NSA CHAIRMAN VISITS EXPO PRADO, URUGUAY, 4-15 SEPTEMBER

NSA CHAIRMAN VISITS EXPO PRADO, URUGUAY, 4-15 SEPTEMBER

Bryan Griffiths, Chairman of the National Sheep Association, and his wife Liz have been on a fact-finding mission to learn more about the sheep industry in Uruguay, taking in the noted Expo Prado agricultural show in Montevideo along with a visit to a Texel breeder near Conchillas and the SUL CEIDEG research station near Florida.

 He writes:

“The sheep flock has declined over recent years from over 12 million mainly fine-woolled Merinos to 6 million, 50% of which are dual purpose Corriedale ewes and 25% meat focused flocks. Amongst the high-end terminal sire breeders there was a clear desire to introduce British genetics and a frustration at the lack of import certification. Texels lead the field, but the historic focus on wool has led to problems registering some sheep where any black fibres appear.

Texel with black spot on ear

The large flocks are concentrated on natural pastures in the north and west. Trial work at SUL is working on better grasses and clovers, and better management practices especially at lambing time, to improve output. Those running the trial questioned whether improved meat outputs would be negated by increased costs and loss of value of wool on the finished hogget.

Texels at clover

The British Pavilion at Expo Prado was excellent, with Harper Adams having a place there, several Uruguayan students having studied there last year. Any significant uptake of British genetics could go hand-in-hand with knowledge transfer and sharing best practice.

Bryan & Liz Griffiths on the UK stand at Expo Prado

Strong UK Sheep Prospects in Brazil

Representatives from the British sheep breeding sector attended the ExpoInter Show in Brazil 24-31 August 2019 considered to be the largest livestock show in Latin America with 370,000 visitors.

UK Delegates pictured outside Casa Britanica

Building on the work done last year at the event to pave the way for exports to Brazil of breeding sheep and germplasm, delegates were drawn from pedigree and commercial flocks, breeding companies and the National Sheep Association (NSA) with the aim of taking advantage of EHCs (Export Health Certificates) now in place for the export of ovine semen and embryos to Brazil.

With Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite, British Honorary Consul Denise Pellin and Martin Whalley, Director Trade and Investment, Brazil.

Attending the event through grant support via the Department of International Trade (DIT) were Andrew Hambleton (AB Europe), Bryan Griffiths (Chairman, NSA) with his wife Liz, Kevin McCarthy (Ballycreelly Hampshires), Edward Adamson (UK Sheep Genetics & NSA NI Development Officer) & Richard Saunders (British Livestock Genetics Consortium).

Suffolk Championship line-up

 Based at the British House ‘Casa Britânica’ located within the Expointer showground, meetings were held with ARCO (their NSA), MAPA (their Defra), EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation - part of their Ministry) and FARSUL/SENAR/Casa Rural (Agriculture Federation for Rural Development in the Porto Alegre region of Rio Grande do Sul). A highlight of the event was the Anglo-Brazilian Sheep Seminar which acted as an important forum for discussion and exchange of knowledge.

 As the most southerly of Brazil’s states - bordering both Uruguay & Argentina - Rio Grande do Sul (pop. 11 million) benefits from a climate ideally suited to growing grass with its pasture-based system well suited to British breeds of cattle and sheep. The most dominant native cattle breeds are Angus, Hereford & North Devon with continentals led by Charolais, Limousin, Simmental then Blonde.

Interview with Mercado Rural TV

As for sheep, the Texel & Corriedale breeds lead; thereafter Hampshire, Suffolk, Poll Dorset & Romney Marsh follow. At present, the beef price is low compared to the UK at £2.25 per kilo deadweight, whilst lamb is buoyant at £4.00 per kilo deadweight, on a par with the UK. Hence demand for sheep genetics is strong.

Liz Griffiths with a Texel ewe purchased at the ExpoInter Show Auction for the equivalent of £11,750 by Fazenda Descanso

The State of Rio Grande do Sul alone is responsible for 44% of Brazil’s agricultural production which includes soya bean and rice as well as livestock. State support is being given to small farmers with diversification encouraged – for example into planting olive trees for oil. Within a 900 mile radius of Rio Grande do Sul (incorporating parts of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) is a population of 150 million representng 70% of South America’s GDP. Agriculture in Brazil accounts for around 8% of the country’s GDP (UK = 0.6%) rising to around 25% if you include Agribusiness as a whole.

Suffolk Grand Champion with British-bred genetics (Ballynacanon and Perrinpit)

 Contacts made at the previous expo were cemented with ready demand found for importing sheep embryos and semen from the UK in particular for the Hampshire, Poll Dorset & Suffolk breeds. An Inward Mission is planned for May 2020 to bring Brazilian breeders to the UK to select stock. It should be noted that the EHC stipulates that flocks must be scrapie monitored for 7 years in addition to fulfilling other health protocols.

