JUDE CAPPER PRESENTED WITH SIR JOHN HAMMOND AWARD

The recipient of this year’s British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) Sir John Hammond Award is Dr Jude Capper - with the winner announced during the final day of the BSAS annual conference held 12-15 April.

The prestigious Sir John Hammond award, which was re-launched earlier this year in collaboration with the British Cattle Breeders Club (BCBC) and with a new trophy presented by The Smithfield Forum, is based solely on nominations and is awarded to those who have made significant contribution through research, teaching, knowledge exchange, breeding, farming industry or affiliated professions. This is BSAS’s first ever joint award with the BCBC, which Sir John Hammond founded in 1946. The club aims to improve the breeding of livestock, by promoting knowledge through collecting, collating, and distributing available information and data of practical and scientific interest, to breeders of cattle at home and overseas.

Dr Jude Capper receiving the Sir John Hammond Award and a trophy presented by The Smithfield Forum

Jude is an independent Livestock Sustainability Consultant based in Oxfordshire and her research focuses on modelling the sustainability of livestock production systems, specifically dairy and beef. She is currently working on projects relating to on-farm greenhouse gas emissions from UK beef production; climate footprints of smallholder farming; the impacts of livestock health and welfare on system sustainability; and technology use in South American beef production. Her professional goal is to communicate the importance of factors affecting livestock industry sustainability to enhance the knowledge and understanding of food production stakeholders from the farmer through to the retailer, policy-maker and consumer. She sits on the National Beef Association board; is Chair of the Route Panel for Agriculture, Environment and Animal Care and Vice-Chair of the Green Apprenticeships Advisory Panel at the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

The award was presented during the final day of the recent BSAS annual 2021 conference by BSAS President, Professor Michael Lee, who commented: ‘Dr Capper has played a significant role in promoting the understanding of sustainable livestock production, building on her research conducted in the USA and the UK. Jude is also helping the next generation of agriculturalists, through her activities in supporting the development of apprenticeships and her contributions to other national industry bodies.  Jude has made an enormous contribution to understanding the role of livestock as part of a sustainable food system over the years and the awarding of the Sir John Hammond Memorial Prize demonstrates BSAS’ appreciation and recognition of all she has accomplished.’

On receiving the trophy, kindly presented on behalf of The Smithfield Forum, Dr Capper said: ‘I am truly humbled to be considered worthy of receiving the Sir John Hammond award. This is an amazing honour - I will do my very best to live up to the excellence exemplified by previous winners, and to continue serving the British food and farming industry that I know and love.’    

2020 UK LAMB & BEEF EXPORT FIGURES

Export Success for Sheep Meat in 2020

Newly released export data for 2020 has revealed a profitable year for the UK sheep sector, despite a slightly reduced volume of exports and changing consumer trends as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. HMRC’s figures show the value of UK sheep meat exports increased by almost 10%, whilst the total volume amounted to 88,200 tonnes, a drop of 7.2% (or 6,850 tonnes) since 2019, which was a strong year for exports. If compared against 2018 totals, both volume and value of sheep meat exports in 2020 were considerably higher, up 19.1% and 6.1% respectively. The amount of sheep meat imported into the UK fell, by 6.6% to total 58,500 tonnes. Contributory factors to the changes in meat movement include the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and an overall 3.7% decrease in sheep meat production in the UK, alongside post-Brexit uncertainty and global factors such as the ASF crisis in Asia.

Beef Exports Reduced

From March onwards, monthly beef and veal export volumes (fresh/frozen) trended below year-earlier levels for most of 2020. Despite exports during December being up 9.5% on the year at 11,100 tonnes, the total volume exported during 2020 was down by 13.8% at 117,000t. The value also dipped by 17.3% to £384 Million. Shipments to the EU dipped 20%, however non-EU countries experienced a 18.7% increase in volumes mainly due to an additional 1,500t going to Hong Kong.

