Drought makes it difficult for stock farmers
By Fredalette Uys
The worst drought in South African history has a significant impact on red meat producers throughout the whole country, according to a study by the University of the Free State’s unit for livestock-economy on request of the RPO.
The study has been undertaken to make institutional role players aware of the impact of the drought on farmers. Read more ...
Implementation of revised import requirements
The implementation of the revised import requirements for cattle, sheep and goats from Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland is effective from 1 July 2016, according to a notice in the Government Gazette of 10 June 2016.
In order to ensure a continuance of trade, importers of cattle, sheep and goats may apply for permits containing the revised requirements in advance. These permits will however only be made valid as from 1 July 2016.
No consignments accompanied by a Veterinary Health Certificate containing the old/current requirements will be accepted after the implementation date. Any permits already issued that will still be valid after the implementation date and which have not been used prior to the implementation date, may be forwarded to the permit office and will be replaced with the revised import requirements at the department’s expense.
Vaccines available at OBP
According to Onderstepoort Biological Products the following products against diseases of severe economic impact are currently available:
- Bluetongue vaccine - full unit of A,B and C is available.
- Rift valley Fever live and inactivated - both available.
- Lumpy skin vaccine - available.
- B. Phemeral- available.
- Brucella S19 (20 dose) - It was recently released and more will be coming out soon.
Except for the Brucella vaccine, all products have been available since the beginning of 2016. South African farmers have a choice to use either OBP’s Brucella S19 or RB51 from MSD against Brucellosis.
Snotsiekte occurs widely
Various instances of snotsiekte occurred recently in the country, especially in the Rustenburg/Swartruggens- area.
The only viable scientific solution to the problem still seems to be a vaccine. AfriVet has, according to Dr Peter Oberem, tested the vaccine from Scotland in South Africa. A presentation will soon be made to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in order to register the vaccine.
Drought has an impact on management
Although the impact of the drought has not been felt in the same way in the Western Cape’s three main production areas, it still had a huge impact on the management of stock enterprises in these areas as well as the stock industries in the Western Cape as a whole, said John Durr in his chairman’s report at the Western Cape RPO-congress
The Overberg-district, which is responsible for more or less 50% of the stock production in the Western Cape once again realized an above average production season for both grain crops and stock production. Read more ...
Biggest debate is on land issues
On the broader scope, the issue of land is currently the single biggest debate in agriculture, said James Faber in his chairman’s report at the Northern Cape RPO-congress.
Land ceilings and the distribution of 50/50 of land have an impact on every property owner. Therefore, the District Land Reform Committees have been instigated. The Northern Cape RPO is represented in the various committees and it is of utmost importance that the RPO also participates. Read more ...
Research serves up brand new lamb cuts
New lamb cuts have been developed in Australia in an effort to address consumer resistance against the high prices of heavier cuts.
The findings from research conducted by the Australian sheep industry co-operative research centre in collaboration with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the New South Wales department of primary industries are aimed to adapt lamb cuts to the current consumer. It will be released at LambEx 2016. Read more ...
Lambex to be held
Albury, New South Wales, has been chosen as the city to host Australia’s premier lamb industry event, LambEx 2016, from 10 to 12 August 2016.
A regional hub, Albury is the perfect choice to host the fourth LambEx, with its location, facilities and community support ensuring the event will be a great success.
LambEx attracts more than 900 delegates and 70 exhibitors and is a great opportunity to promote New South Wales’ world-class lamb industry. All sectors of the lamb industry have come together to build on the event’s previous success and ensure the Australian sheep and lamb industry continues its proud tradition of showcasing its industry.
http://www.lambex.com.au/
Brangus train on a wide scale
The Brangus Breeding Association undertook an extended training campaign when stockman courses for cattle farmers and emerging farmers were countrywide presented.
The Mpumalanga Brangus Club presented two very successful days at the Nooitgedacht Research Centre near Ermelo on 28 and 29 April 2016. On 28 April, Koos Dafel addressed the 162 emerging farmers who attended the day. His theme was the importance of cooperation between farmers. On 29 April, more than 200 school children from Mpumalanga were trained. Both days were concluded with a practical session in the kraal by club members.
International beef prices remain stable
Internationally, beef prices remain stable due to good grilling season demand out of the US and restricted supply out of Australia and New Zealand. Locally, prices are expected to remain bearish in line with seasonality. Stewing cuts are however popular during this cold conditions, according to ABSA Agri Trends.
International
During the week of 21 June 2016 New Zealand steers moved sideways at NZ$514 and cows were the same at NZ$383 per head respectively compared to the previous week. In the US, beef prices for the week were mixed as follows: Top side was 2.87% lower at $201,52cwt, Rump was 2.49% lower at $285,32/cwt and Strip loin was 3.18% lower at $603.83/cwt, Chuck traded 1.89% higher at $203,30/cwt, Brisket traded 6.48% higher at $277,68/cwt. The carcass US equivalent was 0.57% higher at $307,60/cwt. Read more ...
Local prices under pressure
Internationally, improved demand due to Ramadan and a combination of tighter supplies in both New Zealand and Australia due to lower sheep flock will continue to support sheep meat prices, according to ABSA Agri Trends.
Locally, the seasonal reduction in demand during the winter months might also add pressure to short term prices, as colder temperatures don’t support outdoor grilling. Read more ...
News about your lamb chop:
Agricultural producer, meet your lamb and mutton consumer
Ever wondered who your South African lamb and mutton consumer is? Read more about this here: http://www.cookingwithlamb.com/newsaboutyourlambchop
|
|
|
|
|
|
