By Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 16:50:00 05/18/2009
http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20090518-205712/Ban-on-beef-from-The-Netherlands-lifted
MANILA, Philippines--The country has lifted the ban on the entry of beef and beef products from The Netherlands following confirmation from global animal health authorities that the exporting country has managed to control mad cow disease in its territory.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said in a statement on Monday that the ban was lifted based on the declaration by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) or World Organization on Animal Health that the classification of The Netherlands improved to the level of “controlled risk“ from mad cow disease or the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy” (BSE), a brain-wasting illness.
Yap noted that recent international guidelines set out by the OIE provided for certain measures under which all beef and beef products from animals of all ages might be safely traded.
As such, he said, the DA has been allowing the importation of beef from The Netherlands with the following conditions:
*Boneless and bone-in beef can be sourced from cattle of all ages devoid of any nerves and other BSE-specified risk materials;
*The beef, whether boneless, or bone-in, should come only from healthy
ambulatory and not downer cattle;
*The age of the slaughter cattle shall be certified by the government
authority; and,
*The slaughter date of the cattle or the production date of the beef shall be included in the packaging label.
“All shipments into the country of beef originating from The Netherlands not complying with these conditions shall be confiscated by Veterinary Quarantine Officers/Inspectors at all major sea/airports,” Yap said.
Showing posts with label Beef News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beef News. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Canada Reports 16th BSE Case
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced it has confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy in an 80-month-old dairy cow from Alberta.
In a statement, CFIA said no part of the animal's carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems.
This case was detected through the national BSE surveillance program. The animal's birth farm has been identified and an investigation is underway.
Canada remains a Controlled Risk country for BSE, as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). "Accordingly, this case should not affect exports of Canadian cattle or beef," the agency stated.
Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund (R-CALF), which has long opposed U.S imports of Canadian cattle for fear of BSE exposure, noted that this cow would have been born in 2002, making it the tenth BSE-positive cow in Canada young enough to be exported to the United States.
Since 2007, USDA has allowed imports of Canadian cattle over 30 months of age as long as they were born after March 1, 1999.
In a statement, CFIA said no part of the animal's carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems.
This case was detected through the national BSE surveillance program. The animal's birth farm has been identified and an investigation is underway.
Canada remains a Controlled Risk country for BSE, as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). "Accordingly, this case should not affect exports of Canadian cattle or beef," the agency stated.
Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund (R-CALF), which has long opposed U.S imports of Canadian cattle for fear of BSE exposure, noted that this cow would have been born in 2002, making it the tenth BSE-positive cow in Canada young enough to be exported to the United States.
Since 2007, USDA has allowed imports of Canadian cattle over 30 months of age as long as they were born after March 1, 1999.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Russia expands flu ban to U.S. beef, poultry
By Tom Johnston on 4/28/2009
MeatingPlace.com
Russia has suspended imports of not only U.S. pork but also U.S. beef and poultry from certain U.S. states amid concerns of a hybrid swine, avian and human influenza (H1N1) as concerns about an international outbreak grow.
The bans apply to meat and poultry produced in California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Texas, where cases of the hybrid flu have been reported.
Among the parties trying to fight the flu fears is the U.S. Meat Export Federation, which quickly denounced Russia's decision. USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng described it among the "demonstrated overreactions" by certain trading partners. He said in a weekly briefing that the group's international offices will be contacting central authorities to "get the correct facts out as quickly as possible."
The key fact is humans cannot get the hybrid flu from eating pork, a concern exacerbated by the term "swine flu," which experts now say is a misnomer since there have been no discoveries of the ailment in pigs &0151; let alone in cattle and chickens.
The American Meat Institute is trying to spread the word in a number of materials, including a posting on YouTube. In a statement, the group quotes Dr. Keiji Fukuda of the World Health Organization as saying, "Right now we have no evidence to suggest that people are getting exposed or getting infected from exposure to pork or to pigs. Right now we have zero evidence to suspect that exposure to meat leads to infections."
Meanwhile, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk on Tuesday urged all trading partners to base their decisions on scientific evidence per international obligations.
"Restrictions on U.S. pork or pork products or any meat products from the United States resulting from the recent outbreak do not appear to be based on scientific evidence and may result in serious trade disruptions without cause," he said in a statement.
