Poultry Production News

China reduced ethanol growth means increased distiller's grain imports

2012-02-16T08:27:00.000-06:00

China's five-year plan to reduce its domestic production of grain-based ethanol will result in tighter supplies of dried distiller's grain for animal feed and an increased demand for imports of the byproduct through 2016, according to the U.S. Grains Council.Imports of dried distiller's grains from the U.S. to China may rise to 6 million metric tons in the next four years, almost double the 3.1 million metric tons imported in the 2009-2010 marketing year. Imported U.S. feed will make up 42 percent of China's consumption, according to Shanghai JC Intelligence Co.

Feed company Ridley sees net profit second quarter 2012

2012-02-16T08:25:00.002-06:00

Livestock feed company Ridley Inc. saw a net profit of $4 million in the second fiscal quarter of 2012, down from 2011's $4.9 million, according to the company's latest financial report.Increased raw material prices were largely responsible for the drop in profits. Ridley's Canadian feed operations and U.S. feed operations were both down from 2011 numbers, coming in at $200,000 and $1.8 million as opposed to $800,000 and $2.4 million, respectively, for the quarter.Net earnings for the first six months of fiscal 2012 are at $4.7 million, compared to $6.6 million in 2011.

Taiwan expresses concerns over ractopamine in US meat imports

2012-02-16T08:24:00.000-06:00

Taiwan academics, civic groups and representatives of various meat organizations are expressing concerns over the presence of the feed additive ractopamine in U.S. meat imports, according to reports, saying the government should be cautious about allowing products containing the drug.At a public hearing, opponents said the use of ractopamine would bring additional and unnecessary risk to food safety, and that more tests need to be conducted. “Despite available data showing that the effect of ractopamine on the human body is relatively low, why do we need the additional risk when we can exclude the drug from our food?” said Chou Chin-cheng, dean of National Taiwan University's School of Veterinary Medicine.One possibility is selling U.S. meat products only at American wholesale stores, such as Costco, said Huang Kuo-ching, deputy director-general of the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine. Another is to gain access to import ractopamine-free meat products from the U.S., as the EU does, where the drug is banned.

Brasil Foods to expand in China poultry, pork markets

2012-02-16T08:22:00.000-06:00

Brasil Foods SA has signed a joint venture agreement with Hong Kong distributor Dah Chong Hong Holdings Ltd. to expand its distribution of chilled poultry, pork and beef products and grow its presence in the China markets.The new venture aims to sell more than 140,000 metric tons of food in its first year and 300,000 metric tons in five years, according to Donald Yip, Dah Chong chief executive. China currently contributes to roughly 10 percent of Brasil Foods' revenue."Everybody wants to get into the Chinese market, but the point is how to do that," said Brasil Foods Chief Executive Jose Antonio do Prado Fay. "In China, the best way is through a joint venture. We need local support for this kind of operation." According to Fay, the plan is for China to eventually become the Brasil Foods' largest revenue contributor.

Nepal poultry demand down on bird flu fears

2012-02-16T08:20:00.000-06:00

Chicken sales are down in the Nepal districts of Udaypur and Khotang after bird flu was found in some poultry farms in the neighboring district of Sunsari, according to reports. No bird flu has been found in either Udaypur or Khotang, said the District Agriculture Development Offices of both areas.Demand for poultry has dropped up to 50 percent in some areas, according to farmers, and traders are suffering significant losses. "Fowl on my farm are ready for market, but I am not finding buyers because people are hesitant to consume poultry products," said Udaypur farmer Keshav Karki.

Brasil Foods to incorporate frozen foods subsidiary Sadia

2012-02-15T08:30:00.000-06:00

Brasil Foods S.A. has decided to merge its wholly owned subsidiary, Sadia S.A., by the end of 2012, according to the company's management. Sadia is a chilled and frozen food producer specializing in protein-based products including chicken, turkey, pork and beef.According to Brasil Foods, the merger is part of a reorganization which started with the business combination between the two companies in 2009. Its main purpose is to accomplish the full integration of the two businesses, seeking to maximize synergies and to rationalize activities, with reductions in administrative and operating costs and increased productivity. The incorporation will result in estimated losses for Brasil Foods of R$215 million (US$124.9 million) in the fiscal year 2011.

Venky's net profit drops 81 percent in third quarter

2012-02-15T08:22:00.002-06:00

Venky's India's third-quarter net profit dropped 81 percent year-on-year, to Rs 2.93 crore (US$593,768), due to over-production and rising input costs, according to the company.In the poultry and poultry products business, profit before interest and tax halved to Rs 8.76 crore (US$1.78 million), while over-production led to 10–15 percent lower realizations for the segment and raw material costs increased by 25 percent. The company's interest costs also more than tripled, to Rs 3.37 crore (US$682,935), as interest rates rose steadily over the year.According to the company, it has seen some pickup in the current January-through-March quarter.

American Egg Board launches campaign to boost egg consumption

2012-02-14T09:01:00.000-06:00

The advertising features five print ads that will appear in more than 25 different magazine titles. Each ad features the egg demonstrating its benefits.

In an effort to boost egg consumption for weekday breakfasts, the American Egg Board has announced the launch of its new national advertising campaign, "Wake Up to Eggs." The campaign includes magazine ads, online banners, radio spots and in-store signage.The advertising effort is the result of a thorough review of existing research by the American Egg Board, as well as qualitative and quantitative consumer studies to identify the best opportunities to increase demand. Weekday breakfast in American households, where less than one in five features eggs, was recognized as a key growth area. Consumer message testing found that the fact that eggs are lower in cholesterol and higher in vitamin D than previously thought was motivating and generated positive feelings about the healthfulness of eggs with consumers. The new marketing strategy aims to leverage "new news" to keep eggs top-of-mind and drive purchase.The impact of the "Wake up to Eggs" advertising campaign will be carefully measured by the American Egg Board, and the results will be used to strengthen efforts moving forward.For more information about the campaign, read: American Egg Board asks America to 'Wake up to Eggs' in 2012.

UK farming industry calls for supermarket adjudicator

2012-02-14T08:58:00.002-06:00

The UK’s National Farmers' Union has called on the government to bring forward a bill to establish a groceries code adjudicator to protect the interests of suppliers, producers and consumers. The country’s Groceries Supply Code of Practice came into force in February 2010, but no monitoring or enforcement body has been put in place. “The Coalition Government has committed to introducing an adjudicator and [in 2011] published a draft bill setting out its proposals," said National Farmers' Union head of government affairs Nick Von Westenholz. "The [National Farmers' Union] believes that, given the cross-party support for the adjudicator, and the fact that two select committees of [Parliament] have already examined the draft bill, there is no reason the formal bill can’t be introduced during the final months of the current Parliamentary session." The National Farmers' Union is calling for an adjudicator to be in place by the end of 2012.

Netherlands egg equipment provider takes over bankrupt company

2012-02-14T08:57:00.000-06:00

Egg processing equipment provider Moba has taken over the manufacturing activities of equipment manufacturer Coenraadts Machinefabriek bv, which went bankrupt on January 24.Moba’s first priority is to ensure professional service and availability of parts to the large customer base of Coenraadts, according to Moba. The experience and technology of the former Coenraadts company will further strengthen the egg processing activities of Moba.

Ukraine could increase 2012 poultry production by 5.8 percent

2012-02-14T08:55:00.002-06:00

Ukraine could increase its poultry production by 5.8 percent to 1.06 million metric tons in 2012, contributing to a 5.3 percent overall increase in the country’s meat production, according to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine.Domestic demand for poultry is also projected to go up, by 3.2 percent to 1.06 million metric tons, even as imports are expected to fall by 4.8 percent to 60,000 metric tons. Exports may rise by 24 percent, to 62,000 metric tons, according to the ministry. In 2011, Ukraine imported 63,000 metric tons of poultry and exported 50,000 metric tons.

Industrias Bachoco profits down 93 percent in 2011

2012-02-14T08:54:00.000-06:00

Industrias Bachoco made 127.8 million pesos (US$10.06 million) in net profit in 2011, down 93.6 percent from 2010's 2.005 billion pesos (US$157.85 million), according to the company's latest financial report.Industrias Bachoco experienced large increases in production costs, driven by global increases in prices of corn, soybean meal and other components of production, according to the company. This, combined with challenging economic conditions and high depreciation of the Mexican peso at the end of 2011, led the company to post negative profit for the fourth quarter (-57.9 million pesos [US$4.56 million]) and weak results for 2011."We were not able to fully transfer increases in our poultry production costs to our customers, mainly due to a strong supply of chicken coupled with weak demand for chicken during most of the year, and a 13 percent depreciation of the peso in 2011, resulting in a 2.9 percent negative operating margin for the quarter and 0.2 percent negative operating margin for 2011," said Rodolfo Ramos, CEO of Industrias Bachoco. "Nonetheless, we were able to reach a positive EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) result for the quarter and for the year, as well as posting a net profit in year 2011. We ended the year with a positive outlook for the company, with positive results in both our Mexican and U.S. operations registered in December."

Europe pig producers congress to focus on Baltic region

2012-02-13T09:14:00.002-06:00

Pig production in Russia, Poland and the Baltic states will be put under the microscope at the annual congress of the European Pig Producers in Vilnius in Lithuania, Eastern Europe, at the end of May.Producers from across the continent are expected to attend the event, from May 30 to June 1, which will also consider the global overview for pork consumption, production and trade, as well as strategies against pig diseases. Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, Big Dutchman Pig Equipment and Topigs SNW, the meeting is expected to be of particular interest because of the venue on the borders of the European Union.“There are a couple of big issues that make this venue of particular interest — currency and African swine fever,” said a spokesman for the European Pig Producers. “Exports out of Europe with a weakened Euro, added to the predicted drop in production, could give quite a firm marketplace and if the wild boar population gets increasingly infected with [African swine fever] it might make the traffic in weaner pigs less of an option in the future."Delegates will also get an opportunity to visit typical pig farms and feeding plants near Vilnius to give them a practical look insight into pig farming in the region.

UK pig producers, government discuss EU stall ban

2012-02-13T09:12:00.000-06:00

Working together was the key message to come out of a meeting between British pig producers and UK Farm Minister Jim Paice to discuss the forthcoming EU ban on stalls and tethers.The meeting, which also involved British Pig Executive director Mick Sloyan, Zoe Davies of the National Pig Association and Stewart Houston, who is chairman of both organizations, also highlighted several other upcoming industry measures. “While the focus of the meeting was definitely on the stalls ban, we reminded each other there were one or two other measures coming in at the same time," said Sloyan. "These include slat design, stocking rates for pregnant gilts and sows and overall floor areas. It was agreed the government would write to all registered pig producers reminding them of the changes.”The importance of maintaining regular dialogue with the European Commission to understand the process of ensuring compliance across the EU was also stressed. "There was a great deal of support all round and we hope this was the first of what will become regular meetings as we get closer to 2013, when the EU-wide ban comes into operation,” said Sloyan.

San Miguel Foods expands with Topigs Philippines stock

2012-02-13T09:10:00.002-06:00

Swine, feed and poultry integrated operation San Miguel Foods Inc. has set up a new nucleus farm with the help of Topigs Philippines, which imported grandparent and parent breeding pigs from Canada to assist San Miguel in its expansion plans.The imported nucleus herd will be linked to Topigs' Pigbase, a database for pig breeding with data from over 23 million pigs. Topigs has been working with San Miguel for the past two years, supplying gilts and boars to meet the company's replacement requirements.

Poland poultry producer expanding into Asia

2012-02-13T09:08:00.000-06:00

Polish poultry producer Konspol is expanding into the Asian poultry market, having already invested in China and Indonesia and recently begun collaborations with companies in Japan, according to reports.Konspol has opened poultry factories in the Chinese and Indonesian markets as well as Argentina, according to the company. It is now working with Japanese firms that wish to break into the European market.

Maple Leaf Foods to consolidate poultry operations

2012-02-13T09:06:00.000-06:00

Maple Leaf Foods has announced that it will consolidate its further processed poultry operations into its Brantford and Mississauga Ontario, Canada facilities, increasing efficiencies and providing opportunities for growth in the value-added chicken market.The company will transfer production from its 42,000-square-foot facility in Ayr, Ontario and close the plant in May 2012. Investments totaling approximately $6.5 million will be made in Mississauga and Brantford to support the production transfers. In addition, Maple Leaf Foods will incur approximately $5.6 million before taxes in restructuring costs, of which approximately $4.2 million are cash costs.The investment in the Mississauga facility will create approximately 75 new hourly and salaried positions at that facility. The closure of the Ayr plant will result in a net reduction of approximately 100 positions. The company is working with affected employees to assist them in finding employment either within Maple Leaf Foods or in the broader economy.

