tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118435122011-09-30T09:56:44.288ZThe worldwide blog on meat trade and technologyJaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.comBlogger641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132227423093643482005-11-17T11:35:00.000Z2005-11-17T11:37:03.110Z

North Queensland cattle producer Don Heatley was today elected as Meat & Livestock Australia’s new chairman.The election of Heatley as chairman followed the retirement of David Crombie at MLA’s annual general meeting (AGM) yesterday in Melbourne.Heatley was unanimously elected by his fellow Board members in a special meeting of the MLA Board in Melbourne this morning.Heatley said it was a great

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132226660120175062005-11-17T11:22:00.000Z2005-11-17T11:24:20.133Z

The Bush Administration plans to lift BSE-related restrictions on Canadian cattle by proposing a new rule in the next six to eight months, according to Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator Dr Ron DeHaven.Restrictions on the import of Canadian cattle, in place since 2003, were lifted earlier this year for younger animals, but older cattle (30 months of age and older)

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132155591459926172005-11-16T15:31:00.000Z2005-11-16T15:39:51.463Z

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was asked today to rescind its acceptance of the use of carbon monoxide in case-ready meats. The use of carbon monoxide may deceive consumers and may create an unnecessary risk of food poisoning by enabling meat and ground beef to remain fresh-looking beyond the point at which typical color changes would indicate ageing or bacterial spoilage.The petition,

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132154729086246362005-11-16T15:24:00.000Z2005-11-16T15:25:29.086Z

Meat & Livestock Australia’s continued solid performance in the areas of marketing, research and development and market access have provided the red meat industry with a solid platform to tackle the challenges ahead, according to MLA’s managing director Mark Spurr.In his address to the MLA AGM in Melbourne today Mr Spurr outlined the key programs and initiatives MLA will be carrying out during

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132154570681035492005-11-16T15:22:00.000Z2005-11-16T15:22:50.706Z

In his last address as Meat & Livestock Australia chairman David Crombie today congratulated the Australian red meat industry on its resilience and ability to continually meet customer demands, but warned against complacency in the face of the challenges that lie ahead.Addressing the MLA annual general meeting in Melbourne, Mr Crombie said the red meat industry is in good shape and is well placed

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132153756013834712005-11-16T15:04:00.000Z2005-11-16T15:09:16.016Z

The key to improving the red meat industry’s profitability and sustainability is by producing R&D outcomes that are available to producers in formats that are practical and easy to understand.This was the message from MLA Livestock Production Innovation general manager Dr Reuben Rose at MLA’s producer forum in Melbourne today. “We are working on improving reproduction rates, decreasing mortality,

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132153382850017442005-11-16T14:58:00.000Z2005-11-16T15:03:57.656Z

Australia is at the top of the price cycle for both sheepmeat and beef, and cattle prices in particular are predicted to ease in 2006 from their recent highs.This was the forecast from MLA Economic Planning and Market Services general manager Dr Peter Barnard at MLA’s producer forum in Melbourne today. “The industry has been travelling strongly, but prices will start slipping next year,” Dr

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132092806901298802005-11-15T22:04:00.000Z2005-11-15T22:13:26.916Z

"“It has been more than a year since the Government of Japan and the United States Government entered into agreement to restore mutual beef trade. Yet trade has not resumed,"” says a letter to President Bush from industry leaders J. Patrick Boyle, president and CEO of the American Meat Institute, and Terry Stokes, CEO of the National Cattlemen’'s Beef Association.Boyle and Stokes said that the

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132052664417919222005-11-15T11:02:00.000Z2005-11-15T11:08:00.296Z

Mexico was the No. 1 market for US beef (including variety meat) exports in the first nine months of 2005. US exports to Mexico totalled 198,522 mt, a 61% increase over the first nine months of 2004 when the market was closed for a period of time. The value of US beef (including variety meat) exports to Mexico climbed 73% to USD610.6mn. Canada was the second largest destination for US beef (

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132052259566346302005-11-15T10:54:00.000Z2005-11-15T10:58:12.683Z

US pork (including variety meat) exports were 18% higher in volume, at 851,709 mt, in the first nine months of 2005, compared to the same period in 2004, and 24% higher in value at USD1.95bn. US pork (including variety meat) exports to Japan were 17% higher in volume (270,523 mt) and 15% higher in value (USD837.9mn). Mexico was the No. 2 market despite a 3% decrease in volume to 239,422 mt and a

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132052002445692492005-11-15T10:51:00.000Z2005-11-15T10:53:22.446Z

