BRITISH PRESENCE AT MARYLAND SHEEP FESTIVAL

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival 2025, USA 3-4 May 2025

 UKTAG was delighted to be invited to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Event held 3-4 May to represent the UK sheep industry and the breeds we have to offer the US market. The popular show attracts around 20,000 visitors over the two days, has around 650 sheep present and over 250 wool and/or-sheep-related stands.

Supported by AHDB, the DBT British Embassy Washington, Farmgene, AB Europe, UK Sheep Genetics and Ballycreely Livestock along with the Bleu du Maine Sheep Society, the Blue Faced Leicester Sheep Breeders Association, the Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders Association and the Suffolk Sheep Society, Rob & Vicky Grinnall manned a stand at the event for the two days.

The British stand at the event

The interest was constant.  Probably the most significant factor in this was that UKTAG was the only organisation with an international stand.  We were given a prime position between the pens and the showrings which were occupied constantly for the two days of the event. No other breed, organisation or country had taken this initiative and so the breeders and public alike were fascinated with all that we had on display and wanted to discuss sheep with us. Supreme Champion Ram was a Lincoln Longwool and the Supreme Champion Ewe was a Black Border Leicester. On display was the first Dutch Spotted to attend the event born from a UK embryo and his pen mate was a superb example of a Shetland Ram.

Conversations varied from the easy ‘what breed is that’ to the technical discussions on scrapie and schmallenberg and how we could work with the US to progress the imports. Another significant part was putting to rights those apocryphal tales where issues had been interpreted as being of UK origin, when in fact it was a US stipulation. Says Rob: “This sort of interaction is only possible face to face and undoubtedly was of tremendous help to some in understanding the process.”

At the British Embassy, Washington DC

As part of the arrangement with the Maryland Sheep & Wool Co (MSW), Rob spoke for an hour to a packed and interested audience on the export process, how it developed, the issues and how to overcome any pitfalls, with questions lasting for another half hour after the allotted time.

John Wilkes, the US consultant for AHDB and a journalist, also played a large part in ensuring that Rob was in front of the right people. These ranged from representatives of the MSW committee, the ASI, NSIP, as well as breeders who had already imported and those who were considering the process.

On Monday 5th, Rob and Vicky were hosted at the British Embassy in DC by UK Agriculture Attache to the USA Will Surman to discuss the event, the outcomes and future actions.  Will’s support for UK agri-trade and his understanding of the sector are a huge benefit and critical to how this is all progressed after this initial foray into the sheep industry in the US.

Understanding markets is crucial to the export sales and each is different; the USA is unique.  Many of the breeds are already present, but their gene pool has been closed for decades to purebred animals.  In addition, the largest market at present is that of the ‘hobbyist’ with spendable cash, looking for something different and exotic.  Huge amounts have been spent on the Swiss Valais and new breeds entering the US are the Kerry, Dutch Spotted, and BDM. Blue Faced Leicesters, Border Leicesters and many of our traditional breeds are present but no longer resemble the original imports and it is here that much work could be done.

The US meat market is also changing.  Their large-framed sheep are losing some appeal and the UK smaller carcases find a space in the housewives’ baskets, with family cuts, low on fat and bone. The sheep that we are exporting will not take-over the USA meat market to any real significant effect, but when some breeds in the UK find themselves short of new breeders, exports can be a significant extra income to the pedigree flockmaster.

“We need to continue to showcase our amazing variety of breeds to the US and the world.  Improving sustainability and productivity is great for farming around the world, but it also acts as an extra income stream here in the UK,” adds Rob. It is now important that the contacts created are followed up to ensure best uptake and maintenance of the work done. As such, Rob will be contacting relevant UK businesses to ensure business is created.

With thanks to The Maryland Sheep and Wool Committee for allowing us to attend this influential event. This visit would not have been possible without the support from Will Surman, the British Embassy, the semen collection centres, breed societies and of course the MSW Committee.

Dr Rob Grinnall, Veterinary Director, UKTAG (UK Technology for Agriculture & Genetics) E: rob@uktag.co.uk

 

LIVESTOCK & GENETICS EXPORT STRATEGY 2024/2025

Livestock and Genetics Export Strategy 2024-2025

INTRODUCTION

In 2018, we introduced the first integrated Livestock and Genetics export promotion strategy bringing together the resources of the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the Department of Business & Trade (DBT) through British Embassies abroad and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) in a co-ordinated programme managed by industry stakeholders British Livestock Genetics (BLG) and UK Technology for Agriculture and Genetics (UKTAG).

Delegation from Latin America

Having built momentum through the Brexit transition period, the strategy is designed to take advantage of the prediction that 90% of growth will be outside the EU and enable the UK livestock sector to exploit the increasing demand for meat and milk in these developing markets.

Stand at CAHE, China

Our two high level objectives are to maintain and expand existing market share and develop new market opportunities. These objectives are to be achieved through a programme of inward and outward missions working with DBT as well as the eleven Agricultural Attachés based in British embassies and consulates around the world - in Canada, Mexico, USA, Brazil, Kenya, The Gulf, India, Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam - working to remove trade barriers, identify emerging international markets and tap into growing demand worldwide for quality goods from UK farmers and producers.

UK-bred sheep out in Uruguay

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME 2024-25

  • USA/USA Sheep Event/Spring/Sheep

  • Argentina/Palermo Show/Summer/Cattle & Sheep

  • Brazil/ExpoInter/Summer/Cattle & Sheep

  • UK/Central Asia Inward Mission/Spring-Summer/Cattle

  • Asia/Central Asia/Outward Mission/Summer/Cattle

  • Asia/Smart Agri Week/Autumn/Pigs

  • China/Pig Webinar/Spring/Pigs

  • UAE/Scoping Mission/Winter/Cattle & Sheep

  • UK & International/Networking/All/All

  • BLG/Website/All/All

  • BLG/Export Bulletin/Summer & Winter/All 

Note, the above refers to COUNTRY/EVENT/DATE/SPECIES

Berkshire Pigs in the Philippines

For queries relating to the above programme, please contact either:

ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB BICENTENARY TROPHY AWARDED TO CHRIS DODDS

ROYAL SMITHFIELD CLUB BICENTENARY TROPHY AWARDED TO CHRIS DODDS

The prestigious Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy has been awarded to Chris Dodds in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the British Meat and Livestock Industry. The presentation was made at the AIMS (Association of Independent Meat Suppliers) Annual Conference held at Butchers Hall, London on Friday 25th April 2025.

