SYNETICS UK LAUNCH

New AI Company Synetics UK replaces Mastergen and increases product range 

 Cattle breeding company, Mastergen, has been transformed for 2024 into a new company with a new name and an increased and more diverse portfolio of genetics.  

Synetics launches in the UK in 2024

Now called Synetics UK, the new name reflects the joining of forces between Mastergen’s original German parent company, Masterrind, and the French genetics giant, Innoval/Evolution. Through their formation of the export arm, Synetics Export, these two major European co-operatives trade over eight million doses of semen across 80 different countries, now including through Synetics UK. 

This means that UK farmers now have access to the most diverse line-up of European sires ever available. This includes not only a strong line-up of Holsteins (including red and whites) but a total of 20 different breeds – both dairy and beef. Amongst these are familiar names such as Limousin, Charolais, Blonde d’Aquitaine, Normande and Salers alongside those which are less mainstream, such as Bazadaise, Gascon, Parthenaise, Abondance and Tarentaise. 

More French and German bulls breeding heifers like this VG 2yr daughter of Solito Red EX92 will be coming to the UK through Synetics UK

Particular strengths are beef breeds specifically developed for use on dairy, most notably the INRA95 and Yperios Excellence, which are currently topping UK beef markets and are unique to Synetics’ breeding programmes. 

Seven different dairy breeds are also part of Synetics’ portfolio, including those suited to the increasingly popular extensive systems, while three breeds of goat are part of the package. 

Alison Dunphy, managing director of Synetics UK, says: “The entry of the parent company into the domestic market has significantly upped the European genetics offering and diversity of bloodlines for UK producers. 

“The formation of Synetics UK ensures UK farmers have access to genetics from the two major European breeding programmes,” she says. “The combined force of Masterrind, (the market leader in Germany), with Innoval/Evolution, (the biggest AI company in France), brings the services and bull portfolio to UK producers, from two major farmer co-operatives working with over 13 million cows. 

“The research investment behind these organisations has led to the development of Europe’s most advanced genomic testing facility and its highest standards of semen quality. 

“This investment has also allowed unique genetic traits to be developed, including paratuberculosis or Johne’s resistance, which we are already finding enormously popular within herds dealing with this disease,” she says. 

Other features include polled bloodlines for every breed and a wide selection of bulls transmitting a high degree of digital dermatitis resistance. 

Despite the uptick in the company’s genetic offering, Ms Dunphy says the values of the former company will remain enshrined in Synetics UK. 

“As a company, we have built our reputation on value for money, without the overhead of expensive reps on the road, and we will continue with this business model under the Synetics UK banner,” she says. “Our telephone support is readily available and is growing in popularity amongst the many commercial beef and dairy producers who are looking for cost-effectiveness, while continuing to enhance their herds’ genetics.” 

SYNETICS UK CONTACT DETAILS

Tel: 01823 430317

Email: enquiries@synetics.co.uk

Web: www.synetics.co.uk

 Address: Unit 5, Monument View, Chelston Business Park, Summerfield Ave, Wellington,

Somerset, TA21 9ND

BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE 22-24 JANUARY

The countdown is on for the British Cattle Breeders Club conference being held in Telford, Shropshire 22-24 January 2024, a two-day event for the beef and dairy sectors.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Green Genes - revolutionising cattle breeding for a sustainable future” with this year’s BCBC keynote presentations bringing together farmers and academia to understand how this can be achieved. BCBC Chairman, Ben Harman, adds: “We can adapt our breeding and management practices by making the best use of science and technology to improve animal efficiencies and reduce emissions. This will also drive business profitability.”

 View the full programme and book your place online www.cattlebreeders.org.uk/conference 

BRITISH TEXEL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN 2024

The British Texel Society celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024 with a programme of activities planned for July. It is keen to invite committed advocates of British genetics from overseas to its national show and extended programme for flock visits to existing and  prospective importers of Texel genetics. The Society has much to celebrate, having achieved so much in the last decade and across the half a century it has existed, a short timeline when considering breed societies and breeds of major influence.

 The programme is expected to include a visit to leading AI/ET companies, along with a splash of sightseeing in between the stunning Scottish Borders and North Yorkshire with the visit culminating at the Great Yorkshire Show.  The provisional programme is set out HERE.

Part of the programme of events that fits best for international visitors starts on the 5th July and runs through to 10th July, with our National show “Textravaganza II”, on the 6th July, held in Carlisle,  the second major show held separately to the usual Royal and County shows. Preceding the national show is a clubs competition day, summer sizzler bbq reception, with flock visits progressing from the 7th through to the Texel members Great Yorkshire show reception, that takes place after the Texel show classes on the 10th July. 

The Society held its inaugural National show in 2021 with great success, with over 200 exhibitors and over 400 members, family and friends making up the audience. We expect the 50th anniversary event to have an increased attendance, making for an ideal opportunity to invite prospective buyers of British Genetics, the society providing hospitality and direct access to Texel breeders eligible to export and the technical companies involved. 

The flocks visits culminate at the Great Yorkshire Show, where overseas visitors can experience the glory that a major English County show offers, with all types of livestock and farming practices promoted,  combined with another large Texel show and an invite to our Members reception in our own marquee, where over 100 members and friends have met each year for over 40 years in conjunction with our Northern Area Texel breeders association. 

The programme is rich in tradition, and offers visitors a great opportunity to share in the breed’s success, celebrate the society’s 50th anniversary, with a backdrop promoting all that is great about the GB and English livestock sector. W: www.texel.uk E: office@texel.co.uk

WINTER 2023/24 EXPORT BULLETIN OUT NOW

Welcome to the latest Winter 2023/24 edition of the Livestock & Genetics Export Bulletin. Please click HERE to read. We are always looking for news items on British livestock (breeding animals) and genetics (semen/embryos) - either news of exports from the UK or news of how these animals are successfully breeding in their new homes overseas. Please send any news (pictures and text) to Richard Saunders Email: richardsaunders1965@yahoo.co.uk. Thank you and Season’s Greetings to All.

