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
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.