Meeting with ARCO

Lamb cooking and cutting demonstration at the Vitrine da Carne

 The group was ably assisted by the Honorary Consul, Denise Pellin, who was responsible for a full and varied programme, in addition to Martin Whalley (Deputy Consul General, Sao Paolo) & Pedro Mendes (Strategic Accounts Manager AgriTech, DIT).

MEXICAN DELEGATION VIEWS UK PIG INDUSTRY

MEXICAN DELEGATION VIEWS UK PIG INDUSTRY

UK Pig Meat Exports on the Horizon?

Mexican visitors pictured at Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop, Grayingham, Lincs with Graham Ward

AHDB organised a trade mission from Mexico to the UK 6-12 July 2019 to pave the way for exports of British pork products. Supported by the Department for International Trade, delegates paid visits to pig farming and genetics companies, processors and retailers - from farm shops, to food markets through to supermarkets – alongside a day spent at the Great Yorkshire Show - where they were also able to view the best of British-bred sheep and cattle.

With a population of 130 million, Mexico has around 1 million sows (compared to 400,000 in the UK) but is only around 50% self-sufficient in pig meat resulting in an annual import of around 1.5 million tonnes mainly from the US & Canada. “The UK is in progressive discussions with the Mexican authorities regarding market access for British pork,” said AHDB Senior Export Manager Susana Morris, who accompanied the trip, adding that this visit was a great opportunity for the UK to showcase the quality and taste, high animal welfare, low antibiotic use and farm assurance schemes behind a strong UK pork brand.

With Tim Rymer, Giles Christie & Grant Walling at JSR Genetics Ltd, Southburn, Driffield

At Sledmere Estate & Farm Shop, Sledmere nr Malton, Yorks with James Fenwick

Taking a look around M&S

Visit to Cranswick Country Foods plc, Preston

With Karan Wilson, Nick Davies & Colin Ridgway of Karro Food Ltd, Malton

With Vicky Moore, Pockmor Ltd, at the Great Yorkshire Show

Here with Marcus Bates, Chief Executive, British Pig Association

With Steve Powdrill of AHDB discussing the Better Returns Programme & Carcase Classification

National Pig Association Policy Director Ed Barker

Grateful thanks are extended to the following who made the visit possible:

• AHDB

• Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop

• JSR Genetics Ltd

• Sledmere Estate

• Cranswick Country Foods plc

• Karro Food Ltd

• NFU

• Tulip Ltd

• NPA

• BPA

• Borough Market

• Great Yorkshire Show

• Innovis

• Pockmor Ltd

Lincoln Longwools in demand in USA

Following a visit to the Lincolnshire Show in June by members of the USA’s Livestock Conservancy (their equivalent to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust), semen from Lincoln Longwool sheep could soon be heading to the US. Please click the following link courtesy of FG Insight/Hannah Park.

https://www.fginsight.com/news/american-sheep-breeders-could-import-lincoln-longwool-semen-from-the-uk-88215

Stakeholder Invitation from Visiting India Mission 24 June - 5 June

The Department for International Trade commercial team from Chandigarh, India will be visiting the UK 24 June - 5 July 2019 alongside with a delegation of businesses and academia to explore Export opportunities in the Agri-Tech sector, they have planned a two weeks Agri-Tech Roadshow across the UK. 

 Please see attached FLYER for further information.

 If you are interested in meeting with DIT India mission and learn more about export opportunities to India, while on their roadshow, please contact Nanki Aurora (Nanki.Aurora@fco.gov.uk) for further details.

 Kind Regards

 Agri- Tech Team

Department for International Trade | London SW1A 2EY

NBA BEEF EXPO HOSTS SUCCESSFUL INWARD MISSION

NBA BEEF EXPO HOSTS SUCCESSFUL INWARD MISSION

Delegates pictured on the AHDB stand at Beef Expo

11 delegates from across Europe were part of an Inward Trade Mission to the National Beef Association’s Beef Expo held near Kendal, Cumbria 22-23 May 2019. Representing a breadth of beef cattle breeds, the group was made up of pedigree farmers, vets and beef retailers interested in UK genetics and expertise.

Inward Mission guests attending the Farm Tours

Day One saw farm tours to two enterprises: the first utilising Hereford & Limousin genetics with the second based around the Stabiliser breed.  

Hereford Breed Secretary David Deakin addresses the trailer tours

David & Maggie Kelly established their Hereford herd at Nether Hall near Kirkby Lonsdale in 2014 with heifers purchased from John Douglas’ Ervie Herd, Stranraer and then built on with polled Australian and horned American genetics.

