TheBeefSite Newsletter - 22 February 2012

TheBeefSite Weekly Newsletter

Wednesday 22nd February 2012

Our Sponsors Helping keep you updated for free!

ON-LINE SHOP News Company News Events Articles Diseases Treatments Employment Cattle Breeds SEARCH

Welcome to this week's newsletter

Editorial: Canada Looks Set for Strong 2012

Breeding herd set for growth

For the first time in seven years, the Canadian cattle herd has grown.

Whilst the inventory of beef cows fell by one per cent between 2011 and 2012, Statistics Canada reports that the 2012 inventory of beef replacement heifers increased 4.8 per cent in the Western provinces and increased one per cent in the East.

Overall, inventories of beef replacement heifers rose 4.3 per cent. This increase in replacement heifers indicates that producers are beginning to replenish the herd with younger cows.

Beef exports

With Canadian per capita consumption of beef down by 14 per cent over the past decade and no substantial growth expected in the future, the industry must look to exports.

Beginning in 2013, cattle exports should benefit from an expected revision of the US Country of Origin Labelling (COOL). Canadian beef net exports are projected to increase as cattle slaughter and average carcase weight are both expected to increase over the medium term.

In January, South Korea announced that it would remove a ban on Canadian beef imports, meaning that beef under 30 months of age can re-enter the South Korean market.

Canada and China have also recently reached an agreement which restores access to China for Canadian deboned beef derived from animals under thirty months of age.

Live exports

Peru announced this week that it would re-open doors to Canadian live cattle imports. Canada Beef and the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA) estimate the market to be valued at more than C$2.5 million in 2012 for the Canadian cattle sector.

The Philippines will also now allow imports of Canadian live cattle into the country.

Farm incomes and confidence on a high

Optimism among Canadian beef producers has never been higher than it is now, with 79 per cent of producers agreeing that their farm or business will be better off five years from now.

Beef producers display optimism through their plans to expand and diversify their operations.

Also this week, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) said that 2011 had been a prosperous year for farmers, and reports a positive outlook for 2012.

Charlotte Johnston

This Week's Feature Articles

We have 5 new features this week:

Why the Cattle Industry Needs to Up Feed Efficiency
The cattle industry must start to select for feed efficiency, said Dan Shike from the University of Illinois at the Cattlemen's College Feed Efficiency forum during the 2012 NCBA Convention. Charlotte Johnston, TheCattleSite editor reports.

2012 Holds a Mixed Bag for Cattle Feeders
Feeding cattle had its high and low points of profitability last year, writes Shane Ellis, University of Illinois.

Prevent Hardware Disease in Cattle
Inverted tires can make great containers to hold cattle feed and water, but tires also can pose health risks for the animals if the tires aren’t maintained regularly.

NZ Beef Mid Season Update 2011-12
Beef exports are likely to increase in 2012, whilst excellent seasonal conditions will push cattle weights higher. Farmgate prices are not likely to change much, according to the Beef and Lamb NZ Mid Season Update.

Reducing Residues in Livestock Products
"As far as I am concerned, drug residues in animal products is a black and white issue," said Dr Mike Apley, Professor at Kansas College of Veterinary Medicine, when addressing the Dairy Producer Forum at the NCBA Trade Show and Convention earlier this month. Charlotte Johnston, TheCattleSite editor reports.