Pork production costs rise in Brazil, export value falls

In October, exports of Brazilian pig meat (all products, fresh and processed) continued the year’s upward trend in volume so the total for the year to date reached 444,900 tons – 5.3 percent more than the same point in 2014. According to the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), however, revenue was down by 21 percent at US$1.065 billion. For the month of October, the volume of pork exported was down just marginally at 51,500 tons but its value in foreign currency was 41 percent lower at US$117.1 million.
“With the pork prices in 2014, combined with problems in the international market resulting from the political crisis in Eastern Europe, we were able to achieve record revenue last year,” said Francisco Turra, chief executive of ABPA. “This year, the international flow has adjusted and the market stabilized so normal price levels have returned, leading to the drop in revenue from exports.”
Russia was the main destination for Brazilian pork in October, accounting for 42 percent of the total, and 10 percent more than in the same month of 2014. For the year to date, shipments to the Russian market are up 30 percent on last year at 200,000 tons. October exports to the next most important markets for Brazilian pork - Hong Kong and Venezuela – were up by 13 percent and 113 percent, respectively, from the same month in 2014.
Following a meeting with Brazilian agriculture minister, Katia Abreu, the Chinese Ministry of Quality Management, Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) announced it had authorized 7 new slaughterhouses in Brazil to export meat to China, including 2 for pigs. The expectation is that each establishment will export products valued at between US$18 million and US$20 million per year, according to Brazil’s agriculture ministry.
This positive development in export prospects may come as some relief to Brazilian pig producers, who experienced an average 5.2 percent increase in cost of production in October compared to the previous month. The rise brings the national ICPSwine/Embrapa index to 205.1 points compared with the baseline of 100 in January 2005. The index has risen 16.4 percent since the start of 2015.

Six reasons to attend Banff Pork Seminar 2016

The best industry meetings drive progress today. The 2016 Banff Pork Seminar, Jan. 12 to 14, celebrates 45 years of doing just that as the premiere event in the pork industry.

There are many reasons to attend the 2016 event. Here are six highlights.

1. Hear the most powerful speaker in the world on farm animal care—Dr. Temple Grandin's work has revolutionized farm animal care. For that she has graced the cover of TIME Magazine, talked to the world from the stage of major Hollywood awards shows about the movie on her life, and been honored many times. In her usual forthright and clear fashion she will be speaking at BPS 2016 on how consumers view animal welfare.
2. The emerging power of Brazilian pork production—Rui Eduardo Saldanha Vargas of the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein talks pork production and opportunities for one of Canada's global competitors.
3. The new world of swine health and genomics—One breakout session deals with an innovative project to identify animals that are genetically more resilient to disease and opportunities to select for enhanced resilience. Key players from the research project will present results and address opportunities in this new frontier in research.
4. Using antibiotics responsibly—Producers are changing how they use antibiotics. At BPS 2016 they can learn the latest tips on responsible antibiotic use, and learn how to get into antibiotic free production systems and manage once you are in it.
5. The Boar Pit returns—The seminar ends with top speakers tackling the most dynamic topics of the day in a moderated but free-flowing, fun environment. There will be time allotted for questions from the floor
6. Networking in a world-renowned location—The seminar moves to the Banff Springs Hotel. It and the Banff area are known globally for their beauty. Great social events, plenty of personal time are all included as part of the networking opportunity.

Early registration and hotel accommodation deadlines are approaching quickly. Full program details and registration information is available at the Seminar website www.banffpork.ca.

Get complete coverage in a Special Meeting Report of the 2016 Banff Pork Seminar, presented by communications partner Meristem. Find the special report link on the Seminar site home page or directly on the www.meristem.com home page.

2015 US pork production estimates raised by USDA

The USDA has raised its forecast for U.S. pork production in 2015, the agency revealed in its World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, released on May 12
The federal agency’s May forecast calls for 24.4 billion pounds of pork to be produced during 2015, up from the April forecast that called for 24.24 billion pounds of pork.
Both estimates topped the U.S. pork production totals for 2014, which reached 22.84 billion pounds.
“Pork production is forecast higher as the pace of slaughter in the second quarter remains heavy and supplies of slaughter hogs in the second part of the year are expected to remain ample,” USDA stated in the WASDE report.