MeatingPlace.com
Russia has suspended imports of not only U.S. pork but also U.S. beef and poultry from certain U.S. states amid concerns of a hybrid swine, avian and human influenza (H1N1) as concerns about an international outbreak grow.
The bans apply to meat and poultry produced in California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Texas, where cases of the hybrid flu have been reported.
Among the parties trying to fight the flu fears is the U.S. Meat Export Federation, which quickly denounced Russia's decision. USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng described it among the "demonstrated overreactions" by certain trading partners. He said in a weekly briefing that the group's international offices will be contacting central authorities to "get the correct facts out as quickly as possible."
The key fact is humans cannot get the hybrid flu from eating pork, a concern exacerbated by the term "swine flu," which experts now say is a misnomer since there have been no discoveries of the ailment in pigs &0151; let alone in cattle and chickens.
The American Meat Institute is trying to spread the word in a number of materials, including a posting on YouTube. In a statement, the group quotes Dr. Keiji Fukuda of the World Health Organization as saying, "Right now we have no evidence to suggest that people are getting exposed or getting infected from exposure to pork or to pigs. Right now we have zero evidence to suspect that exposure to meat leads to infections."
Meanwhile, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk on Tuesday urged all trading partners to base their decisions on scientific evidence per international obligations.
"Restrictions on U.S. pork or pork products or any meat products from the United States resulting from the recent outbreak do not appear to be based on scientific evidence and may result in serious trade disruptions without cause," he said in a statement.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Brazilian beef processor shuts plants, lays off workers
Brazilian beef processor Independencia SA is shutting three units and laying off 1,400 workers in response to lower demand for beef and falling prices, the privately-owned company said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
The firm is closing a slaughter house and deboning plant in Mato Grosso as well as a deboning plant and a distribution center, both in Sao Paulo state. In March, the company announced it was closing two other factories, in Goias and Mato Grosso do Sul states, Reuters reported.
The closures come a month after the company commenced a restructuring process under Brazilian and U.S. insolvency laws. (See Brazilian beef company files U.S. bankruptcy proceeding on Meatingplace.com, March 3, 2009.)
"The closure of these units is part of an ongoing program to adjust Independencia's operations to the current market reality, which was severely hit by lower international demand, meat oversupply both in the domestic and the export market, and falling meat prices," Independencia said in a statement.
Since the beginning of what the company called its "adjustment program," Independencia has closed eight of its 23 plants and laid off 6,200 workers, according to Reuters.
The firm is closing a slaughter house and deboning plant in Mato Grosso as well as a deboning plant and a distribution center, both in Sao Paulo state. In March, the company announced it was closing two other factories, in Goias and Mato Grosso do Sul states, Reuters reported.
The closures come a month after the company commenced a restructuring process under Brazilian and U.S. insolvency laws. (See Brazilian beef company files U.S. bankruptcy proceeding on Meatingplace.com, March 3, 2009.)
"The closure of these units is part of an ongoing program to adjust Independencia's operations to the current market reality, which was severely hit by lower international demand, meat oversupply both in the domestic and the export market, and falling meat prices," Independencia said in a statement.
Since the beginning of what the company called its "adjustment program," Independencia has closed eight of its 23 plants and laid off 6,200 workers, according to Reuters.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Brazilian beef company files U.S. bankruptcy proceeding
By Tom Johnston on 3/3/2009
MeatingPlace.com
Brazilian beef producer Independencia S.A. has filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy in a New York City court amid a decline in beef exports and a burdensome debt load, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, the Sao Paulo-based company commenced a restructuring process under Brazilian insolvency law. In filing the Chapter 15 proceeding, Independencia seeks from U.S. courts recognition of its Brazilian reorganization.
In its filing, according to Reuters, the company said its total debt was about $1.2 billion, about half of which was in Brazil and half of which was in the form of private debt issues in the United States and other countries outside Brazil.
Independencia said sales fell 41 percent between October 2008 and January 2009, and that non-payment in exports had surpassed 20 percent of total sales in the fourth quarter of 2008.
The company said in its filing that it "has witnessed as a result of the current economic crisis a dramatic disruption in the international beef markets with Brazilian exports decreasing by approximately 34 percent in volume terms, since September 30, 2008."
