification of import sources adds pressure. Economic coercion tactics hint at political motives. Despite initial concerns, Australia’s overall agricultural exports show resilience. Navigating China’s complex trade environment requires strategic adjustments for continued market access. Expanding Demand Amid Trade Tensions […]

Beef Safety in European Imports: A Recent Study

TL;DR: European study finds imported beef mostly safe, though some samples exceed EU health standards. A recent study highlights that beef imported into Europe is generally safe. Detailed Examination Between November 2021 and May 2022, researchers tested beef at Hamburg Harbor, Germany. Samples were sourced from Brazil (53), Argentina (33), Uruguay (12), and Paraguay (2). […]

US Cattle Report: Key Insights

TL;DR: March cattle numbers are down, and placements and marketings fall below last year’s figures. The latest USDA NASS report reveals a decline in cattle numbers for March. Main Findings Additional Insights Long-term feed exceeds three months, reaching 3.1 million heads, the highest since July 2020.

Revolutionary Automation in Meat Processing

TL;DR: Silver Fern Farms integrates LEAP, an advanced robotic system, enhancing meat cutting precision and safety at their Finegand plant, promising increased productivity and quality. This $10 million investment marks significant progress in meat processing automation, showcasing commitment to innovation and efficiency in the industry. Silver Fern Farms’ Finegand plant has recently implemented a ground-breaking […]

Strengthening Trade Ties with China

TL;DR: New Zealand strengthens trade with China, focusing on agriculture and innovation, aiming to double exports in the next decade. New Zealand’s Focus on Chinese Market Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay emphasises the continuous appeal of New Zealand’s high-quality, safe products among Chinese businesses and consumers. Following his recent visits to Beijing, Harbin, and […]

Ongoing Drought Issues in New Zealand

TL;DR: Recent rains are insufficient as parts of New Zealand remain dry. El Niño ends, but dry conditions persist due to dominant westerly weather. April may see more rain, with potential shifts in weather patterns providing hope for drought relief. Rain Falls, Yet Drought Persists Recent rainfall has not been sufficient to overcome the dry […]

USDA and USAID Launch $1 Billion Food Aid Initiative

TL;DR: USDA and USAID announce a $1 billion initiative to distribute US-grown food globally for emergency aid. Emergency Assistance Plan The USDA, together with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced a significant initiative. They will use $1 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation to buy US-grown food for global emergency assistance. Supporting […]

Forecast on Lamb Returns Remains Low

TL;DR: The ANZ report predicts low lamb returns due to mixed global prices and reduced demand, particularly in China, despite slight improvements in UK market conditions and lamb production. Current Market Conditions The latest ANZ Agri Focus report presents troubling news for sheep farmers, indicating that lamb returns are expected to stay low. Global market […]

Dynamics in Lamb Prices: Light vs. Heavy

TL;DR: The gap between light and heavy lamb prices has widened, with heavy lambs favoured due to U.S. export demands and economic strategies affecting local and global market trends. In the recent market observations, the National Light Lamb Indicator has averaged at a notable 30¢ below the National Heavy Lamb Indicator over the past five […]

Urgent Call to Reinstate Cattle Survey

TL:DR: AFBF urges USDA to maintain midyear cattle surveys, vital for market fairness and research. AFBF’s Plea to USDA The American Farm Bureau Federation has formally requested the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue its midyear cattle survey. This comes after the USDA planned to cancel this and other reports due to budget cuts. Importance […]