Exporting dairy to China can start filling £1 billion hole in UK economy
China is consuming significantly more Western-style milk, cheese, and yogurt, and Britain can help supply that demand. The UK currently imports £1.2 billion more dairy produce than it exports, meaning there is huge potential for growth at home and abroad. Mr Paterson will this week meet dairy companies, trade associations, industry experts and retailers in […]
Tesco direct contracts mark a watershed for British pig farmers
“British pig-keepers have been plagued by short-term supply chains and volatile costs, which have prevented them from investing for the future,” said general manager Dr Zoe Davies. “The new direct supply contracts announced by Tesco should be available for around 140 pig-keepers early next year, and in NPA’s view could help transform British pig production.” […]
Milk production figures released for October 2012
The United Kingdom wholesale milk deliveries totalled 993.1 million litres in October, bringing the cumulative total for the year to 7,810.9 million litres. The wholesale delivery figures have not been adjusted for butterfat content. All figures are provisional. RPA relies on individual purchasers to provide the data, which is supplied ‘subject to confirmation’ and may […]
World-wide Potential for 360º Freedom Farrower™
This revolutionary farrowing pen was developed by Midland Pig Producers (MPP), one of the UK’s largest pig production companies. Its unique design improves welfare for sows and piglets and increases production by giving sows the freedom to turn around 360 degrees while in confinement. This increases the sow’s nesting ability and reduces her stress, which […]
Pasture-Fed Livestock Association encourages producers to trust in grass
Evolving as a farmer-based movement, the founder members have developed a set of standards which define the pasture-fed system for beef and sheep, and registered the PASTORAL ‘pasture-fed for life’ trade mark. Producers whose systems meet the standards can market their meat under this brand. Pasture-based systems represent a more natural feeding regime for ruminants […]
New protein quality assessment discussed
This new method, called Digestible Indispensable Amino Acids Score (DIAAS), will measure the digestibility of individual essential amino acids (EAA) in the small intestine as opposed to the previous focus on digestibility of proteins that was determined over the total digestive tract. The new method will also include determination of bioavailable lysine. Furthermore, for ingredients, […]
ROI slaughter cattle import outrage
Northern Ireland’s processors are preventing farmers from benefiting from the extraordinary price premium generated by UK consumer loyalty to home produced beef by continuing to import around 12-13 per cent of the product collectively handled in their factories from another EU country. And at the same time they are benefiting hugely themselves because the artificial […]
MP proposes badger vaccination programme for West Cornwall
West Cornwall had been identified by the Government as the origins of the growth of bovine tuberculosis across the British cattle herd and which is still most prevalent in the west of the country. Mr George had supported the previous Government’s trial which included the proactive culling of badgers over a decade ago and has, […]
Livestock producers still under pressure
The latest annual Business Pointers report, published by Eblex, shows that the majority of enterprise types still do not make a positive margin from production after non-cash costs. The figures also revealed that increased costs are set against higher outputs in every type of beef and sheep enterprise. NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe said […]
