TheBeefSite Newsletter - 21 October 2009

TheBeefSite Weekly Newsletter

Wednesday 21st October 2009

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Welcome to this week's newsletter

Editorial: Mixed Trends in Slaughter Markets

In the US, retail beef demand fell by two per cent between the January and August. Supply of cattle to slaughter is also falling as is supply of cattle to feedlots.

With prices low, it is expected that the falling supply will push cattle prices up. With this in mind, industry experts are recommending retaining ownership of calves until prices increase - for more information see this week's feature Retained Ownership.

Over in the UK, EBLEX is warning producers against selling under-finished cattle. Slaughter of cattle has increased slightly over the last month, however it is still lower than it was a year ago.

Slovenia has seen increases in the number of cattle slaughtered, as has Australia. As the temperature rises, supply of cattle to slaughter is steadily increasing, however demand is still weak and prices are continuing to fall. However, with Korean beef prices higher than usual, imports of Australian and US beef to Korea are the highest they have been in a year.

Animal welfare is continuing to be of importance to producers, as Rabobank report that more than 40 per cent of farmers in the US are altering farming practices and methods in response to the introduction of the Food Safety Working Group, in the expectation of changes in law. In Michigan, a farm bill was introduced to protect farm animals with regard to living space.

Pfizer Animal Health acquired Wyeth and Fort Dodge Animal Health expanding its US product portfolio.

Charlotte Johnston

This Week's Feature Articles

We have 6 new features this week:

Retained Ownership
Retained ownership gives producers the opportunity to realise the full potential of their animals. Holding cattle back longer can lead to greater gains for producers, however there is a lot to consider, writes TheCattleSite junior editor, Charlotte Johnston.

Animal Waste to Energy in Denmark
For the Danish agriculture sector, the production of biogas through anaerobic digestion is more than just a means of producing cheap renewable energy, writes TheCattleSite senior editor, Chris Harris.

Cattle Movement Systems
How can a new or upgraded cattle handling system improve safety and efficiency? Charlotte Johnston, TheCattleSite junior editor looks at the risks when handling cattle, how a good handling system can minimise these risks and what to look for when redesigning or improving your current facilities.

Risks of Excess Nitrates
Excess nitrates in the rumen can lead to severe poisoning resulting in abortion, weight loss, greater susceptibility to infections and in severe conditions, death. Barry Yaremico, beef and forage specialist for the Government of Alberta looks at the causes of nitrate poisoning, what producers should be aware of and how the risk can be reduced.

US Feed Outlook October 2009
Estimates for the production of maize, barley and oats have been increased, according to the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) Feed Outlook for October 2009.

US Beef and Dairy Outlook Report - October 2009
Despite reduced demand for commercial beef, cattle slaughter continues to be high as cost-driven dairy producers push up the numbers. Total beef imports have risen two per cent since last August, whilst beef exports have declined by four per cent. US milk and dairy prices are expected to rise next year following a fall in production and increased export demand.

Company News

New Pfizer Animal Health is Unveiled
US - Following the acquisition of Wyeth, the addition of Fort Dodge Animal Health products diversifies and enhances Pfizer's already robust US portfolio.

New Guide to Scour Published
UK - Understanding and preventing infectious calf scour is the subject of a new practical guide published for cattle farmers by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health.

Global Beef Cattle Industry News