Pork production in 2016
USDA offered a look into pork production in 2016, calling for even more pounds of pork to be produced. In its May WASDE report, the agency projected that U.S. pork production would reach 24.7 billion pounds. No estimates for 2016 pork production were offered in the April WASDE report.
“Pork production is expected to increase as pig crops expand, reflecting moderate increases in farrowings during late 2015 and early 2016 and a continued recovery in growth in pigs per litter,” the agency stated.

Banff Pork Seminar 2014 targets challenges, opportunities

There aren't many questions bigger than those today in pork production or agriculture generally, and the upcoming Banff Pork Seminar has set an aggressive program to tackle those issues Jan. 21 to 23, 2014 in Banff, Alberta.
"Over more than 40 years the Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) has built a reputation as a leading seminar in the pork industry globally by tackling issues directly with the best speakers of the day," says Don Down, chair of the BPS advisory committee. "This coming year, we've picked a theme of 'Today's challenges, tomorrow's opportunities' and offer two plenary sessions and 10 breakout sessions that help producers and industry prepare for their future."
On the challenge side, social pressure and animal care are major issues facing the industry and the first plenary tackles both. "The impact of social pressure in the marketplace" is addressed by Dallas Hockman, vice-president of industry relations for the National Pork Producers in the U.S.
"The dignity of raising animals for food" is speaker Dr. Nelson Kloosterman's topic. He is executive director and ethics consultant for Worldview Resources International, a service organization committed to understanding and applying a religious worldview to responsible living in a global culture.
Thursday's plenary looks at the opportunities side. "We are seeing significant consolidation in the pork industry and we look at that from an opportunities perspective," says Down.  Steve Meyer of Paragon Economics from the U.S. addresses "Global economics driving Canadian production," and Jose Cardenas of Elanco Animal Health speaks on "Technology - The Vital Ingredient for Producing Efficient, Affordable and Abundant Food Globally."
The 10 breakout sessions allow every delegate to custom design their own program, says Dr. Ruurd Zijlstra, BPS program director. "These sessions offer multiple speakers who bring issues down to a very practical level that producers can use in their operations.
"Controlling feed costs is always a major factor and we have a session on that and another on mycotoxins which have reared their head again in the industry. There is a session on making the most of labor, a huge issue for producers today.
"We look at industry structure and finance, the latest on the new national animal care codes being implemented, and how to advocate for pork and production. There's a session on novel research and application, one on sow productivity, a session on swine health and another on getting pigs to slaughter more efficiently."
The 2014 Seminar closes with a Boar Pit Session and reception, a chance for people to question industry experts in an informal, open and entertaining way. "We had excellent feedback on this event from the past year and we are pleased to continue it again this year," says Zijlstra.
Early registration is encouraged with a significant discount for registering before Nov. 15, 2013. "We've worked to build in various registration options, including new options for group registrations," says Zijlstra.
"With strong attendance from across Canada and internationally each year this seminar offers an excellent networking opportunity," he adds.
The best place to get full registration details, program information and latest news on the 2014 Banff Pork Seminar is the Seminar website.

Outlook shows production increase in poultry, pork and beef

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook on January 17, it showed a slight increase from December 2012 numbers in poultry, pork and beef production. However, overall U.S. meat production is down 1.3 percent from 2012 per the USDA's January estimate.
Broilers saw a one percent increase from December numbers, but about 0.05 percent down from January 2012.
"We're still down a little bit, about a half a percent from last year, but nevertheless, every time we look into 2013, it's getting a little higher," said Gerry Bange, USDA World Outlook Board chair. "With broilers, if you look at egg sets, and the heavier weights of the birds, and the prices that are attractive to broiler producers right now, we're looking at a production for 2013, which is up 355 million pounds, up to 36.8 billion pounds."
The report also included that beef production is down 4 percent from the same time in 2012, but up almost 1 percent from December numbers. Pork production saw a two percent rise from December.

US pork production hits record high in October

U.S. pork production totaled 2.21 billion pounds in October, up 9 percent from the same time in 2011 and an all-time monthly record high, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest report.
Hog slaughter totaled 10.86 million head, up 10 percent from October 2011. Iowa came out on top, with 2.908 million head slaughtered, while North Carolina and Illinois rounded out the top three with 1.131 million head and 1.047 million head slaughtered, respectively. The average live weight was down 1 pound from 2011, at 274 pounds, according to the USDA.