2025 Bicentenary Trophy Winner Chris Dodds

AIMS Chairman, John Thorley OBE, read out the citation and duly presented the trophy to a delighted Mr Dodds in front of around 100 industry colleagues. In keeping with tradition, the Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy is ‘sprung’ on the recipient without their prior knowledge.

Chris Dodds is the Executive Secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association. Having worked for a number of prominent livestock markets in the 1980s and 90s, he joined the Livestock Auctioneers Association during 2002. Mr Dodds has served as President of the European Trade Association for Livestock Markets. He has acted tirelessly on behalf of the industry, ensuring that live sales remained open during Covid-related restrictions. Indeed, he has been involved with a number of ‘crises’ which have affected the livestock sector, such as foot and mouth outbreak and avian influenza.

L-R Geoff Burgess RSC Trustee, AIMS Chairman John Thorley OBE, Chris Dodds, Rachael Wyllie RSC Vice President, Richard Saunders RSC Secretary

However, this lifetime of service to the farming industry has gone beyond the realm of livestock marts. “Chris has played an active part in a number of key cattle and sheep industry stakeholder groups across trade, supply chain, animal health and welfare, livestock traceability and farm assurance sectors. In terms of the next generation, he has contributed to the development of courses in the field of education and training. He has founded, and chairs, the UK Livestock Brexit Group (now the Livestock Chain Advisory Group - LCAG), calling together 25 trade organisations, along with Defra, levy board and government representatives across the devolved nations,“ read the citation.

Butchers Hall, London

Mr Dodds had been separately nominated by the Farmers Union of Wales, Head Office, Llys Amaeth, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth; and Robert Venner of Greenslade Taylor Hunt, Sedgemoor Auction Centre, North Petherton.

Q&A Session at the 2025 AIMS Conference

In making the announcement, John Thorley said: “It is this outstanding, wide-reaching and lifelong commitment to the British meat and livestock industry that makes Chris a worthy winner of this significant award.”

Grateful thanks are extended to AIMS Chairman, John Thorley and AIMS Head of Policy Norman Bagley for facilitating the presentation to Mr Dodds

NOTES FOR EDITORS

·         The Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Award was established in 1998 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Smithfield Club in 1798, and is a national award to publicly recognize an individual’s or company’s significant contribution to the overall benefit of the British Meat and Livestock Industry

·         Chris Dodds is the 23rd recipient of the annual award which includes the presentation of the Club’s Armada Shield. The winner receives the trophy, a solid silver Armada Shield, set with 25 gold guineas all dated 1798 from the reign of George II, each sponsored by individuals or families who had a long history of involvement with the Smithfield Show, including the late Queen Mother who was a huge supporter of the Club

SPECIAL DEAL FOR TAIWAN AGRIWEEK 3-5 SEPTEMBER

Taiwan Smart Agriweek
Special deal for UK exhibitors with UKTAG  

Taiwan Smart Agriweek presents Agritech UK members with an exclusive offer and a strategic gateway to Asia’s fast-expanding agricultural innovation market. As Taiwan’s largest international B2B platform covering all aspects of agriculture, the event features five key sectors: AgriTech, AgriLivestock & Feed, AquaTech, AgriFresh, and AgriGreen.
With a strong emphasis on smart technology, sustainability, and integrated value chains, the event aligns perfectly with the strengths of UK-based companies in areas such as precision farming, controlled environment systems, livestock and aquaculture genetics, and advanced agri-engineering.
Held from September 3–5, 2025, at TaiNEX, hall 1, the show offers a unique opportunity to connect with high-level decision-makers, distributors, and buyers from across Asia. Exhibiting in Taiwan not only enhances brand visibility in the region but also opens doors to strategic partnerships in supply chain innovation, digital agriculture, and climate-resilient solutions—fields where UK agritech companies are already global leaders.

The organisers have given us very good rates that include hotel accommodation close to the expo and a UK branded pavilion
Please contact me for full details 
This is a very good opportunity to be present at an excellent exhibition where in 2024 20 countries were represented
I look forward to helping you attend this event
Thanks and best regards
Chris

Chris Jackson
exports@uktag.co.uk    

NEW BCBC CHAIR DR ALEX BROWN

Dr Alex Brown - BCBC Chair 2025 / 2026

‘Joining the Dots: From Blue Skies to Green Fields’

I am thrilled to assume the Chair of the British Cattle Breeders Club for 2025. As a self-confessed townie, I am acutely aware of the large and well-worn wellies of past chairs that I have to fill, so I’m incredibly grateful to the committee for putting their faith in me, as I cast aside any feelings of impostor syndrome and look to bring my own perspective to the role.

I first attended the British Cattle Breeders Club Conference in 2014 as a student speaker. It was an eye-opening experience that helped me far better understand the challenges farmers face and how research can address these issues appropriately. Having spent the last decade at the interface between industry and academia, I am strongly committed to fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge flows both ways, ensuring that research is not only innovative but also relevant and applicable.

The Club is a truly unique platform where science, technology, and cattle breeding converge. We have a rich history of fostering knowledge and innovation in cattle breeding. Originally focused on teaching the fundamental concepts of breeding and genetics, the club and its annual conference have evolved to highlight cutting-edge research and real-world case studies, providing a key platform for knowledge sharing. Looking to the rest of 2025, and culminating in next year’s conference, we aim to honour these traditions and provide abundant opportunities for discussion and active learning.

Our upcoming conference theme, "Joining the Dots: From Blue Skies to Green Fields" aims to explore how we can successfully connect innovative research with practical farming applications, maintaining a strong focus on breeding and genetics. We aim to highlight successful examples of how research and practice can be successfully integrated, showcasing implementations that have made a tangible difference on farm, and the amazing people working at each point in the chain to make change happen. Planning for the 2026 conference is already underway, and speaker suggestions around this theme are very much welcomed!

We also hope to explore and challenge the traditional "trickle-down" approach to research funding and impact and explore how we can better align our efforts with the needs and priorities of cattle breeders. By doing so, we hope to take steps towards a more dynamic and responsive process that truly benefits all stakeholders.

I invite all members, new and old, to join us on this exciting journey. Let's come together to share knowledge, challenge assumptions, and drive forward the future of cattle breeding. So please spread the word, bring your neighbours, and be part of a community that values every contribution. The British Cattle Breeders Club is where innovation meets practice, and together, we can achieve great things.

