TheBeefSite Newsletter - 10 November 2010

TheBeefSite Weekly Newsletter

Wednesday 10th November 2010

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Welcome to this week's newsletter

Editorial: Sustainable Beef Production

Last week over 300 stakeholders met in the US to discuss the possibilities for sustainable beef production.

The conference, which was hosted by Cargill, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, JBS, McDonald’s, Walmart and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), looked at the key issues that influence the sustainability of the beef production system.

With fewer resources and the need to produce more food, sustainability is vital. Efficiency seemed to be a point that was raised repeatedly.

Among the many cross-cutting themes, the following were raised:

There are unique regional differences that have to be accounted for and understood within their context.
The interface between the import and export sides of the business and how the market-based world comes together.
The classic issues of water, land and greenhouse gases, and how they interact.
In order to be sustainable, you have to be viable.
The beef industry deserves credit for the strides towards sustainability that have been made in recent years.

Whilst global leaders confirmed their commitment to improve the sustainability of the beef system, the main concern for many producers was who would pay for sustainability.

Charlotte Johnston

This Week's Feature Articles

We have 4 new features this week:

Reducing Livestock Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Future growth in meat consumption is going to be driven by an expanding population, higher incomes and consumer preferences, writes TheCattleSite senior editor, Chris Harris.

VLA September 2010 Update
Histophilus somni associated with vaginitis in cattle is associated with poor fertility and was recently found on a 450 milking herd in Carmarthen, says the Veterinary Laboratory Agency's UK animal health survey.

Ultrasound Used To Predict Carcase Traits
Ultrasound scanning measurements taken before and after finishing can accurately predict carcase fat and has a moderate accuracy for carcase muscle, according to researchers from the Scottish Agricultural College.

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates - November 2010
Beef exports will continue to increase, and imports fall, whilst cattle prices rise due to strong demand. Dairy cow numbers continue to fall, this along with increasing feed prices, puts pressure on milk production forecasts, according to the latest USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Company News

Act Now To Ensure Good Herd Health
UK - Housing is a critical time of the year to consider herd health according to Merial Animal Health Limited. Treatment for internal and external parasites and steps to prevent or minimise the risks from calf pneumonia are just some of the issues that should be taken into consideration.

Erber is 'Entrepreneur of the Year' Finalist
AUSTRIA - Erich Erber, chairman of the Executive Boards of Erber Holding and Biomin has been honoured with one of the world's most prestigious business awards for building and leading a successful, growing and dynamic business.

EuroTier: Bringing Science to the Farm
GERMANY - The International Animal Health Event will be held during the EuroTier during the evening of 18 November 2010.

Global Beef Cattle Industry News