Working together as strategic partners and creating a “road map” for continued and future growth of US pork exports was the focus of a two-day strategic planning session attended by the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council and USMEF in Denver (Colorado, US) 7-8 November. The meeting provided a chance for the organisations to communicate with one another and share industry

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132051740782787362005-11-15T10:47:00.000Z2005-11-15T10:49:00.783Z

With the US excluded from its import market for almost two years, Japan’s September beef imports were 4.4% lower than in September 2004. Japan imported 33,996 mt of beef in September according to Japanese government statistics. Imports of Australian beef were 4.5% lower at 30,447 mt. Imports from New Zealand fell 35.9% to 2,131 mt.Source: USMEF.

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1132051647484766332005-11-15T10:45:00.000Z2005-11-15T10:47:27.496Z

Japan imported 65,715 mt of pork in September, 40.1% higher than in September 2004 and imports of US pork (18,477 mt) were 9.4% more than in September 2004. The US was the market leader, followed by Denmark with 17,401 mt. Imports of Canadian pork totaled 16,606 mt a 40.3% increase. Japan also imported 1,690 mt of pork from Mexico, an increase of 19.6%.Source: USMEF.

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1131954590714235602005-11-14T07:45:00.000Z2005-11-14T07:49:50.733Z

Speaking at SYSCO Corporation's Annual Shareholders' Meeting, Chairman, CEO and President Richard J. Schnieders reviewed SYSCO's Fiscal Year 2005 performance, discussed results of current initiatives, and shared his vision for the company's continuing growth and industry leadership position. "Our vision is to become the global leader of the efficient, multi-temperature food product supply chain,"

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1130952032012063182005-11-02T17:11:00.000Z2005-11-02T17:20:32.016Z

Discussing business one-on-one is an effective way to build trust and forge partnerships, but isn’t always easy for companies selling their wares outside the US. The USMEF gave that opportunity to six US companies on a five-day trip to Chile in mid-October.USMEF selected the packers, processors and retail and restaurant representatives the group met in Chile as likely buyers of US pork processed

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1130951361524776482005-11-02T17:07:00.000Z2005-11-02T17:09:21.553Z

The National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) will hold a public meeting on November 15 and 16, 2005. The meeting will consist of both a full committee meeting and a meeting of all subcommittees.The full committee meeting will include a presentation from FSIS on risk-based inspection. The primary focus of the presentation will be to explain the goal of risk-based

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1130950505067191472005-11-02T16:50:00.000Z2005-11-02T16:55:05.066Z

That was the firm message sent out to retailers from Peter Barr, Chairman of the Red Meat Industry Forum (RMIF) and Meat & Livestock Commission (MLC) at the major RMIF conference in London today.At the conference, attended by nearly 400 delegates from right across the supply chain, Barr welcomed recent initiatives undertaken by some retailers, but said others need to do more to ensure

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1130949769235464922005-11-02T16:29:00.000Z2005-11-02T16:42:49.253Z

The Agriculture Appropriations Conference Report was finalized last week with a two-year delay for the controversial mandatory country-of-origin labeling law. The delay language simply changes the deadline for implementation from 30 September 2006 to 2008. The Conference Report was quickly approved by the House of Representatives with a vote of 318 to 62. The Senate was expected to debate the

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1130948872874268872005-11-02T16:26:00.000Z2005-11-02T16:27:52.876Z

Canadian inspectors citing safety concerns are now refusing to cross the picket line at beleaguered Canadian meat plant, Lakeside Packers. This move effectively shutters the operation. Gary Mickelson, spokesman for Lakeside's owner Tyson Foods, questioned the alleged safety threat."We perceive the inspectors as interfering with our business, and we believe we have a right to operate," Mickelson

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The Japanese Food Safety Commission's prion panel issued a draft report which concluded that, as long as safety measures are followed, the risk of BSE from the US and Canada is "extremely low." The secretariat of the prion panel still needs to amend the detail of the draft. While the secretariat will not release a final report without the permission from all members of the panel, it was hoped

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1116425152685624422005-05-18T14:03:00.000Z2005-05-18T14:05:52.690Z

Due to unforeseen circumstances (a biking accident left me with a broken wrist) the Meat International blog will not be updated until further notice (probably mid-July).Signing off for the time being, Jaime

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1113934196282884372005-04-19T18:09:00.000Z2005-04-19T18:09:56.283Z