US pork production down 2 percent from 2011

U.S. pork production totaled 1.91 billion pounds in September, down 2 percent from 2011 numbers, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest report.
Hog slaughter totaled 9.45 million head, down 2 percent from September 2011. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 271 pounds.
Total commercial red meat production totaled 3.95 billion pounds in September, down 6 percent from the 4.19 billion pounds produced in September 2011. January to September 2012 commercial red meat production was 36.6 billion pounds, up slightly from 2011. Accumulated pork production was up 3 percent from 2011 numbers, beef production was down 2 percent, veal was down 10 percent and lamb and mutton production was up 4 percent, according to the USDA.

US pig meat production forecast up for 2011

Higher than expected third-quarter U.S. commercial hog slaughter has led to a revised higher pork production forecast for 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest world agricultural supply and demand estimates.
In the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, released on September 28, producers indicated they farrowed about 1% fewer sows in June–August and intended to keep farrowings near year-ago levels into early 2012. However, the number of pigs per litter continues to grow and is expected to support increased pig crops and supplies of slaughter hogs in 2012.
Pork imports are unchanged from September estimates, but the export forecast for 2012 is reduced slightly as expected increased production in several Asian markets may limit export opportunities later in the year. Hog prices are lowered for the last quarter of 2011 and into 2012 as hog supplies and slaughter are forecast higher.

Pfizer accepting nominations for top pig caregivers

Pfizer Animal Health is accepting nominations for a program recognizing people working in pork operations who consistently reach for higher standards and put in extra effort to make positive contributions to on-farm processes and practices. 
The Fostera PCV recognition program highlights people who work behind the scenes — those in the barn, service managers, production managers or anyone else who ensures every little thing is done right — to raise healthy, productive pigs. "Through the Fostera PCV recognition of excellence program, we want to celebrate those individuals who go above and beyond to exemplify higher standards," said Benjamin Church, senior marketing communications manager, for Pfizer Animal Health. "The individuals we are seeking for this program are demonstrating high standards of pork production." 
Winners will be selected by an independent panel and each will receive $1,000 cash, plus an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the Pfizer Animal Health headquarters and New York City on April 18-21, 2012. Nominations can be submitted at www.PfizerPork.com/SaluteToProducers and must be received by Nov. 30, 2011. 

Smithfield Foods fiscal first quarter income up

Smithfield Foods Inc.'s fiscal 2012 first quarter net income came in at $82.1 million, up from 2011's $76.3 million, according to the company's latest report.
Operating profits for fresh pork, packaged meats and hog production were all up over 2011 numbers, at $35.4 million, $101.3 million and $69.7 million, respectively. The packaged meats sector was a particular success for the company. "We are supporting our packaged meats business by boosting our sales and marketing budget to activate our brands and fuel innovation to bring us closer to our consumers," said C. Larry Pope, president and CEO. "This is promoting growth and strengthening our position in many important product categories, including bacon, dinner sausage, hotdogs and portable lunches."
Looking forward through the fiscal year 2012, Smithfield Foods plans to grow the company's packaged meats business and target 3% sales volume growth.

Cargill donates pig nutrition, production software to Iowa State

Cargill is making a software contribution to Iowa State University's Department of Animal Science to aid in the university's efforts to improve swine nutrition and pork production.
The Pork MAX nutritional software will be used in ISU's applied pig nutrition program, which includes research, teaching and extension services, allowing students to model and project pig nutritional needs to improve research outcomes and aid in pork business decision making. "I am excited by the prospect of using the growth modeling capabilities of the Pork MAX software to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our research and extension activities," said Dr. John Patience of ISU's Department of Animal Science. "Being able to model various experiment options before even conducting the actual experiment will help us to use limited research dollars wisely and the most effectively."

Canada's Ontario Pork publishes nutrition brochure

Ontario Pork, in cooperation with the Canadian Pork Council and Pork Marketing Canada, has developed a new nutrition brochure that provides tips for healthy eating based on Canada’s Food Guide. The key message is that pork tenderloin is as lean as boneless, skinless chicken breast; with many pork cuts being leaner than chicken thigh.
The brochure also features the Canadian Diabetes Association logo. Healthy eating for diabetes does not mean giving up traditional foods. By following healthy eating guidelines and being physically active, people with diabetes can still enjoy their favourite foods like pork, achieve target blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of complications.

Czech Republic reports poultry consumption up 13-fold since 1948

Chicken meat consumption in the Czech Republic has grown to 13 times the 1948 numbers, from roughly 2 kilograms to 24.8 kilograms in 2009, according to the Czech Statistical Office.
This number beats out the country's beef consumption, which has declined, and pork production, which has stagnated in recent years. Overall, Czechs consumed 78.8 kilograms of meat per person on average in 2009. Consumption was at its highest for the country in 1989, when numbers reached an average of 97 kilograms per person.

