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
Lincoln Longwools in demand in USA
Following a visit to the Lincolnshire Show in June by members of the USA’s Livestock Conservancy (their equivalent to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust), semen from Lincoln Longwool sheep could soon be heading to the US. Please click the following link courtesy of FG Insight/Hannah Park.
Stakeholder Invitation from Visiting India Mission 24 June - 5 June
The Department for International Trade commercial team from Chandigarh, India will be visiting the UK 24 June - 5 July 2019 alongside with a delegation of businesses and academia to explore Export opportunities in the Agri-Tech sector, they have planned a two weeks Agri-Tech Roadshow across the UK.
Please see attached FLYER for further information.
If you are interested in meeting with DIT India mission and learn more about export opportunities to India, while on their roadshow, please contact Nanki Aurora (Nanki.Aurora@fco.gov.uk) for further details.
Kind Regards
Agri- Tech Team
Department for International Trade | London SW1A 2EY
NBA BEEF EXPO HOSTS SUCCESSFUL INWARD MISSION
NBA BEEF EXPO HOSTS SUCCESSFUL INWARD MISSION
Delegates pictured on the AHDB stand at Beef Expo
11 delegates from across Europe were part of an Inward Trade Mission to the National Beef Association’s Beef Expo held near Kendal, Cumbria 22-23 May 2019. Representing a breadth of beef cattle breeds, the group was made up of pedigree farmers, vets and beef retailers interested in UK genetics and expertise.
Inward Mission guests attending the Farm Tours
Day One saw farm tours to two enterprises: the first utilising Hereford & Limousin genetics with the second based around the Stabiliser breed.
Hereford Breed Secretary David Deakin addresses the trailer tours
David & Maggie Kelly established their Hereford herd at Nether Hall near Kirkby Lonsdale in 2014 with heifers purchased from John Douglas’ Ervie Herd, Stranraer and then built on with polled Australian and horned American genetics.
Netherhall Hereford Herd
Calving 180 cows they aim to reach 300 females with the focus on low input, high output, easy calving cattle with short gestation. The Herefords sit alongside a 40-head pedigree Limousin herd. As numbers grow, females are by and large retained for breeding with 40 bulls sold last year in addition to semen marketed through Cogent.
Hereford & Limousin cattle from Nether Hall
Hereford-sired, dairy-bred calves are also bought in and finished at 20 months with any purebred Herefords not kept for breeding also sold via Dunbia on a Co-op contract at 18 months.
At the Dixons’ Kit Crag holding
The second farm tour was to Kit Crag, Selside, Kendal which supports the Dixon Family’s 220-head Stabiliser suckler herd established in 2004. A tight calving pattern is maintained from mid-April and runs for 7-8 weeks with heifer calves predominantly kept as replacements with some sold in-calf or as bulling heifers.
Stabiliser Suckler Herd pictured at Kit Crag
The use of some AI and embryo transfer means new bloodlines as well as breeding bulls can be introduced to the herd. Stabilisers are suited to the holding due to their moderate size, efficient meat production and ease of calving (first calvers average 30.5kg with cows levelling out at 35.8kg calf birthweight). Bull calves are kept entire and finished aged 12 to 14 months at 360-370kg to sell through Morrisons’ Yearling Beef Scheme.
Inside the NW Auctions-hosted Beef Expo event
The second day was spend at the Beef Expo event hosted by North West Auctions at its J36 Kendal site comprised of livestock market and agricultural business hub. With 140 tradestands from R&D to animal health to nutrition, Breed Society stands and competitions, seminars, and the NBA Commercial Cattle Show, visitors were presented with an insight into the latest developments in the British beef industry ‘under one roof.’
On the Galloway stand at Beef Expo
Supported by AHDB and the British Livestock Genetics Consortium, the visit was organised by Richard Saunders & John Fleming.
Sussex in South Africa at 100
SUSSEX 2020
The Sussex Cattle Breeders Society of South Africa is holding its Centenary celebrations “SUSSEX 2020” in Bloemfontein South Africa during April 2020. Please click on FLYER for more details. All international breeders are invited to the Congress which will include presentations on embryo transplants, AI and breed development such as Genomics. Contact Ika van Niekerk, Coordinator, SUSSEX 2020, plan@sussex2020.co.za.
Agritech Opportunities at New Zealand Fieldays 12-15 June 2019
Opportunity to attend Fieldays 12-15 June 2019 - one of the biggest events in New Zealand’s agri-calendar. For further info on support available to UK companies from Dept of Intn Trade and for flyer click HERE.