Foodborne illnesses in the US are on a "continued and sustained decline," from the baseline years 1996-1998, with a 42% drop in illnesses from E. coli O157:H7, a 40% drop in listeriosis, 31% drop in campylobacteriosis and an 8% drop in salmonellosis, announced Dr Robert Tauxe of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during a joint press conference with USDA and FDA. Dr Tauxe called

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1113933442510802042005-04-19T17:50:00.000Z2005-04-19T17:57:22.513Z

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published model food security plans to provide guidance about development and implementation for specific facilities including meat and poultry processors and slaughterers and import establishments. A food security plan is a critical component of FSIS's security guidelines.There are five guiding principles to assist facility operators in the

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1113731439752840562005-04-17T09:49:00.000Z2005-04-17T09:50:39.753Z

Good Morning Ontario reported that Lester Friedlander, former US agriculture inspector, repeated a claim before a House of Commons committee alleging that the US has covered up cases of mad cow disease.This has caused the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) News to launch a probe into the allegations.It wonders how the US industry has been able to essentially escape BSE when Canada's much

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1113402971779107462005-04-13T14:35:00.000Z2005-04-17T09:51:28.740Z

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) updated the listing of ingredients that are determined safe for use during the production of meat products. These substances have been approved as food additives, approved in Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) notices and pre-market notifications and approved in letters conveying acceptability determinations.Two attachments are included in this

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1113310524324358212005-04-12T12:54:00.000Z2005-04-12T12:55:24.326Z

South Korea imported 24,621 mt of beef in the first two months of 2005, according to South Korean figures, 55.6% more than the same period in 2004. Korean imports of Australian beef totaled 18,548, a 68.8% share. South Korea imported 34,292 mt of pork in the first two months of 2005, a 43.1% increase year-on-year. The US pork industry’s share of the import market was 19.7%, while Canada’s was

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1113302215132160132005-04-12T10:36:00.000Z2005-04-12T10:36:55.133Z

Consternation continues this week over the ongoing Canadian cattle crisis as a CAD7bn class-action lawsuit is launched on behalf of 100,000 farmers in four provinces against the Canadian government. The suit alleges that the government was negligent in its monitoring of cattle imported from the UK in 1993 and that that negligence led to the current crisis. The suit also targets the company that

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1113301409446910692005-04-12T10:22:00.000Z2005-04-12T10:23:29.446Z

With the US still excluded from its import market, Japan’s February beef imports were slightly higher (0.2 %) than in February 2004. Japan imported 37,044 mt of beef in February according to Japanese government statistics. Imports of Australian beef were 1.8 % lower at 33,421 mt. Imports from New Zealand climbed 8.7 % to 3,098 mt.Japan imported 56,772 mt of pork in February, 9.0 % less than in

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1113300902122719612005-04-12T10:14:00.000Z2005-04-12T10:15:02.123Z

The elected leaders of the National Meat Association (NMA) and the North American Meat Processors Association (NAMP) met in Chicago last week for the specific purpose of discussing how each organization could benefit from partnering together. The Presidents (Tom Campanile, NMA President and Jordan Dorfman, NAMP President) joined together in the following statement after the meeting:“The

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1113056465737325492005-04-09T14:20:00.000Z2005-04-09T14:21:05.736Z

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a finding of no significant impact with respect to the final rule concerning BSE minimal risk regions and importation of commodities that was scheduled for implementation on March 7.The environmental assessment documented the APHIS review and analysis of potential environmental impacts associated with the final rule and the review

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1113056201509289632005-04-09T14:15:00.000Z2005-04-09T14:16:41.510Z

The USDA proposed to amend the regulations for importing animals and animal products into the US to apply a uniform set of importation requirements related to classical swine fever (CSF) to a region consisting of all of the EU-15 and prohibit for a specified period of time the importation of live swine and swine products from any area that is identified by the veterinary authorities of the region

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1113055586224672262005-04-09T14:05:00.000Z2005-04-09T14:06:26.226Z

Several US lawmakers are trying to attach a resolution on beef-related sanctions against Japan to a package of fiscal 2006 budget appropriations bills to get it passed quickly and easily, a congressional official said Wednesday.The move in the House of Representatives will pave the way for the resolution, if successfully attached, to sail through Congress together with the appropriations bills as

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1113054988615553792005-04-09T13:55:00.000Z2005-04-09T13:56:28.616Z