AHDB EXPORT DRIVE

The levy board, AHDB, has announced a major export strategy as part of its new five-year plan. The board has ambitions to open five new export markets to the value of over £500 Million by 2026. There is also the potential of a new British export brand to communicate the credentials of British produce. Please click HERE for further information. Cover pic courtesy of Farmers Guardian edition of 11 December 2020

BRITISH HEREFORD WINS IN FRANCE

The British Hereford bull Normanton 1 Passionabull, imported into France in 2018 and presented at SIA 2020 in Paris (photo attached) by his French owner Guillaume Deslandes, was awarded first prize at the virtual French championship 2020 organized earlier this month. Normanton 1 Passionabull  was born in August.2016 and bred by TD & WT Livesey, Manor Farm, The Hollow, Normanton Le Heath, Leicestershire. He is owned by Guillaume Deslandes, La  Ville André, 56490 Ménéac, France.

Normanton 1 Passionabull pictured at the Paris Show in February 2020

Writes AHDB’s Remi Fourrier: “This is a great achievement for Guillaume who has regularly presented high quality Herefords at the Paris Show year after year. Also this is tremendous recognition for British genetics in a market where a number of origins are used to produce a carcass that suits the discerning French butchers.” 

EUROTIER - NEW DATE 9-12 FEBRUARY 2021

Please click HERE for further information on the British Livestock stand at EuroTier - one of the premier European animal breeding and husbandy events held every two years in Hanover, Germany. A number of grants of £1,500 each are available for eligible exporting companies. Contact Richard Saunders richardsaunders1965@yahoo.co.uk or for grant enquiries contact Chris Jackson exports@uktag.co.uk

SEXED SHEEP SEMEN SERVICE LAUNCHED

SEXED SHEEP SEMEN SERVICE LAUNCHED

In a sheep industry first, breeding company, AB Europe, has teamed up with bovine genetics specialists, Cogent, to launch a new sexed semen service for UK sheep producers.

Sexed semen has long been an evolving technology in the world of cattle genetics and now accounts for 30 per cent of inseminations, but despite first being carried out in sheep 30 years ago commercialisation has been slow.

However, AB Europe says their new service will help farmers to speed up the rate of genetic gain in their flock, increase the proportion of female or male lambs born and subsequently improve flock efficiency and profitability.

AB Europe vet, James Mylne says: “This season we are commercially offering fresh sexed semen providing sheep producers with the opportunity to cost effectively revolutionise their breeding decisions.”

He adds the advent of sexed semen in the sheep industry will also help to address the age old problem of price differentials between male and female offspring.

He says: “This service will provide a real solution for breeders of horned sheep where we see a much higher price differential between males and females than between male and female mule lambs.

“Also within some of the more exotic sheep breeds there is a significant skew between the sexes. There are usually individual males which have sold for a lot of money but the real money is in the females and often there can be a ten times skew towards them.”

Mr Mylne says they also see a huge future for sexed semen within the dairy sheep and goat sector. Goats will milk for two to three years on a single lactation so getting replacements is an issue, after their first kidding they are not getting pregnant again for a long time so farmers need to be sure they are producing the female replacement they require.

The service will be available on semen collected from the customer’s own rams and it is possible for it to be processed in favour of either female or male sperm cells. There will also be the choice of a low concentration of two million cells per ml for commercial artificial insemination (AI) or four million cells per ml for AI for embryo transfer.

Mr Mylne says: “The technology is set to mirror the results achieved by bovine genetics and artificial breeding companies which now offer 90 per cent gender accuracy and equivalent AI conception rates.”

In conjunction with Cogent, they carried out a series of trials on the new sexed semen product and on a total of 400 commercial horned ewes inseminated with low density 2M fresh semen, they achieved a conception rate of 77 per cent, a scanning percentage of 199 per cent and 97 per cent of the lambs born were female. This compares with an average of 85 per cent conception rate achieved by conventional laparoscopic AI service on commercial hill sheep.