VIV ASIA REPORT

VIV Asia 2025 wraps up - a landmark event showcasing industry excellence and market leadership 

With the support of the British Embassy in Thailand, UKTAG hosted a British Pavilion at VIV Asia held 12-14 March in Bangkok which saw 10 UK companies present, six of whom were new to the event. In addition a further 9 UK companies were present.

With the addition of a UK reception and B2B meetings arranged, all companies present reported an excellent show and are looking forward to the next event in 2027 with an even bigger UK pavilion. The UK’s Agricultural Commissioner, Rickie Jenning, led a seminar discussing health and bio security to a full house.

VIV Asia 2025 successfully reaffirmed its position as the leading B2B platform for the feed-to-food industry in Asia, convening over 51,000 professional visitors from 129 countries, with products and services from 1,500 exhibitors across 63 countries.

Held at IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok, the event delivered a showcase of innovation, expertise, and global collaboration, drawing top industry leaders, innovators, and key decision-makers from around the world. Over three action-packed days, attendees engaged in high-level networking, groundbreaking knowledge exchange, and immersive product displays, reinforcing VIV Asia’s unrivalled influence in the sector.

A world-class marketplace for the global animal protein industry

VIV Asia 2025 featured an extensive international marketplace showcasing the latest advancements in animal protein production, processing, and packaging. It also gathered around 700 industry leaders from 55 countries, continuing the momentum of previous editions and demonstrating the industry’s resilience and commitment to working in synergy. For three days, the industry leaders participated in a series of tailored and exclusive networking events which provided the perfect setting to be attuned with the industry trends and access the right knowledge, technology, and people. 

Meat Pro Asia, the premier trade platform for meat processing and packaging solutions, was once again co-located with VIV Asia. Meanwhile, for the first time in VIV Asia’s history, a new co-location was added to make the event the most comprehensive global trade show of its kind: Horti Agri Next (HAN) Asia.

“As a cornerstone of the animal protein industry, VIV Asia is where professionals converge to drive progress and capitalize on new market opportunities,” says Birgit Horn, Managing Director at VNU Europe/VIV Worldwide. “Our ongoing commitment is to support industry growth, enhance collaboration, and cement VIV Asia’s role as the sector’s leading global event.”

For VIV Asia 2025, it is also worth noting how sustainability was embedded as a core strategy. Panadda Kongma, Vice President – Business at VNU Asia Pacific highlights, “We have taken concrete steps towards sustainability, including using soy-based ink for printed materials, deploying EV tractors in partnership with DB Schenker, reducing printed materials, and promoting digital applications. Our goal is to support green initiatives and lower the carbon footprint of our trade fair as much as possible.”

A platform for innovation and industry advancement

As a hub for cutting-edge developments, VIV Asia 2025 spotlighted advancements in animal disease prevention, regenerative agriculture, and precision livestock farming among many others. Attendees also engaged in a comprehensive program of over 150 knowledge-packed sessions led by 300 thought leaders and industry pioneers.

“The importance of the AgriBITs platform showcasing AI, IoT, robotics, and the smart technology that is available now and in the near future cannot be overstated enough. With industry leaders from seven companies sharing research and insights and discussing real-world use cases, AgriBITs shows the big impacts, challenges ahead, and the role that these technologies are playing in our industry. We are really happy with the turnout and excited to take AgriBITs to the next VIV editions,” says Natalie Taylor, Project Manager of AgriBITs. 

Speaking on HAN as a new co-location in this year’s VIV edition, Justin Pau, CEO of VNU Asia Pacific, shares, “HAN Asia is a future-focused platform that connects the entire supply chain from farm to food, bridging horticulture, agriculture, and food processing for a holistic, sustainable industry approach.” This powerful combination consolidated the entire seed to feed to food value chain under one roof, creating significant opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and business development. 

A successful conclusion to VIV Asia 2025

With a strong track record of success and a commitment to delivering value-driven experiences, VIV Asia 2025 marked another milestone in the VIV worldwide portfolio. The organizers, in collaboration with over 25 media partners and 52 global associations, see this result as another step in supporting the industries’ continuous growth and development.

The VIV worldwide team and its partners extend their gratitude to the exhibitors, attendees, and supporters who contributed to making VIV Asia 2025 a massive success, and look forward to the next edition of VIV Asia scheduled to take place from March 10-12, 2027.

AHDB APPOINTS JONATHAN ECKLEY AS INTERNATIONAL TRADE HEAD

The Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board has appointed Jonathan Eckley as its new director of international trade development.

Eckley will take up his position with immediate effect and lead the AHDB international trade development team’s work with industry and UK government to help develop global export opportunities for AHDB levy payers.

He has worked for AHDB for 19 years, most recently holding the head of international trade development role, covering the Asia-Pacific, American and Middle East & North Africa regions.

With his farming background and track record of building export strategy, he brings a wealth of experience to the role.

“The value of red meat and dairy exports in 2024 demonstrates the significance of international trade to our livestock sectors,” said Eckley. “It’s important we have access to a broad portfolio of markets and AHDB’s role is critical in providing technical support, evidence and in-market insight to support the industry’s global ambitions. “I’m looking forward to leading the team in helping our red meat and dairy produce thrive on the global stage.”

In 2024, UK red meat and dairy exports were worth around £3.5bn. International trade development remains a critical part of AHDB’s work for livestock levy payers.

This work includes supporting export health certification, site approvals for export, inspection audits from overseas government officials, facilitating trade development in key markets, participating in trade shows and co-ordinating trade missions.

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Jonathan as AHDB’s international trade development director,” said AHDB chief executive Graham Wilkinson. “His wealth of experience and industry knowledge will be invaluable in working on behalf of levy payers helping to ensure exports of our world-class red meat and dairy produce continue to deliver growth and value.”

INTERNATIONAL MEAT SECRETARIAT ADDRESSES US CATTLEMEN'S CONVENTION

Dr Phil Hadley, Secretary General of the International Meat Secretariat (IMS) and former International Trade Director for the UK’s AHDB, recently addressed the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Convention during their 2025 CattleCon event in Texas. Kent Bacus, NCBA, Executive Director of Government Affairs, chairs the IMS beef committee.

We are grateful to US Trade/Agriculture Consultant John Wilkes for the following report.

The International Meat Secretariat (IMS) was founded in 1974. Dr Hadley called fifty years “a milestone for an international organization.” The organization has its headquarters in Paris. Dr Hadley described it as the “United Nations of Meat,” stating, “We’ve got 100 members across the world. This includes levy boards, check-off programs, government, and commercial organizations.”