ESSIE SUFFOLKS REACH GEORGIA

Thanks to The Scottish Farmer for the following article which appeared in print in their 28 October 2023 edition. www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk

More than two years after Aberdeenshire Suffolk breeder Irene Fowlie exported the first sheep to Georgia, she has defied all odds and sent a double load – by air. Such is the demand for genetics from her high index performance recorded Essie flock from Fraserburgh, that the buyers of the first importation requested another 70 breeding females and three shearling rams soon after their foundation purchase.

However, despite having an Export Health Certificate and the flock being scrapie monitored and MV accredited for years, Irene and her husband Jim had to jump through hoops before the sheep were given permission to travel a second time.As in the initial export, the couple had to wait a good year to get a second deal up and running when Defra refused to allow a permit for the sheep to be transported by road on welfare grounds.

Furthermore, after months of licence requests, health certificates and screeds upon screeds of other paperwork sent to various international heads and veterinarians, they found the only way they could travel was by air – at a hefty cost of £800 per animal.The buyer of the first importation, the Adjara Group LLC – one of the most prestigious group companies in Georgia involved in hospitality, gambling and agriculture – was more than willing to cough up the cost of a second load which arrived on Saturday morning following three separate flights.International livestock haulier, Andrew Ewing transported the Essie sheep down from the farm to Stansted on the Thursday – just hours ahead of Storm Babet which caused major travel disruption in the north-east – with Irene and Jim following them down to the airport to wave them off.

The couple also got to see them transported onto the hold of the cargo plane which had to be air conditioned and maintain a temperature of between four and eight degrees C.

"It was just an amazing experience seeing the sheep being transported onto the plane and what they were travelling in on the aircraft," said Irene, who was blown away by the care and consideration of cabin crew who carted the sheep from the lorry into specifically designed wooden crates that had been made in Holland, to be lifted onto the plane.

"We spent months negotiating a deal with a Spanish transport company with two stops on route, only for Defra to block such movements on welfare grounds which just seems crazy when eastern European countries are desperate for British genetics.

"We discovered the only way they could travel was by air as it saved having to go through each Border Control post, but even then the paperwork to get the sheep to Georgia is unbelievable," said a highly relieved Irene once she heard the sheep had arrived safely.

"A certificate of origin and EOR number had to obtained before we could consider transport and even then Georgia wouldn't send an import permit until they had received all the veterinarian health certificates which they had to have within 24hours of the sheep leaving the farm."

Irene also had to make up a 'seating plan' for the sheep on the plane to ensure their weight was evenly distributed when the load comprised gimmers and ewe lambs of various weights ranging from 55-100kg and three shearling rams.

Initially the sheep had to travel down to Stansted via a road transporter with a Type 2 Licence and satellite tracking, complete with travel log and customs documentation. From these valuable sheep transported in crates, flew to Masstricht in the Netherlands and soon after departed for Istanbul in Turkey. After a few hours stop over, they flew onto Georgia and their new home in Tibilisi.Georgia has a very old sheep industry with sheep bred for wool, cheese making and meat. With the purchase of pedigree Suffolk sheep, The Adjara Group also hopes to promote the breed throughout the country for its superior growth and meat characteristics.

Speaking on Radio 4’s Farming Today Programme on 1st November, Irene Fowlie added: “Native Breeds in Georgia tend to be bred for milk, making cheese and for their wool, and they need a meat breed - and as Suffolks are well known for very fast growth and good conformation, they wanted to set up a foundation flock of Suffolk sheep to improve meat breeding sheep in the country.” Please click HERE for the full programme.

You can also follow ESSIE SUFFOLKS on Facebook for further news

KAZAKH OPPORTUNITIES FOR UK GENETICS

KAZAKH OPPORTUNITIES FOR UK GENETICS

The British Kazakh Society (BKS) in cooperation with UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) hosted an agri-business webinar on Wednesday 5th October 2023, with speakers from Kazakhstan and the UK, moderated by Rob Grinnall, UKECP (UK Export Certification Partnership). With a focus on promoting the export of UK livestock to Kazakhstan, the speakers discussed the importance of quality genetics and the benefits of genetic diversity as well as highlighting the investment opportunities in this field in Kazakhstan.

The panel comprised:

-          Dave Skeels, Director, British Kazakh Society

-          Tatyana Blazhiyevich (UK DBT, Agricultural Lead)

-          Kalzhan Agrynbay, Project Manager, KazInvest, Astana who spoke on ‘Why Kazakhstan.’

-          Henry Sanderson, International Sales Manager, Cogent Breeding Ltd, Chester, whose topic was ‘Genetics for the future.’

-          Indira Beishova, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Head of the Genetic Laboratory of WKATU (West Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University), who summarised the projects being undertaken in researching livestock production

-          Kevin Harrison, Chair of NSA English Committee, National Sheep Association, detailed ‘The importance of genetics and genetic diversity in the sheep flock’ showing how UK sheep breeds could help in all regions of the vast Kazakh farming landscape.                                                                                                 

A recording of the webinar is available to BKS Members on their website. www.bksoc.org.uk

For further information, please contact Rob Grinnall rob.grinnall@ukecp.com

CHARTING THE PATH FOR UKRAINIAN AGRICULTURE

FIELDS OF CHANGE: CHARTING THE PATH FOR UKRAINIAN AGRICULTURE

5th October 2023 saw a conference held in Brussels, Belgium under the banner ‘Charting the Path for Ukrainian Agriculture’ attended by the UK’s Chris Jackson (UKTAG – UK Technology for Agriculture & Genetics) and Rob Grinnall (UKECP – UK Export Certification Partnership) with the event co-funded and organised by UCAB (Ukrainian Agribusiness Club) and AGCO, a global company, serving as a link between the agricultural product and manufacturing value chains.