A four-and-a-half year-old Holstein cow was diagnosed as the 17th case of BSE in Japan, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry said.The cow had been kept in north Japan's Hokkaido region. It was born in September 2000, the year before feeding cows with meat-and-bone meals was banned due to fear of infection with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, the ministry said.The cow was inspected

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112981558002940292005-04-08T17:31:00.000Z2005-04-08T17:32:38.003Z

Continuing strong demand has led to a further 5% lift in Australian beef exports in the March quarter.With high shipments to North Asia, March beef exports rose 10% on last year and 21% on March 2003 (prior to the US BSE incident). The 84,517 tonnes sw exported for the month was the highest volume for March since 2001, and the third highest ever recorded. Between them, Japan, Korea and the US

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112980829738410592005-04-08T17:19:00.000Z2005-04-08T17:24:48.033Z

Brazilian beef exports for the first two months of 2005 totalled 128,000 tonnes sw – an increase of 18% on the same period last year.Frozen beef made up the majority of the exports during the two months, totalling 99,200 tonnes sw. Egypt was the main destination for frozen product, receiving 24,600 tonnes sw with a value of USD1530/tonne, while Bulgaria and Italy were other major markets,

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112980526909376082005-04-08T17:14:00.000Z2005-04-08T17:15:26.910Z

From 31 July 2005, a standardised labelling approach will be implemented for the used-by date on food products sold in Japan.Until now, a variety of terms have been used to indicate the used-by period on food products, including ‘Hinshitsu hotai kigen’ meaning ‘period of guaranteed quality’, but from the end of July all products will require the term ‘Shomi kigen’ (literally meaning ‘best before’

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112979872257008442005-04-08T16:59:00.000Z2005-04-08T17:04:32.256Z

During the seven-month period of July 2004 to January 2005 a total of 71,162 tonnes cwt of beef was imported into the EU outside of quota, and therefore at full levy. This was an increase of 45% on the same period in the previous year.The largest increase in full-levy beef imports was into Germany, rising from 13,000 tonnes, to 19,000 tonnes sw. The UK imported just over 10,000 tonnes of beef

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112979225912142002005-04-08T16:52:00.000Z2005-04-08T16:53:45.913Z

Australian lamb exports were at record levels in March and the first quarter of 2005, according to DAFF data released this week.Australian lamb exports for the first three months of 2005 totalled 32,100 tonnes sw – 14% higher than the previous record set in 2004 – while shipments during March were 10% higher than the November 2004 record, reaching 12,800 tonnes sw.The US continues to be the

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112978737976910742005-04-08T16:41:00.000Z2005-04-08T16:45:37.976Z

Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics have revealed that Australian lamb slaughter increased 7% during February, to 1.49 million head – a record for the month.The higher slaughter numbers are partly due to improved seasonal conditions during breeding across some of the major prime lamb producing regions; and increased ewe joining in the 2003-04 breeding season resulted in

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112978423266363672005-04-08T16:39:00.000Z2005-04-08T16:40:23.266Z

Beef exports to Japan this month totalled 39,175 tonnes, the largest March shipments on record. The increased March shipments has taken exports to Japan for the first three months of 2005 to 98,765 tonnes, a 32% rise on the same period last year.Grassfed beef accounted for 58% of shipments this month, at 22,696 tonnes, up 33% on March 2004. Very strong Japanese demand for grainfed beef, combined

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112977033300736272005-04-08T16:11:00.000Z2005-04-08T16:17:13.300Z

Adult cattle slaughter during February totalled 635,000 head, 2% up on last year, but steady with the average of the past five years, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) this week. Male cattle slaughter for the month totalled 351,000 head, up 8% from last year, as producers continued to respond to strong demand and prices, particularly from Japan and Korea.

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112976615093122632005-04-08T16:09:00.000Z2005-04-08T16:10:15.093Z

Concerned that its rapidly expanding share of the Japanese beef market will be reduced when US beef eventually re-enters the market, New Zealand is planning to build a robust food safety network that would include full paddock to plate traceability, coupled with miniaturised DNA testing labs at the point of sale.The New Zealand beef industry is also concerned that it may be hit with increased

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112973412457712262005-04-08T15:14:00.000Z2005-04-08T15:16:52.456Z

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Taiwan will open its border April 16 to US boneless beef from animals under 30 months of age. By lifting this ban, Taiwan's market is now open to more than 90% of total US ruminant and ruminant products. The reopening ends a 15-month ban initiated in December 2003 when a case of BSE was discovered in a Canadian-born dairy cow in Washington

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112880050784189482005-04-07T13:19:00.000Z2005-04-07T13:20:50.786Z