Netherhall Hereford Herd

Calving 180 cows they aim to reach 300 females with the focus on low input, high output, easy calving cattle with short gestation. The Herefords sit alongside a 40-head pedigree Limousin herd. As numbers grow, females are by and large retained for breeding with 40 bulls sold last year in addition to semen marketed through Cogent.

Hereford & Limousin cattle from Nether Hall

Hereford-sired, dairy-bred calves are also bought in and finished at 20 months with any purebred Herefords not kept for breeding also sold via Dunbia on a Co-op contract at 18 months.

At the Dixons’ Kit Crag holding

The second farm tour was to Kit Crag, Selside, Kendal which supports the Dixon Family’s 220-head Stabiliser suckler herd established in 2004. A tight calving pattern is maintained from mid-April and runs for 7-8 weeks with heifer calves predominantly kept as replacements  with some sold in-calf or as bulling heifers.

Stabiliser Suckler Herd pictured at Kit Crag

The use of some AI and embryo transfer means new bloodlines as well as breeding bulls can be introduced to the herd. Stabilisers are suited to the holding due to their moderate size, efficient meat production and ease of calving (first calvers average 30.5kg with cows levelling out at 35.8kg calf birthweight). Bull calves are kept entire and finished aged 12 to 14 months at 360-370kg to sell through Morrisons’ Yearling Beef Scheme.

Inside the NW Auctions-hosted Beef Expo event

 The second day was spend at the Beef Expo event hosted by North West Auctions at its J36 Kendal site comprised of livestock market and agricultural business hub. With 140 tradestands from R&D to animal health to nutrition, Breed Society stands and competitions, seminars, and the NBA Commercial Cattle Show, visitors were presented with an insight into the latest developments in the British beef industry ‘under one roof.’

On the Galloway stand at Beef Expo

 Supported by AHDB and the British Livestock Genetics Consortium, the visit was organised by Richard Saunders & John Fleming.

Sussex in South Africa at 100

SUSSEX 2020

The Sussex Cattle Breeders Society of South Africa is holding its Centenary celebrations  “SUSSEX 2020” in Bloemfontein South Africa during April 2020. Please click on FLYER for more details. All international breeders are invited to the Congress which will include presentations on embryo transplants, AI and breed development such as Genomics. Contact Ika van Niekerk, Coordinator, SUSSEX 2020, plan@sussex2020.co.za.

Agritech Opportunities at New Zealand Fieldays 12-15 June 2019

Opportunity to attend Fieldays 12-15 June 2019 - one of the biggest events in New Zealand’s agri-calendar. For further info on support available to UK companies from Dept of Intn Trade and for flyer click HERE.

UKRAINE SHOW HERALDS CATTLE EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES

UKRAINE SHOW HERALDS CATTLE EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES

Deerpark Pedigree Pigs Secures New Business

British Livestock Stand in Ukraine

 The Agro-Animal Grain-Tech Show held in Kiev, Ukraine 19-21 February 2019 saw the agreement of a new Export Health Certificate (EHC) between the UK and Ukraine to herald future trade in cattle semen and embryos between the two countries. This success is the result of negotiations with their counterparts in Ukraine on behalf of the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) with the support of Defra and the Department for International Trade (DIT).

British-Ukrainian Pig Forum

Around twenty UK businesses participated in the fifth UK National Pavilion at the show with the aim “to introduce UK companies with a wide range of relevant and innovative expertise to the Ukrainian market,” according to Cathy Cottrell, Head of DIT at the British Embassy in Ukraine.

Speakers at the Pig Forum included (L-R) Nigel Overend, Chris Jackson & Geert Rombouts

A key focus of the show is the British-Ukrainian Agribusiness Forum – held on the second day - which this year focused on pig production. Among the speakers were Dr Lawrence Brown (Animal Science & Aquaculture Specialist, DIT), Chris Jackson (British Pig Association), Geert Rombouts (Rattlerow Farms/Choice Genetics) & Nigel Overend of Deerpark Pedigree Pigs, Magherafelt, Northern Ireland – the latter taking his first orders for frozen pig semen into the Ukrainian market.

L-R Chris Jackson (UKTAG), Matt Holmes (Perendale), Edward Adamson (NSA), Richard Saunders (BLG) and Mark Oakes (DIT Head of Bioeconomy)

Representatives from the National Sheep Association (NSA) & British Livestock Genetics Consortium (BLG) were present to help push for export certification between the two countries for sheep genetics now that the bovine certificate is in place. 

Edward Adamson, Alina Bolynets (interpreter) & Chris Jackson on the British Livestock stand

National Sheep Association Northern Ireland Regional Development Officer Edward Adamson, a breeder of Ile de France, Clun Forest & Lleyn sheep near Carrickfergus, works closely with NSA farmer members and industry bodies to promote the export of UK-bred sheep. Representing BLG was Richard Saunders with the British Livestock presence coordinated by Chris Jackson of UK Technology for Agriculture & Genetics (UKTAG) which facilitates market access abroad for UK agri-tech companies with support from the Department of International Trade and the British Embassy.