AGCO’s Richard Markwell addressing the meeting

Market Access is a key area with a focus on the livestock and germplasm required to assist Ukraine in its post-conflict rebuilding. Both representatives spoke to Nazar Bobitski, Director of the EU Office of UCAB, and brought up the enquiry for 30,000 live sheep that has been brought before the UK industry. Despite new certificates previously being negotiated for germplasm, the outbreak of war has stopped the attention required to pass the Export Health Certificates (EHCs) needed for live sheep and goats, cattle or bovine embryos. Comments Rob: “It would seem pertinent and sensible to prepare for the restocking that will be required. I also sense a market opportunity for the UK post-Brexit to agree mutually acceptable EHCs direct with Ukraine especially.”

Participants came from across the EU as well as outside to listen to the financial sector, political figures and agricultural industry who all had interest in the future of rebuilding Ukrainian agriculture. The morning sessions were dominated by banking sector all of whom touched upon the huge need for private and banking investment.  Some USD 60 – 90 Billion is needed in the short term to support and begin the rebuild of the ag sector comprising of both small farming properties and vast agricultural holdings. 

Of course, wheat/grain exports are the major commodity and whilst Ukraine has been a huge world producer, the amounts of grain produced, and the price paid, is extremely volatile.  Without the ability to sell forward, the price achieved can be USD100 per tonne less than that on the world market.  Farms have gone from making a profit to loss due to this huge price differential. With the Black Sea ports being almost closed, grain is being sent overland to eastern EU, but getting across the borders is time consuming and bureaucratic, with queues of 12 days not unusual.

The afternoon was given over to farming companies, who spoke of the promise of grants from the EU, with large sums available at least in theory, but those present did not know of any funding that had actually been reached.  The Ukrainian representative to the EU spoke of how even with her place of knowledge and contact she could not navigate her applicants through the bureaucracy to the relevant people.

With the farmers and workers having left the east of Ukraine, it was difficult to achieve any real industry in that region at this moment, but they were hopeful that the push back would bring more land back into the sector.

Speakers were extremely friendly towards UK involvement and grateful for the UK support so far, but more is needed.

Only small mention was made on the loss of livestock due to the invasion, but repopulation is clearly required. According to the Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy & Food, as of 22nd June 2022 the official estimated number of animals killed is 42,000 sheep, 92,000 cattle and 258,000 pigs.  More than 5.7 million poultry have been lost.

There is to be a UCAB meeting in Kiev in December 2023 to explore further.

KAZAKH-UK GENETICS WEBINAR 4TH OCTOBER

The British-Kazakh Society

UK Department for Business and Trade

"Kazakhstan & UK Agribusiness - Genetics"

Wednesday, 4th October, 12:00 - 13:00 (London Time) 

The British-Kazakh Society in cooperation with UK Department for Business and Trade are hosting an agirbusiness group webinar. The event will be chaired by David Skeels (BKS, Director) and Tatyana Blazhiyevich (UK DBT, Agricultural Lead). to register please click HERE.

The webinar will be moderated by Rob Grinnall (UK Export Certification Ltd, Veterinary Consultant).

The panel discussion will be followed by a live Q&A session where you will have an opportunity to  pose your questions to the speakers directly.

The event will be conducted in English with simultaneous Russian and Kazakh languages interpretations available.

Host:

David Skeels - Director, BKS

Tatyana Blazhiyevich - UK DBT, Agricultural Lead
 

Moderator:

Rob Grinnall - UK Export Certification Ltd., Veterinary Consultant

Panel:

Kalzhan Argynbai - KazInvest, Project Manager - "A view at the Agribusiness Genetics from Kazakhstan and possible investment opportunities"

Henry Sanderson - Cogent Breeding Ltd., International Sales Manager - "Genetics for the future"

Indira Beishova - Doctor of Biological Sciences, Head of the Genetic Laboratory of WKATU (West Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University) named after Zhangir Khan - TBC

Kevin Harrison - National Sheep Association, Chair of NSA English Committee - "The importance of quality genetics and the benefits of genetic diversity"

Your sincerely,

BKS Secretariat

secretariat@bksoc.org.uk

BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CLUB CONFERENCE TO LOOK AT HOW CATTLE FARMERS CAN GO GREENER

The British Cattle Breeders Club conference is returning to Telford in January and will explore why the UK’s cattle industry is part of the climate change solution and how breeding can help meet greening targets.

The industry has pledged to become net zero by 2040, and some national governments are already proposing livestock reductions.

BCBC Chairman Ben Harman

However, there is another, more sustainable solution to meet targets, believes BCBC Chairman, Ben Harman.

He adds: “We can adapt our breeding and management practices by making the best use of science and technology to improve animal efficiencies and reduce emissions. This will also drive business profitability.”

This year’s BCBC keynote presentations will bring together farmers and academia to understand how this can be achieved. 

These include:

• Professor John Gilliland, farmer and special adviser for AHDB, will talk about the Accelerating Ruminant Carbon Zero (ARCZero) project that he is leading. The project comprises seven farms in Northern Ireland that are undertaking carbon audits, including the assessment of carbon stocks within soils and trees, with the aim of identifying where future management can be changed to accelerate their move towards net zero.

• Beef farmer Duncan Morrison, from Aberdeenshire, will reveal how he is running a profitable 240-head suckler herd that is delivering environmental credentials.

• Professor Elizabeth Magowan, from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), will present the findings of a recent study that examined how the cattle industry can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions at a farm and national level.

• Professor Alice Stanton, clinician-scientist, will explain why policymakers and scientists should be wary of reports advocating dramatic reductions or exclusions of red meat and dairy.

• Bjørg Heringstad, a research scientist at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and Geno Breeding, will present the latest results of their green cow project aimed at breeding feed-efficient Norwegian Red cows.

Mr Harman adds: “I am hugely excited about the BCBC 2024 conference. To deliver on my chosen theme of 'revolutionising cattle breeding for a sustainable future' seemed somewhat optimistic.