Mr Mylne adds: “This season we are planning to introduce the high density 4M sexed semen either within pedigree flocks using ET as part of their regular breeding programmes or to enable the use of frozen 4M semen in normal AIs. This could substantially enhance the flock’s production of either female lines or increase the number of rams available for sale.”

AB Europe 11 August 2020

LIVESTOCK & GENETICS EXPORT BULLETIN

The Summer 2020 edition of the British Livestock & Genetics Export Bulletin is available by clicking HERE. With news on export successes, certification updates and a diary of overseas expos and planned inward missions, we wish you a good read!

British Sheep Potential in Russia highlighted at Agros Expo

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.

LATIN AMERICA SHEEP STRATEGY 2020

LATIN AMERICA (LATAM) SHEEP STRATEGY 2020

• ·      BRAZIL INWARD MISSION TO UK JULY 23 - 30

• ·         OUTWARD MISSION TO EXPOINTER, BRAZIL, 29 AUG - 6 SEPT

Introduction

In 2018, the first integrated Livestock & Genetics export promotion strategy was introduced bringing together the resources of AHDB and the Department of International Trade (DIT) with its Trade Show Access Programme (TAP) funding in a co-ordinated programme managed by industry stakeholders British Livestock Genetics (BLG) and UK Technology for Agriculture and Genetics (UKTAG).

At the 2019 ExpoInter Show, Brazil

The strategy – Preparing for Brexit – proposed a three-year plan to build momentum through the Brexit transition period so that we leave the EU with our exports on an upward trend. The Sheep Industry has been identified as one of the sectors most at risk as we leave the EU. A significant part of our strategy has been aimed at developing new markets for the export of UK sheep genetics. Our trade promotion programmes, comprising inward and outward missions, are an essential part of developing market access, working closely with the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP).

ExpoInter, Brazil (29 Aug-6 Sept) has been identified as the key 2020 event for the LATAM market to be developed as a focal point for other countries from the region (Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay) and will benefit from TAP funding (£2,500 per company). The 2020 Brazilian Inward Mission to the UK (23-30 July) will be made up of Brazilian sheep breeders and influencers, and comes on the back of the UK presence at ExpoInter in 2018 & 2019. In 2019, this comprised sheep breeders active in the export arena, breeding companies and the NSA supported by grant funding from DIT facilitated by UKTAG. It was a great success with a large order for UK sheep genetics to Brazil resulting; it included an extension mission to Expo Prado in Uruguay.

Export Health Certificates (EHCs) are in place for the export of ovine semen and embryos to Brazil. There is strong demand for British-bred sheep genetics to bolster the Brazilian flock – principally Hampshire, Suffolk, Poll Dorset, Romney & Texel.

Inward Mission to UK (23-30 July)

The provisional programme highlights a week-long visit of circa 8 breeders and industry influencers to include technical conference, networking opportunities, visit to semen/embryo collection facilities, NSA Sheep Event, animal health & training institutions, abattoir and individual flock visits on farm.

-       Thurs 23 July Arrival LHR/Belfast

-       Fri 24 July Flock visits; Dunbia (abattoir & packing plant); CAFRE/Greenmount Agricultural College; AFBI (Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute)

-       Sat 25 July Flock visits; Antrim Show

-       Mon 27 NSA Sheep Event flock visits; industry dinner

-       Tue 28 July NSA Sheep Event

-       Wed 29 July International Sheep Conference; visit to AB Europe

-       Thurs 30 July Flock visits; depart

ExpoInter Outward Mission to Porto Alegre, Brazil (29 August – 6 September)

ExpoInter – 43rd International Exhibition of Livestock, Machinery & Agriculture www.expointer.rs.gov.br

TAP grant funding £2,500 per eligible company from which an £1,800 participation fee will be deducted which includes local support of British Hon Consul Denise Crawshaw Pellin, concierge and interpretation, contribution to UK Pavilion, daily transfers, barbecue, Anglo-Brazilian Sheep Seminar including speaking opportunity, British Livestock brochure, graphics.

