BRITISH SHEEP EXPORT POTENTIAL TO RUSSIA
British Sheep Mission to Agros Expo, Moscow, January 2020
A group of British sheep breeders attended the Agros Expo held 29-31 January 2020 in Strogino, Moscow supported by the Department of International Trade’s Trade Show Access Programme (TAP). The delegation comprised Texel breeders Sue & Aubrey Andrews (Miserden Flock), Gregor Ingram (Logie Durno), Carroll & Jonathan Barber (Crogham Charollais) and Irene Fowlie (Essie Suffolks).
UKTAG’s Chris Jackson promoting British sheep and livestock genetics at the Ambassador’s residence
The newly appointed British Ambassador to Russia hosted a networking evening to which some 20 Russian sheep breeders were invited none of whom had less than 3,000 sheep all of whom were very interested in UK genetics and some also had interest in both dairy and beef cattle.
Chris Jackson’s short speech about UK livestock capability was well received and all of the delegates were given a copy of our industry publication. This was a worthwhile venture with considerable interest in British sheep, along with several export transporters prepared to assist with relocation of livestock.
British Livestock stand in Moscow
Russia has a diverse variety of sheep breeds which inhabit different climate zones and landscapes ranging from hot deserts to harsh northern areas, with over 75 million hectares of grassland. Sheep breeding has always been important in Russia - the harsh climate, with low temperatures and strong winds dictate a steady demand for wool, sheepskins and felt products.
British Texels & Blue Texels were represented
Until 1990 Russia was one of the world leaders in wool production, however, due to the worldwide lack of demand for wool, Russia has currently turned its production towards sheep meat with meat-producing breeds increasing from 10% in 1990 to about 45% today. This opens up the market for the introduction of our quality British meat breeds.
Passing by The Kremlin on the way to the Expo
Russia’s largest investor in agribusiness, Miratorg, based at Kursk Oblast, about 350 miles south of Moscow, have plans for a 30,000 head sheep farm and processing plant so opportunities could well arise there for British genetics to be involved.
From their relatively short fact-finding trip to Russia, the British delegates were able to observe three main types of sheep unit in Russia and nearby countries: the first are extensive systems which farm marginal poorer ground farming flocks in the hundreds up to many thousands; the second are intensive systems raising sheep indoors for much of the year reared for their meat on high concentrate diets with varying flock sizes with large units carrying up to 10,000 animals; the third are milking farms which vary in size. Export opportunities exist for the UK to supply stock for the first two types with local farmers feeling like their genetics are stagnant at the moment and need new blood to increase output. Overall, the potential is enormous for terminal sire breeds in intensive systems and hardy maternal breeds for extensive ones.
Export at the moment is not possible direct to Russia although there are companies managing to export via third countries like Hungary and Austria. The people of Russia, Ukraine, Mongolia etc seem easy to work with and are keen to make contact with the UK and work together. It is hoped that this Outward Mission, supported by The Department for International Trade & UKTAG, will be repeated with invitations extended to Russian counterparts. For further information, please contact Chris Jackson exports@uktag.co.uk.