“Now we are close to finalising the programme, I am convinced that we have assembled a congregation of speakers with the knowledge, passion and brilliance to make a generational change to the sustainability of cattle breeding in the UK.”

 The conference will take place at Telford Hotel and Golf Resort from 22-24 January 2024. The full programme and online booking will be available at the end of September at www.cattlebreeders.org.uk 

SUMMER 2023 EXPORT BULLETIN OUT NOW

Please click HERE for the Summer 2023 British Livestock & Genetics Export Bulletin with all the latest news of export successes and export certification wins!

UK OVINE EMBRYOS ARRIVE IN USA

Following the reinstatement of the Export Health Certificate (EHC) last November, the UK sheep industry has very much welcomed the first export of ovine embryos to the USA. Here we share the Farmers Guardian report written by John Wilkes which appeared in today’s edition of the FG (25 August). There is also an FG podcast available which is a 14-minute extended report on the export including an interview with USA vet Matt Rolleston.

The inaugural consignment of UK ovine embryos arrived in the US on August 16, 2023

Dr Matthew Rolleston, a vet and livestock reproductive specialist in Maine took delivery of 137 UK Swiss Valais Blacknose embryos.

Dr Rolleston says: "We are very excited to have the first import of ovine embryos into the US from the UK."

The shipment exported by UK genetics company AB Europe was made possible by means of US government 2021 animal health legislation. This legislation allows lamb and embryo exports from countries subjected to a 33-year embargo after BSE.

Prior to this first consignment, Swiss Valais genetics originating in the UK could legitimately enter the US as embryos via New Zealand; earning the NZ sheep industry approximately £3 million.

Value

Embryos in this shipment will be marketed through Dr Rolleston for UK breeder/exporter clients. Dr Rolleston says: "I would say Valais embryos in this tank range in value from £2,200 to £4,000 each depending on their pedigree. We estimate this first tank at around £400,000."

This is the beginning for what is hoped to be continuing trade between US and UK sheep breeders. Dr Rolleston is soon to receive his own embryo shipment from UK genetics exporter Farmgene.

Other breeds

He says: "We are looking at Suffolks, Texels, North Country Cheviots, Scottish Blackface, Kerry Hill and Dutch Spotted embryos in that next tank. We should have 400 to 500 embryos in the shipment. In terms of value, they will not be quite the same as Valais; they will probably average £800 per embryo."

The US sheep industry is focused on enhanced genetics to benefit lamb production by way of the Sheep Genetics USA initiative.

Dr Rolleston says: "Within the US Suffolk breed for example, it is possible to establish some new lines for people looking for a different style with extra bone and muscling we see in the UK type. They have been able to achieve this using UK Suffolk semen; some are looking for these traits from embryos."

Charollais

Dr Rolleston thinks the burgeoning US ethnic lamb market could also benefit. "If someone were to establish the UK Charollais breed here, that may make a good cross on some Western flocks to supply the ethnic trade.

"UK embryos can tighten up some genetics sought in existing breeds and allow unique breeds to come over and be sustainable. Pedigree embryos avoid multi-year grading up programs otherwise required to establish a new breed."

ARGENTINA OUTWARD MISSION BUILDS ON EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES

ARGENTINA OUTWARD MISSION BUILDS ON EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES

Main Ring at ‘La Rural’ Palermo Show

• Shorthorn Breed celebrates 200 Years since first Import from Scotland

• Strong Demand for British Sheep Genetics

SHORTHORNS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Richard Saunders & Tim Riley pictured in front of the Shorthorn stand

 Palermo Show, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina 20-30 July 2023 provided the focal point for the latest Outward Mission to promote British sheep and cattle genetics and identify ongoing export opportunities. With the support of the British Embassy, Department of Business & Trade (DBT) and the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the event was attended by Shorthorn Cattle Society President, Tim Riley, together with Richard Saunders on behalf of the British Livestock Genetics Consortium (BLG).

Shorthorns lead the Grand Parade in honour of their 200th Anniversary

Now in its 135th edition, ‘La Rural’ Palermo Show is renowned as an internationally important event bringing together livestock breeders and experts from around the world. It sits with ExpoInter (Brazil) and Expo Prado (Uruguay) as major hubs for knowledge exchange in the Southern Cone.

Statue dedicated to Tarquin

Homage to importer of first Shorthorn bull, John Miller (1787-1843)

 This year saw the Shorthorn breed very much centre-stage, in recognition and celebration of the 200th Anniversary since the first Shorthorn bull Tarquin arrived on Argentinian shores in 1823, thanks to the foresight of the Scottish-born farmer John Miller.

Shorthorn Grand Champion which later sold for £12,000

L-R Richard Saunders, Kirsty Hayes (British Ambassador), Carlos Dawney (President, Argentine Shorthorn Association) and Tim Riley

 Indeed, during a reception held in Tarquin’s honour at the British Embassy, Tim Riley, who runs the Stoneyroyd Shorthorn Herd near Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, praised the impact that the Shorthorn breed has had not only on Argentinian beef production but throughout the world, with its genetic merit a factor in the development of over 40 breeds globally.

Grand Champions in main showring on final day of Palermo Show

There was a heart-warming moment as three of John Miller’s great granddaughters stepped forward to introduce themselves and pose for photographs with Tim and Richard.

Pictured with three great granddaughters of John Miller

BEEF FOCUS

Whilst Shorthorn cattle have a firm and passionate following in Argentina, Angus nevertheless dominates beef production with crosses and purebreds combining for a 70% market share. Herefords are in second position. The north of the country, with its warmer climes, encourages bos indicus type crosses like Brangus and Braford. Despite the composite breeds indicated, on the whole Argentinian is not a ‘crossing’ culture, preferring purebred type cattle. Simmental, Limousin, Limangus and Wagyu also have distinct populations.

