Australian Government Invites Views on Farming’s Net Zero Contribution
The Australian Government has called for public input on how agriculture will help meet the 2050 net-zero emissions goal. A discussion paper is now available, inviting feedback on this sector’s decarbonisation strategy. Agriculture’s share of national emissions stood at 16.8% in 2020-21, with an expected rise as other sectors reduce their emissions more affordably. Murray […]
Australian Sheep Sector Faces Downturn Amid Export Uncertainty and Climate Challenges
Australia’s sheep farming community is confronting a severe downturn, with mutton prices plummeting to their lowest in nearly two decades. This has led to distressing decisions for farmers, particularly in Western Australia, who are now facing the prospect of giving away livestock as feed or for nominal sums. According to Tim Jackson, a global supply […]
German Exporters Express Discontent Over Stalled EU-Australia Trade Deal
The abrupt halt in the EU-Australia free-trade agreement negotiations has sparked frustration among German exporters, particularly within the machinery and car industries, who stood to gain significantly from the deal. The negotiations, which have been ongoing for over a year, reached an impasse due to disagreements on agricultural market access, specifically regarding Australian sheep meat […]
Agricultural Sector Seeks Government Action on Growing Concerns
New Zealand’s farming community, represented by Federated Farmers, is calling on the newly elected government to take swift action to address a series of regulatory challenges that are impacting farmer confidence and productivity. The organisation has highlighted a range of issues including stringent wetland regulations, restrictions on fertiliser use, the complexity of freshwater farm plans, […]
Balancing Breeding and Welfare in Livestock Production
Temple Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and a globally recognised expert on livestock handling and welfare, has identified genetics as a critical factor in many animal welfare issues. In her observations from meat processing plants, Grandin has noted that the drive for larger livestock has led to unintended consequences, particularly […]
US Pork Industry: A Tale of Productivity and Market Pressures
The US pork industry is currently experiencing a paradox of productivity, according to Christine McCracken, Senior Analyst for Animal Protein at Rabobank. While producers have successfully increased the number of pigs raised per sow, leading to fuller barns, this has inadvertently applied downward pressure on the pork market. During a discussion on AgriTalk with host […]
Enhancing Chicken’s Value Through Moisture-Retention Techniques
In the United States, chicken reigns as the preferred meat, with a variety of ready-to-eat options ranging from deli rotisserie chickens to spicy fast-food sandwiches and wings from local eateries. Achieving the perfect balance of succulence without excess oiliness is a culinary endeavour that challenges both professional and home cooks. The latter often struggle with […]
Agricultural Lenders Shift Focus to Liquidity and Income Concerns for Farmers
In the latest 2023 Agricultural Lender Survey report, a collaboration between the American Bankers Association and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac), it has been revealed that agricultural lenders are increasingly concerned about liquidity and farm income levels among farmers. The report, which was unveiled at the American Bankers Association Agricultural Bankers Conference in […]
Iowa State Veterinarian Stresses Continuous Biosecurity to Shield Poultry from Avian Influenza
In a recent interview, Iowa’s state veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Kaisand, emphasised the critical nature of biosecurity in commercial poultry operations to prevent the incursion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) into flocks. Dr. Kaisand highlighted that biosecurity is a continuous effort, requiring vigilance every hour of every day, which can be challenging to maintain consistently. […]
Global Food Prices See Minor Ebb in October
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has noted a slight softening in global food prices amidst ongoing regional conflicts and prevailing high prices. The FAO’s measure for global food commodity prices dipped slightly by 0.5% from September to October. This index, which gauges the monthly shifts in international prices for commonly traded food items, […]