Philippines January corn stocks down from December 2011

2012-02-10T08:50:00.000-06:00

The Philippines' corn stocks for January were down 6.2 percent from December 2011 numbers, to 166,100 metric tons as opposed to 177,100 metric tons, according to the country's latest reports.Of the January stocks, 104,200 metric tons were commercial and 61,700 metric tons were household. The country's rice stocks were also down, by 15.2 percent, according to the reports. January stocks came in at 2.62 million metric tons compared to December 2011's 3.1 million metric tons. Of the January stocks, 600,000 metric tons were commercial and 980,000 metric tons were household; 1.04 million metric tons were National Food Authority stocks.

US Grains Council offers online annual report

2012-02-10T08:47:00.000-06:00

The U.S. Grains Council has created an online version of its annual report, which includes retrospective stories from 2011, video highlights and market profiles from more than 25 countries and regions. An exclusive feature of the online report provides access to downloadable spreadsheets containing supply/demand data for the countries and regions that are provided on individual market profile pages. The pages also display market growth potential and highlights from Council programs in each country. “The U.S. Grains Council gathers and produces so much information on an annual basis, we felt an online annual report would be a great way to organize and share more information with more people,” said Rex Martin of Syngenta, leader of the Council’s Membership and Communications Advisory Team. “While a considerably smaller, printed annual report will still be available, members and others interested in Council activities will find the online report a valuable, ongoing resource.”The printed publication will be mailed to Council members, and a downloadable form of the printed publication is available on the report's website, www.usgcAnnualReport.org.

US farmers to plant largest crop since 1984

2012-02-10T08:43:00.002-06:00

U.S. farmers will plant the largest collective corn, soybean and wheat crop since 1984 in 2012, according to reports. The 226.9 million acres sown will be a 2.5 percent overall increase that includes the largest corn crop since World War II. Some crop prices reached record high averages in 2011 and sent net farm income up 28 percent to $100.9 billion, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This pushed the value of farmland to $2,350 an acre. “There is unlikely to be any ground that won’t be planted this year,” said Todd Wachtel, an Illinois farmer who plans to expand his corn fields by 21 percent. “Farmers know that they have to plant more when prices are high because they may not last.” Corn will be planted on 94.329 million acres of land, up 2.6 percent from 2011 and the most since 1944. Soybean fields may expand 0.4 percent to 75.309 million acres, the fifth-most ever. Wheat in the season that begins June 1 will reach a three-year high of 57.233 million acres, up 5.2 percent.

Brazil pig meat exports continue strong in January

2012-02-10T08:36:00.000-06:00

January saw Brazil’s exports of pig meat increase in volume by 8.47 percent and in value by 4.08 percent, compared with January 2011. The country shipped 37,756 tons of pig meat with a value of US$96.82 million. The average price of exports fell by 4.05% over the month, according to Abipecs, the Brazilian pig meat producers’ and exporters’ association. The first month of 2012 saw 37 percent of shipments go to Hong Kong, while Russia slipped back to sixth place in terms of importance, behind Hong Kong, Ukraine, Argentina, Angola and Singapore. January’s figures were also boosted by exports to China, which started in late 2011. Sales to Ukraine reached 5,140 tons during January, an increase of 473.43 percent by volume and 419.25 percent in value. To Hong Kong, shipments rose by 99.5 percent in volume and 122.48 percent in value, with Brazil exporting 13,900 tons of pig meat worth US$33.8 million.Despite achieving successes in many markets, the Russian market continued to be disappointing, with volumes down by 85.46 percent and the value of exports falling by 85.92 percent.

US judge to dismiss House of Raeford pollution case

2012-02-10T08:33:00.002-06:00

A U.S. federal judge plans to dismiss a two-year-old case against poultry processor House of Raeford Farms, which was charged with violating federal clean water laws by flushing turkey remains into a municipal sewage treatment plant in North Carolina.House of Raeford appealed the charges to the U.S. Supreme Court and was denied in October 2011, when the court refused to consider arguments that the company can't be prosecuted because it's already paid nearly $1 million in pollution fines and shouldn't be punished twice. Prosecutors have said they will seek re-indictment after the dismissal.

Ukraine's AvangardCo increases 2011 egg production 34 percent

2012-02-09T09:01:00.000-06:00

Ukraine shell egg producer AvangardCo saw its total shell egg production come in at 5.955 billion pieces in 2011, up 34.7 percent from 2010's 4.42 billion, according to the company's latest financial report.

This is partially due to the company's increased poultry flock; its laying hens increased to 20.5 million head from 2010's 18.7 million head (9.6 percent), while the overall flock increased to 25.1 million head from 24.3 million head (3.3 percent). AvangardCo also improved its efficiency at its existing farms and commissioned several new egg production facilities, according to the company.In the second half of 2011, the export market environment showed some improvement compared to the first half of 2011, with increased demand for shell eggs having a positive impact on both export and domestic prices. AvangardCo exported over 90 percent of its annual export volumes in the second half of 2011. The total export of shell eggs was 295 million pieces, an increase of 74.6 percent year-on-year. The most rapidly growing export markets were Iraq and the Commonwealth of Independent States countries, which accounted for approximately 60 percent and 38 percent of total exports, respectively. AvangardCo also opened up new export markets to geographies including Armenia, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.

Nepal plans to triple poultry business in 15 years

2012-02-09T08:59:00.000-06:00

Nepal's government has introduced a poultry policy that aims to triple the per-capita consumption and availability of chicken and eggs in the next 15 years by encouraging the commercialization of poultry in areas where necessary infrastructures are already in place, according to reports.

Current average per-capita consumption of poultry meat and eggs stands at 9 kg and 120 pieces. "The long-awaited poultry policy has envisaged strategies including prioritizing the poultry sector for government support programs so as to encourage massive commercialization of this emerging sector that has already seen an investment of over Rs 30 billion (US$385.8 million),” said Dr. Til Chandra Bhattarai, Nepal poultry industry expert.

The policy focuses on incentives such as interest subsidies, exceptions on customs duties and import taxes related to poultry equipment, and simplification of registration. Research and development of new breeds of chicken, promotion of local breeds in areas where infrastructure is still not in place and encouraging insurance against natural disasters are also part of the new policy.Nepal has also envisioned the grading, labeling and standardization of poultry meat and eggs. The government would extend financial and technical support to establish market centers and an Export Processing Zone for market promotion of poultry products. The policy has also underlined the need to encourage the private sector to set up slaughter houses and meat processing facilities. The policy provides for the establishment of a directive committee to develop the poultry sector on public private partnership and cooperative models.

Plasma can be effective pathogen killer on uncooked poultry

2012-02-09T08:49:00.000-06:00

A Drexel University study by food safety researchers has found that plasma can be an effective method for killing pathogens on uncooked poultry, reducing levels of bacteria in high concentrations and eliminating bacteria in low concentrations, according to research published in the January issue of the Journal of Food Protection.

Past studies have already found that plasma, which is non-thermal and therefore does not cook or alter the way food looks, may successfully reduce pathogens on the surface of fruits and vegetables. In the Drexel study, raw chicken samples contaminated with Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter jejuni bacteria were treated with plasma. The treatment eliminated or nearly eliminated bacteria in low levels from skinless chicken breast and chicken skin and significantly reduced the level of bacteria when contamination levels were high, according to the data.Currently, plasma technology is expensive and not being developed for processing poultry on a large scale. If it becomes cost-effective for use in treating poultry, it may be used in conjunction with existing methods to reduce pathogens, said study lead author Brian Dirks, a graduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences, and it may also help prolong the shelf-life of raw chicken if it can be honed to remove more microorganisms responsible for spoilage.

China to support beef, mutton production

2012-02-09T08:47:00.000-06:00

China's Ministry of Agriculture has released a nationwide development plan for grain-saving animal husbandry through 2020.According to this plan, by 2020 the country's beef production must reach 7.4 million tons, its mutton production must reach 4.7 million tons and its milk production must reach 64 million tons. To achieve the set goals, the Chinese government will give more support to grain-saving husbandry by promoting pilot insurance and a subsidy program, and will reward regions productive in beef and mutton, according to reports.

India culls 20,000 birds at state-run poultry farm

2012-02-08T09:41:00.000-06:00

A total of 20,000 chickens were culled at the Central Poultry Development Organization farm in the Indian state of Odisha after the Indian Veterinary Research Institute's High Security Animal Disease Laboratory confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus there, according to reports.

The farm has a total of 29,000 birds, and the government also ordered the culling of any birds within a three-kilometer radius of the farm. So far 11,955 chicks and 8,045 adult birds have been culled, and officials estimate that 48,000 birds could eventually be culled.The bird flu alert has led to a sharp drop in the sale and consumption of chicken and other poultry products in the city.

UK initiative studies environmental impact of broiler, egg production

2012-02-08T09:38:00.002-06:00

The UK is beginning an in-depth study on the environmental impact of various broiler and egg production systems in a project funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' LINK program, the Scottish government and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Northern Ireland.

As part of a multi-partner project looking at how the poultry sector can produce food while having less of an impact on the environment, researchers will be exploring possibilities such as a change in diet, animal husbandry and new technologies. “This exciting project will provide invaluable information to the industry on how it can reduce its impact on the environment, something that is of increasing importance to consumers as we strive to produce tasty, high-quality affordable protein for a growing global population," said Nigel Joice, vice chairman of the National Farmers' Union poultry board and member of the project steering group said. “One of the key outputs from the project will be the development of a user-friendly calculation tool to allow poultry farmers to estimate their environmental impact and model how this would change with adjustments to their husbandry or system.”

The project has been using computer modeling to look at the environmental impacts of the sector, from beginning to end, known as Lifecycle Assessment. The first stage of the project analyzed both broiler meat and egg performance across a range of production systems. The second stage is underway and is looking at possibilities for reducing the environmental impacts of production.

Partners in the three-year project are Newcastle, Cranfield and Nottingham Universities, Moy Park, O’Kane Poultry, Noble Foods, Aviagen, Harbro, DSM, Waitrose, the Soil Association and the National Farmers' Union.

Produmix announces winners of Focus on Piglets photo contest

2012-02-08T09:36:00.000-06:00

The first-place winner of the "Focus on Piglets" contest, "Retrato Escondido” (Hidden Portrait), by the Argentine photographer Mercedes Cotolí.

Produmix has announced the winners of its "Focus on Piglets" photo contest, which asked participants to focus on the world of swine in general and piglets in particular.

The jury chose "Retrato Escondido” (Hidden Portrait), by the Argentine photographer Mercedes Cotolí, as the first-prize winning photo. The prize for the best photo captured by a professional of the pig sector went to "Juntos” (Together), by the veterinarian Alfonso Ferrer, form Zaragoza, Spain. Esther Gracia, also from Zaragoza, won the favor of the public expressed through popular votes on Facebook and on the contest’s website with her photo called "Nueva generación de ganaderos” (New generation of farmers). The jury wants to emphasize the extraordinary quality of the pictures sent by farmers, veterinarians, agronomists and other professionals.

A traveling exhibition with selected photos that will tour the main pig-producing areas in different countries will be prepared in the coming months. In the meantime, the winning photos and contest finalists are displayed at www.focusonpiglets.com.

Vietnam reports second bird flu death in 2012

2012-02-08T09:33:00.000-06:00

Vietnam has reported its second death due to bird flu in 2012, according to the country's Ministry of Health's Preventative Medicine Department.

A 26-year-old woman died on January 28, five days after she was admitted to the hospital and was found to have contracted H5N1 avian influenza. The victim's family said she had slaughtered sick poultry and eaten infected meat. Genetics analysis shows that the flu types in the two recent cases are similar to that of a poultry virus.

South Africa poultry producers call for increased tariffs on Brazil chicken

2012-02-07T08:55:00.000-06:00

South African poultry producers are calling for an increased import duty on Brazilian chicken, by 3 rand (US$0.38) per kilogram, according to reports.