Independencia said its debt rose because some 86 percent of its debt was in U.S. dollar-denominated trade lines and the Brazilian real recently depreciated against the U.S. dollar, according to Reuters.
Court documents showed the company owes nearly $105 million to JPMorgan Chase Bank and roughly $99 million to Citibank.
MeatingPlace.com
Brazilian beef producer Independencia S.A. has filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy in a New York City court amid a decline in beef exports and a burdensome debt load, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, the Sao Paulo-based company commenced a restructuring process under Brazilian insolvency law. In filing the Chapter 15 proceeding, Independencia seeks from U.S. courts recognition of its Brazilian reorganization.
In its filing, according to Reuters, the company said its total debt was about $1.2 billion, about half of which was in Brazil and half of which was in the form of private debt issues in the United States and other countries outside Brazil.
Independencia said sales fell 41 percent between October 2008 and January 2009, and that non-payment in exports had surpassed 20 percent of total sales in the fourth quarter of 2008.
The company said in its filing that it "has witnessed as a result of the current economic crisis a dramatic disruption in the international beef markets with Brazilian exports decreasing by approximately 34 percent in volume terms, since September 30, 2008."
Independencia said its debt rose because some 86 percent of its debt was in U.S. dollar-denominated trade lines and the Brazilian real recently depreciated against the U.S. dollar, according to Reuters.
Court documents showed the company owes nearly $105 million to JPMorgan Chase Bank and roughly $99 million to Citibank.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Brazilian beef exports plunge due to economy, credit crunch
By Tom Johnston on 2/13/2009
MeatingPlace.com
Brazilian beef exports plummeted 35 percent in January compared with the same month last year amid the global economic downturn, according to an Associated Press report.
The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association said the country's meat producers exported 81.8 million metric tons in January, compared with 124.7 million metric tons in January last year.
Otavio Cancado, the association's executive director, is quoted as saying the decline occurred primarily because international beef buyers could not get credit.
Brazilian beef exports fetched $255.7 million in January, down 45 percent from the same month last year.
MeatingPlace.com
Brazilian beef exports plummeted 35 percent in January compared with the same month last year amid the global economic downturn, according to an Associated Press report.
The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association said the country's meat producers exported 81.8 million metric tons in January, compared with 124.7 million metric tons in January last year.
Otavio Cancado, the association's executive director, is quoted as saying the decline occurred primarily because international beef buyers could not get credit.
Brazilian beef exports fetched $255.7 million in January, down 45 percent from the same month last year.
Friday, December 12, 2008
USDA lowers meat production, export, price forecasts
USDA reduced its total U.S. meat production forecasts for 2008 and 2009 from last month, reflecting lower forecasts for all meats in 2008 and lower forecasts for beef and poultry more than offsetting predicted production gains in pork in 2009, according to the agency's monthly World Agriculture Supply and Demand report.
Beef
U.S. beef production for 2008 was reduced to 26.589 billion pounds from 26.699 a month ago. USDA predicts cattle placements for the remainder of 2008 will decrease, resulting in reduced beef production during the first half of 2009.
The agency barely changed its beef export forecasts from last month, reflecting actual third-quarter data. Beef exports in 2008 were raised ever so slightly to 1.860 billion pounds from 1.841 billion pounds forecast in November. USDA maintained its 2009 forecast for beef exports at 1.900 billion pounds. International demand is expected to remain weak amid economic uncertainty, and a stronger U.S. dollar may further dampen sales, the agency said.
USDA lowered its average Choice steer price (Nebraska, Direct, 1,000-1,300 pounds) for 2008 to $92.59 per hundredweight from $93.22 projected in November. For 2009, the agency lowered its average price range forecast to $92 to $99 from $93 to $100 last month.
Pork
U.S. pork production for 2008 was reduced somewhat to 23.419 billion pounds from 23.452 billion pounds projected last month. USDA raised its pork production forecast for 2009, saying lower feed costs result in slightly heavier weights.
Pork export forecasts are reduced for 2008 and 2009 for the same factors affecting beef exports. USDA lowered its 2008 export forecast to 4.769 billion pounds from 5.068 billion pounds last month. For 2009, the agency reduced its forecast to 4.100 billion pounds from 4.500 billion pounds predicted in November.