A key role of IMS is its special and contributory status with several international policy-setting organisations, including:

•              FAO – Food and Agriculture Organisation

•              WOAH – World Organisation for Animal Health

•              Codex Alimentarius – Standard-setting for safety, livestock, and environmental assessment

•              Global Alliance for Sustainable Livestock – The organisation that sets policy   decisions for the industry

IMS champions meat and livestock production through science-based arguments, emphasising scientific research to facilitate international exchange. It provides industry data and information to support and/or defend the industry. It also hosts the World Meat Congress. IMS receives strong support and representation from the US beef and pork sectors on key trade issues, sustainability, and nutrition.

IMS has eight committees: three for beef, lamb, and pork (excluding poultry), and five subject-specific committees. The Human Nutrition and Health Committee is particularly active at the moment, defending the industry against various nutritional challenges.

EU Deforestation Regulations (EUDR)

IMS is heavily engaged with the EU Deforestation Regulations (EUDR), which will require any imported products to have full traceability and prove that their production has not caused deforestation. Dr Hadley explained: “It’s a huge issue coming down the line for anybody exporting products to the EU. Even if you’re not exporting high volumes into the EU, this might displace products and deter some people or countries from focusing on the EU, pushing products into other markets and creating competition or imbalance elsewhere. It was supposed to be implemented at the end of last year but was delayed 12 months because achieving full traceability across a range of products—not just beef—presents a massive challenge for global industries.”

Representation & Lobbying by IMS

Dr Hadley highlighted the representation and lobbying role of IMS with a few key examples from the past 12 months. Dr Hadley said: “The organising committee of the Paris Olympics restricted meat and dairy availability to athletes and spectators as part of a naïve approach to reducing the carbon footprint of the Games. Imagine you’re a French beef producer—these French folks are pretty proud of what they do; it’s an agricultural country, and the committee missed the opportunity to showcase the great products they produce in France, favouring vegan and vegetarian options.

IMS & WOAH Collaboration

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the global monitor of animal health, continues to work closely with IMS. WOAH Director General Emmanuelle Soubeyran attended a meeting for IMS members, where Kent Bacus and other US livestock industry representatives discussed the challenges of animal disease and disease reporting. The Memorandum of Understanding between IMS and WOAH is also being updated to ensure it reflects current animal health challenges.

Sustainable Development & Livestock’s Role

At the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN meeting, 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were discussed, with agriculture playing a positive role in all of them. Dr Hadley emphasized: “On one hand, we have a loud and vociferous group of people claiming that agriculture is responsible for all the world’s problems, yet we can actively demonstrate that livestock production and animal agriculture contribute positively to poverty reduction, food security, rural development, and more. It’s essential that we continue pushing the message that agriculture is part of the solution—not the problem.”

COP29 & COP30 Challenges

COP29 in Azerbaijan was billed as a finance-focused conference, while COP30 in Brazil will have an agriculture focus. Dr Hadley highlighted the stark disparity in representation:  “At COP29, there were about 50 meat and livestock industry representatives—compared to over 400 anti-meat and livestock organizations and individuals. Those numbers should really resonate in terms of the challenge ahead of us. I challenge everyone in the room and associated organisations to think about what we do for COP30. We have to be present. If we’re not, we’ll lose the argument.”

Meat Tax Paper

A paper proposing a European meat tax published in Nature Food suggested increased taxation on meat and dairy while reducing taxes on fruits and vegetables to drive dietary change. https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-024-01097-5 Dr Hadley commented:  “This demonstrates that if you cannot persuade people to go vegan and vegetarian voluntarily, you tax them into compliance. IMS rejects the argument. The author of this study spoke at a conference titled ‘The Defund Meat Conference’—they’re challenging the industry, taxing the consumer, and even targeting the financing behind meat production businesses. These groups, like most anti-animal agriculture movements, are well-financed and well-structured.”

Dr Hadley also questioned the positioning of alternative proteins: “What will this protein offer look like? What are the challenges and opportunities? How will it be sold? The use of meat-related terminology for some of these products is a real concern and something we need to focus on.”

Looking Ahead

Dr Hadley mentioned that a new Lancet report (Lancet 2.0)—expected in autumn 2025—could pose further challenges for the meat industry by advocating protein shifts away from meat. An International Conference on Nutrition is to be held in Paris in summer 2025, where 5,000 nutritionists from around the world will discuss the importance of meat, dairy, and balanced diets. The IMS plans to hold a side event highlighting the role of meat and dairy in a balanced diet. This workshop will be attended by the Human Nutrition and Health Committee after the ICB event closes.

World Meat Congress

IMS organises the World Meat Congress every two years. The next event will take place in October 2025 in Brazil, bringing together industry professionals to address key challenges. Dr Hadley concluded: “I'd encourage you all to think seriously about attending.”

UK SIRES EXPORT NEWSLETTER

Thank you to UK Sire Services’ Export Manager, Hannah Smith, for sharing their latest Export Newsletter. Please click HERE to read news and views on the export bull market. For more information, please email Hannah on hannah.smith@uksires.co.uk

Hannah Smith

Export & UK Sales Manager   

UK Sires                                      

Tel. 01458 555551

WhatsApp. +44 7765 985269

www.uksires.co.uk

BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE EXPLORES 'HERD OF THE FUTURE' THEME

How can farmers breed herds that are fit for the future?

This was the question raised at the annual British Cattle Breeders Conference held in Telford 20-23 January 2025. Farmers need to spend more money on genetics and there must be a greater availability of sexed beef semen if farmers are to meet environmental targets while continuing to meet production demands.

AHDB CEO Graham Wilkinson addresses the conference

Graham Wilkinson, CEO of AHDB, told delegates at the 2025 British Cattle Breeders’ conference that global beef consumption would increase by 10% by 2032. Genetics holds the key to unlocking this growth while reducing livestock emissions, delegates agreed.

However, on average, UK dairy farmers are spending 0.6-0.8ppl on genetics. This accounts for just 1.5-2% of the cost of production. Consultant Andrew Thompson, questioned if this was enough: “Genetics has a 50% influence on gross margin potential, and you choose to spend 1.5% of cost of production on it?”

Genetics – a good return on investment

Cheshire dairy farmer Andrew Rutter said that little else offered such a good return on investment on his 400-cow dairy unit. He has raised the Profitable Lifetime Index(£PLI) from 65% to 5% within his own herd. Based on one £PLI improvement being worth £1, he calculated this equated to £230,000 in improved margin over the herd’s lifespan. “Paying for the best bulls is the best use of our money,” he said.