Importers currently pay a 27 percent customs duty on whole chicken and 2.20 rand per kilogram on boneless cuts. The requested import duty increase would raise the price of whole, imported Brazil chickens by 29 percent and boneless cuts by 15 percent.

Tyson reports first quarter 2012 operating income, expects poultry production to drop from 2011 numbers

2012-02-07T08:52:00.000-06:00

Tyson Foods' operating income dropped in the first quarter of 2012, from $498 million during the same time in 2011.

Tyson Foods has reported its operating income for the first quarter of 2012, coming in at $278 million compared to $498 million during the same time in 2011, according to the company's latest statement.

Of that, $32 million, or 1.2 percent of sales, was from its chicken sector, $165 million (11.2 percent of sales) came from its pork sector and $31 million (0.9 percent of sales) was from its beef sector. Another $51 million, or 5.9 percent of sales, came from Tyson's prepared foods sector.For fiscal 2012, Tyson said it expects poultry industry production will decrease 4 percent from fiscal 2011, which should further gradually improve market pricing conditions. Current futures prices indicate higher feed costs in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011. "We expect to offset the increased feed costs with pricing and mix improvements as well as operational efficiencies expected to result in additional savings of $125 million in fiscal 2012," said the company. "Our chicken segment returned to profitability in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and we expect it to strengthen throughout the year."

US broiler eggs, chicks down last week of January

2012-02-07T08:48:00.000-06:00

U.S. commercial hatcheries in the 19-state weekly program set 195 million eggs in incubators during the week ending January 28, down 5 percent from the eggs set the corresponding week in 2011, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

Average hatchability for chicks hatched during the week was 85 percent. Broiler growers in the program placed 161 million chicks for meat production during the week ending January 28. Placements were down 4 percent from the comparable week in 2011. Cumulative placements from January 1 through January 28 were 647 million, down 4 percent from the same period in 2011, according to the USDA.

For more U.S. poultry information and statistics, see www.wattagnet.com/marketdata.html.

Cherkizovo poultry division sees sales growth in 2011

2012-02-07T08:46:00.000-06:00

Sales volumes in Cherkizovo Group's poultry division in 2011 increased by 34 percent to approximately 260,200 metric tons of slaughter weight, compared to 194,100 metric tons in 2010, according to the company's latest numbers.

This reflects organic poultry volumes added in the Bryansk and Penza clusters and the inclusion of sales by Mosselprom, acquired in May 2011. Prices increased by 1% from 71.89 rubles (US$2.38) per kg in 2010 to 72.79 rubles (US$2.41) per kg in 2011 (excluding value-added tax). Compared to the third quarter of 2011, prices in the fourth quarter stayed almost flat, at 73.74 rubles (US$2.44) per kg.

US pig meat exports to rise in 2012

2012-02-07T08:44:00.000-06:00

U.S. pig meat exports may rise 2.7 percent in 2012 due to continued demand from overseas, especially from China, according to farm-industry researcher AgriTrends.

Prices remain high in China, which will keep demand for imports strong, said Brett Stuart, co-founder of AgriTrends. "They're going to continue to be significant buyers of all imported pork, and specifically U.S. pork," he said. Demand from South Korea also will be strong. The country will buy 16 percent to 19 percent less pork than 2011, but the volumes will be as much as 35 percent above the five-year average, according to Stuart. The country’s outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2011 led to a culling of about 30 percent of its hog inventory, and some of those farms won’t come back into production.

Cherkizovo 2011 pig segment recovers from 2010 numbers

2012-02-06T08:42:00.000-06:00

Cherkizovo Group's 2011 sales volumes in the company's pig meat division increased 4 percent to approximately 91,400 metric tons of live weight, compared to 87,650 metric tons in 2010, according to the company's latest numbers.

The division delivered growth in line with expectations, said Cherkizovo's executives, as the segment recovered from the effects of the extreme weather conditions in 2010. In the course of 2011 the company expanded, launching pig breeding facilities at farms in Tambov, Voronezh and Lipetsk.Prices increased by 11 percent, from 71.95 rubles (US$2.37) per kg in 2010 to 80.04 rubles (US$2.63) per kg in 2011 (excluding value-added tax). Compared to prices in the third quarter of 2011, fourth-quarter prices increased by 2 percent to 82.97 rubles (US$2.73) per kg.

US shell eggs broken down in December 2011

2012-02-06T08:40:00.000-06:00

U.S. shell eggs broken totaled 168 million dozen during December 2011, down 5 percent from December 2010 and 3 percent below the 174 million broken in November 2011, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture report.

During calendar year 2011 through December, shell eggs broken totaled 2.083 billion dozen, up 1 percent from the comparable period in 2010. To date, cumulative total edible product from eggs broken in 2011 was 2.699 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2010. Of that product, 1.66 billion pounds of it was whole eggs, 687.3 million pounds of it was egg whites and 351.88 million pounds of it was egg yolks, according to the report.

For more egg information and statistics, see www.wattagnet.com/marketdata.html.

EU wheat futures hit seven-month high on weather concerns

2012-02-06T08:38:00.000-06:00

European benchmark milling wheat futures have reached a seven-month high on concerns that recent bitterly cold weather in Russia, Ukraine and western European grain producers including France, Germany and Poland may damage harvests, according to reports.

Europe's benchmark wheat, Paris' March contract, reached 221.50 Euros per metric ton in February 1 morning trade, a price last seen in June 2011. March wheat was up 3.00 Euros, or 1.3 percent, at 218.50 Euros per metric ton. Paris new crop for November was 1.6 percent higher, at 199.75 Euros per metric ton. "A sharp freeze across Europe and the Ukraine, further talk of large damage to Ukraine winter wheat yields, lack of snow coverage, the question mark over Russian exports and logistics all continue to dominate market views across Europe and the Black Sea," said Jaime-Nolan Miralles of INTL FCStone Inc.

Wheat futures have pared some of their gains as traders consider the haste of the initial rise, and traders are now awaiting official damage reports from western Europe.

Corn prices may decline in next decade

2012-02-06T08:36:00.002-06:00

Corn prices, which averaged $6 per bushel in 2011, may decline in the next decade as U.S. production begins to catch up with demand, according to reports.

The average cash price is predicted to fall to $4.54 in the 2013 marketing year beginning September 1, then rise to $4.82 by 2022, according to analysts from the U.S. Congressional Budget Office. Corn futures closed at $6.3175 per bushel on January 30 on the Chicago Board of Trade.

Slower growth in the use of corn for ethanol is “giving trend corn production a chance to catch up and surpass demand growth,” said Keith Collins, a former U.S. Department of Agriculture chief economist. Yield gains may not keep up with Congressional Budget Office predictions, and year-to-year variations in supply and demand may be greater than forecast, said Collins.

Corn use is expected to rise by 14 percent to 15.198 billion bushels by 2022. Production is predicted to rise 8.6 percent, to 15.19 billion bushels, as a 12 percent gain in yields absorbs a 42 percent hike in exports (to 2.63 billion bushels) and an 8.5 percent gain in ethanol use (to 5.425 billion bushels) by 2022, according to analysts.

New manure arrangements for Republic of Ireland’s poultry, pig producers

2012-02-06T08:34:00.002-06:00

Poultry and pig producers in the Republic of Ireland have agreed to a new approach for the control and management of manure from Integrated Pollution Control licensed installations following discussions with the country’s Environmental Protection Agency.

The agreement should deliver an improved service to these operators by reducing the administrative burden and avoiding any potential duplication of effort, while ensuring continued protection of the environment and retaining effective control of use of such fertilizer. The control and management of organic fertilizers from licensed poultry and pig units is subject to controls under various EU directives and was therefore subject to controls from the Environment Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The new agreement will see the department conducting the required checks on the use of poultry or pig manure and providing necessary reports to the agency.

“This agreement will significantly assist the industry and make the transfer of pig and poultry manure to both new users and existing farms much easier," said Simon Coveney, minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. "It will also help towards achieving compliance with the transitional arrangement put in place for the industry as part of the Review of Ireland’s Nitrates Action Program.”

Deadline extended for International Pig Veterinary Society Congress abstracts

2012-02-03T08:41:00.000-06:00

The scientific committee for the International Pig Veterinary Society Congress 2012 in Jeju, Korea, in June has extended the deadline for the submission of abstracts for the oral and poster session from January 31 to February 29.

The topics suggested for these abstracts range from emerging pig diseases, bacteriology and breeding to genetics, food safety, meat quality and social and worker health. See the Congress website for further details.

International rendering symposium focuses on quality, risk management

2012-02-03T08:38:00.000-06:00

The International Rendering Symposium, held during the 2012 International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo, focused on the quality of rendered products as well as the risks for bacteria such as Salmonella and how to manage and maintain safety in rendering plants.

The industry has developed an aggressive quality assurance program that includes a code of practice, with more than 100 plants certified to date, said Dr. David Meeker, senior vice president of the National Renderers Association, during his presentation Rendering Code of Practice for Safety and Quality. “This code goes a long way in demonstrating that plants are safe,” said Meeker.

Tom Dobbs of Darling International Inc./Griffin Industries gave a presentation on Quality Assurance in Manufacturing Rendered Products. According to Dobbs, plants must have a lengthy list of plans, policies and procedures for safety and quality. “The rendering industry is striving all the time to improve its processes," said Dobbs. "The bottom line is we all want safety."

Dr. Frank Jones, emeritus professor at the University of Arkansas and president of Performance Poultry Consulting, presented on Controlling Salmonella in Feed. According to Jones, Salmonella is highly adaptable to a variety of environmental situations and can survive for a long time. Because of these evolutionary advantages, it’s unlikely that the bacteria will be eradicated from the food chain any time soon, if ever. “It’s going to be a continuing battle, so we’d better get used to it and go forward,” said Jones.

US consumers support proposed laying hen cage legislation

2012-02-03T08:35:00.000-06:00

American consumers support, by a margin of four-to-one, recently proposed national legislation that would transition egg production from the existing conventional cages used for egg-laying hens to enriched cages, according to a new survey conducted by independent research company The Bantam Group. Consumers also said that federal legislation was preferable to state legislation, by a margin of two-to-one.

Consumers support the transition to enriched cages for egg production by a margin of 12-to-one. Consumers also said that the two most important groups to support this transition outlined in the federal legislation (H.R. 3798) to enriched cages are the United Egg Producers and the Humane Society of the United States, both of which support the bill, as do more than 11 egg and farm groups, 10 animal protection groups and the National Consumers League. Fifty-nine percent of consumers said they would be "more supportive" if they knew that the United Egg Producers and humane society supported such legislation; only 1 percent said they would be more opposed.

Enriched cages provide egg-laying hens nearly double the amount of space they currently have in conventional cages, plus provide perches, nest boxes and scratch pads which allow the hens to exhibit their natural behaviors.The study was commissioned by United Egg Producers. However, the survey's sponsorship was anonymous so as to not bias any of the 2,000 respondents, all of whom were registered voters.

South Africa corn stocks fall 45 percent December 2011

2012-02-03T08:33:00.000-06:00

South Africa's corn stockpiles fell 45 percent, to 3.33 million metric tons, in December 2011, according to the South African Grain Information Service.

The country had 2.24 million metric tons of white corn and 1.09 million metric tons of yellow corn in stock, according to the agency. Barley, canola, oat, soybean and sunflower seed stocks were up compared to 2010 numbers, while groundnut and sorghum were down. Wheat stocks rose 35 percent, to 1.8 million metric tons.

Ukraine's MHP increases poultry production in 2011

2012-02-03T08:31:00.000-06:00

Ukrainian agro-industrial company MHP S.A. increased its poultry production volumes by 7 percent in 2011, producing 384,000 tons of poultry meat compared to 2010's 360,000 tons, according to the company's latest report.

Domestic demand for chicken meat during 2011 remained high and the company was able to sell close to 100 percent of the chicken produced, according to the report. Export sales of chicken for 2011 increased by almost 80 percent compared to 2010 and constituted close to 10 percent of total sales volumes. In 2011 MHP opened new export sales markets in Libya, Lebanon, Uzbekistan and Angola. Average chicken meat sales prices to third parties in 2011 increased by 10 percent, to UAH 15.00 (US$1.87) per kg of adjusted weight from UAH 13.65 (US$1.70) per kg in 2010.