USDA dropped its average barrows and gilts (live equivalent 51-52 percent lean) price estimate for 2008 to $47.73 per hundredweight from $47.86 per hundredweight projected last month. For 2009, the agency maintained its predicted range of $48 to $52.
Beef
U.S. beef production for 2008 was reduced to 26.589 billion pounds from 26.699 a month ago. USDA predicts cattle placements for the remainder of 2008 will decrease, resulting in reduced beef production during the first half of 2009.
The agency barely changed its beef export forecasts from last month, reflecting actual third-quarter data. Beef exports in 2008 were raised ever so slightly to 1.860 billion pounds from 1.841 billion pounds forecast in November. USDA maintained its 2009 forecast for beef exports at 1.900 billion pounds. International demand is expected to remain weak amid economic uncertainty, and a stronger U.S. dollar may further dampen sales, the agency said.
USDA lowered its average Choice steer price (Nebraska, Direct, 1,000-1,300 pounds) for 2008 to $92.59 per hundredweight from $93.22 projected in November. For 2009, the agency lowered its average price range forecast to $92 to $99 from $93 to $100 last month.
Pork
U.S. pork production for 2008 was reduced somewhat to 23.419 billion pounds from 23.452 billion pounds projected last month. USDA raised its pork production forecast for 2009, saying lower feed costs result in slightly heavier weights.
Pork export forecasts are reduced for 2008 and 2009 for the same factors affecting beef exports. USDA lowered its 2008 export forecast to 4.769 billion pounds from 5.068 billion pounds last month. For 2009, the agency reduced its forecast to 4.100 billion pounds from 4.500 billion pounds predicted in November.
USDA dropped its average barrows and gilts (live equivalent 51-52 percent lean) price estimate for 2008 to $47.73 per hundredweight from $47.86 per hundredweight projected last month. For 2009, the agency maintained its predicted range of $48 to $52.
USDA lowers meat production, export, price forecasts
USDA reduced its total U.S. meat production forecasts for 2008 and 2009 from last month, reflecting lower forecasts for all meats in 2008 and lower forecasts for beef and poultry more than offsetting predicted production gains in pork in 2009, according to the agency's monthly World Agriculture Supply and Demand report.
Beef
U.S. beef production for 2008 was reduced to 26.589 billion pounds from 26.699 a month ago. USDA predicts cattle placements for the remainder of 2008 will decrease, resulting in reduced beef production during the first half of 2009.
The agency barely changed its beef export forecasts from last month, reflecting actual third-quarter data. Beef exports in 2008 were raised ever so slightly to 1.860 billion pounds from 1.841 billion pounds forecast in November. USDA maintained its 2009 forecast for beef exports at 1.900 billion pounds. International demand is expected to remain weak amid economic uncertainty, and a stronger U.S. dollar may further dampen sales, the agency said.
USDA lowered its average Choice steer price (Nebraska, Direct, 1,000-1,300 pounds) for 2008 to $92.59 per hundredweight from $93.22 projected in November. For 2009, the agency lowered its average price range forecast to $92 to $99 from $93 to $100 last month.
Pork
U.S. pork production for 2008 was reduced somewhat to 23.419 billion pounds from 23.452 billion pounds projected last month. USDA raised its pork production forecast for 2009, saying lower feed costs result in slightly heavier weights.
Pork export forecasts are reduced for 2008 and 2009 for the same factors affecting beef exports. USDA lowered its 2008 export forecast to 4.769 billion pounds from 5.068 billion pounds last month. For 2009, the agency reduced its forecast to 4.100 billion pounds from 4.500 billion pounds predicted in November.
USDA dropped its average barrows and gilts (live equivalent 51-52 percent lean) price estimate for 2008 to $47.73 per hundredweight from $47.86 per hundredweight projected last month. For 2009, the agency maintained its predicted range of $48 to $52.
Beef
U.S. beef production for 2008 was reduced to 26.589 billion pounds from 26.699 a month ago. USDA predicts cattle placements for the remainder of 2008 will decrease, resulting in reduced beef production during the first half of 2009.
The agency barely changed its beef export forecasts from last month, reflecting actual third-quarter data. Beef exports in 2008 were raised ever so slightly to 1.860 billion pounds from 1.841 billion pounds forecast in November. USDA maintained its 2009 forecast for beef exports at 1.900 billion pounds. International demand is expected to remain weak amid economic uncertainty, and a stronger U.S. dollar may further dampen sales, the agency said.