Taking enquiries on the stand

If you would like to join the UK stand at the February 2020 show, please contact Richard Saunders richardsaunders1965@yahoo.co.uk or Chris Jackson exports@uktag.co.uk for further information.

FOCUS ON EXPORTS AT BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE

The Beef Workshop within the British Cattle Breeders Conference held at Telford, Shropshire on Monday 21st January 2019 brought exports of UK livestock and genetics into keen focus. Speaking on behalf of the British Livestock Genetics Consortium, Richard Saunders explained the joined-up approach being taken by industry stakeholders to consolidate existing trade as well as open up new markets for British cattle, sheep and pig genetics. In tandem with two Inward Missions bringing prospective sheep and cattle customers to the UK in 2019 were a range of overseas events and expos being planned over all six continents.

Richard Saunders speaking at the 2019 British Cattle Breeders Conference

With harmonised trading conditions with the EU27 likely to continue at least in the medium term, it was nevertheless important, he said, for farmers and breeding organisations in the medium to long term to look beyond traditional markets. The UK’s strength in depth of livestock both in numbers, breeds and types within breeds alongside its high health and welfare standards meant British breeding stock was in great demand throughout the World.

Please find the provisional export programme below which highlights a number of financially supported events during 2019-2020. lease click on EVENTS section for further information about participating or call Richard Saunders 07901768904 for a chat.

Agro Farm Ukraine 19/02/2019

China Animal Husbandry Exhibition 18/05/2019

China Dairy Exhibition 15/06/2019

Beef Expo, Kendal 22/05/2019

Sheep South West, Devon 17/06/2019

Livestock Philippines 26/06/2019

Indo Livestock 03/07/2019

Colombia Agro Futuro 01/08/2019

Brazil Expointer 22/08/2019

India Agritex Hyderabad 22/08/2019

Irish National Ploughing Match 17/09/2019

USA World Dairy Expo 05/10/2019

Romania Indagra 30/10/2019

Livestock Taiwan 31/10/2019

Nigeria Agra Innovate 01/11/2019

Ukraine Graintec 01/02/2020

Vietnam ILDEX 18/03/2020

Winter 2018 Livestock & Genetics Export Bulletin

Please click HERE to read the latest Livestock & Genetics Exports Bulletin with news of recent livestock and genetics export successes, updates on Export Health Certification (EHC) for novel markets and details of upcoming Inward Missions and Overseas Expos during 2019 - many of which are supported with grant funding.

EUROTIER HOSTS 20+ BRITISH AGRI COMPANIES

Lleyn sheep pictured with NSA’s Edward Adamson

The world’s largest indoor livestock exhibition, EuroTier, held 13-16 November 2018 in Hannover, Germany saw a strong British Livestock presence during the four-day show. Twenty UK companies from the animal breeding, genetics and export sectors joined together with the support of the Department of International Trade (DIT), the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), British Livestock Genetics Consortium (BLG) and UK Technology for Agriculture & Genetics (UKTAG.

British Livestock UK Team

Held biennially, EuroTier boasts 150,000+ visitors and over 2,300 exhibitors – half of whom are international companies – and, as such, a strong UK presence at EuroTier allows British farming and breeding organisations to promote themselves on the global stage.

Charollais sheep on display

With both British Charollais & Lleyn sheep being exhibited, the British stand drew a large number of visitors and many useful enquiries for breeding animals and germplasm – not only from the EU 27 but also further afield from countries such as China, Russia, Mongolia, Turkey & Iran. With the number of Export Health Certificates steadily growing, thanks to the work of the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP), these enquiries help to facilitate trade with a ‘push-and-pull’ approach towards agreeing export protocols between the UK and other countries.

Richard Saunders & Seamus Killen with German visitors Juergen Lueckhoff, Hartmut Glamann, Ingo Stoll (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Sheep Assoc) and Dr Christiane Profittlich (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Ministry of Agriculture).

Thanks are extended to the following exhibitors:

Addfield

Ballintur Lleyns

Ballycreely Hampshire Flock

British Charollais Sheep Society

British Livestock Genetics Consortium

British Pig Association

Ceres Solutions

Dalby Charollais Flock

Delta Wagyu

Edstaston Charollais Flock

Eggs-Port Ltd

EnviroSystems UK

Farmgene Ltd

Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders Association

Hoofcount

HW Oultram

Prognostix

UK Sheep Genetics

UK Genetics

UK Sire Services

UKTAG

Munich Bierhalle - venue for Welcome Event

Team UK at International Welcome Evening

Save the date - EuroTier 2020 17-20 November

SUPPORT FOR UK AGRICULTURE IN UKRAINE

Department for International Trade Kyiv office is pleased to invite you to join the UK national stand at the leading B2B agricultural trade fair in Ukraine – Agro Spring 2019, formerly GrainTech/Agro Animal Show/Fruit/Vegetable/Logistics  (19-21 Feb 2019, Kyiv, Ukraine).