Japan bans Australia poultry imports after avian flu outbreak

2012-02-02T08:59:00.001-06:00

Japan has banned imports of all Australian poultry products after an outbreak of avian influenza among ducks in the country's state of Victoria, according to reports.

The ban, which is the first embargo on Australian food exports due to human health concerns in more than thirty years, includes chicken meat, eggs and processed foods containing egg and chicken ingredients.

Australia's National Farmers' Federation has called the ban an "overreaction." The avian influenza outbreak happened on two duck farms and involved a non-harmful strain of the virus that hasn't been detected in commercial flocks, according to the federation. More than 25,000 ducks were slaughtered to prevent spread of the virus after two ducks tested positive. "As we understand it, there are no food safety issues involved in this outbreak; it is contained to just two duck farms," said National Farmers' Federation trade specialist Charlie McElhone. "Poultry and eggs are completely safe to eat, the virus is non-transmissible and the risk to human health is negligible."

The federation is asking the Australian government to ensure that Japan removes the ban as quickly as possible.

Europe sees reduction in human, poultry Salmonella infections

2012-02-02T08:57:00.002-06:00

Human Salmonella cases in the EU fell by almost half in the period 2004-2009, according to the European Food Safety Authority.

At the same time, the prevalence of Salmonella in poultry decreased significantly, especially in laying hen flocks. The reduction of the bacterium in laying hen flocks is likely to be the main reason for the decline of Salmonella cases in humans, since eggs are considered the most important source of infections in the EU, said the European Food Safety Authority. In 2003, the EU set up comprehensive control measures for zoonoses, considering Salmonella as a priority. Enhanced Salmonella programs in poultry were implemented in all EU Member States and targets set for reducing the bacterium in poultry flocks. Until 2005, the most common food-borne disease in humans in the EU was Salmonella, with almost 200,000 reported human cases that year.

US egg production up in December 2011

2012-02-02T08:55:00.002-06:00

U.S. egg production totaled 7.93 billion during December 2011, up slightly from 2010 numbers, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest report.

Production included 6.89 billion table eggs, and 1.04 billion hatching eggs, of which 973 million were broiler-type and 68 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during December 2011 averaged 338 million, down 1 percent from 2010. December 2011 egg production per 100 layers was 2,344 eggs, up 1 percent from December 2010.All layers in the U.S. on January 1 totaled 338 million, down 2 percent from the same time in 2011. The 338 million layers consisted of 284 million layers producing table- or market-type eggs, 50.9 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs and 2.78 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on January 1 averaged 75.8 eggs per 100 layers, up 2 percent from January 1, 2011.Egg-type chicks hatched during December 2011 totaled 38.9 million, up 3 percent from December 2010. Eggs in incubators totaled 38.8 million on January 1, up slightly from 2011 numbers. Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 277 thousand during December 2011, up 5 percent from December 2010.Broiler-type chicks hatched during December 2011 totaled 760 million, down 3 percent from December 2010. Eggs in incubators totaled 634 million on January 1, down slightly from the same time in 2011. Leading breeders placed 6.44 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during December 2011, down 5 percent from December 2010.

For more information and statistics on eggs and poultry, see www.wattagnet.com/marketdata.html.

Pre-harvest food safety discussed at International Feed Expo 2012

2012-02-02T08:54:00.000-06:00

At the Pre-Harvest Food Safety Conference held during the 2012 International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo, Dr. Elisabeth Hagen, United States Department of Agriculture under secretary for food safety, spoke on the importance of pre-harvest food safety.

Hagen commended the poultry industry for coming together to work toward better food safety. Dr. Alling Yancy, vice president of food safety and production programs for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, addressed the topic of Poultry Industry Concerns Regarding Pre-Harvest Food Safety Regulatory Initiatives.

“Poultry producers need to understand both their rights and their responsibilities, such as compliance with food safety regulations and the importance of educating consumers. One thing they cannot do is ignore pressing issues and scientific realities,” said Dr. Yancy said.Dr. Steven Clark, senior technical services manager-poultry at Pfizer Animal Health, gave a presentation on Current Trends in Antiboitic Usage in Food Animal Production, remarking that one of the most significant challenges is how to preserve the efficacy of antibiotics. “Antibiotics are important not only for human health but also for animal health. They also have implications for food safety; we can indirectly understand how healthy animals produce healthy food. In addition, there are economic benefits for everybody,” Dr. Clark said.The results of a pre-harvest intervention survey for best practices in pathogen control were also discussed, showing that most breeders are taking biosecurity measures on their farms, vaccinating their birds, and conducting water and litter testing, while smaller numbers reported regularly washing vehicles, cages, crates and other equipment. “Much of this information is encouraging,” said Dr. Shelly McKee, an associate professor in the Poultry Products Safety and Quality Program, Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University. “But there is no silver bullet. This is risk mitigation. Someday maybe we can get to eradication; but today if we can mitigate risk during pre-harvest, the things we do at the processing plant may help control some of these pathogens better.”

Georgia governor speaks to poultry industry at IPE 2012

2012-02-02T08:51:00.000-06:00

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal addressed poutry industry executives at a luncheon held during the International Poultry Expo.

Georgia governor, Nathan Deal, spoke with a group of poultry industry executives at a luncheon held during the 2012 International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo in Atlanta.

"Poultry is the number one income producing activity for the state of Georgia, and the International Poultry Expo is the largest annual meeting of its kind held at the Georgia World Congress Center every year,” Deal said. During his speech at the event, sponsored by Rabobank, Deal addressed many topics including the need to end ethanol mandates, Georgia’s new state-of-the-art poultry lab, the necessity for immigration reform to be addressed at the federal level, expanding export markets, and the importance of poultry exports to the port of Savannah, Ga., and its continued growth and expansion.

“Governor Deal has long been a friend and advocate for the poultry industry. We appreciate him taking the time to meet with our industry leaders at the International Poultry Expo,” said John Starkey, president of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

UK broiler, egg producers to see 2012 margins decline

2012-02-02T08:49:00.000-06:00

The average income on UK specialist poultry farms is expected to fall by some 8 percent in 2012, according to figures from the country’s government.

Although the value of output from the egg and broiler sectors is expected to increase, this will be offset by the increased cost of production, particularly the cost of feed. The forecasts and farm income data for 2010 and 2011, published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, suggest a strong 2012 for the UK farming industry as a whole, with dairy farmers seeing an increase in income of 27 percent.

“These forecasts are in contrast to the wider economy," said National Farmers' Union chief economist Phil Blicknell. "They follow on from the improved confidence that we’ve seen in some farming sectors and build on other recent indicators that have underlined agriculture’s contribution to the wider economy. This is undoubtedly positive news for parts of the industry.

But not all farm types saw improvements to their bottom line, according to Blicknell. Pigs and poultry saw profitability decline, as rising input costs, most notably feed, made inroads into enterprise margins.

Brazil lowers corn crop harvest estimates

2012-02-01T09:14:00.002-06:00

Brazil lowered its harvest estimates for the 2011-2012 summer corn forecast, saying a 13-week drought has caused corn growers to reduce output in a key growing region in that country.

Brazil lowered its corn forecast by 4.3 percent from December 2011's estimated 36.44 million metric tons to 34.88 million metric tons, according to AgRural Commodities Agricolas. According to the crop forecasting firm, Brazil harvested 35.93 million tons over the same period last year.

AgRural said Brazil's southern states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Parana reduced output by 13 percent to 12.86 million tons due to an extended dry season followed by heavy rains.

Animal feed industry group concerned over new EPA proposal

2012-02-01T09:13:00.000-06:00

The Idaho Cattle Association expressed concern over a new Environmental Protection Agency proposal that would some require animal feeding facilities to disclose certain information to the federal government.

According to a prepared statement by the association, section 308 of the Clean Water Act would require concentrated animal feeding operations to provide owner contact information, geographic coordinates of the operation’s location, number and type of livestock, and total land acreage, to be placed in a database accessible through the Environmental Protection Agency's website. Noncompliant feed facilities would be subject to fines up to $37,500 per day, according to the association. These requirements would “go far beyond the authority of the EPA, and in doing so, put our nation’s food supply in grave danger,” said Idaho Cattle Association representatives.

American Feed Industry Association hosts Pet Food Conference

2012-02-01T09:11:00.000-06:00

The American Feed Industry Association hosted a Pet Food Conference in conjunction with the 2012 International Poultry and International Feed Expo in Atlanta.

The association announced a new third-party facility certification program designed specifically for manufacturing pet food and pet food ingredients. The Pet Food Manufacturing Facility Certification Program and the Pet Food Ingredient Facility Certification Program were developed by the association's pet food and quality committees with input from third-party food safety experts. These two programs build upon the association's Safe Feed/Safe Food program, and are designed to monitor the process controls specifically related to the manufacturing of pet food.

“AFIA sees this as a model program for the entire pet food industry,” said Joel G. Newman, the association's president and CEO. “I commend the pet food committee for developing this program to help ‘raise the bar’ for their own industry.” The PFMF and PFIF certification programs were designed to meet requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act regulations, and the american feed industry association says it is seeking Food and Drug Administration recognition of these programs.“In 2004 AFIA launched the first third-party feed facility certification program, Safe Feed/Safe Food program, addressing the needs of the feed industry. And then in 2010 the International Safe Feed/Safe Food program was added to provide a tool for companies that wish to meet the EU requirements. Now today, adding the Pet Food Facility program to the family of third-party certification program makes sense not only for our members, but for the pet food industry,” Newman said.

Hatchery-Breeder Clinic held at International Poultry Expo

2012-02-01T09:09:00.000-06:00

The Hatchery-Breeder Clinic was recently held in conjunction with the 2012 International Poultry and International Feed Expo, focusing on improvements in broiler performance.

In his presentation on Profiles in Breed Development, Scott Martin, hatchery specialist for Cobb-Vantress’ technical support team, commented that breeders should address incubation management, and said that improvements in broiler performance start at the hatchery level. Martin said that breeders should use data loggers to monitor the temperature and humidity of eggs at all of these points. Terry Bruce of Tip Top Poultry gave a presentation on Breast Vaccination Concerns, saying that the poultry industry could be adversely impacted unless it addresses the issue of granulomas associated with Salmonella breast injections.“Granuloma formation is a natural response to the bacterial vaccine. It’s not something foreign that is being introduced,” Bruce said. Other topics included a Disease Update for Breeders; New Equipment for Hatcheries and Breeder Farms; Changing Vaccination Programs and the Impact on Disease Trends; and Male Management for Optimum Fertility.

Americans to consume 1.25 billion chicken wings Super Bowl weekend

2012-02-01T09:07:00.002-06:00

Americans will consume an estimated 1.25 billion chicken wings — more than 100 million pounds of chicken — during the Super Bowl, according to the National Chicken Council's 2012 wing report, contributing to a projected 25 billion wings to be consumed in all of 2012.

Of the total wings sold throughout 2012, 9.5 billion wings, or 2.2 billion pounds, will be sold through foodservice channels and another 4 billion (800 million pounds) will be sold in retail grocery stores. Thirty-three percent of those numbers will come from casual dining restaurants, 26 percent from pizza places, 16 percent from chicken places, 9 percent from mid-priced full-service restaurants and 8 percent from food stores, according to NPD Group data.

Mexico issues preliminary ruling on US chicken anti-dumping case

2012-02-01T09:05:00.000-06:00

The Mexican Ministry of Economy has announced a preliminary determination regarding an poultry antidumping investigation involving chicken leg quarters imported to Mexico from the U.S. The case was brought forward by Industrias Bachoco S.A.B. de C.V. and two other companies in 2010, and hearings began in August 2011.

The resolution established these main points:

There are dumping conditions on chicken leg quarters imported from the U.S., including margins ranging from 62.9 percent to 129.77 percent.
These practices damaged the domestic poultry industry.
The Ministry possesses all elements for establishing anti-dumping duties, but did not proceed as the interested parties expressed the will to reach an agreement.
The antidumping practices investigation process with regards to chicken leg quarters price discrimination will continue.
The Ministry agreed to establish a 30-business-day period for the interested parties to provide additional arguments or elements deemed relevant to the investigation. This term started the day after the resolution was issued.

Continued H5N1 research vital to preventing pandemics

2012-01-31T08:47:00.002-06:00

Research on transmissible avian flu viruses needs to continue if pandemics are to be prevented, according to Yoshiro Kawaoka of the University of Tokyo and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, writing in Nature.