USDA lowered its average Choice steer price (Nebraska, Direct, 1,000-1,300 pounds) for 2008 to $92.59 per hundredweight from $93.22 projected in November. For 2009, the agency lowered its average price range forecast to $92 to $99 from $93 to $100 last month.
Pork
U.S. pork production for 2008 was reduced somewhat to 23.419 billion pounds from 23.452 billion pounds projected last month. USDA raised its pork production forecast for 2009, saying lower feed costs result in slightly heavier weights.
Pork export forecasts are reduced for 2008 and 2009 for the same factors affecting beef exports. USDA lowered its 2008 export forecast to 4.769 billion pounds from 5.068 billion pounds last month. For 2009, the agency reduced its forecast to 4.100 billion pounds from 4.500 billion pounds predicted in November.
USDA dropped its average barrows and gilts (live equivalent 51-52 percent lean) price estimate for 2008 to $47.73 per hundredweight from $47.86 per hundredweight projected last month. For 2009, the agency maintained its predicted range of $48 to $52.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Nicaraguan beef prompts three E. coli-related recalls
Beef imported from Nicaragua is involved in three separate recalls of frozen beef trim that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced.
The recalls affect approximately 20,460 pounds of frozen beef trim from A.C.S. Meyners Ltda. in Ponte Verde, Fla.; approximately 4,200 pounds of frozen beef trim from Astro Meats & Seafood Inc. in Miami; and approximately 2,340 pounds of frozen beef trim from Colorado Food Products in Greenwood Village, Colo.
Subject to recall are 60-pound bulk boxes of "BM-95 BONELESS BEEF." Each shipping container bears the establishment number "Nicaragua 4" inside the Nicaraguan mark of inspection. The shipping label bears the item number "00003," and pack date of "8-19-08."
The products were produced on Aug. 19, 2008, exported to the United States and then sent to distributors and establishments in California, Indiana, Wisconsin, New York and Pennsylvania. The products were sent to establishments for further processing and will likely not bear the establishment number "Nicaragua 4" on products available for direct consumer purchase.
The problem was discovered through FSIS microbiological sampling of imported product from a foreign establishment that was then sent to multiple importers of record in the United States. The agency has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product.
The recalls affect approximately 20,460 pounds of frozen beef trim from A.C.S. Meyners Ltda. in Ponte Verde, Fla.; approximately 4,200 pounds of frozen beef trim from Astro Meats & Seafood Inc. in Miami; and approximately 2,340 pounds of frozen beef trim from Colorado Food Products in Greenwood Village, Colo.
Subject to recall are 60-pound bulk boxes of "BM-95 BONELESS BEEF." Each shipping container bears the establishment number "Nicaragua 4" inside the Nicaraguan mark of inspection. The shipping label bears the item number "00003," and pack date of "8-19-08."
The products were produced on Aug. 19, 2008, exported to the United States and then sent to distributors and establishments in California, Indiana, Wisconsin, New York and Pennsylvania. The products were sent to establishments for further processing and will likely not bear the establishment number "Nicaragua 4" on products available for direct consumer purchase.
The problem was discovered through FSIS microbiological sampling of imported product from a foreign establishment that was then sent to multiple importers of record in the United States. The agency has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
U.S. and Canadian cattle inventory down 1 percent
By Janie Gabbett on 8/20/2008
All cattle and calves in the United States and Canada combined totaled 119.5 million head on July 1, 2008, down 1 percent from a year ago, according to Statistics Canada and USDA.
All cows and heifers that have calved totaled 48.2 million head, also down 1 percent from a year ago.
All cattle and calves in the United States as of July 1, 2008, totaled 104.3 million head, slightly below the 104.8 million on July 1, 2007, and 1 percent below the 105.2 million two years ago. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 42.4 million head, was down slightly from a year ago.
All cattle and calves in Canada as of July 1, 2008, totaled 15.2 million head, down 4 percent from the 15.9 million on July 1, 2007, and 5 percent below the 16 million two years ago. All cows and heifers in Canada that have calved, at 5.84 million, was down 4 percent from the 6.08 million on July 1, 2007, and 5 percent below the 6.17 million from two years ago.