Meeting with Argentine Meat Promotion Board (IPCVA)

 A breakdown of semen sales sees Angus (50%), Brangus (24%), Brafford (15%) and Hereford (5%). Albeit a generalization, cattle are on the whole shorter in stature, larger gutted and lacking the conformation of their European cousins, and it is not surprising that finishing off grass - as found in the large expanses of the Argentine pampas - is key here. Double muscling is seen overall as an undesirable trait and is excluded from herdbook registers.

Angus stand

Hereford stand

 The Argentinian beef population equates to around 52 Million head (beef and dairy combined) of which 30 Million are breeding females (heifers and cows). The 30 Million breaks down into 28 Million suckler cow/calf outfits and 2 Million dairy females.

Bovine Genetic Forum

During meetings with the Argentine Beef Promotion Institute (IPCVA) and Bovine Genetic Forum, there was mutual interest expressed to continue to exchange information and organise future Inward & Outward Missions.

MAG Livestock Market

Sales animals at MAG

A visit was held to the vast MAG (Mercado Agro Ganadero) livestock sales centre near the town of Canuelas where, on a typical market day, 10-12,000 prime cattle go under the hammer including a small number of cull cows and bulls. MAG is home to the offices of around 20 individual auction houses and provides a central venue for each auctioneer to sell their cattle to the processor buyers gathered.

At La Gorina Meat Plant

La Gorina Frigorifico

 La Gorina Frigorifico meat plant was also toured, an impressive facility in terms of innovation, cleanliness and animal welfare. Throughput is around 180 head of cattle per hour which sees 295,000 head processed annually. 20% is destined for domestic customers with 80% going to the export market, predominantly China (71%), Chile (12%), EU (4%), Israel (4%) and Brazil (1%). Cattle are usually processed within 4-5 days and carcase weights reflect the generally smaller frame and lower conformation. Deadweights ranging from 220kg to 360kg were typically seen at an average of around 240kg with typical age of steers at slaughter being 24 months. Large scale investment is underway in packaging and loading automation as well as in the treatment and recycling of ‘red’ and ‘brown’ waste water.

 STRONG SHEEP DEMAND

Thanks to the collaborative efforts by industry at home and abroad, Export Health Certificates (EHCs) have been in place for the export of ovine semen and embryos to Argentina since 2020. There is very strong demand for UK Hampshire and Texel genetics in particular - with Charollais also in the picture. In essence, Argentinian producers want lambs which have better muscling, larger gigots and which can finish quickly and easily off grass.

Lucio Brandi judging the Hampshire Downs

Meetings were held with groups of prominent Hampshire and Texel breeders respectively to discuss their import needs.

Hampshire Down breeders (L-R) Dolores Brandi, Lucio Brandi & Juan Portela

Working together as a syndicate of 12-20 breeders, each breed would like to import a large volume of semen initially (potentially 2,000-2,500 straws) as well as embryos in due course across a range of selected bloodlines.

Pictured with Texel Association representatives Javier Aliendro (President), Daniel Ponce (Vice President) and Pablo Freire (Board Member)

It is hoped that preparatory health testing can be carried out in the UK in early autumn (September 2023) to allow sufficient time to hit the Argentinian breeding season during their autumn (March 2024 in the southern hemisphere).

Sheep lines at Palermo Show

 Health rules around UK flocks having seven-year scrapie monitored status have now been relaxed in Argentina as well as in many (though not all) Mercosur countries so that double ARR/ARR genotyped stock may now also qualify for export. This has the potential to open up export opportunities for many more British and Northern Irish flocks.

Texel Champions appearance in the Grand Parade

There are also large populations of Corriedale and Merino sheep to be found in the southerly Patagonia region chosen for their dual-purpose ability to produce both wool and meat. One of the largest in Estancia Condor, an integrated breeding farm and processor which handles 120,000 per year, where they also AI 6,000 head annually and whose aim is to increase carcase weight by 3kg per lamb. In Patagonia, there is an opportunity for the UK to incorporate meat breeds by crossing them with existing dual-purpose ones, and expand the meat business given wool is coming under increasing pressure from synthetic fabrics.

As an aside, lamb is, on the whole, not generally found in supermarkets or butchers as the custom is to roast whole lambs (25kg l/weight or 13kg d/weight) on the traditional ‘parrilla’ barbecue on special occasions. There is, however, a large export market of bigger spec lambs to the EU, Japan and Israel among others.

There could therefore be an opportunity for knowledge exchange on how the UK deals with butchers and supermarkets for domestic consumption; if there were to be a cultural shift in lamb consumption in Argentina, there might be a bigger market for genetics from the UK. It is worth noting that Argentinians only consume around 0.4kg lamb per capita per year whilst the figure for beef is a whopping 60kg. Perhaps a long-term, game-changing opportunity for sheep in the mould of Tarquin back in 1823…

Gauchos remain an integral part of livestock management in Argentina

CHALLENGES

As in our own country, livestock farmers also face challenges in Argentina. These include drought conditions - hence the recent 2 Million head drop in cattle numbers from 54 to 52 Million - as well as sustainability and deforestation policies, alongside traceability protocols, which many of its export customers are now demanding. There can also be currency issues as permission is required from the central bank to move money abroad, with the paperwork taking up to 180 days.

Closing ceremony at ‘La Rural’ Palermo Show

SUMMARY

Despite these challenges, there is great knowledge of and respect for British genetics – thanks in part to the widespread use of social media – and unequivocal demand for UK-bred sheep. Some ovine semen and embryos have already been successfully exported since the new EHC came into force in 2020 but, with the help of forward-looking farmers and breeding companies, there is great potential to build on this further as long as players in the UK align to make the most of this opportunity. 

Grateful thanks are extended to AHDB, Department of Business & Trade and the British Embassy in Buenos Aires for their support.

RICHARD SAUNDERS, 4 AUGUST 2023

UK £2.9 MILLION LOW METHANE SHEEP PROJECT

Defra awards £2.9m to project designed to breed low methane sheep

The National Sheep Association (NSA) will begin work alongside industry partners to help deliver a new project designed to breed low methane producing sheep, in turn helping sheep farmers make a positive contribution to UK agriculture’s journey towards net zero.