Kawaoka is a lead researcher on one of the two recent studies showing how H5N1 can be transmitted through airborne droplets, and his work is at the center of an international discussion over whether its findings should be made public. Kawaoka writes that, to date, H5N1 viruses have not been transmitted between humans, and some experts have argued that such a thing is impossible. But given the potential consequences of a global outbreak, it is crucial to know whether these viruses can ever become transmissible.

Work by his group and an independent study led by Ron Fouchier of the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, suggest that H5N1 viruses have the potential to spread between mammals. As the risks of such research and its publication are debated by the community, Kawaoka argues that transmission studies should be pursued with urgency.

Some have argued that the risk of such studies — misuse and accidental release, for example — outweigh the benefits. Kawaoka counters that H5N1 viruses circulating in nature already pose a threat, because influenza viruses mutate constantly and can cause pandemics with great losses of life. The new work has implications for pandemic preparedness. There is an urgent need to expand development, production and distribution of vaccines against H5 viruses, and to stockpile antiviral compounds. Kawaoka said he believes that the benefits of these studies — the knowledge that H5 haemagglutinin-possessing viruses pose a risk and the ability to monitor them and develop countermeasures — outweigh the risks. High biosafety and security standards can be met.

However, the U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity has recommended that details of both studies should be restricted and released only to select individuals on a “need-to-know” basis. Kawaoka said he acknowledges the advisory role of the board, but does not concur with its decision.

Wide data dissemination would attract researchers from other areas to contribute to the field, said Kawaoka. This is crucial, because new ideas are needed to answer some of the most urgent questions. For example, the specific mutations that have been identified suggest that influenza transmission is more complex than anticipated and involves not only the receptor-binding properties of haemagglutinin, but other biological and physical properties.To find better solutions to dual-use concerns, the international community should convene to discuss how to minimize risk while supporting scientific discovery, said Kawaoka. Flu investigators have agreed to a 60-day moratorium on avian flu transmission research because of the current controversy, the work remains urgent and should not be given up.

UK vets welcome EU welfare initiative, but emphasize implementation

2012-01-31T08:46:00.000-06:00

The British Veterinary Association has broadly welcomed the European Commission’s new animal welfare strategy but is urging the European Commission to ensure robust implementation and enforcement of existing and proposed measures to improve animal welfare in the European Union.

Lack of enforcement of EU legislation by Member States is seen as a major compliance issue, adversely affecting animal welfare in the EU, as is the lack of sufficient economic incentives for compliance, said the association. Another gap is the lack of sufficient knowledge about welfare amongst many of those who handle animals. The new four-year strategy adopted by the Commission aims to address these issues by setting up a comprehensive animal welfare legislative framework focusing on welfare outcomes and on the education of all concerned parties, as well as the reinforcement of current Commission actions. “We must continue to strive for the highest possible standards of welfare for the animals we keep and this latest move by the Commission is to be welcomed," said Carl Padgett, British Veterinary Association president. "Effective implementation and enforcement of legislation throughout the EU is essential if we are to make a significant difference to the welfare of animals."

World animal feed production reaches 873 million metric tons

2012-01-31T08:43:00.000-06:00

The world’s animal feed production has reached an estimated 873 million metric tons, according to a global survey commissioned by Alltech.

Asia came in as the number one feed producing region, at 305 million metric tons, and China is the leading country with 175.4 million metric tons, according to the report. Europe follows Asia with 200 million metric tons, while North America, Latin America and the Middle East/Africa round out the listing with 185 million, 125 million and 47 million metric tons, respectively.

“This new global estimate is quite significant, especially when compared to the 2010 WATT report, which indicated 717.6 million [metric tons],” said Aidan Connolly, vice president of corporate accounts at Alltech. “Feed production is an increasingly global phenomenon and this survey is the broadest in its reach and, therefore, also complete in terms of its review of the state of play in the world feed industry.”

In terms of species, poultry feed represents 44% of world feed. Ruminant feed came in at more than 220 million metric tons, according to the report, but this does not include a similar quantity of dry matter fed as silage or forage on farm. Pig, equine and pet feeds have not changed significantly, but aquaculture is the fastest growing feed sector, totaling nearly 30 million metric tons.“As we look to feed 7 billion people in 2012, it is clear that the efficient production of meat, milk and eggs has never been more important,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “Alltech has invested in this evaluation of the world’s feed industry as part of its ongoing commitment to information and technology transfer between providers and customers.”The survey was conducted through Alltech’s regional managers and assessed the tonnage of 132 countries and all species.

USDA reports wheat sales to Mexico, South Korea, soybeans to China

2012-01-31T08:41:00.000-06:00

U.S. exporters net sales of wheat for the 2011/2012 marketing year were 604,700 metric tons over the January 13-19 period, up 3 percent from the previous week and 59 percent from the previous four-week average, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Increases in wheat sales for 2011/2012 marketing year were primarily for South Korea, with exports of 196,000 metric tons, Mexico with exports of 126,800 metric tons, and Japan with exports of 85,700 metric tons, as well as Indonesia (61,000 metric tons) and Yemen (50,000 metric tons). Decreases in wheat exports were reported for unknown destinations (97,300 metric tons) and Peru (11,200 metric tons). A combined net sales of 14,000 metric tons of wheat for delivery in 2012/2013 marketing year were reported for Italy (9,000 metric tons) and Mexico (5,000 metric tons). For this period, exports of 424,600 metric tons were higher by 19 percent from the previous week, and 22 percent higher from the prior four-week average. The primary destinations were to South Korea (82,500 metric tons), Mexico (77,600 metric tons), Japan (58,600 metric tons), Nigeria (43,300 metric tons) and Peru (27,100 metric tons).

Net corn sales of 958,100 metric tons were reported for the 2011/2012 marketing year, thanks to increases for Japan (311,900 metric tons), Mexico (264,100 metric tons), South Korea (186,600 metric tons), Egypt (120,000 metric tons), Costa Rica (78,100 metric tons) and China (72,800 metric tons). The net sales increases were partially offset by decreases for unknown destinations (151,200 metric tons), the Dominican Republic (10,500 metric tons) and Guatemala (5,900 metric tons). A combined net sales of 82,500 metric tons of corn for delivery in 2012/2013 marketing year were reported for Mexico (45,000 metric tons), Japan (32,500 metric tons) and Nicaragua (5,000 metric tons). For this period, exports of 940,700 metric tons of corn were up 25 percent from the previous week and 24 percent from the previous four-week average. The primary destinations were to Japan (214,000 metric tons), Mexico (193,300 metric tons), South Korea (126,700 metric tons), China (120,200 metric tons), Saudi Arabia (70,200 metric tons) and Taiwan (48,700 metric tons).

Net sales of soybeans for the 2011/2012 marketing year were 466,300 metric tons, a 53 percent decrease from the previous week and 21 percent lower than the prior four-week average. Increases were primarily for China (360,900 metric tons), Mexico (143,500 metric tons), Egypt (60,000 metric tons), Turkey (41,300 metric tons), Costa Rica (30,100 metric tons), and Spain (30,000 metric tons). Decreases in soybean exports were reported for unknown destinations (258,000 metric tons) and Japan (8,500 metric tons). A combined net sales of 126,000 metric tons for delivery in 2012/2013 marketing year were reported for China (120,000 metric tons) and Japan (6,000 metric tons). Exports of 1,184,500 metric tons were reported primarily to China (890,600 metric tons), Mexico (121,100 metric tons), Turkey (41,300 metric tons), Japan (40,500 metric tons), Tunisia (32,200 metric tons) and Taiwan (29,600 metric tons).

IPE/IFE to remain in Atlanta through 2016

2012-01-31T08:39:00.000-06:00

Leaders of the three associations co-locating their shows explained their future plans. From left: Joel Newman of the AFIA; J. Patrick Boyle of the AMI, and John Starkey of USPOULTRY.

The combined International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo/American Meat Institute show will remain in Atlanta, Ga., through at least 2016, and its location after that will depend entirely on where exhibitors and attendees want to see the show located, according to the heads of the three associations that are co-locating their shows. Rumors that the show will be moving back and forth between Atlanta and Chicago are only show-floor rumors, and any decisions such as that are years in the future, they said at a press conference on January 26.

John Starkey, president of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association; Joel Newman, president of the American Feed Industry Association; and J. Patrick Boyle, president of the American Meat Institute, said that the three associations are co-locating their shows, a logical progression for all three organizations. "We've been in these discussions for several years," said Starkey. "For all three of us the time was right to make this move."

According to Boyle, the American Meat Institute's move to an annual spring show a few years ago made the co-location of the three easier. "When we were a biannual show, it would have been hard to do this," he said.The show organizers predict that the addition of the American Meat Institute show could add 100,000 square feet to the 2013 event, up from approximately 300,000 square feet this year. The show's configuration probably won't change much, with the feed and poultry live production exhibitors in Hall A, with Hall B being filled by the current processing exhibitors from IPE and the additional American Meat Institute exhibitors. "Reaction from exhibitors and attendees to the news has been overwhelmingly positive," said Starkey. The three associations will continue to operate independently, and each will offer targeted education and networking opportunities to meet customer needs and complement the expo.

Alltech challenges poultry industry to solve global resource problems

2012-01-31T08:35:00.002-06:00

The poultry industry must think big and look for exciting solutions to help the world solve its food and resource problems, said Pearse Lyons, Alltech's founder and president, at the annual Alltech breakfast at the 2012 International Poultry Expo on January 25.

"We are having a revolution, not just in our industry, but across the world," said Lyons. "The Arab Spring and the Euro crisis may be creating uncertainty, but in the midst of this, nonsexy agriculture is growing, with poultry leading the way throughout the world." Meanwhile the escalation in feed prices is creating new challenges for the poultry industry, making the adoption of modern science and technology more important than ever. "When times are easy, a monkey could lead you company," said Lyons. "When times are challenging, we must have great leaders. Steve Jobs said, 'get out there and make a dent in the universe, otherwise why be here'."Lyons discussed the advances Alltech is making in areas of epigenetics. "Science is giving us a while new insight to nutrition," he said. "We are switching on the genes to improve the animal naturally. We wouldn't have known how to do this three years ago." The results of this, according to Lyons, will give the poultry industry the opportunity to improve efficiency, reduce waste and deliver and higher-quality, more nutritious meat.

National Pork Producers Council supports US–EU free trade agreement

2012-01-30T08:36:00.000-06:00

A coalition of food and agricultural organizations led by the National Pork Producers Council expressed its support for a free trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union in a letter sent to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

“Carried out properly, such an agreement would indeed generate economic growth and create many thousands of new jobs on both sides of the Atlantic," said the coalition. “Of course, this would require that the EU be prepared to negotiate and implement the type of high-standard, 21st-century agreement that is central to the [U.S. President Barack Obama] administration’s trade policy efforts."

The coalition also said that EU regulatory measures often conflict with the interests of the U.S. and with World Trade Organization rules, including regulations on “genetically modified” crop approval and labels, which restrict U.S. corn, soy and refined corn product exports and restrictions on production methods in poultry — antimicrobial use — and pork — ractopamine.

Nearly 50 organizations signed the letter to the Trade Representative's office

US laying hen welfare bill introduced

2012-01-30T08:33:00.000-06:00

The United Egg Producers board meeting was held in conjunction with the 2012 International Poultry Expo in Atlanta in January.

Gene Gregory, president, United Egg Producers, announced the introduction of legislation that would codify the laying hen welfare agreement between the Humane Society of the United States and the United Egg Producers. The announcement was made at the United Egg Producers board meeting, held in conjunction with the 2012 International Poultry Expo in Atlanta in January.

The proposed legislation, H.R. 3798, or the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012, is cosponsored in the House of Representatives by representatives, Kert Schrader, D-Ore., Jeff Denham, R-Calif., Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., and Sam Farr, D-Calif.“Eggs are a national commodity, and egg producers should have a level playing field – not have different, costly rules in all 50 states,” said Gregory. “That’s where we are heading if we don’t pass this federal legislation. We need this legislation for our customers and consumers and the survival of egg farmers.”The Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012, would:

require conventional cages to be replaced during an ample phase-in period with new, enriched colony housing systems that provide all egg-laying hens nearly double the amount of current space;
require that, after a phase-in period, all egg-laying hens be provided with environmental enrichments, such as perches, nesting boxes and scratching areas that will allow hens to express natural behaviors;
require labeling on all egg cartons nationwide to inform consumers of the method used to produce the eggs - "eggs from caged hens," "eggs from hens in enriched cages," "eggs from cage-free hens," and "eggs from free-range hens";
prohibit feed- or water-withdrawal molting to extend the laying cycle, a practice already prohibited by the United Egg Producers Certified program;
require standards approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association for euthanasia of egg-laying hens;
prohibit excessive ammonia levels in henhouses; and
prohibit the transport and sale of eggs and egg products nationwide that don't meet these requirements.