Mr Thompson said great genetic progress had been made in the past 7-8 years. He added nowhere else in the world had adopted sexed semen at the pace of GB farmers, with AHDB data showing sales of sexed semen increased to 84% up to April 2024. Together with the targeted use of beef semen, Mr Thompson said sexed semen had reduced carbon output and improved beef calf income.

Beef sector improvements

However, in the beef sector, progress is being halted owing to the poor availability of sexed semen, warned Professor Jonathan Statham, chief executive of RAFT Solutions. As part of an Innovate UK-funded project, he calculated changing the proportion of male and female calves born from 50:50 to 80:20 in favour of males could lower farm emissions by 14 tonnes annually while increasing beef output by 3 tonnes on a 100-cow suckler herd. The model showed improvements were driven by faster finishing of bulls and larger carcass weights. At the same time, Professor Statham said using targeted maternal genetics delivered a 10% improvement each year through improved cow longevity, fertility and earlier calf weaning. “The potential is big, but the availability of sexed semen is a challenge in the beef sector. We need a wide range of sexed semen available in all breeds with all the genetic traits we want,” urged Professor Statham.

Delegates to the three-day conference heard from beef farmers using artificial insemination to fast track genetic gain. Perthshire suckler farmer Neil McGowan uses mostly AI sires on his 50-cow pedigree Simmental herd. He also runs 150pedigree Luing cows. He selects maternal traits to produce heifers that get pregnant in six weeks as yearlings, calve at two, and then rebreed within nine weeks while nursing calves. He told delegates: “If something needs to be done, we cannot wait for policy to change, or we shouldn't blame the market or the breed society. “If you're the breeder, you're in charge, and you just need to do the right thing and get started.”

Technological advances

Conference attendees learned how technological advancements would help improve health and welfare to maximise the genetic potential of animals. Professor Andrew Dowsey from the University of Bristol unveiled a pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) system. It uses a network of cameras to identify individual cows by their unique coat patterns and algorithms are being created to track subtle changes in social behaviour to detect disease before symptoms are visible. It is hoped a prototype will be available by 2026.

BCBC chairman Andy King said: “There are a lot of tools in the toolbox to help support the herd of the future, to meet the challenge of feeding an ever-increasing population whilst treading lightly.”

 

REVISED IN-BREEDING ADVICE FOR DAIRY CATTLE PUBLISHED

Inbreeding advice revised for dairy cattle

The target for dairy producers to maintain inbreeding at less than 6.25% has been called into question following the extensive analysis of data both internationally and in the UK.

The target was set many decades ago in order to limit the undesirable effects of inbreeding depression, which sees an animal’s performance decline as inbreeding increases, particularly in traits such as health and fertility, and inevitably in milk yield too.

However, in today’s dairy population, attempts to limit a herd’s inbreeding coefficient to 6.25% have become unrealistic if dairy producers wish to make genetic progress.

Speaking at this week’s British Cattle Breeders Conference, Marco Winters, head of animal genetics for AHDB said the industry has been alert to this dilemma for many years and keeps a constant watch on the levels and effects of inbreeding across the national herd.

He says there is a fine line to tread between making genetic gain and avoiding excessive inbreeding, but that the historically important figure of 6.25% has little relevance today.

“Producers should keep an eye on inbreeding within their herds but if they strive to maintain their average at 6.25% or below, they could seriously compromise their genetic gain and therefore their future herd efficiency,” he says.

A study by AHDB has demonstrated this clearly, revealing that if the 6.25% inbreeding threshold were enforced, in most cases – even using the best matings – the Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI) of the offspring would be lower than that of the dam. In other words, genetic improvement would go backwards.

Only matings of the very lowest £PLI dams – these generally being in herds which have not engaged with genetic improvement – could result in genetic gains in the next generation while keeping within the threshold.

“In reality, keeping within the 6.25% threshold would mean many producers could not breed from their best genetics,” he says.

However, in spite of this, the performance of dairy cows today is far better than in the past across a wide range of traits, including those for health and welfare. Much of this is attributed to genetic improvement brought about by farmers’ use of genetic tools and their proven ability to make desirable genetic selections.

He says: “In the commercial dairy population, where farmers are selecting for improvements in traits such as fertility, lameness and cell counts, they are actively countering the effects of inbreeding depression.”

On average, UK producers have driven an increase in PLI of £52 per head per year, which far outweighs the accompanying inbreeding losses in terms of performance and profitability.

Historic v recent inbreeding

Furthermore, he says there’s another syndrome at play which results from historic inbreeding as opposed to that which has happened in more recent years.

“Studies from around the world, including by AHDB, have demonstrated that historic inbreeding could be conferring benefits as repeated positive selection over many generations has helped purge undesirable traits,” he says.

However, despite the positive outcomes from historic inbreeding, he warns against allowing it to run away, as inbreeding depression will always exist.

“Inbreeding should definitely be a consideration by today’s breeders whose particular focus should be on reducing its rate of increase in their own herds. 

“This means using your team of bulls to give the lowest inbreeding outcomes, avoiding matings between close family members and using breeding programmes and the AHDB Inbreeding Checker to flag the best and worst matings,” he says.

Genetic diversity

The loss of genetic diversity through inbreeding is also a potential concern but is said to be less so than many propose.

“Genetic variance is important as without it, we can’t make genetic improvement,” he says. “Equally, there is a concern that a narrowing gene pool may raise the susceptibility of a population exposed to an unforeseen challenge.

“However, our evidence indicates that the gene pool is just as diverse as it was 30 years ago and there is no sign of genetic improvement reaching a plateau.”

Equally, the uptake of genomic testing provides more accurate and biologically meaningful inbreeding coefficients than in the past, while also identifying animals carrying undesirable recessive genes, which can be readily excluded from breeding programmes.

He acknowledges there may be a place for gene banks to preserve diversity but says this is more of an insurance for an unforeseen future than something to tap into today.

“Just because something might happen at some point in the future does not mean we should allow fears about inbreeding to compromise genetic improvement,” he says. “The farmer runs a business, not a zoo. We need to make sure it is sustainable.

“This means making sure the next generation is better than the last. It may or it may not be able to withstand some unforeseen risk at some point in the future, but a business which stands still – genetically or otherwise – will not be in business to find out.”