The three-year initiative will measure methane emissions from a total of 13,500 sheep in 45 flocks.

The project was launched following an award of £2.9 million from Defra’s farming Innovation Programme.

Called ‘Breed for CH4nge – Breeding Low Methane Sheep’ and led by sheep genetics company Innovis, the three-year initiative will measure methane emissions from a total of 13,500 sheep in 45 flocks, collect the necessary data and build and develop the tools required to genetically reduce methane emissions and improve the efficiency of the national flock. The project looks to eventually demonstrate the impact of low-carbon sheep on whole farm carbon footprints.

The project will bring together performance-recording sheep breeder groups including Sheep Improvement Group (SIG), Exlana, Performance Recorded Lleyn Breeders (PRLB) and the Centurion Group of Dorset Sheep Breeders as well as Innovis to deliver the research and host on-farm events.

Scientific input, technology and additional genetics expertise will be provided by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Harper Adams University, while Signet Breeding Services, part of AHDB, will provide performance recording services.

Industry and supply chain partners – Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL), Pilgrims Pride and Waitrose, will help steer farm system modelling including the use of carbon calculators and will drive an integrated knowledge exchange (KE) programme.

The NSA said that it provide “a direct and important link” with the wider industry and a ‘guiding hand’ regarding policy issues.

“We have to move faster in terms of farming being a solution to climate change.”

Phil Stocker

Commenting on the launch, NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “NSA is delighted to be a partner in Breed for CH4nge and I see this as a highly significant research and development project to move the UK’s sheep industry forward in terms of productivity gains, alongside reducing methane emissions and improving carbon footprints. These outcomes are directly aligned to overcome some of the challenges placed at the door of UK agriculture in this post CAP era. 

“We have to move faster in terms of farming being a solution to climate change and play our part in the UK’s ‘30% methane reduction by 2030’ targets agreed during COP 26. Through this work the consortium will identify ways to reduce our emissions but also ensure we do this in a way that maintains the wide range of sustainability traits inherent in many of our flocks. Importantly the project is designed so that, in time, lessons will be able to be adopted by any breed and breeders and I see that as key to improving our genetics without diluting our genetic pool.”

Innovation and improvement

The project will initially develop on-farm protocols and use new innovative tools and technologies including Portable Accumulation Chambers (PAC) to predict methane emissions from grazing sheep alongside measures of health, production and efficiency traits at the individual animal level.

Further measurements, including rumen size and microbiota, will improve understanding of the underlying biology and ensure that reductions in methane emissions positively contribute to sustainable genetic improvement of ewe productivity on UK grass and forage.
 
The NSA said that this information will enable understanding of the genetic control of these characteristics, and DNA sampling will allow relationships with the underlying genome of the sheep to be investigated. This will result in tools to compare the breeding value of sheep in the flocks, identifying breeding stock that will contribute to improving farm carbon footprint.

To widen the Breed for CH4nge project’s impact beyond the 45 flocks involved, there are plans to roll out a wide-reaching communication programme with other sheep breeders and farmers throughout England, in collaboration with supply chain partners and wider industry bodies, including NSA. The initiative will be designed to identify the most effective ways of communicating the project’s outputs and implications to other farmers and help support them to make genetic changes.

ARTICLE REPRODUCED Courtesy of WWW.MEATMANAGEMENT.COM

KAZAKHSTAN & UK COOPERATE ON ANGUS CATTLE IMPORTS

Kazakhstan & UK co-operatE on Angus Cattle Imports

This article is reproduced from the Astana Times of 21st June 2023 written by Aigul Murzagaliyeva

ASTANA – The village of Lepsi in the Almaty Region hosted an annual animal breeding exhibition on June 15-17. The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society (AACS) was invited to participate by Kazakhstan’s National Chamber of Angus, following on from the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties late last year. AACS President, Angus Stovold, shared his expert opinion on the cooperation prospects in an interview with The Astana Times.

Angus Stovold at Lepsi-2023 exhibition

Stovold, who has been involved in breeding for over 30 years and is the senior partner of the family farm business established in 1880, was a judge in a competition for the best breed.

According to Stovold, the Aberdeen Angus breed was established in the UK 200 years ago to raise easy, fleshy, prolific cattle that produced beef of exceptional taste.

“It is not an accident that it is the number one beef breed in the world. Recognized by farmers, processors, retailers, chefs, and the consumer as the best beef, the Aberdeen Angus can adapt to any farming condition, be it dry, wet, hot, cold, lush, or sparse, and convert that to highly desirable meat,” he said.

Stovold added low production costs facilitate the farmer’s work while market recognition helps the rest of the industry. Angus cattle imported to Kazakhstan, he said, were imported from all over the world, but have yet to come from the UK.

“We are very keen to change this,” he said at the exhibition, citing the recent removal of regulatory barriers to the import of bovine genetic material to Kazakhstan last summer. “Great progress has been made between our ministries and we are now in the final stages of removing the regulatory barriers to importing breeding cattle and embryos”.

According to him, the memorandum of understanding signed between Kazakhstan’s chamber and the AACS will facilitate the import of live animals and breeding genetic material. It also gives Kazakhstan’s livestock breeders access to proven individual breeders and genetic companies in the UK.

“The memorandum was signed on Nov. 30 last year in London at the House of Lords hosted by Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne on behalf of the UK Government,” said Stovold.

He suggested the diversity of seed stock and the superior genetics offered by the UK would help Kazakh farmers to achieve desired results quickly. He said he sought to assess such needs more accurately during his first visit to Kazakhstan.

“The benefits of cooperation will allow the National Chamber of Angus to develop elite herds among its members using genetics which are suited to the different production systems in Kazakhstan,” he said, adding that the UK has the broadest possible variety of Aberdeen Angus genetics, suited to any world production systems. 