Statistics Canada and USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service release these combined cattle numbers at the request of the U.S. cattle industry to provide additional information about potential beef supplies. U.S. inventory numbers were previously released on July 25, 2008.
All cattle and calves in the United States and Canada combined totaled 119.5 million head on July 1, 2008, down 1 percent from a year ago, according to Statistics Canada and USDA.
All cows and heifers that have calved totaled 48.2 million head, also down 1 percent from a year ago.
All cattle and calves in the United States as of July 1, 2008, totaled 104.3 million head, slightly below the 104.8 million on July 1, 2007, and 1 percent below the 105.2 million two years ago. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 42.4 million head, was down slightly from a year ago.
All cattle and calves in Canada as of July 1, 2008, totaled 15.2 million head, down 4 percent from the 15.9 million on July 1, 2007, and 5 percent below the 16 million two years ago. All cows and heifers in Canada that have calved, at 5.84 million, was down 4 percent from the 6.08 million on July 1, 2007, and 5 percent below the 6.17 million from two years ago.
Statistics Canada and USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service release these combined cattle numbers at the request of the U.S. cattle industry to provide additional information about potential beef supplies. U.S. inventory numbers were previously released on July 25, 2008.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Brazil slaughtering fewer cattle in '08
A 10 percent decrease in cattle slaughtered year-over-year in the first quarter of 2008 signals Brazil will slaughter fewer cattle this year compared with 2007, an official at Brazil's IBGE statistics told Dow Jones.
"The problem is caused by the lack of animals," said Octavio Costa de Oliveira, IBGE's manager for livestock research.
The firm's latest research indicates Brazil slaughtered 7.1 million head of cattle in the first quarter of 2008, a 10 percent decline from the first quarter of 2007.
DeOliveira added that beef exports dropped 27.6 percent in the first quarter compared with the same period a year ago.
He noted, however, that higher prices more than offset lower export volume. Beef export revenues increased by 5.2 percent in the quarter, as beef prices averaged $3,528 per ton in the first quarter versus $2,426 during the same period in 2007.
"The problem is caused by the lack of animals," said Octavio Costa de Oliveira, IBGE's manager for livestock research.
The firm's latest research indicates Brazil slaughtered 7.1 million head of cattle in the first quarter of 2008, a 10 percent decline from the first quarter of 2007.
DeOliveira added that beef exports dropped 27.6 percent in the first quarter compared with the same period a year ago.
He noted, however, that higher prices more than offset lower export volume. Beef export revenues increased by 5.2 percent in the quarter, as beef prices averaged $3,528 per ton in the first quarter versus $2,426 during the same period in 2007.
Friday, May 30, 2008
South Korea to resume U.S. beef imports next week
By Tom Johnston on 5/29/2008 for Meatingplace.com
Seoul has informed Washington that South Korea will resume imports of U.S. beef sometime next week.
"We are still studying the statement released by [Korean Agriculture Minister Chung Woon-chun], but we welcome his announcement that they have finished the review of public comments and will be implementing the protocol next week," Gretchen Hamel, spokeswoman for U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab, told Meatingplace.com.
The United States and South Korea on April 18 agreed to a new beef protocol lifting almost all restrictions on imports of U.S. beef. Quarantine inspections originally were scheduled to resume May 15, but Seoul stalled in an effort to calm public fears about the safety of U.S. beef. (See Korea again delays U.S. beef imports: report on Meatingplace.com, May 27, 2008.)
Inspections of some 5,300 tons of U.S. beef, held up in storage facilities since Seoul suspended imports of U.S. beef in October, will begin early next week before entering commerce.
"The government has fixed new sanitary conditions for importing beef," Chung told reporters. "The government will prioritize public health and safety in carrying out its policies."
The U.S. Meat Export Federation was pleased to hear the news, but expressed cautious optimism. "We look forward to supplying high-quality, wholesome U.S. beef to South Korea, but this is a volatile situation that changes day by day," USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng said in a statement. "We are monitoring events in Korea very closely."
Seoul has informed Washington that South Korea will resume imports of U.S. beef sometime next week.
"We are still studying the statement released by [Korean Agriculture Minister Chung Woon-chun], but we welcome his announcement that they have finished the review of public comments and will be implementing the protocol next week," Gretchen Hamel, spokeswoman for U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab, told Meatingplace.com.