 

AHDB Inbreeding Checker

Producers who would like to check the inbreeding level of any proposed mating can do so by using the AHDB Inbreeding Checker. First, they need to register for the Herd Genetic Report and then follow the link ahdb.org.uk/inbreeding-checker

FIND AN EXPORT HEALTH CERTIFICATE (EHC)

In our Winter & Summer Export Bulletins, we publish details of new Export Health Certificates (EHCs) that have been agreed between the UK and target country to facilitate trade. As an example, after several years of negotiations and communications between the UK and Ecuador, the Market Access team, VTF (Veterinary Trade Facilitation) and UKECP (UK Export Certification Partnership) have been successful in agreeing an export health certificate for bovine semen to Ecuador. We hope that this will see agreements developing across the region for bovine semen and other commodities.

To find the export health certificate (EHC) and supporting documents you need to export a live animal or animal product like food and germplasm, please consult the www.gov.uk website or click HERE. The latest versions of the certificates are always here.

Recent new and updated EHCs for breeding animals and germplasm include:

  • Bovine semen to Ecuador, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Botswana, Nepal & Indonesia

  • Bovine embryos to Isle of Man & Australia

  • Ovine semen to Argentina

  • Ovine and caprine in vivo derived embryos and oocytes to USA

  • Ovine and caprine semen to USA

NEW PARAGUAY RECORD SET BY BRITISH-BRED TEXEL RAM

NEW PARAGUAY RECORD SET BY BRITISH-BRED TEXEL RAM

At the National Texel Sale held at the Limpio Showgrounds on Sunday 3rd November, a new Paraguayan all-breeds ram price was set of Gs 88,200,000 (£8,953). Auction House Ferusa Negocios sold the September 2023 born Texel ram from Cabaña La Soñada to the Paiva Family of Rancho Grande Cabin based in Treinta Y Tres, Uruguay.  

The record-breaking ram is a son of Soñador Mbarete 136, by the British-bred ram Cambwell Duke bred by Robert & Joyce Laird, Cambwell Farm, Biggar, Scotland as a result of semen exports. Owner of Cabaña La Soñada, Ignacio Callizo, described the ram as very correct throughout.

$80,000 ARGENTINIAN ALL-BREEDS & HAMPSHIRE WORLD RECORD

$80,000 ARGENTINIAN ALL-BREEDS & HAMPSHIRE WORLD RECORD

A new Argentinian all-breeds and a Hampshire Down world record of $80,000 (£61,000) was set at the El Harem Sale in Buenos Aires on 1st November. Owned by Argentinian Hampshire Down Association Chairman Carlos Laborde, the record breaker was a ram by Maes-Glas Abacus and sold to a consortium of Hampshire Down breeders in Uruguay.

The $80,000 record-breaking ram

 The ram's sire was bred by Eirlys Jones of the Maes-Glas flock, Pembrokeshire, from semen exported to Argentina. Earlier in the year the ram had been supreme champion at Palermo Show, under British judge Alison Halcrow – see previous news report. Son Stuart Jones from the Maesglas flock was there in person attending the Sale, alongside Kevin McCarthy (Ballycreely Flock) and Adrian & Richard Rundle (Treworthal Flock).

Dr Rob Grinnall, sheep sector Consultant for UKTAG, the British company working with the levy boards to promote UK Livestock Genetics around the world said: "Argentina has a great potential as a market for UK breeds, with around 15 million head of 10 different breeds. The most important region is the Southern Patagonia, that holds 6 out of those 15 million animals.


"The region has historically been mostly driven by wool breeds, such as Corriedale and Merino. However, the appearance of synthetic materials has heavily impacted on the ovine sector for the last 30 years and brought a new imperative to the wool industry. The reconversion of Patagonian flocks from wool to meat breeds might bring a huge opportunity for both UK genetics and Patagonian farmers, considering the reputation of Argentina as a world high quality protein provider.  

"There are already some examples of crossing breeds that helped pioneer farmers to gain an additional 30-40% weight in just five months. The key is finding the breed that best adapts to the hostile environment in Patagonia, an arid region with lack of pastures that can accommodate between 2-3 animals per hectare.


"The demand is not restricted to the Hampshire, with Texels also being used in neighbouring Paraguay and across the LATAM region. The possibility to export other breeds from the UK is very real and immediate."

BRITISH LIVESTOCK FLIES THE FLAG AT EUROTIER

BRITISH LIVESTOCK FLIES THE FLAG AT EUROTIER 2024

November 12-15, Hannover, Germany

The British Livestock sector, and its associated companies, was well-represented at EuroTier, the world’s largest indoor agricultural expo. Held every two years in Hannover, Germany, this dynamic event saw 2,193 exhibitors from 51 countries draw in over 120,000 trade visitors from 149 countries who took advantage of this international get-together to tour the 14 halls over four days 12-15 November.

The UK’s cattle, sheep and pig breeding sectors were complemented by a number of commercial companies who came together as part of the British Pavilion to promote livestock and genetics under one roof. Enquiries were taken for semen and embryos, and relationships forged with current and potential customers, distributors and suppliers.

With a new Border Control Post (BCP) already in place in Hook of Holland for horses, and with an application to expand this to include the bovine and ovine sectors already submitted, there is expectation that the BCP should be in place in early 2025.  Demand for British-bred breeding animals remains high so this can only be a positive step forwards for exports post-Brexit.

The UK stand was busy throughout and benefited from the support and presence of the following organisations: Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society, AHDB, Ballintur Lleyns, Bio-Icon, British Pig Association, British Livestock & Genetics Consortium, British Wagyu, Coventry Chemicals, Low Footprint Lamb UK, National Beef Association, National Sheep Association, Quality Meat Scotland, UK Export Certification Partnership, UK Sire Services & UKTAG.

We were also delighted to host a reception for the Kazakh delegation accompanied by Ms Meruyert Kairbekova from the UK Department of Business & Trade with whom talks continue to bring British breeding animals to their country.

Delegates from Kazahkstan

For further information, please contact Stand Manager Richard Saunders

E: richardsaunders1965@yahoo.co.uk

EUROTIER 2026 * SAVE THE DATE * 10TH TO 13TH NOVEMBER 2026

UK MISSION TO PARAGUAY

Mission to Paraguay DBT, UKECP & UKTAG October 2024

 

5th October 2024 was the start of an Outward Mission to Paraguay for Rob Grinnall, representing UKECP (UK Export Certification Partnership) and UKTAG (UK Technology for Agriculture & Genetics) and supported by DBT (Department for Business & Trade).