During the exhibition, Stovold expressed optimism about the prospects for cooperation between the two countries. 

“The UK is the motherland of Aberdeen Angus cattle, and it is a great pleasure to see how well the breed is suited to life in Kazakhstan –  so far away from its native land,” said Stovold.

Farmers from all over Kazakhstan, as well as guests from the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, the Czech Republic and Romania attended the exhibition.

NEW UK DAIRY STRATEGY

NEW WELFARE STRATEGY LAUNCHED BY UK DAIRY INDUSTRY

Dairy farmers, vets and industry professionals right across the whole supply chain have collaborated through Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) to create the new UK Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy for 2023-2028.

The strategy, which has now been launched is designed to help the industry show progress in animal welfare by 2028.

RH&W vice-chairman, Gwyn Jones, says the strategy is an update of a previous strategy aimed at improving the welfare of the national dairy herd, but importantly, has support right across our four nations.

“The industry’s shared vision is for the UK dairy industry to demonstrate evidence-based progress in six key areas of cattle welfare by 2028,” adds Mr Jones.

“Ability to provide evidence of progress will assist in maintaining UK status as a global leader in dairy cattle welfare; helping us compete with our international players.”

The six strategic goals in the strategy are:

• Thriving cows – ensuring all dairy animals are bred, reared and cared for to thrive in all systems

• Healthy feet – ensuring a proactive lameness management plan is in place on every UK dairy farm

• Comfortable cows – maximising cow comfort in housing and at pasture

• Appropriately nourished cows – ensuring a healthy body condition throughout the year

• Healthy udders – continued improvements to udder health to reduce cases of mastitis

• Positive welfare – moving towards ‘positive welfare’ by providing an environment that allows animals to exhibit normal behaviours such as curiosity or play

Mr Jones says RH&W will support the industry to make progress in these six key areas as research has shown the public expects the delivery of good welfare as well as good health, and we must continue to set the bar high for our industry standards.

“The UK must ensure standards deliver excellent welfare, providing a solid platform for UK supply chains to build on in the future,” adds Mr Jones.

“To enable the UK dairy industry to compete internationally, the sector will need to be able to provide evidence of progress on welfare. By doing so across the four nations, the UK will be positively differentiated from other countries.”

RH&W steering group member and senior animal health and welfare scientist at AHDB, Dr Jenny Gibbons, says AHDB has committed to helping the industry publish an annual progress report. The report will capture data evidencing the outcomes achieved by the strategy’s stakeholders, showing the actions taken annually to achieve the six welfare goals.

Dr Gibbons says: “These actions will be reported by groups of key industry stakeholders working together to gather evidence of industry achievements and progress on the six goals.”
In developing the strategy, the key stakeholder groups have been identified and split into the following categories: farm assurance; farmers; government; processing supply chains, including markets and hauliers; retail supply chains; research organisations; commercial organisations and veterinary surgeons.

Mr Jones and Dr Gibbons say that now the strategy has been launched, we must work together across the wider UK dairy supply chain to deliver the strategy.

Mr Jones says: “The wider industry from government officials and assurance scheme providers to dairy farmers and processors, must wherever possible work together to support progress on the strategy and support data collection to demonstrate industry progress.”

The dairy welfare strategy is part of a wider body of work at RH&W to facilitate and create welfare strategies for the whole UK ruminant sector – sheep and beef cattle ones will follow in due course.

For more information visit www.ruminanthw.org.uk 

OPPORTUNITIES AT AGRI-TECH INDIA 23-27 AUGUST

The British High Commission in India have secured funding to help British companies gain access to their important Indian market

What: Agri-Tech India 2023

Where: Bengaluru (Bangalore), India

When: 23rd-27th August 2023

Agri-Tech India is the Indian sub-continent’s largest agricultural show, covering farm machinery, dairy, poultry, livestock equipment, cold-chain & agri-processing technologies.

The Department for Business & Trade (DBT) are organising a UK pavilion at the show. Free stand space is available for UK companies on the British pavilion and DBT are happy to organise meetings for companies attending, through their links with the Indian agri-tech industry. Through DBT India’s connections, there will be opportunities to meet with buyers in market and an evening reception during the show.

This trade mission offers B2B opportunities for UK companies with Indian growers, agri-entrepreneurs, importers, and various other stakeholders. It is also a platform for agri-business enterprises to display and launch their latest product range, mechanisation & technological innovations for farmers. There will also be the opportunity for a 2-day extension of the trip to Kolkata (28th-29th August) for further B2B meetings.

UK companies joining the mission are required to pay for their own travel and accommodation.

To learn more about the show: https://agritechindia.com/

To express your interest in attending or exhibiting, please register here (forms.office.com/e/hWmtyVFxs2) by 30th June or contact gabriel.robinson@trade.gov.uk for more information.

Says UKTAG Export Manager, Chris Jackson, “I look forward to seeing many of you at this important event and as I have spent a lot of time in India please also feel free to connect with me if you require any further help or advice.” Chris Jackson E: exports@uktag.co.uk

African Jersey Forum 28 June 2023

We look forward to welcoming you to the African Jersey Forum Online Conference 2023 on Wednesday 28th June 2023. Start time: 8.30am GMT with expected finish time: 4pm GMT. Watch link: https://www.deltaevents.co.uk/stream/ajf23. Questions can be submitted on the day via the Slido website, which can be accessed using this link: www.slido.com and entering the hashtag: #AJF23.

 Please note that these links will become active on the day, and not before.

Topics and speakers include:

• Shire Highlands Milk Producers Association, Malawi

• Dr Bettie Kawonga, PhD, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources

• Brendon Irvine, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)

• Dr Tiffany Wood, Dyneval Ltd

• Dr Tim Byrne, AbacusBio International

• Jersey SA

• Dr Bernice Mostert, Logix/South Africa Studbook

• John Sassel, JS Africa

• Dr Barnabas Chitalu, ADRA Zambia / RJAHS

You can keep up to date with the latest information on the African Jersey Forum social media www.facebook.com/AfricanJerseyForum and www.linkedin.com/company/AfricanJerseyForum

We look forward to welcoming you to this Online Conference. 