This expo annually brings together over 530 exhibitors from over 29 countries and attracts over 15,000 visitors from leading Ukrainian/international companies. The UK national stand at Agro Spring 2019 offers excellent opportunities to showcase your company and products in this fast developing market: we provide a turnkey and hassle-free solution appreciated by UK companies new to the market. We are also flexible in terms of accommodating an equipment at the pavilion and could provide you with an extra space at a small charge in case you need some.  

We offer various options for participation – from free catalogue entries to tailored stand space, bespoke business matchmaking, remote participation, promotional displays, dedicated company presentations, Agribusiness Forum inputs and more. Please see more details in the flyer attached. Trade Access Programme grants are available if your company qualify.

Contact Chris Jackson, UKTAG, exports@uktag.co.uk fo further information

Irish Ploughing Match with British Livestock Presence

British Livestock Genetics Stand Success at Irish National Ploughing Championship 18-20 September 2018

Optimism was high on Tuesday morning at the opening of the ‘British Livestock Genetics’ stand,  well-positioned in the middle of the livestock area, yet the show field was pounded by Storm Ali’s 120 mph gales on the following night! In spite of this, the indomitable Irish spirit shone through to make this, the 87th event, a true success with attendance over the three-day show over 240,000.

The opening day, being strongly business dominated, saw tremendous interest being shown in the literature from 23 British Beef and 10 Sheep Breeds which was on display, with well over 60% being snapped up by the close of play that evening.  The majority of the remaining information being in strong demand on the Thursday, with a substantial number of requests for further breed information being noted, for follow up after the event. 

Visitors to the Ploughing are drawn from every corner of the island of Ireland, in addition to strong international visitor support; the event attracts over 1,700 trade exhibitors, covering all aspect of rural life. This was in addition to over 250 acres of competition ploughing - from the most modern and biggest reversibles to horses and vintage classes, with 300 competitors taking part.

Attendance at the event clearly demonstrated the great respect there is in Ireland for the quality of British beef and sheep genetics, with weighty Breed Years Books being highly sought after. Trade uncertainties caused by Brexit were obviously a great worry to many, as Irish livestock farmers truly value a continued, frictionless, two-way trade with the UK; this point being made many times on the stand during the event.  Another British institution which was very obviously respected and valued was the BBC’s ‘Countryfile’ programme with Adam Henson being looked on as a much respected ambassador for the UK livestock industry.

This, the 87th Irish National Ploughing Championships, was held near Tullamore, about 60 miles due west of Dublin, in the heart of the Irish Midlands. The stand was organised in conjunction with the British Livestock Genetics Consortium (BLG) and the export department of AHDB – Beef and Lamb. The objective of the British presence at Ireland’s premier agricultural event being to raise the profile of quality British livestock genetics and to generate trade.

The stand was organised on behalf of BLG by John Fleming of JF Professional Genetic Services ably supported by Gill Evans, an experienced pedigree breeder of many years standing. Following three years at the Tullamore site, the 88th event is due to be moved to a centrally-located site at Fenagh in Co Carlow to take place 17-19 September 2019.

British Stand at National Western Stock Show 12-19 January 2019

Please click HERE for full information on joining the British stand at the National Western Stock Show, Denver, USA 12-19 January 2019.

British Pavilion Returns to Expo Prado, Uruguay

Once again, the British Embassy will be part of Uruguay’s most important agricultural event, focused on business, culture, education, food and entertainment 5-16 September 2018.

For the fifth consecutive year, the British Embassy in Montevideo takes part in Expo Prado, with a renewed pavilion that invites visitors to explore London’s Underground.

In our Tube Station visitors will find many British companies or Uruguayan companies with strong bonds with the United Kingdom, such as:

• Berkshire Polo Club – women and men’s apparel

• FCR-DAS – a company that specialises in quality management certifications

• Doulton – water filters

• Stannah – stairlifts

• JCB – leading company in construction machinery

• Tienda Inglesa – supermarket chain which will be selling products from their Great Britain Week

• MINI and Land Rover – renowned automobile brands that will be showcasing their latest models

• Carr’s Supplements: animal nutrition company with over thirty years of experience

The traditional English pub, Craft Beer Pub, will be offering typical British beer and will have different activities in the evening: from pub games to live shows.

Our Tea House, this year hosted by Natural Foods, will be serving delicious meals throughout the day, including the classic ‘Five o’clock tea’.

The Falkland Islands will also have their place in the Pavilion, represented once again by a delegation that will continue to develop commercial and cultural ties with Uruguay, besides promoting tourism and agriculture.