UK set to boost pork sales in Germany

The UK pig industry has appointed a new representative to help it to boost the sales of British pork in German-speaking countries.
Dr. Tim Schäfer, who will also promote British lamb and beef sales, has great experience in the meat sector and previously managed the meat marketing section of the German food board CMA, as well as being involved with meat exports.
Jean-Pierre Garnier, export manager for the British Pig Executive, BPEX, said: "We will be very pleased to work with Dr. Schäfer in developing our exports of pork to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The regions are the largest market for meat in Europe. Germany alone is our biggest destination for pork.” 

Pork Production Forum covers disease, sow productivity

Alltech's second annual International Forum on Pork Production provided two days of talks on key issues in the global pork industry.
The event, which was dedicated to Dr. Des Cole, an industry pioneer who died in 2006, focused on the removal of antibiotic growth promotants, risk management, sow productivity and how to handle multi-factorial diseases. Speakers included Joe Kerns with the International Agribusiness Group, Dr. Gunner Sorensen with the Pig Research Centre and Danish Agricultural Food Council, Tom Gillespie of Rensselaer Swine Services and Dr. Bill Close of Close Consultancy.
Next year's forum will be held on Sept. 14 through 16, in Lexington, Ky.

UK pork sales continue rising

Pork is firmly fixed as a family favourite in the UK with sales continuing to rise, according to new figures published by the British Pig Executive (BPEX).
During August the total meat market rose by 1%, while sales of fresh pork saw a rise of 11%. Meanwhile, the latest 52-week figures from consumer research concern Kantar Worldpanel showed that the market had risen by 2% and pork was 5% better.
BPEX head of marketing Chris Lamb said: "That means an extra £19 million worth of pork has been sold over the past year out of a total of £860 million.
"I believe there are two main reasons for this. The first is a reaction to the recession as more and more families are now cooking from scratch at home, and they are choosing to use pork.”

Pork Quality Assurance Plus Adviser Training Program to be offered by IPIC

The Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) will hold a Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Plus Advisor training session at Iowa State University on Oct. 5
Certification as an Advisor requires attendance at a daylong training session and passing an exam at the end of the session. "If you're interested in attending, please let us know by submitting an application as soon as possible," said IPIC spokesperson Jane Runneals. Requirements for eligibility include being a veterinarian, extension specialist or agriculture educator; having a D.V.M. or B.S. in animal science or an equivalent combination of education and swine production experience; and having two years of recent documentable swine production experience. The application deadline is Sept. 28.

New online swine science undergrad program offered

Swine Science Online is the first ever undergraduate online swine science program.
The program is currently available through Iowa State University, Colorado State University, North Carolina State University, South Dakota State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Missouri. The program begins this fall with six courses in subjects like basic swine science and swine business and records analysis. When the program is completed, students may apply for a certificate from the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence.

Belgian supermarket chain to delist pork from castrated pigs

Belgium’s largest supermarket group is to cease selling pork from castrated pigs by the end of the year.
Pig farms that supply the Colruyt and Okay retail outlets have agreed to stop physical castration and will now use vaccination as their standard procedure for rearing male pigs to reduce boar taint in the meat.
Vaccination is said to offer a number of benefits beyond welfare improvements. Because boars are naturally more efficient, they need less feed and produce lean, high quality meat.
Less feed also means less cultivated land is needed and there is less waste, making the method more environmentally-friendly and more sustainable.

RSPCA kicks off pig welfare campaign

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has launched a new campaign to promote higher welfare pork products.
The Think Pig Initiative was created after a survey conducted by the RSPCA of 2,184 people showed that 64% of shoppers in the United Kingdom would like to choose higher welfare products when shopping for ham, sausage, bacon or pork, but are not always clear on how such items are labeled. The charity is asking consumers to purchase only pork products that either display the Freedom Food logo, which indicates that the products have come from farms inspected to RSPCA standards, or are labeled outdoor bred, outdoor reared, free range or organic.
"We have seen the number of pigs reared to RSPCA welfare standards dramatically increase by 26% — from less than 1.6 million animals two years ago to more than 1.9 million today — as a direct result of consumer demand," said Leigh Grant, Freedom Food's chief executive. While the Freedom Food labeling scheme is voluntary, all the major supermarkets in the U.K. have decided to participate, including Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Marks and Spencer, The Co-op and Waitrose.