By Jerry Perkins, The Des Moines Register Farm EditorFarmland Foods plans a USD25mn expansion to its hog slaughter and pork processing plant in Denison (Iowa, US), George Richter, president of Farmland Foods, said.Richter said the expansion is contingent on approval of an economic incentive package from local, county and state governments and approval by the board of directors of Smithfield Foods

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112866170357150662005-04-07T09:28:00.000Z2005-04-07T09:29:30.356Z

In a unanimous decision, the US International Trade Commission voted that US hog producers were not being injured by Canadian hog imports. The finding means that duties assessed by the Department of Commerce ranging up to 18.87% will not be imposed.In 2004, some US pork producers filed a petition alleging that Canadian hog producers were receiving illegal subsidies from the Government of Canada

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112798922646626582005-04-06T14:48:00.000Z2005-04-06T14:48:42.646Z

The US District Court hearing the dispute between the USDA and R-CALF relating to the importation of Canadian cattle seems likely to conclude on 27 July.The judge will be deciding on the minimal risk rule, which is subject to a temporary injunction, after originally being due for implementation on 7 March 2005. The rule would allow the importation of Canadian live cattle under 30 months of age (

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112797977254575612005-04-06T14:32:00.000Z2005-04-06T14:32:57.253Z

The US government announced plans to redirect funds for further investment into BSE and food safety research, with USD2mn dedicated to additional BSE research and USD5mn allocated to the establishment of a Food Safety Research and Response Network.The increased BSE funding is to be split between ongoing projects and establishing new projects and facilities. The additional funding takes the total

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112796155277790192005-04-06T13:57:00.000Z2005-04-06T14:02:35.280Z

A researcher at Japan’s National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry identified two substances that prevent the production of the BSE and vCJD prion. It is believed the disease is caused when an abnormal prion attaches to a normal prion, turns it into an abnormal prion and multiplies. Copper chlorophyllin and sodium iron chlorophyllin prevented the abnormal prion from attaching to the normal prion

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112795487742051222005-04-06T13:50:00.000Z2005-04-06T13:51:27.743Z

The British government's Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has moved toward replacing its “over 30 months” (OTM) regulation with a "robust" inspection regime used in other EU countries combined with a cohort kill program. Under the new rules, animals born before mid-1996 will be permanently excluded and packing plants must still remove all SRM. Feed controls and the

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112794836704243632005-04-06T13:18:00.000Z2005-04-06T13:46:30.660Z

Japanese fans of beef-and-rice bowl dishes submitted about 1.2 million signatures to Agriculture Minister Yoshinobu Shimamura last week. The petition demanded Japan lift the ban on US beef. Many of the Japanese restaurant operators serving gyudon, a popular cheap beef-and-rice dish, have rallied small, independent farm collectives that supply both rice and loyal diners to the gyudon restaurants.

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112793367836246272005-04-06T13:14:00.000Z2005-04-06T14:19:49.816Z

NMA filed its reply brief with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in R-CALF v. USDA seeking intervenor status and asking that the preliminary injunction be overturned.In its brief, NMA responded to the admission in R-CALF’s brief last week that R-CALF has “never argued that there was a great risk to human health from resumed imports of cattle and beef from Canada.” Because of this significant

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112694281881608652005-04-05T09:43:00.000Z2005-04-05T09:44:41.883Z

The USDA announced the continuation of the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Lamb producers, feeders, seedstock producers and first handlers of lamb and lamb products participating in a national referendum from 31 January through 28 February voted in favour of the order.Of the 3,490 valid ballots cast, 2,807, or 80%, favoured the program; while 683, or 20% opposed. Additionally, of

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112607801628046192005-04-04T09:34:00.000Z2005-04-04T09:44:30.030Z

English beef and lamb businesses with some fresh ideas have scooped a total of GBP200,000 (EUR291,000) in grants from the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX). The grant scheme, which was opened in December, is aimed at helping businesses develop growth and add value to their products over three years under the Quality Standard umbrella.Announcing the first awards, EBLEX Chief Executive

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112542823026682662005-04-03T15:37:00.000Z2005-04-03T15:40:23.026Z

In 2005, US poultry and red meat consumption is expected to reach 102.1 kg per person, 1.7 kg more than the 100.4 kg in 2004 and 2.9 kg more than the 99.3 kg in 2003. Within the overall poultry-red meat category, broiler consumption has continued to increase from 34.7 kg in 2001 to an expected 39.1 kg, retail weight basis, this year or 38.3% of total poultry-red meat. Pork consumption has been

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112483821975240282005-04-02T23:06:00.000Z2005-04-02T23:17:01.976Z

Buffalo, NY-based F. Wardynski's & Son bought the rights to the logo of its (former) rival A. Szelagowski & Sons, with plans to revive the largely dormant "Shelly" brand of hot dogs and bologna, according to The Buffalo News.