US pig meat production up in December 2011

2012-01-30T08:31:00.000-06:00

U.S. pig meat production totaled 2.07 billion pounds in December 2011, up 1 percent from the same time in 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest report.

Hog slaughter in December 2011 totaled 9.94 million head, up slightly from December 2010. The average live weight was up one pound from 2010, at 278 pounds. Numbers slaughtered in Iowa, the top state in December 2011, were up from 2.659 million head in December 2010 to 2.675 million head in December 2011. While numbers were down in the second-highest state, North Carolina (952,000 head in December 2011 compared to 1.01 million head in December 2010), they were up significantly in both Illinois (946,200 head compared to 832,500) and Minnesota (940,900 head compared to 926,300). Overall, 106.6 million head of hogs slaughtered in 2011 were barrows and gilts, 3.03 million head were sows and 329,000 head were boars — roughly 110 million total hogs.

US poultry certified wholesome down in December 2011

2012-01-30T08:29:00.002-06:00

U.S. poultry certified wholesome during December 2011 (ready-to-cook weight) totaled 3.37 billion pounds, down 9 percent from the amount certified in December 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest report.

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during December 2011 was 4.46 billion pounds, down 9 percent from the 4.9 billion pounds during the same time in 2010. Young chickens inspected totaled 3.81 billion pounds, down 10 percent from December 2010, and mature chickens, at 64.6 million pounds, were down 8 percent. Turkey inspections totaled 575 million pounds, down 1 percent from 2010 numbers, and ducks totaled 15.2 million pounds, up 1 percent.Young chickens slaughtered during December 2011 averaged 5.78 pounds per bird, down 1 percent from December 2010. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.59 pounds per bird, down 4 percent from 2010 numbers. Turkeys slaughtered during December 2011 averaged 30.3 pounds per bird, up 1 percent from December 2010.

For more poultry statistics and information, see www.wattagnet.com/marketdata.html.

Novus partners with biotechnology company to develop enzyme

2012-01-30T08:28:00.000-06:00

Novus International Inc. and Verenium Corp., an industrial biotechnology company that develops enzymes, announced at the 2012 International Poultry Expo the selection of a next‐generation phytase as the first enzyme candidate for commercialization from the two companies’ collaboration.

Watch video:

Novus, Verenium work on new poultry, pig enzymes

The phytase enzyme being developed will help nutritionists and producers feed more efficiently and get the most out of their rations, according to the companies. Novus and Verenium established a partnership in June 2011 to develop a suite of new enzyme products from Verenium.

Watch an interview with James Levine, president and CEO of Verenium, explaining the collaboration.

American Meat Institute to co-locate with IPE/IFE in 2013

2012-01-27T08:52:00.000-06:00

Attendees walk the floor at the 2012 IPE/IFE in Atlanta.

The American Meat Institute has signed an agreement with the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the American Feed Industry Association to co-locate the American Meat Institute tradeshow with the International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo in Atlanta, held annually in January, starting in 2013.

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American Meat Institute co-locates tradeshow with International Poultry Expo in 2013

The three shows will operate under one umbrella creating one of the largest 50 shows in the U.S. It is expected that the entire show will include more than 1,000 exhibitors and close to 1 million square feet of exhibit space. The meat and poultry exhibits will be combined on one large show floor, and the IFE will be held in the adjacent hall. One badge will allow all attendees into any exhibit.“We are very excited about this partnership with the [American Meat Institute], and the co-location is something our exhibitors have asked about for a long time," said John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY. "The consolidation of the tradeshows will allow our respective organizations to build on the synergies of the poultry, feed and meat sectors, as well as provide a benefit to our exhibitors and members who produce or exhibit across multiple protein sectors."All three associations will continue to operate independently, serving their respective constituents and will offer targeted education and networking opportunities that meet customer needs and compliment the expo. The operations of the show will be handled out of the USPOULTRY offices, and the American Meat Institute and AFIA will be instrumental in driving attendance promotion and exhibit sales efforts.“This partnership will enhance the value of our tradeshows to exhibitors and attendees alike,” said American Meat Institute President J. Patrick Boyle. “Now we have one show that provides more education, networking and hands-on demonstration of equipment and supplies from farm through distribution. Our entire industry will benefit from the reduction in travel expenses, exhibit costs and see an undeniable increase in value.”

The 2012 IPE/IFE is being held through January 26 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The next show will be held January 28–31, 2013.

Watch a video of Starkey discussing USPOULTRY's new partnership with the American Meat Institute.

United Egg Producers president announces retirement

2012-01-27T08:50:00.000-06:00

Gene Gregory, president of the United Egg Producers, will retire at the end of 2012.

Gene Gregory made the announcement at the board meeting of the cooperative held in conjunction with the 2012 International Poultry Expo in Atlanta. The United Egg Producers’ board announced that Chad Gregory, Gene Gregory's son, will succeed his father as the next president.

Gene Gregory has spent over 40 years working in and for the egg industry. He began his career as an egg producer and later served as a board member of the United Egg Producers, before becoming a staff member of the cooperative and finally serving five years as its president.Chad Gregory is currently senior vice president for the United Egg Producers.

Poultry industry explores operational approaches to sustainability

2012-01-27T08:48:00.000-06:00

The Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit focused on communication and the importance of working together to strengthen the industry.

Sustainability is much broader than environmental issues, according to a panel discussion at the fourth annual Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit held on January 24 at the 2012 International Poultry Expo.

True sustainability, according to the panel, addresses the many areas where an effective sustainability program can impact the “triple bottom line” — people, the planet and profit. In addition to operational approaches, each panel member stressed the importance of communication and working together towards sustainability to strengthen the industry going forward. “Agriculture is a key element of protecting our water resources across the country,” said Nancy Stoner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “We (the EPA and the poultry industry) really are interdependent, whether we want to be or not. We need each other.”

Panelists also included Jim Perdue of Perdue Farms, Mike Helgeson with GNP Company, Suzy Friedman with the Environmental Defense Fund and Dr. Brian Kiepper with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Six US poultry farms receive environmental excellence award

2012-01-27T08:46:00.000-06:00

The six poultry farm winners of the Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award pose at the 2012 International Poultry Expo.

Six U.S. poultry farms received the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award on January 24 at the 2012 International Poultry Expo.

The award, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, is given in acknowledgment of exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

Winners were chosen from six geographical regions from throughout the U.S.:

Hack Farms (West)
Cooley Farms (Southeast)
Hillview Farms (Southwest)
Pine Draft Farm (Northeast)
Flintrock Farms (North Central)
Hesse Farm (Central)

Applicants were rated in several categories, including dry litter or liquid manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques, and participation in education or outreach programs.

Poultry industry experts examine competitiveness in global market

2012-01-27T08:44:00.002-06:00

Top poultry professionals dissected the strengths and weaknesses of the U.S. poultry industry among its international competition during the Poultry Leadership Roundtable at the 2012 International Poultry Expo on January 23.

Watch videos:

The event, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health, included discussions on the effects of politics, the cost of labor, company consolidation and production rates on the global poultry market.

Gordon Butland, director of G&S Agri Consultants. Co. Ltd., said overproduction of poultry is a serious problem. The excess capacity in Brazil, Thailand and elsewhere is undermining profitability in the global poultry industry and while 2011 was difficult, 2012 may be even more difficult, said Butland.

Jim Sumner, president of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, talked about U.S. poultry industry executives changing their attitudes about exports with their recognition of the growing importance of international trade. With the U.S. fighting the necessary legal battles to reopen its trade access to China, Sumner said he believes the U.S. has a 99 percent chance of prevailing, with the assistance of the World Trade Organization, in its case against China.

You can also watch videos of Butland and Sumner discussing competition in the poultry industry.

Poultry industry should connect with consumers through social media

2012-01-27T08:43:00.000-06:00

Consumers are talking using social media to form their opinions on topics such as animal welfare and food safety, and the poultry and feed industries need to be part of the dialogue, according to David Armano, executive vice president of Edelman Digital.

Watch video:

Social media essential for poultry experts

Armano, who spoke at the International Poultry Scientific Forum luncheon sponsored by Novus International on January 23 at the International Poultry Expo, focused on four distinct areas where he said people are gathering their information: traditional media, new media such as blogs, social media and owned media such as company websites. They find information from all four sources, and often place equal value in opinions from all four areas.

“People are looking for expert opinions to help them cut through the noise on many topics,” said Armano. “They value the opinion of academics and experts from companies, and you should be working at getting those opinions out there in all of these channels.” That means having your experts participating in discussions on social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn, using Twitter, blogging and adding expert content to company and media websites.This can create a positive message for your cause and your company, which is becoming more and more important. “Consumers don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care,” said Armano.

See a video summary of Armano’s talk, available here.

Industry experts offer tips for surviving high feed prices

2012-01-26T08:28:00.002-06:00

The poultry industry may not see the dire predictions of $10-per-bushel corn come true, but the days of $3 corn are also in the past and adjustments will have to be made, according to Gerald Weigel, a nutrition and feel ingredient consultant who spoke at Industry Outlook 2012 at the International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo on January 23.

Watch videos:

During the presentation and panel discussion, sponsored by Kemin, Weigel said that 2012 will see corn prices averaging in the $6-per-bushel range. But he also said that other factors are changing in corn. “Corn is going to have higher starch, lower protein and lower bushel weights in the future,” said Weigel.

Peter Ferket, professor of nutrition and biotechnology at North Carolina State University, discussed new tools that are available to both nutritionists and feed manufacturers and how they can be used to gain more efficiency from high-priced feed, especially during the pelleting process. “This is a challenging time, but also an exciting time,” said Ferket. “We can use the tools we have available to us and have fun meeting this challenge.”

Keith Behnke, professor emeritus from Kansas State University, focused on feed quality. According to Behnke, there is nothing we can to at the feed mill to improve the quality of feed ingredients, but good-quality pellets will give a 5-percent to 7-percent improvement in feed efficiency. The other key for feed mill operators is to use today’s sampling technology to full advantage, to do as much real-time sampling as possible.

Watch and listen to Weigel give panel attendees an idea of what to expect for corn prices in the coming year in this video.

US broiler trade down, turkey trade up November 2011

2012-01-26T08:26:00.000-06:00

November 2011 broiler shipments in the U.S. totaled more than 606.2 million pounds, a 9-percent drop from 2010 numbers, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The decline reflects large drops to Russia, Cuba and Angola, but some major markets including Iraq, China and South Korea partly offset the decline. When comparing broiler shipments in November 2011 to those shipped in November 2010, shipments to Iraq increased by 300 percent, while shipments to China and South Korea increased 140 percent and 81 percent, respectively, over the same period.Although November 2011 exports were down from 2010, broiler exports are expected to remain relatively strong. From September through December 2011, the average legquarter price (wholesale price in the Northeast) has ranged from 51.9 cents to 53.1 cents per pound, which likely indicates continued strong export demand. Because broiler exports were strong during October and November 2011, the 2011 four-quarter projection was revised up 50 million pounds, pushing total projected shipments to 1.85 billion pounds.U.S. turkey shipments totaled 68.6 million pounds in November 2011, a 6-percent increase from 2010 numbers. Mexico has been the largest U.S. turkey market for years and continues to account for at least 50 percent of the U.S. total turkey shipments. Besides Mexico, the increase in November 2011 turkey shipments consisted of strong imports from Hong Kong. Hong Kong imported over 6.4 million pounds, which was 9 percent of U.S. total turkey exports in November 2011.

China reports bird flu death

2012-01-26T08:24:00.000-06:00

A 39-year-old man has died in southern China from the H5N1 avian influenza virus, the second case in less than a month, according to the country's Health Ministry.