Main business days Mon 31 Aug – Fri 4 Sept 8am – 8.30pm so aim to arrive/depart over the weekend before/after at Salgado Filho International Airport (POA). Programme includes meetings with key Breed Associations, State Secretary of Agriculture, local and national sheep and agricultural entities; Anglo-Brazilan Sheep Seminar; networking with other LATAM countries incl Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay. Please see link for report on 2019 ExpoInter event http://britishlivestockgenetics.co.uk/news-1/2019/9/2/strong-uk-sheep-prospects-in-brazil

For Further Information please contact

Richard Saunders M: 07901768904     richardsaunders1965@yahoo.co.uk                                                                              

Chris Jackson M: 07801826069

exports@uktag.co.uk

AGRITECHNICA THAILAND 7-9 MAY 2020

The Agritechnica event being held 7-9 May 2020 in Bangkok, Thailand is looking for companies to exhibit with £2500 grant support available. Please click HERE for flyer. To register your interest or for further information, please email Chris Jackson of UKTAG exports@uktag.co.uk

LIVESTOCK INFORMATION PROGRAMME (LIP)

Livestock Information Programme (LIP)

In October 2019, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) created a new company called Livestock Information Limited (LI Ltd) to manage the design and implementation of the Livestock Information Service. Defra has given LI Ltd the mandate to design and implement the new multi-species Livestock Information Service. As part of this mandate, Defra has agreed to fully fund the statutory service in a way that provides flexibility for any party to invest in further developing that for the benefit of the meat and livestock sectors. LI Ltd is a not-for-profit subsidiary of AHDB, in which Defra has a 49% stake. It will work collaboratively with the meat and livestock industry and Government to develop a world-leading multi-species livestock information service for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer to be implemented from spring 2021. The service will be enabled to deliver traceability for other species over time. The Livestock Information Service is being designed collaboratively with the Traceability Design User Group (TDUG) which represents over 20 trade, education and government bodies in the meat and livestock sectors.

More effective collection and use of livestock movement can ensure greater resilience and responsiveness to disease and improved food safety. The ability to connect data across the UK meat and livestock sector has the potential to produce on-farm and sector-wide productivity and efficiency improvements. The next step for Livestock Information Ltd will be to develop the initial technology platform, recently secured from Shearwell Data. Purchased through a rigorous open procurement competition, this modern, multi-functional platform will give our team the core IT product on which to build the future Livestock Information Service. Shearwell Data will work with SCISYS for software development and support services. Livestock Information Ltd has also awarded a contract for the initial phase of the data integration activity to Equine Register, who demonstrated strong integration knowledge and experience of operating in a similar environment to that of livestock traceability. 

Shearwell Data/SCISYS and Equine Register will work with Livestock Information Ltd to develop the platform to deliver a digital livestock sector movement service that puts users first.

Follow us on Twitter @livestockinform and #livestockinformation

ILDEX, VIETNAM - £2,500 GRANT FUNDING

The Ildex Expo is being held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 18-20 March. Please click HERE for flyer outlining the opportunity to exhibit with £2,500 financial support from Department of International Trade. The Vietnamese market for agri-tech is expanding rapidly and the uptake for technology is going ahead at a very rapid rate with a dynamic and young workforce. In addition to the exhibition, the British Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City will be hosting a networking reception. Please contact Chris Jackson if you would like to be part of this exhibition with the support of the TAP scheme - deadline 14 February.

Chris Jackson

Export Manager UKTAG

Tel +44 (0)1223 845100

Cell +44 (0) 7801826069

E: exports@uktag.co.uk

CUBA EXPO 'FIAGROP' 14-22 MARCH

International Agro-Industry Fair ‘Fiagrop’ 14th – 22nd March, 2020 Havana, Cuba Grant £2000 per eligible company. Please click HERE for flyer and full information for interested companies from the sheep, cattle and pig sectors.