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112349415601119382005-04-01T09:51:00.000Z2005-04-01T09:56:55.603Z

The 2003-04 Japanese fiscal year (JFY) ended on 31 March, and with it comes a 20% reduction in the gate price for imported pork from 1 April.When the value of imports, priced on entry in Japan, is below the gate price, importers not only pay the standard 4.3% tariff, but also the difference between the import value and the gate price. The 2004 safeguard tariff increased the gate price of pork by

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112349006203313902005-04-01T09:49:00.000Z2005-04-01T10:06:17.846Z

For the second consecutive short week, increased demand has strengthened Australian lamb prices, despite saleyard throughput jumping 76%. The biggest price gains during the week were for export and trade lambs, up AUD0.09 (USD0.07) and AUD0.06 (USD0.05), to AUD3.05 (USD2.35) and AUD3.45(USD2.66)/kg cwt, respectively. Interestingly, numbers of extra heavy lambs (26kg +) offered reached their

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112345549008398572005-04-01T08:48:00.000Z2005-04-01T08:57:19.666Z

Prices on the Japanese wholesale market have reached a 2-month high this week, as exporters hold out for higher returns, in a bid to counteract historically high cattle prices. Grassfed fullsets were up JPY20 (USD0.19), to JPY775 (USD7.23)/kg, while grainfed fullsets edged JPY10(USD0.09)/kg higher, to JPY880 (USD8.21)/kg.Chilled beef export prices have also risen this week, with grassfed fullsets

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112345292123102282005-04-01T08:47:00.000Z2005-04-01T08:48:12.123Z

Hong Kong beef imports fell during January, dropping 20% on last year, to 3,620 tonnes sw. The largest component of Hong Kong’s beef imports for the month was frozen beef which, at a total volume of 3,380 tonnes sw, was 25% lower than 2004 volumes. Brazilian product held the dominant market share of the market (43% or 1,450 tonnes sw), while Chinese, Canadian and Argentinean beef made up 22% (745

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112345136255505422005-04-01T08:39:00.000Z2005-04-01T08:45:36.256Z

Over the past two weeks, export lambs in Australia have regained most of the fall in prices experienced at the beginning of March. The price gains have largely been a result of processors jostling to fill their kill requirements, with cancelled sales during the shortened trading weeks having an impact.Prices across most weights and categories have followed last week’s positive trend, with both

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112344749615152882005-04-01T08:37:00.000Z2005-04-01T08:39:09.616Z

Meat and Wool New Zealand reported that New Zealand’s export lamb supplies to both the UK and China are tight, with certain frozen leg cuts and chilled lamb in particularly short supply.NZ industry analyst, Agri-Fax, states that buyers in both countries are searching for cheaper stock, with UK traders trying to source cheaper legs, and Chinese buyers looking for lower priced lamb flaps and rack

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112344008828653222005-04-01T08:17:00.000Z2005-04-01T08:26:48.830Z

The Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Andy Mitchell announced, after meeting with Cuban Minister of Agriculture, Alfredo Jordán Morales, that Cuba has approved Canada as a source of live cattle. This follows Cuba's December 14, 2004 decision to re-open its border to a wide range of beef and beef products from Canadian cattle of any age, as well as petfood that does not contain

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112342975993598872005-04-01T07:57:00.000Z2005-04-01T08:13:55.156Z

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Andy Mitchell, announced the creation of a Beef and Cattle Producers Advisory Committee to the CFIA (BPAC).The Advisory Committee is intended to provide advice to the President and key executives of the CFIA on matters pertaining to regulatory policy, standards and inspection

Jaime Luján-Zilbermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334321060548092046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11843512.post-1112341060566141432005-04-01T07:09:00.000Z2005-04-01T07:56:55.816Z

ConAgra Foods Inc. is closing its Montgomery (Alabama, US) beef-processing plant that produced ground beef patties for restaurants. The plant's management announced on 25 March operations would shut down on 6 May due to business performance. The plant handles meat processing and packing for Wendy's, Burger King and Krystal. Burger King already shut down production on 24 March.

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