UKRAINE SHOW HERALDS CATTLE EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES
UKRAINE SHOW HERALDS CATTLE EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES
Deerpark Pedigree Pigs Secures New Business
British Livestock Stand in Ukraine
The Agro-Animal Grain-Tech Show held in Kiev, Ukraine 19-21 February 2019 saw the agreement of a new Export Health Certificate (EHC) between the UK and Ukraine to herald future trade in cattle semen and embryos between the two countries. This success is the result of negotiations with their counterparts in Ukraine on behalf of the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) with the support of Defra and the Department for International Trade (DIT).
British-Ukrainian Pig Forum
Around twenty UK businesses participated in the fifth UK National Pavilion at the show with the aim “to introduce UK companies with a wide range of relevant and innovative expertise to the Ukrainian market,” according to Cathy Cottrell, Head of DIT at the British Embassy in Ukraine.
Speakers at the Pig Forum included (L-R) Nigel Overend, Chris Jackson & Geert Rombouts
A key focus of the show is the British-Ukrainian Agribusiness Forum – held on the second day - which this year focused on pig production. Among the speakers were Dr Lawrence Brown (Animal Science & Aquaculture Specialist, DIT), Chris Jackson (British Pig Association), Geert Rombouts (Rattlerow Farms/Choice Genetics) & Nigel Overend of Deerpark Pedigree Pigs, Magherafelt, Northern Ireland – the latter taking his first orders for frozen pig semen into the Ukrainian market.
L-R Chris Jackson (UKTAG), Matt Holmes (Perendale), Edward Adamson (NSA), Richard Saunders (BLG) and Mark Oakes (DIT Head of Bioeconomy)
Representatives from the National Sheep Association (NSA) & British Livestock Genetics Consortium (BLG) were present to help push for export certification between the two countries for sheep genetics now that the bovine certificate is in place.
Edward Adamson, Alina Bolynets (interpreter) & Chris Jackson on the British Livestock stand
National Sheep Association Northern Ireland Regional Development Officer Edward Adamson, a breeder of Ile de France, Clun Forest & Lleyn sheep near Carrickfergus, works closely with NSA farmer members and industry bodies to promote the export of UK-bred sheep. Representing BLG was Richard Saunders with the British Livestock presence coordinated by Chris Jackson of UK Technology for Agriculture & Genetics (UKTAG) which facilitates market access abroad for UK agri-tech companies with support from the Department of International Trade and the British Embassy.
Taking enquiries on the stand
If you would like to join the UK stand at the February 2020 show, please contact Richard Saunders richardsaunders1965@yahoo.co.uk or Chris Jackson exports@uktag.co.uk for further information.
FOCUS ON EXPORTS AT BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE
The Beef Workshop within the British Cattle Breeders Conference held at Telford, Shropshire on Monday 21st January 2019 brought exports of UK livestock and genetics into keen focus. Speaking on behalf of the British Livestock Genetics Consortium, Richard Saunders explained the joined-up approach being taken by industry stakeholders to consolidate existing trade as well as open up new markets for British cattle, sheep and pig genetics. In tandem with two Inward Missions bringing prospective sheep and cattle customers to the UK in 2019 were a range of overseas events and expos being planned over all six continents.
Richard Saunders speaking at the 2019 British Cattle Breeders Conference
With harmonised trading conditions with the EU27 likely to continue at least in the medium term, it was nevertheless important, he said, for farmers and breeding organisations in the medium to long term to look beyond traditional markets. The UK’s strength in depth of livestock both in numbers, breeds and types within breeds alongside its high health and welfare standards meant British breeding stock was in great demand throughout the World.
Please find the provisional export programme below which highlights a number of financially supported events during 2019-2020. lease click on EVENTS section for further information about participating or call Richard Saunders 07901768904 for a chat.
Agro Farm Ukraine 19/02/2019
China Animal Husbandry Exhibition 18/05/2019
China Dairy Exhibition 15/06/2019
Beef Expo, Kendal 22/05/2019
Sheep South West, Devon 17/06/2019
Livestock Philippines 26/06/2019
Indo Livestock 03/07/2019
Colombia Agro Futuro 01/08/2019
Brazil Expointer 22/08/2019
India Agritex Hyderabad 22/08/2019
Irish National Ploughing Match 17/09/2019
USA World Dairy Expo 05/10/2019
Romania Indagra 30/10/2019
Livestock Taiwan 31/10/2019
Nigeria Agra Innovate 01/11/2019
Ukraine Graintec 01/02/2020
Vietnam ILDEX 18/03/2020
Winter 2018 Livestock & Genetics Export Bulletin
Please click HERE to read the latest Livestock & Genetics Exports Bulletin with news of recent livestock and genetics export successes, updates on Export Health Certification (EHC) for novel markets and details of upcoming Inward Missions and Overseas Expos during 2019 - many of which are supported with grant funding.