On Tuesday 11 September at 4:00pm, Daniel Pereira, a Uruguayan Agro-Engineer who works for the Falkland Islands Department of Agriculture will give a conference about the development of the ovine sector.

Educational area

Two British universities renowned for their agricultural courses will be present at the pavilion to talk about their programmes in this area.

Harper Adams is the leading university specialising in development of food production, processing, animal sciences, engineering, soil management and sustainable businesses. Its aim is to establish bonds with academic entities, companies and institutions from the Agricultural sector to promote exchange with United Kingdom.

Royal Agricultural University (RAU) was the first English speaking agricultural university in the world. Since 1842, it has been world-leading in agricultural education offering programmes related with agriculture, zoo technics, business, environment, equine science, farm administration, food, real estate and land administration. All their programmes are designed to satisfy the market’s needs locally and internationally and it is proud to have employment rates of over 90% for its postgraduate alumni.

Also in the educational area, Education First will be promoting its English courses in different cities across the United Kingdom.

To know more about the UK, its educational offer and, specifically, about the Chevening Scholarships to study a Masters Programme, we will host a conference on Saturday 15 September at 5:00pm. Also, in line with the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Female Vote in the UK, we will have a panel about women’s role in the agro industry on Thursday 13 September from 9:00am to 11:00 am.

HackathonAGRO

Finally, this is the third year the Embassy is supporting HackathonAGRO, a competition where multidisciplinary teams made up of entrepreneurs, academics and agricultural experts join forces with the sole aim of resolving challenges that the Uruguayan agricultural sector faces through the use of technology.

The winning team will travel to London to participate in an agri-tech conference.

GREAT Britain Programme Targets Brazil

The GREAT branding on the British House at ExpoInter

The ExpoInter Show held 25th August to 2nd September 2018 in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul in SE Brazil continued the UK’s focus on promoting its agriculture sector to Latin America as part of the ‘Britain is GREAT’ campaign.

With over 2,000 exhibitors and some 400,000 visitors, the 41st edition of ExpoInter gathered together the major cattle and sheep breeds, veterinary products and technologies, government, academia and research institutes, machinery and equipment together with farmers and farming cooperatives.

A vast and impressive show, ExpoInter reflects the important part agriculture plays within the life and economy of Brazil whose farming sector accounts for around 45% of the country's total exports and makes up approximately 6% of GDP. Brazil comprises some 210 million cattle of which around 20-25 million are dairy. Sheep and goats number 26 million with 39 million pigs and 1.2 billion poultry.

With the support of a commercially focused and well-organised team from the Department of International Trade (DIT), progress was made towards securing future livestock and genetics export business for the UK to capitalise not only on the demand for British-bred breeding stock but on the favourable Export Health Certificate (EHC) conditions to reinforce the work of the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP).

Meetings were held with ARCO (Brazil's National Sheep Association), MAPA (their Defra), EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation - part of their Ministry) as well as FARSUL/SENAR/Casa Rural which make up the Agriculture Federation for rural development in the Rio Grande do Sul region. The group also met with Fabio Schuler of the Brazilian Aberdeen Angus Association.

L-R Craig Stone (Traducza), Fernanda Silva, Juliana Alves (both DIT), Richard Saunders, Jose Avila (Farsul), Ruth Perry, Renan dos Santos (Farsul)

Ruth Perry (the sign says 'I Love Angus')

Richard Saunders with noted Devon breeder Betty Cirne-Lima

It should be noted that this particular part of Brazil, which lies not far from Uruguay, favours British cattle and sheep breeds which adapt well to its relatively cooler temperate climate and fit into an extensive grazing system and forage-based diet. Despite the influence of N American genetics, there is good demand for UK stock.

Meeting with the Brazilian National Sheep association ARCO

On the ovine side, there was strong interest for British sheep with particular focus on Hampshires, Suffolks, Romneys as well as British Texels.

With Brazilian Hampshire Down Breeders

Following a useful Sheep Breeders Round Table, further visits were made to the sheep lines with discussions culminating in a commitment for at least one group of Brazilian farmers to visit the UK next Spring/Summer to select rams for semen collection.

In front of the Zebu Cattle Lines L-R Fernanda Silva & Juliana Alves (DIT), Richard Saunders & Ruth Perry

From a cattle perspective, the main breed focus is on Angus, Hereford and North Devon with some interest in Charolais, Limousin and Wagyu.

Angus Judging

Bos indicus type cattle such as Nelore and Brahman play a significant role both as purebreds and for crossbreeding for hybrid vigour, climate adaptability as well as disease and parasite (especially ticks) resistance.