 For further info please contact:

Louise Agnès

Dairy for Development

Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society (RJAHS)

Email: D4D@royaljersey.co.uk

Royal Jersey Showground

La Route De La Trinite

Trinity, Jersey, JE3 5JP

 www.royaljersey.co.uk

2024 BEEF EXPO RETURNS TO CUMBRIA

The National Beef Association’s highly successful Beef Expo event is heading to the Northwest in 2024 for a one-day exhibition showcase of the British Beef Industry. The event will be held at North West Auctions, J36, Crooklands, Kendal, Cumbria on Saturday 27th April 2024.

Beef Expo coincides with ‘British Beef Week’ and it is hoped will include an Inward Mission of overseas beef farmers wishing to see the best of British livestock and genetics.

Pictured are David Pritchard (MD, North West Auctions) and Neil Shand (CEO, National Beef Association) announcing the much-anticipated 2024 Beef Expo

Beef breeders, farmers, and businesses involved in the industry are expected to gather from all over the UK at this flagship event to celebrate the best of beef cattle breeding, and to share ideas and innovations that will help take Britain’s world class beef industry forward into the future.  Beef Expo’s highly competitive show classes will once again showcase some of the UK’s best bloodlines, and a panel of leading experts will address the most important issues facing the industry in an information-packed Seminar Programme. The event which will support and celebrate the work and commitment of our British Beef producers, has been scheduled to tie in with Great British Beef Week 2024.

In returning to Junction 36, Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands, NBA Chief Executive, Neil Shand, is aiming to build on the phenomenal success of the last Beef Expo held on the other side of the country at Darlington Farmers’ Auction Mart in 2022. “Last year’s NBA Beef Expo was the first major beef event since Covid and it demonstrated how popular and important this show and exhibition is to the industry. We attracted a record number of visitors from across the country to the North East, and we’re confident we have the right programme, venue and location to repeat this success in the North West. This is a highly productive part of the UK for suckler and beef cattle, and North West Auctions’ combination of experience, expertise, and exceptional facilities make this the ideal venue for an outstanding event.”

As well as a change of venue, the 2024 NBA Beef Expo will differ from last time in two key ways, which the NBA believe will help attract an even greater number of visitors, says Neil Shand.

“Next year we are streamlining Beef Expo from two days to Saturday only, and entry will be free to all visitors. We will be focusing on showcasing  top quality cattle and on sharing critical information in seminars and discussions. Beef breeders and farmers are facing a very significant challenge in the transition of UK farming policy after Brexit and the aim is to create a perfect platform for everybody involved in the industry to network, find out how to make the best of the grants and subsidies available, and recharge their enthusiasm and commitment.”

NWA Managing Director, David Pritchard, is delighted to welcome the NBA Beef Expo back to Junction 36. “We fully understand the importance of Beef Expo to the beef industry. NWA has been serving the farming community here as auctioneers for more than 200 years, and as auctioneers, land agents and farm business advisors we understand the wider agricultural implications of the changes that beef farmers are currently facing.  It is a privilege to be chosen to host it again here at our J36, Rural Auction Centre in 2024 and we are very much looking forward to working with the NBA to make it an event to remember for those who are both exhibiting and attending.”

Further information about the event, along with details of sponsorship opportunities and stand and exhibition space can be found on the National Beef Association’s’ dedicated event web site –www.nationalbeefassociation.com/beef-expo/

Details of the proposed Inward Mission are available from Richard Saunders richardsaunders1965@yahoo.co.uk

RAMCOMPARE WEBINAR - 11 MAY

Join AHDB’s Signet Breeding Services on 11th May (7-8.30pm) for the annual results update from the RamCompare project’s UK progeny test, with updated results from the year seven data collection. Click HERE to register for the webinar.

For the first time results will be released online as 38,500 abattoir records from 400 RamCompare sires are incorporated into the National Terminal Sire Evaluation. SRUC’s new breeding index will be launched as the project steps up a gear and makes abattoir derived breeding values more widely available.

STRONG UK PRESENCE AT VIV ASIA

Trade Envoy Mark Garnier pictured with British exhibitors on the UK Pavilion at VIV Asia

VIV Asia took place 8th-10th of March in Bangkok with the UK Pavilion funded by the British Embassy, Thailand. Demonstrating the importance of this event, the Prime Minister's Trade Envoy for Thailand, Mr Mark Garnier, attended the opening ceremony and went on to meet the UK companies present.

The exhibition continues to be a world-leading event with 47,527 visitors from 112 countries, up on the previous edition. Exhibitors numbered 1,186 from 57 countries across five continents. Meat Pro Asia, the premier trade platform for processing and packaging solutions in the meat industry, took place in the same hall for the first time.

The pig sector in the region remains seriously affected by African Swine Fever (ASF). Some restocking is taking place but remains vulnerable to reinfection. The world is still waiting for a successful vaccine to be produced and it is noted that Chulalongkorn University in Thailand is undertaking field trials in the Philippines.

There were very successful B2B meetings with businesses from many visiting countries as well as of course from Thailand. The UK exhibiting companies reported very great demand for their products and were pleased by their attendance. Seminars were a major highlight at the event with more than 120 sessions taking place.

The day before the show, the Aquatic Asia Conference organized by International Aquafeed of Perendale Publications and VIV, featured a variety of industry experts making presentations.

Looking ahead, VIV Asia will return 12-14 March 2025, carrying on the tradition of providing a premier platform for the animal protein industry to connect, learn, and innovate.

One special award was given for outstanding support for the British Livestock industry by Bridget Horne VNU Chief Executive to our own Chris Jackson, Director of UKTAG Ltd.

Chris Jackson receiving his award from Bridget Horne