Paraguay is a key player in the world food production: a country of 7 million in population that produces and exports food for nearly 100 million people in a wide variety of products such as corn, soya, beef (8th largest global beef exporter), fruits and vegetables. With extremely fertile soils and favourable climates, the country holds promise for sustainable growth and collaboration with UK’s Agri and Agri-tech sectors.

Meetings began in earnest on the Monday morning with breakfast at His Majesty’s Ambassador Ramin Navai’s residence where introductions to the other delegates were made: His Majesty’s Ambassador Ramin Navai; Charles Whitaker & Pedro Guarderas, Brown & Co; William Turner, LEIFF; Martin Forsen, Silvipar; Dr Rob Grinnall MRCVS, UKECP & UKTAG; Tamanna Sidika, First Secretary Agriculture and Mercosur (Agricultural Attaché) at British Embassy Brasilia; Federico Wodtke – LATAC Agri-Tech Lead, British Embassy, Buenos Aires; Gonzalo Grosso – Trade & Investment Office, British Embassy, Asunción; Karol Garcia, Climate Change, British Embassy, Asunción. HMA Navai explained how he felt that Paraguay was the perfect environment for doing business being politically stable, UK-friendly and with a young population. That evening a meeting with CEA y APPEC (Center of Agricultural Experimentation) allowed further sharing of information and experience in agriculture. 

Tuesday brought a meeting with CREA (Regional Consortium for Agricultural Experimentation), a forward-thinking group of young farmers and families with a desire to share knowledge and experience on their farms.. The afternoon was hosted at the British Embassy where we were introduced to IPTA (National Agritech Institute).  Again, this gave an insight into the needs and challenges of the farming sector in Paraguay in which they explained the need for innovation, and R&D in agriculture. There is a desire to support sheep production nationally as well as the beef sector and would look to the UK for assistance with meat goats also a sector they might be looking to develop. That evening, delegates attended a bull auction in Asuncion with Las Talas, where Brafford, Brangus and Brahman bulls were auctioned in the cool of the evening.

Wednesday morning started with a meeting with Dr. Hugo González – Biogenetics, who was interested in what we could offer Paraguay in terms of ovine and bovine genetics. Dr González expressed interest on genomics, new genetics and equipment.  He felt that the Angus and Hereford sectors needed new bloodlines and that there was an interest in milking sheep in some regions for cheese production. Next was the SENASCA headquarters for a meeting with a full team of officials to discuss the latest draft on the bovine semen EHC (Export Health Certificate). Discussions surrounded the concerns on bovine tuberculosis and the background to control within the UK with Rob Grinnall underlining the rigour of our system and controls in place.  Paraguay, like all importing countries, wishes to ensure the biosecurity of their agricultural industry, and the UK offers quality, healthy stock for imports.

Meeting the Minister for the Environment shifted the emphasis to what the UK could offer the agri-sector in terms of climate protection and production, with a commitment to speed the agreement for exports and push for the increase in the sheep sector. Agri-tech and machinery would also play a huge part in the development of climate-friendly agricultural regeneration in Paraguay.

Meetings with CREA

 Thursday and Friday were intended to be field trips to the nearby province of Caazapa and the regional headquarters of CREA.  Sadly, the breaking of the long-term drought meant that torrential rains prevented most of the visits and so we were confined to talks in their purpose-built headquarters.  Representatives were there from soya, livestock, trees, finance, veterinary sector and general agriculture.  The green-agriculture platform was emphasised with Paraguay wanting to lead the way in LATAM on the green regenerative platform. CREA went through a great deal of detail on their farms in the region with figures underlining the improvement in productivity that could be achieved. these fars currently have confirmed pregnancy of about 65%, pregnancy to weaning around 20% loss and the percentage weaned on average is 63%.

Three further farm visits had been arranged for the Saturday. Bo Ranch – this hacienda-style ranch produced quality livestock for shows and expos. Primarily a cattle producer of Braffords and Brahmans, they used fixed timed AI with fresh semen to aim for batch calving in the cattle. There was also embryo transfer work done in the cattle where the 50% Brafford was found to be the best recipient. Issues are the extreme heat and diseases from ticks and habronemiasis. The show cattle were receiving a 40% supplement and were in absolutely great shape considering it was not show season.  The Brafford was the top-rated female in Paraguay and 3rd in LATAM. The ranch had also ventured into Texels and Hampshires, with sheep housed for much of the time, but unusually the lambs are separated from the ewes for half a day once they reach 30 days of age.  This seemed an unusual system, but the feeling was that the ewes were not milking enough and getting the lambs onto hard feed at the earliest time had its benefits. The ewes were a mix of Uruguayan genetics and imported UK Texel semen.  

Las Magnolias - we moved on to the next ranch which was owned by the wife of the Minister for the Environment.  She has a farm of cattle, sheep, Falabella miniature and Criollo horses.  This lady was clearly motivated by her love for her livestock and was trying to make in-roads into Texel sheep breeding.  She also had a single Hampshire ewe and lambs. Her wish to improve her stock and invest in this new venture was clear.

Embryo uptake on those imported from the UK had been poorer than hoped and growth rates on some were reduced.  In addition, there had been a lack of pigmentation around the eyes and muzzles in some.  The pure UK genetics were struggling with the heat endured, in this part of Paraguay, but the mix with the Uruguayan Texels seemed to make a difference.  We discussed grazing during the night when it might be cooler, but there are very real worries of packs of wild dogs and thefts. It might be possible to zero graze with buildings cooled with mists and fans as electric is so cheap in a country where all the power is from huge hydro dams.

Finally, on to Oujeja Texel farm, where our host Ignazio kept his record-breaking Texel sheep. Ignacio has thought this through as with all pedigree breeders, he is putting in effort and time.  His stock are watched 24/7 against theft.  The paddocks are being cultivated for better quality grass, and the handling pens and supplementary feeding are planned.. We emphasised the need to keep the stock looking well and selling to the right people.  It is important to keep the brand image high and not sell to places where the genetics cannot be successful. Again, most success so far is in UK x Uruguayan genetics.  They seem to have a little more heat resistance and they have smaller heads wanted for easier management.