Hereford Judging

Attending the Show was Ruth Perry who runs a pedigree Aberdeen Angus Herd numbering 20 cows near Reading which produces bulls for the suckler herd she also manages. Comprising 500 breeding cows, the Kent-based suckler herd supplies Angus-sired animals to Dovecote Park.

Red Ruby Devon Champion

Wagyu Grand Champion

Ruth, 24, is spending six months in South America working on farms and has been helped with some financial support from the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society by dint of her winning an Angus Youth scholarship.

Angus Grand Champion

Whilst in Argentina, the Angus herd she was working for picked up Reserve Grand Champion at Palermo Show. Ruth then spent some time with a Hereford Estancia in Uruguay before coming to ExpoInter and will now head back to Uruguay to help ex-pat Ross Houghton show his Angus at Prado Show. Within ExpoInter, she was able to talk to the Brazilian Angus Youth Forum about her experiences as well as expound the attributes of UK-bred Angus.

Ruth Perry addresses Brazilian Young Angus Members

Grateful thanks are extended to the Department of International Trade for putting together a comprehensive and stimulating programme as well as to all those who looked after the UK delegation so hospitably.

Richard Saunders

BRITISH AGRICULTURE ON SHOW AT AGROFUTURO, COLOMBIA

UK-Colombia Team at Agro Futuro

A strong UK presence at Agro Futuro, Bogota, Colombia 22-24 August 2018 was made possible with support from the Department of International Trade (DIT), UK-Colombia Trade, the British Embassy and the UK-Colombia Prosperity Fund.

At Colibri Flower Farm

This well-structured, indoor technical show plays host to some 450 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors over three days. British companies present included AgriCompas, Environment Systems, Agritech World, Catapult Satellite Applications, Russell IPM, Stable, Fera, EcoStim, Delta Wagyu, Triage and the British Livestock Genetics Consortium.

UK stand at Agro Futuro

On the livestock front, some useful contacts were made at breeder, AI company and importantly at Ministry (ICA is Defra's in-country equivalent), DIT and UK-Colombia Prosperity Fund level to help ease future business and certification.

Overall, there was good interest in British-bred cattle and genetics (an Export Health Certificate - EHC - is in place for bovine semen) with some demand also for sheep and pigs.

Karen Ayala speaking on 'Sustainable Perspectives for Livestock Production'

The beef and dairy combined cattle population is Colombia is around 24 million head (up from 20m in 2001) with the predominant beef breeds being Brahman, Zebu, Brangus (Brahman x Angus), Angus, and Simmental with the proportion of European breeds in the bloodlines generally increasing at higher (cooler) altitudes. Whilst not a traditional meat for Colombian households, the production of lamb is growing as the culture changes and demand rises - particularly from the growing middle classes which represent 31% of the population.

Pedro Castro (left) and Richard Saunders (right) meeting with ICA (Institute of Colombian Agriculture) to discuss export certification

Pre-show there was a visit to Colibri Flowers including a welcome reception with Dr Peter Tibber, British Ambassador to Colombia, and Augusto Solano, President of the Colombian Flower Association.

The first show day started with a briefing on Colombia with Dr Martin Johnston, Programme Manager Colombia Prosperity Fund, welcoming the UK participants. Presentations then followed: Investment Environment & Business Opportunities in Colombia (Leidy Heredia, Deputy Programme Manager Colombia Prosperity Fund); Opportunities for the AgriTech Sector in Colombia (Pedro Castro, Agriculture Adviser Colombia Prosperity Fund); DIT in Colombia (Carlos Olano, Deputy Director DIT Colombia); Supporting UK Companies in Colombia (Michael Phillips, Trade Development Manager, UK-Colombia Trade).

Grateful thanks are extended to all those who worked so hard in bringing all the elements together for a worthwhile and stimulating programme.

INTERNATIONAL FLAIR TO SHEEP EVENT

There was a truly international flavour to the National Sheep Association's flagship Sheep Event held 17-18 July 2018 at Malvern.

Farm Tour Delegates

With the support of UK’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), in conjunction with the British Livestock Genetics Consortium (BLG), overseas delegates from Mexico, Argentina, Latvia & Romania were part of an Inward Trade Mission and were joined by other large organised groups of international visitors from Germany, Israel and Finland among others.

Pictured with AHDB Butcher Martin Eccles

Farm Tours and an Industry Gala Dinner were held on Tuesday 17th July with the Sheep Event itself taking place on Wednesday 18th July. Visitors had the opportunity to visit two progressive sheep farms in the surrounding area to see how two producers were embracing the challenges posed by Brexit, focusing on diversification and production efficiencies to future proof their businesses. 

With IM host Richard Saunders (second from right) on the NSA stand

Paula & Martin Whittaker, Gloucestershire presented their fully certified organic farm with 350 breeding ewes, a 70-cow commercial beef suckler herd and some arable production. Direct sales of home-produced lamb and beef are also part of the business.