WINTER 2019 LIVESTOCK & GENETICS EXPORT BULLETIN

Please click HERE for the latest (Winter 2019) edition of the British Livestock & Genetics Export Bulletin. Wishing you all a good read and Seasons Greetings to you and yours!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR BRITISH SHEEP TO RUSSIA 29-31 JANUARY 2020

From 29 - 31 January 2020 the International Specialised Trade Fair of Technology for Animal & Forage Production - AGROS - will be held in Moscow, at the Crocus Expo IEC (Hall no. 3) The exhibition will feature a full range of technologies for agricultural producers specializing in animal production - from fodder growing, harvesting and processing, animal breeding and husbandry to marketing and processing agricultural products.

A British presence is planned at the Agros Expo with demand strong in Russia for British-bred sheep and genetics. A number of British sheep breeders and associations are hoping to attend with some grant support available to qualifying companies. For further information please contact Chris Jackson exports@uktag.co.uk T: 07801826069

Visit Website

2020 BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE

The annual British Cattle Breeders Conference will be held on 20-22 January 2020 in Telford, Shrops. ‘Focusing on succession to build a sustainable future’ is the theme for the 2020 BCBC Conference and will draw speakers and delegates from across the beef and dairy industries. It is renowned as a forum for debate and discussion between farmers, scientists and the industry, and a platform for the introduction of new science and technology. The full programme will be available at the end of October…. https://www.cattlebreeders.org.uk/news/2830/2020-british-cattle-breeders-club-conference/

STRONG INTEREST IN BRITISH PEDIGREE GENETICS AT PLOUGHING MATCH

Strong Interest in British Pedigree Genetics at 2019 Irish National Ploughing Championships

British Livestock Genetics Stand at 2019 Ploughing

A record-breaking attendance of 297,000 over the three-day event made this year’s Irish National Ploughing Championships held 17-19 September 2019 the most successful ever.  Basking, incredulously, in glorious sunshine, the British Livestock Genetics stand, positioned in the middle of the livestock area, experienced brisk interest throughout the show.

Record-breaking Crowds flocked to Ploughing Championships

 Spirits were high on the opening day as 102,500 visitors poured onto the site.  This first day, being strongly business dominated, saw tremendous interest shown in the literature available from 26 British Beef, 6 British Sheep Societies, the British Pig Association along with breed information from a number of private pedigree herds and one semen company.  The breadth and diversity of information available on the stand being very favourably commented upon, a substantial number of requests for further breed information were noted, for follow-up post-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 1700 trade exhibitors, covering all aspects of rural life. This was in addition to over 300 acres of competition ploughing, involving the most modern and biggest reversibles to horses and vintage classes, with 300 competitors taking part.  From an economic view point, the 2 Million feet of trade space contributing to the event having an economic impact of over Euro 35m.

 The steady stream of visitors to the stand clearly demonstrated the great respect there is in Ireland for the quality of British pedigree genetics, with weighty Breed Year Books being highly sought after.  Having had a presence at the event for a number of years, many breeders and Irish Pedigree Societies now seek out the stand, to update their breed information; the keen interest in the Native Breeds being very noticeable.

 A number of International visitors visited the stand including an enquiry regarding the possible importation of beef cattle and breeding pigs into South Africa, from the UK.

This, the 88th Irish National Ploughing Championships, was held near Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow, about 60 miles southwest of Dublin.  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 this 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 the British Livestock Genetics Consortium (BLG), by John Fleming of ‘JF Professional Genetic Services’, ably supported by Gill Evans, an experienced Welsh pedigree breeder of many years standing, with help, this year from Jill Dickson, a sheep breeder with commercial interests from the Scottish Borders. 

This year the stand was also guest to two exemplary young pig breeders, supported by the British Pig Association, who qualified to attend this National Irish Event, from the National Young Show Stars event at Three Counties Show.

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