 Some take-home messages:

1.       Don’t try to replace native stock, rather improve

2.       Listen to local management issues, whether they be heat, extremes, poor forage, thefts

3.       Collaborate with preparation of breeding stock whether before or after insemination

4.       Use of supplement and feeds could be significant

 

The messages for the UK and the agri-sector are much the same:

  1. Sustainability of the livestock in a climate that is changing

  2. Productivity improvements feeds more population and increases profitability per livestock unit

  3. Management of the environment is crucial in agriculture across the world and we can play a part in assisting in this

  4. Collaboration in farming through agri-tech is a great way to promote UK plc and to show the way in which we lead in the sector

Rob Grinnall E: rob.grinnall@ukecp.com

Rob Grinnall

 








BRITISH-BRED SVB TO $30,000 IN USA

13th October 2024 in Kentucky, USA saw record prices at the inaugural Swiss Valais Blacknose (SVB) sale from the Blacklion flock of farmers and founders Tim & Tan Spittle. Comprising 20 lots which originated from imported embryos, a mixture of UK originating SVB genetics and UK SVB genetics via NZ, a new record USA price of $30,000 (£23,000) was set for Lot 20 Blacklion Shania, an April 2024-born ewe lamb bred from a UK-imported embryo pairing the sire Usk Valley Immense VBN6447 and the dam Middleton Hall Fearne VBN2786. These prices (full listing below) highlight the continued strength of interest in the SVB in the USA with the 19 lots grossing $323,000 to average a tremendous $17,000 per head. For further information and to view the catalogue go to www.blacklionvodka.com.

FULL RESULTS

2 - Blacklion Sheldon : 634 $9,000

3 - Blacklion Shelby : 663 $22,000

4 - Blacklion Basil : 641 $11,500

5 - Blacklion Madonna : 631 $19,000

6 - Blacklion Freddy : 645 $9,000

7 - Blacklion Kelly : 664 $24,000

8 - Blacklion Cookie : 669 $14,000

9 - Blacklion Miss Grace : 640 $19,000

10 - Blacklion Hendricks : 649 $24,000

11 - Blacklion Boris : 629 $14,500

12 - Blacklion Gucci : 671 $24,000

13 - Blacklion Chanel : 670 $21,000

14 - Blacklion Blackadder : 668 $19,500

15 - Blacklion King Henry : 648 $9,000

16 - Blacklion Lionel (Not Registered) : 644 $9,000

17 - Blacklion Womble (Not Registered) : 637 $4,000

18 - Blacklion Captain Morgan : 650 $11,000

19 - Blacklion Giggles : 673 $20,000

20 - Blacklion Shania : 665 $30,000

BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE 20-22 JANUARY

The 2025 British Cattle Breeders Conference will address how cattle breeding can meet the rising demands of food production whilst simultaneously reducing the impact of methane emissions. Well-respected farmers and academia will come together at the event in Telford next January to debate the hot topic.

BCBC Chairman Andy King, who chose this year’s theme ‘The Herd of the Future,’ says cattle breeding will need to deliver outcomes that embrace change to meet production and environmental targets. Recent AHDB figures show the breeding cattle population is relatively static but with a continual decline in suckler numbers. There will be a session that will delve into sustainable suckler production and assess what genetics are required to produce beef from the dairy herd.

The conference will kick off with an interactive workshop on Monday afternoon, followed by beef presentations on Tuesday and dairy presentations on Wednesday. This year, two bovine sessions will replace the dairy workshop. The first one, on Tuesday, will explore how genetic tools can add value and reduce inbreeding. The second, on Wednesday morning, will assess the opportunities for monitoring cattle health using artificial intelligence.

Some of the confirmed speakers include:

  • Vet and Nuffield scholar Hannah Batty from LLM Vets. She will reveal the results of her recent Nuffield report, which explores how farmers can better manage people to deliver improved cow health and welfare.

  • Tianhai Yan from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) at Hillsborough, will discuss the Feed into Beef project, which has resulted in new nutritional models for feed intake and energy feeding standards.

  • Martin Jenkins from Defra will divulge what funding is on offer to help farmers improve herd health and welfare.

  • Award-winning organic dairy farmer Sophie Gregory will explain what breeding tools she uses to identify the most profitable cows within her herd.

  • Ginny Sherwin from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, will talk about how farmers can balance profit and animal welfare when rearing the next generation of their herd.

Mr King adds: “The conference is a great chance to see how our cattle industry is shaping up for the future in terms of delivering its responsibilities in both producing food  and looking after our scarce resources. “It also presents great networking opportunities, alongside catching up with contacts, old and new.”

The conference will take place at the Telford Hotel and Golf Resort from 20-22 January 2025.  The full programme of speakers will be announced in due course.  Accommodation is available in the conference hotel for £125/night.  All bookings to be made directly through BCBC, contact heidi.bradbury@cattlebreeders.org.uk 

AHDB USA REPORT - UK OVINE EXPORTS REPORT £1.7 MILLION SALES

Grateful thanks are extended to John Wilkes, USA-based Sheep Consultant, for reproducing the following report:

UK Ovine Embryo Export Overview

Maine based Veterinarian Dr Matt Rolleston acts as first receiver and distributor for US sheep breeders who purchase to import UK ovine embryos through AB Europe and Farmgene. Both AB Europe and Farmgene are currently the only UK companies licensed for US export. 

 Dr Rolleston provided an update on breeds, numbers, and approximate value to-date for UK ovine embryo imports. Dr Rolleston has handled all imports since the USDA published the Small Ruminant Rule to afford UK access. 

 Overall, things look fairly healthy for what was originally envisioned to be a niche US market sector for the UK sheep industry with £1,738,646 in total sales.

 2023 Statistics:

514 UK Swiss Valais Embryos

72 Scottish Blackface Embryos

98 Suffolk Embryos

86 Kerry Hill Embryos

39 Texel Embryos

20 Dutch Spotted Embryos

11 Zwartbles Embryos

 

514 Swiss Valais value                               £975,500

326 UK domestic breeds value                £247,446

840 Total Embryos

2024 Statistics:

 Which breeds have an import permit and await export (approx. US arrival date 22 September 2024)?

 266 Swiss Valais Blacknose Embryos      £505,000

14 Scottish Blackface Embryos                  £10,700

 Total £1,738,646

 

UK domestic breeds – approx. value £765 per embryo

UK Swiss Valais – approx. value £1,900 per embryo (some sold for more £2,656 per embryo)

 The website for US genetics importer Heritage Sheep Reproduction lists a further 110 embryos imported in September. Breeds include: Dutch Spotted, Kerry Hill, North Country Cheviot, Wensleydale.

 Outlook:

 Dr Matt Rolleston is personally involved with ongoing UK embryo collection for the following breeds: Swiss Valais Blacknose, Wensleydale, Suffolk, Kerry Hill. These embryos are due in the US before the end-of-year 2024. 

JOHN WILKES E: johnwilkesusa@gmail.com