With Sam Jones at his farm in Worcs

Sam Jones, Worcestershire, runs a flock of 1,150 North Country Mules as the primary enterprise alongside some arable. A keen advocate of data recording, the farming system incorporates solar panels and a biomass boiler.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker with Juergen Lueckhoff, Chairman German Sheep Breeders Association

The business-to-business Sheep Event offered overseas visitors the opportunity to meet a wide range of commercial companies associated with the sheep industry, breed societies and industry groups. As well as finding out about the latest innovations and products available from the UK, delegates could also strengthen their technical knowledge by attending seminars and workshops during the day.

With Charmoise breeder David Eglin, Warks

Grateful thanks are extended to the farm hosts, NSA & AHDB for providing a strong programme of activities.

David Eglin presenting his Charmoise ram lambs

'LEGACY' PROMISES TO LIFT HOLSTEIN BREED

Endco Yoder L7933-9839, dam of the top genomic bull Pine-Tree CW Legacy

Legacy promises to lift Holstein breed

A new wave of young Holstein sires is presenting dairy producers with unprecedented breeding opportunities, and this week’s publication of genetic evaluations by AHDB Dairy highlights newcomers at the pinnacle of the breed.

Improvement to the way the ranking tool, Profitable Lifetime Index, is calculated brings further relevance to the data as the new Lameness Advantage (LA) and Calf Survival (CS) indexes as well as Body Condition Score (BCS), become part of the £PLI formula.

The number one bull is the new entrant, Pine-Tree CW Legacy, who rises straight to the top with a massive PLI of £924. This value is over £100 greater than the leading bull’s £PLI last April, reflecting his exceptional genetics on many fronts, and – to a degree – the ability of the new £PLI to capture more of the impact genetics can have on farm profitability. A son of Frazzled, he is one of the best udder health improvers (-5 Mastitis, -32 SCC), transmits excellent daughter lifespan (LS +0.7 lactations), good Fertility Index (FI +8.5) and scores well for both Calf Survival and Lameness Advantage (+2.4 and +2.3 respectively). He combines this with high production, as well as positive fat and protein percentages.

In second place is Denovo 7921 Atrium, also newly available. A son of ABS Achiever, (who himself ranks only just outside the top 10 with a PLI of £804), Atrium transmits high fat (+0.20%) as well as strong health, and outstanding daughter fertility (FI +12.6). As the best bull for reducing feed costs in the top 20 (-11 Maintenance) he wraps up many desirable traits in a PLI of £897.

ABS Outback (PLI £866), the equal first-ranking bull from April has now been edged into third place, despite increasing his £PLI. He transmits excellent lameness improvement (LA +3.1), with good daughter lifespan and fertility.

VH Balisto Brook remains in fourth position at £849 with excellent milk components (+0.25% fat, +0.11% protein), and as a bull bred in Denmark – where there’s been a long-term emphasis on udder health – it is little surprise to see him rank as the best in the top 20 for both SCC (-37) and mastitis (-6).

Fifth place goes to ABS Crimson (PLI £848) who is one of the highest kg fat and protein transmitters in the top 20 (combined at 79.3kg), also with solid health.

Places six to nine feature all newly available sires, highlighting the speed at which genomics can identify new genetics with the potential to improve the breed.

Sixth-ranking Pine-Tree Durable (PLI £843) is a Charley brother to the number one bull and with a Lameness Advantage of +3.7, he is the best bull in the top 20 for this trait.

In seventh place is Sandy-Valley Imax Batman (PLI £842), a high fat transmitter (+46.6kg and +0.18%), followed closely by the highest protein transmitter in the top 20, DE-SU 14222 Kenobi (PLI £831).

UK-bred Glamour Boghill Victor makes his debut in ninth place with a PLI of £827. This Verona son comes out of a Supershot dam from the well-know Cosmopolitan family.

Rounding off the top 10 is the former number one £PLI sire, Mr Rubi-Agronaut. Continuing to transmit high milk solids and excellent udder health, Agronaut has the best daughter fertility in the top 10 at +14.0. He combines this with the highest Type Merit in the group of +3.21.

Places 10 to 20 feature no less than six additional debutants. Of note are the highest transmitters in the top 20: ABS Achiever (who is top for fat weight and per cent); Welcome-Tel Bromley 3195 (top for daughter lifespan and fertililty) and Schoene-Kuh Altarobert (also equal top for Fertility Index).

“The availability of new genetics continues at a fast pace and the newly revised £PLI captures even more of the qualities these bulls can transmit than ever before,” says Marco Winters, head of animal genetics for AHDB Dairy. “The traits included in the index have all been proven to influence an animal’s profitability under UK farming conditions and milk pricing structures, so as always, £PLI is a good starting point for genetic selection, before digging further down.