The unidentified man was admitted to the hospital on January 6 and had not reported any exposure to poultry in the month before his illness. Chinese authorities, who are monitoring 71 people known to have been in contact with the man, have not found any evidence of the virus.

The previous case involved a 39-year-old bus driver who died on December 31, 2011, and had also reported no contact with birds prior to his illness.

UK egg producer loses over 100,000 birds in fire

2012-01-26T08:22:00.000-06:00

One of the UK’s largest independent egg producers, Fridays, is thought to have lost 140,000 birds following a fire at its Knowbridge Farm in Cranbrook, Kent.

At the height of the blaze, 50 firefighters were called to the family-owned farm, which was undergoing an upgrade of its barns. Along with the birds, two barns were destroyed earlier in January; however, nobody was hurt in the blaze. The cause of the fire is unclear.

Europe to strengthen animal welfare legislation

2012-01-26T08:19:00.002-06:00

The European Commission has adopted a four-year strategy, to be implemented through 2015, that aims to further improve the welfare of animals in the European Union.

The Commission has identified a lack of enforcement of EU legislation by Member States in a number of areas as one of the major issues adversely affecting animal welfare in the EU. Another brake on full and even implementation, according to the Commission, is that the market does not provide sufficient economic incentives for compliance.“The recent coming into force of the laying hens legislation has shown that problems persist in animal welfare in several Member States," said EU Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli. "Some efforts are being made, but many issues need to be tackled in a different way in order to achieve more sustainable results. The new strategy will permit appropriate flexibility in allowing operators to attain the necessary welfare standards by different routes. Optimizing policy coherence and market transparency in a comprehensive animal welfare legislative framework will minimize real or perceived tensions between welfare and economics. Animal welfare measures need to be highly cost-effective, economically and in welfare terms."To address these issues and concerns, the strategy provides for a two-pronged approach: a proposal for a comprehensive animal welfare law and a reinforcement of current actions. The legislation to be proposed is expected to promote an innovative approach focusing on actual welfare outcomes instead of mechanistic inputs, and to increase the focus on the education and professional standards of all parties concerned. The second element proposed is a reinforcement and the optimization of current Commission actions: enhancing tools to strengthen Member States compliance with the legal requirements; boosting the already existing international co-operation on animal welfare issues; providing consumers with better information; and performing studies where animal welfare appears to encourage the most problems.

US poultry groups concerned over proposed pollutant reporting rule

2012-01-26T08:17:00.000-06:00

U.S. poultry industry groups recently submitted comments expressing concerns with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Reporting Rule, which would require owners and operators of concentrated animal feeding operations to submit certain demographic information to the EPA.

According to the poultry industry groups' comments, the requirements of the rule, proposed on October 21, 2011, include providing detailed location information and farm demographics for nearly every family farm engaged in the production of commercial poultry and egg products in the U.S. The EPA says providing such information will help determine if a violation of the Clean Water Act has occurred.

“We’re convinced the authority the EPA claims under Section 308 of the Clean Water Act to collect information from non-discharging [concentrated animal feeding operations] oversteps what Congress intended when the law was written,” said Mike Brown, president of the National Chicken Council. According to the groups, making this kind of information readily available to the public puts the safety of the food chain at risk for acts of bioterrorism and increases the concern for the safety and privacy of family farmers who often live at the same location.

“We are pleased the EPA recognizes the benefit of developing programs that can assist poultry and egg producers with further tools to extend their stewardship efforts," said National Turkey Federation president Joel Brandenberger. "We urge the EPA to follow this course rather than initiate an information collection exercise that will do nothing to enhance water quality.”

National Chicken Council supports Domestic Alternative Fuels Act

2012-01-26T08:15:00.000-06:00

Representative Pete Olson recently introduced the Domestic Alternative Fuels Act, which would allow ethanol produced from alternative sources, such as domestic natural gas and coal, to be included under the Renewable Fuel Standard and compete with corn-based ethanol. The National Chicken Council issued a statement in support of Olson and allowing ethanol production from alternative sources.

"It's long past time for Congress to address the failed RFS," Representative Olson said in a press release. "The RFS focus on corn ethanol has translated into higher feed costs for livestock producers and higher food costs for working families. While Congress considers eliminating the RFS altogether, we should in the meantime allow greater participation and competition under the program. That will benefit farmers, businesses and consumers." National Chicken Council vice president of communications, Tom Super, said: “NCC supports broadening the eligibility requirements of a portion of the mandated ethanol volumes to allow a wider variety of sources to be used for production. NCC commends Representative Olson for his leadership on this issue.“Because ethanol today is derived almost completely from corn, this bipartisan legislation would help relieve some of the pressure being placed on corn and help chicken producers who have been struggling with high feed costs. This alternative source would be especially important in years like this one when corn is in limited supply with only a marginal carryover projected for ending stocks,” he said.

USDA proposing poultry slaughter inspection oversight revisions

2012-01-26T08:12:00.000-06:00

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing a poultry slaughter inspection rule that would increase oversight of poultry processors’ sanitary practices and contamination controls instead of checking each chicken and turkey for visual defects, saving the industry $250 million a year, according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The revisions to the current system could prevent 5,200 foodborne illnesses a year by modernizing and making methods more efficient, taking the emphasis off visual imperfections that can harm poultry sales rather than improve safety, said Vilsack.The U.S. could save as much as $40 million a year within two or three years, partly through the elimination of inspection jobs. The USDA would continue to inspect poultry carcasses at the end of production lines before they're chilled, and would be on-site at all times. Slaughter operators would have the option of requesting the U.S. continue the visual inspections, according to the proposed regulation. Poultry slaughter operations would have to develop written procedures to prevent contamination and a program to control sanitation, as well as sampling and analysis. Such guidelines are currently voluntary.The public will have 90 days to comment on the proposal.

Release of regulations for Food Safety Modernization Act delayed

2012-01-25T08:34:00.000-06:00

The Food and Drug Administration’s release of proposed regulations to implement the cornerstone of the Food Safety Modernization Act has been delayed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, which is still in the review stage.

The FDA had hoped to release four separate sets of proposed regulations on January 4, the one-year anniversary of the Food Safety Modernization Act's signing into law. Two of those sets of proposed rules will pertain to the requirement that food and feed facilities analyze hazards, implement appropriate preventive controls and develop written food/feed safety plans — each of which is intended to minimize or prevent the potential for products to be adulterated or misbranded. One of the sets is to address human food, and will consist of a 400-page preamble, 200 pages of economic analysis and the regulations themselves. The second set will be for animal feed, feed ingredient and pet food manufacturers, and consist of a 200-page preamble, 100-page economic analysis and the text of the proposed regulations.The other two sets of proposed regulations pertain to law’s requirements that food and feed facilities implement a foreign supplier verification program; and produce growers and handlers implement hazard analysis, preventive controls and product-tracing systems for such products as fruits, vegetables, spinach and lettuce.The final regulations must take effect by July 3.

Japan doubles grain imports from Europe, may hit record

2012-01-25T08:32:00.000-06:00

Japan has doubled its grain purchases from Europe since November 2011, opening the potential for a record volume of imports from the region in 2012 as local feed mills look for cheaper alternatives to U.S. corn supplies, according to reports.

Japanese corn purchases from the Black Sea region (Ukraine, Romania and Hungary) reached 1.5 million metric tons for shipments from November 2011 to March, said Nobuyuki Chino, president of Continental Rice Corp. Imports may increase further unless corn from Argentina and Brazil, which normally compete with U.S. grain for sales to the Asian market, becomes cheaper, he said. European shippers are currently offering corn to Japanese buyers at prices more than $20 per metric ton cheaper than the U.S., according to analysts, taking advantage of depreciating currencies against the U.S. dollar. Japan imported 10.8 million metric tons of corn for feed in the 2011 fiscal year, of which 9.5 million (88 percent) was from the U.S. Argentina was the second-largest supplier with 690,000 metric tons, followed by Brazil with 434,000 metric tons. Japan also imports 4 million metric tons of corn per year for food and other purposes.

South America drought causes irreversible damage to corn crops

2012-01-25T08:30:00.000-06:00

Brazil and Argentina are expected to lose 11 million metric tons of corn output due to a drought that has caused irreversible damage to South America's corn crop, according to forecaster Agroconsult.

Estimates in December 2011 had Argentina's harvest at 27 million metric tons of corn; now, Agroconsult puts the number at 20 million metric tons. Brazil's harvest has been cut to 61 million metric tons from 65 million metric tons. South America's soybean output will also be harmed by the drought, according to Agroconsult. Soybean production in Argentina has been cut to 49 million metric tons from 53.5 million metric tons, while Brazil's has been reduced to 73.5 million metric tons from the 75.2 million metric tons estimated in December 2011.Brazil is the third-largest producer of corn in the world after the U.S. and China. Argentina is the second-largest exporter of corn in the world after the U.S.

Algae may provide protein in poultry, pig feed

2012-01-25T08:28:00.000-06:00

Marine algae may serve as a viable protein-rich supplement to animal feed for poultry and pigs, according to researchers at Cornell University who are studying the material as a possible additive or replacement for corn and soybean meal.

The goal is to transform a biofuel byproduct into a commodity, which could free up thousands of acres of cropland, say the researchers. "Current animal feed directly competes against human food sources and, thus, is unsustainable," said animal science professor Xingen Lei. "We must develop alternatives to soybean and corn for animal feeds." Algae produces 50 times more oil per acre than corn, has a much smaller carbon footprint, uses nutrients more efficiently than land plants, has no runoff, and places no demand on high-quality agricultural land or freshwater supplies.According to Lei's preliminary research, dried defatted algae derived from biofuel production can replace up to one-third of soybean meal in diets for chickens and pigs. It is high in protein — 20–70 percent, compared with about 10 percent in corn and 40 percent in soy, said Lei. It is also being studied for its high oil content (40 percent, compared to corn's 4 percent) and its potential to remove carbon dioxide from the air.

Tough start to year for Brazil poultry producers

2012-01-25T08:26:00.002-06:00

The new year has started poorly for the Brazilian poultry industry, says the country’s Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics.

Falling prices for live birds and poultry meat are putting pressure on producers, who continue to cope with high feed prices. Independent producers saw their purchasing power fall by 30% over the first 19 days of January, according to the center. Despite this difficulty, some analysts still believe that 2012 will be a positive year for Brazil’s poultry producers, particularly as demand for Brazilian chicken grows in China.

See videos from the 2012 IPE, IFE show

2012-01-25T08:24:00.000-06:00

See the latest videos from the 2012 International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo, the world's premier show for the poultry and feed industries. This year's show is in Atlanta, January 24-26, with educational programs running the entire week of January 23. Check back often as this page will be updated throughout the show.

International Poultry Expo 2012 starts today in Atlanta

2012-01-24T08:36:00.000-06:00

Companies begin setup on the show floor of the 2012 International Poultry and International Feed Expo.

The 2012 International Poultry Expo and the International Feed Expo will be held January 24–26 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, with educational programs addressing current industry issues running the entire week.

For the latest news and videos from the event, check back with www.wattagnet.com throughout the week.

The 2012 program schedule includes the International Poultry Scientific Forum, Pet Food Conference, Animal Agricultural Sustainability Summit, Hatchery-Breeder Clinic and the American Feed Industry Association International Feed Education Program. The event will also highlight the latest technology, equipment and services used in the production and processing of poultry and feed products.

US turkey prices up in fourth quarter 2011

2012-01-24T08:33:00.002-06:00

U.S. prices for whole hen turkeys were consistently higher in 2011 than in 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

On a year-over-year basis, monthly frozen whole hen turkey prices have been higher for the last 25 consecutive months. Both lower stock levels and a strong export market have placed upward pressure on prices, said the USDA. December 2011 prices for whole hens averaged $1.07 per pound, down seasonally from November 2011, but 9 cents per pound (9 percent) higher than 2010. Prices in the fourth quarter of 2011 averaged $1.12 per pound, 8 percent higher than the same time in 2010, and 5 cents per pound higher than in the third quarter. With relatively low stock levels going into 2012, whole hen prices are expected to remain above year-earlier levels through first-quarter 2012, then fall to slightly lower than 2011 levels for the rest of 2012.Turkey production in November 2011 was 511 million pounds, down 1.8 percent from 2010 numbers. The decrease in production came from a lower number of birds slaughtered and declines in the average weight per bird at slaughter; the number of turkeys slaughtered was down 0.9 percent from 2010 and the average weight at slaughter fell to just over 28 pounds, a decline of 0.6 percent. With the reductions in weights, the estimate for fourth-quarter 2011 turkey meat production was lowered by 10 million pounds to 1.5 billion pounds, up less than 1 percent from 2010 numbers. The turkey meat production estimate for 2012 is 5.8 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2011, with the majority of the growth coming in the second half of the year, according to USDA numbers.Ending stocks for all turkey products in the fourth quarter of 2011 are expected to be 205 million pounds, up about 7 percent from the very low stock levels for the same period in 2010. At the end of November 2011, cold storage holdings for turkey totaled 193 million pounds, 11 percent higher than 2010 numbers. The increase was due to larger cold storage holdings of both whole birds (up 18 percent) and turkey parts (up 9 percent), said the USDA. On a year-over-year basis, stocks of whole turkeys have been lower for the last 25 consecutive months. With turkey production expected to be only slightly higher in the first half of 2012 (up less than 1 percent), turkey cold storage totals are expected to remain very close to those for 2011.

For more information and data on U.S. poultry, see www.wattagnet.com/marketdata.html.

US corn surplus estimates remain low for fall 2012

2012-01-24T08:32:00.000-06:00

An estimated 846 million bushels of corn will be on hand at the end of summer 2012, a surplus that satisfies demand for less than 25 days and fails to meet the 30-day supply considered to be a healthy stock, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A low supply in 2011 contributed to high food prices, which rose between 3.25 percent and 3.75 percent, said the USDA. Food inflation is expected to slow in 2012, dropping to between 2.5 percent and 3.5 percent, but corn is likely to remain above $6 a bushel for all of 2012, which will keep food prices high. Growing demand from livestock producers in China and the U.S. ethanol industry will counter any surpluses, according to the USDA.

India lowers egg prices to boost consumption

2012-01-24T08:30:00.000-06:00

To increase poultry consumption, India's National Egg Coordination Committee has lowered egg prices by 25 paise to Rs 2.70 (US$0.05) each.

Prices reached a record Rs 3.13 (US$0.06) in December as a cold wave in the north and the intensification of cyclones in the south pushed up poultry prices. The price cut, say industry sources, is motivated by buyer resistance and the need to clear out stock that piled up during Pongal season, when schools are closed and fewer trade trucks run among the states. “We don't want to pile up these perishable products and hence we have trimmed the prices to perk up consumption,” said one source.The Committee has also lowered prices for layer birds, to Rs 30 (US$0.60) per kg from Rs 43 (US$0.86) per kg. The Broiler Coordination Committee has lowered the rate for cull birds to Rs 46 (US$0.91) from Rs 50 (US$0.99) per kg.

Russia poultry imports down, grain exports up in 2011

2012-01-24T08:28:00.000-06:00

Russia's poultry imports dropped by 14 percent, to 420,000 metric tons, in January through November of 2011, according to the Federal State Statistics Service. The country's overall fresh and frozen meat imports went up by 3.1 percent, to 1.3 million metric tons.

Russia’s grain exports rose 12 percent from January through November 2011 and barley shipments grew 8.4 percent. Roughly 15.4 million metric tons of grain were shipped, including 13 million metric tons of wheat and blends with rye, according to the service. Barley exports came in at 1.7 million metric tons. Rice exports dropped 6.2 percent to 145,000 metric tons, sunflower seed exports tripled to 46,900 metric tons and flour exports grew 3.3 times to 572,000 metric tons.

US broiler production estimated down fourth quarter 2011

2012-01-24T08:26:00.000-06:00

U.S. broiler meat production in the fourth quarter of 2011 is expected to total 8.93 billion pounds, down 50 million pounds from the previous estimate, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Broiler meat production in November 2011 was 2.9 billion pounds, a decrease of 7.1 percent from 2010 numbers. The number of broilers slaughtered in November was down 6.2 percent from November 2010, and this decrease was compounded by a decline (1 percent) in the average liveweight for birds at slaughter (to 5.82 pounds). Broiler meat production in December 2011 is expected to show a decrease due to a reduced number of birds slaughtered at a lower average liveweight.The outlook for broiler meat production in 2012 has changed due to sharp changes in the number of chicks being placed for growout and average broiler weights at slaughter. At the beginning of January, the five-week moving average (December 10, 2011 through January 7) showed that the number of chicks being placed for growout was averaging 3.6 percent lower than 2011 numbers. A less drastic reduction in the number of chicks points to possibly smaller declines in broiler meat production in the first half of 2012.

Vion launches campaign to promote British pig meat consumption

2012-01-23T08:16:00.002-06:00

UK pig meat processor Vion Food Group has enlisted TV personality and winner of a TV cooking competition Nadia Sawalha and food psychologist Dr. Christy Fergusson to help it launch the second phase of a major campaign to encourage more UK consumers to eat British pork.

The company aims to raise awareness of the role fresh pork plays in a balanced nutritious diet for its New Year's promotion entitled, "Eat Yourself Happy." The promotion will launch following the results of the latest consumer research into people’s New Year's eating habits and will comprise of media relations, digital marketing and social media, helping to inform and inspire consumers.“As a leading UK pork processor, we have a central role to play in promoting fresh British pork and educating consumers about how to incorporate it into their diets," said Vion's sales and marketing director Melody Chapman. “The latest initiative in our ‘Put Pork on Your Fork’ campaign, ‘Eat Yourself Happy’, aims to help consumers broaden their repertoire and experience new cuts of British pork through exciting recipes and helpful videos from both Nadia and Dr. Christy. By promoting quality British pork, we’ll be helping to support British pig farmers and increase the value of the category as a whole.”

US pig meat exports highest ever in November 2011

2012-01-23T08:14:00.002-06:00

U.S. pig meat exports in November 2011 were more than 505 million pounds, almost 25 percent greater than in 2010 and a new monthly volume record, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest report.

Shipments to China made the difference between a “strong” month and a spectacular one, said the USDA, coming in at almost 118 million pounds. This is the most U.S. pork ever shipped to China, and was almost four times greater than U.S. exports to China in November 2010.Twice in the last few years — 2008 and 2011 — China has imported U.S. pork in quantities sufficient to sharply accelerate U.S pork export volumes, and to move U.S. domestic pork prices higher, for sustained periods. The two Chinese “buys” have each been in response high domestic pork prices, brought about in each instance by disease outbreaks that reduced domestic pork production flows. Domestic pork production shortfalls and interruptions elevated consumer pork prices to a point where China dramatically increased imports of the animal protein most favored by Chinese consumers.Total U.S. pork exports in 2012 are forecast at 5.1 billion pounds, about the same as in 2011, according to the USDA. Pork imports in November 2011, at 75 million pounds, were slightly ahead of 2010 numbers — 1.7 percent compared with November 2010 — with most of the increase coming from Canada. Imports of live swine from Canada in November ran about 9 percent ahead of 2010. Import of early-weaned pigs accounted for most of the increase. Seasonally strong U.S. prices of early-weaned pigs likely drew more animals out of Canada.

Pig producers say EU must learn from laying hen legislation

2012-01-23T08:13:00.000-06:00

National Farmers Union Scotland has met EU Commission animal welfare staff asking that lessons be learned from the challenges that surrounded recent laying hen legislation ahead of the deadline for implementation of similar welfare-driven rules on sow stalls at the end of 2012.

When the deadline on meeting EU specifications on laying hen cages came into force on December 31, 2011, a significant proportion of European egg units — accounting for 14 percent of EU egg production — was in breach of the rules, despite having 12 years to prepare. By comparison, in Scotland, only one farm, accounting for less than 0.2 percent of the laying flock, has yet to meet the deadline.

NFU Scotland and the National Pig Association have been seeking reassurances from the Commission on improved compliance and stricter enforcement when the sow stall ban is introduced across Europe at the end of 2012. “Compliance in the UK with the forthcoming sow stall legislation is not an issue as a ban on the use of sow stalls was unilaterally introduced in here January 1999," said NFU Scotland’s Pigs Working Group Chairman Philip Sleigh. "However, it is in the interests of every single UK pig producer that Europe works harder on bringing the ban into place across the whole of Europe as intended and that the mistakes made in introducing the laying cage ban, where compliant producers risk being disadvantaged, are not repeated."

According to the Commission, cross-border movement of pigs between Member States for processing will make tracing illegally produced pig meat difficult. NFU Scotland said it would like to see a commitment to ensuring that systems are introduced to make sure identifications can be made. “Scottish and UK producers deserve no less," said Sleigh. "Since sow stalls were banned here in 1999, pig producers have endured significant competitive disadvantages with many retailers and food manufacturers choosing to import pork produced to lower welfare standards. It is a sad fact that since the sow stall ban came into force, the Scottish pig industry has contracted by 50 percent. “Meanwhile, pig meat consumption has actually gone up, but instead of our farmers producing it, our supermarket shelves have a wide selection of EU pork and bacon, produced in systems that are illegal here. [NFU Scotland] is adamant that introduction of new rules across Europe must be rigorously enforced to deliver our producers a level playing field with their European competitors by the end of the year." According to Sleigh, recent events around laying cages for hens have emphasized the need for Europe to work harder at encouraging conversion out of sow stalls and to put in place legislative measures to avoid compliant Scottish producers being disadvantaged once the ban on sow stalls comes into force.

Poultry meat plays part in reducing stroke risk

2012-01-23T08:11:00.000-06:00

Choosing to eat poultry and other proteins, such as fish or nuts, can lower the risk of a stroke, while frequently eating red meat appears to increase the risk of stroke significantly, according to a study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and Cleveland Clinic.

The study, published in Stroke in December 2011, found that people who ate the most chicken or turkey each day had a 13 percent reduced stroke risk compared to those who ate about one daily serving of red meat. In addition, men who ate more than two red meat servings daily had a 28 percent higher stroke risk than those who ate about one-third of a serving each day.“The main message from this paper is that the type of protein or the protein package is really important for the risk of stroke,” said co-author Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health.

UK pig industry forms expert crisis, issues panel

2012-01-23T08:09:00.002-06:00

All sectors of the British pig industry have linked up together with responsible animal welfare bodies and farm assurance organizations to form a multi-industry expert group focusing on the issues of emerging diseases, food safety, health and animal welfare, according to a spokesman for the British Pig Executive, which hosted the group's inaugural meeting on January 12.

“We now have a panel of experts, including processors, large-scale producers and professional crisis management officials, in place to respond to the threat of emerging diseases, food scares, health issues and animal welfare challenges with honest and factual answers and action,” said the spokesman. “We all realized it was important have contingency plans in place in case the slurry hits the fan."

The first point of contact for the group is British Pig Executive head of communications Andrew Knowles, who will be able to mobilize the whole of the panel in the event of an emergency.

Brazil produces highest-ever grain harvest in 2011

2012-01-20T08:34:00.000-06:00

Brazil's national cereal, pulse and oilseed harvest yielded 159.9 million tons in 2011, 6.9 percent higher than the record harvest in 2010 of 149.6 million tons and 0.2 percent higher than the November 2011 estimate of 348,177 tons, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics.

Brazil’s 2011 grain harvest area of 48.7 million hectares is an increase of 4.7 percent from the harvested area in 2010, and an increase of 0.2 percent (39,305 hectares) from November 2011. The cultivation of rice, corn and soybeans — which together represent 90.3 percent of the volume of grain production — accounts for 82.4 percent of that total harvested area. In comparison to 2010 numbers, there was an increase in harvested areas of 1.7 percent (rice), 3.5 percent (corn) and 3.3 percent (soybeans); and an increase in production by 19 percent (rice), 0.1 percent (corn) and 9.2 percent (soybeans).Among 25 crops, 16 increased production from 2010, including:

cotton seed (72.6 percent)
the first harvest of peanuts (27.3 percent)
paddy (19.0 percent)
the first harvest of potatoes (13.3 percent)
the second harvest of potatoes (7.6 percent)
the third harvest of potatoes (6.1 percent)
cacao beans (6.3 percent)
barley grain (9.3 percent)
the first harvest of beans in grain (31.2 percent)
oranges (2.8 percent)
castor bean berry (24.7 percent)
cassava (7.3 percent)
the first harvest of corn grain (3.3 percent)
soybeans grain (9.2 percent)
sorghum grain (29.5 percent)
triticale grain (25.2 percent)