The United States and South Korea on April 18 agreed to a new beef protocol lifting almost all restrictions on imports of U.S. beef. Quarantine inspections originally were scheduled to resume May 15, but Seoul stalled in an effort to calm public fears about the safety of U.S. beef. (See Korea again delays U.S. beef imports: report on Meatingplace.com, May 27, 2008.)
Inspections of some 5,300 tons of U.S. beef, held up in storage facilities since Seoul suspended imports of U.S. beef in October, will begin early next week before entering commerce.
"The government has fixed new sanitary conditions for importing beef," Chung told reporters. "The government will prioritize public health and safety in carrying out its policies."
The U.S. Meat Export Federation was pleased to hear the news, but expressed cautious optimism. "We look forward to supplying high-quality, wholesome U.S. beef to South Korea, but this is a volatile situation that changes day by day," USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng said in a statement. "We are monitoring events in Korea very closely."
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Canada wants full access to S. Korea's beef market, too
By Tom Johnston on 4/25/2008 for Meatingplace.com
Shortly after South Korea agreed to re-open its market fully to U.S. beef, Canada also is asking for unfettered access to Seoul's beef market.
Korea's Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said the respective governments are in the midst of setting a time and place for negotiations, according to Yonhap.
The World Organization for Animal Health has deemed Canada a controlled- risk country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, the same classification the organization gave to the United States.
Before Seoul banned imports of Canadian beef on May 21, 2003, following the discovery of a case of BSE in the country, Canada was its fourth-largest source of imported beef behind the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
- - - - -
If this happened, definitely price of Canadian beef will have a high increase.
Shortly after South Korea agreed to re-open its market fully to U.S. beef, Canada also is asking for unfettered access to Seoul's beef market.
Korea's Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said the respective governments are in the midst of setting a time and place for negotiations, according to Yonhap.
The World Organization for Animal Health has deemed Canada a controlled- risk country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, the same classification the organization gave to the United States.
Before Seoul banned imports of Canadian beef on May 21, 2003, following the discovery of a case of BSE in the country, Canada was its fourth-largest source of imported beef behind the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
- - - - -
If this happened, definitely price of Canadian beef will have a high increase.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Japan suspends imports from National Beef plant
By Tom Johnston on 4/23/2008 for Meatingplace.com
Japan said Wednesday it has suspended beef imports from a National Beef Packing Co. plant following an apparent shipping snafu.
USDA Press Secretary Keith Williams confirmed that one of 700 cartons shipped by the Brawley, Calif., plant contained short loin that included a portion of the vertebral column, a specified risk material prohibited by Japanese protocols.
"One carton out of 700 cartons was not intended to be shipped to Japan," Williams told Meatingplace.com.
Williams added, "The United States and the Government of Japan have notified the California company that it will not be allowed to ship again to Japan until we have determined how the single carton was included in this larger shipment."
A Japanese official was quoted in media reports as saying, "It is the first SRM case since the resumption of U.S. beef imports in July, 2006."
Japan said Wednesday it has suspended beef imports from a National Beef Packing Co. plant following an apparent shipping snafu.
USDA Press Secretary Keith Williams confirmed that one of 700 cartons shipped by the Brawley, Calif., plant contained short loin that included a portion of the vertebral column, a specified risk material prohibited by Japanese protocols.
"One carton out of 700 cartons was not intended to be shipped to Japan," Williams told Meatingplace.com.
Williams added, "The United States and the Government of Japan have notified the California company that it will not be allowed to ship again to Japan until we have determined how the single carton was included in this larger shipment."
A Japanese official was quoted in media reports as saying, "It is the first SRM case since the resumption of U.S. beef imports in July, 2006."
Monday, March 24, 2008
Inventories down for beef, up for pork
By Lisa M. Keefe on 3/24/2008 for Meatingplace.com
Stocks of frozen meat are up overall, according to the monthly cold storage reports produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as falling inventories for beef were offset by rapidly growing stocks of pork.
Year-over-year, beef stocks were down 9 percent to 418 million pounds at the end of February. Total pork stocks, meanwhile, at 603 million pounds, were up almost 25 percent in February over the same month a year earlier. Frozen pork belly stocks ballooned 68 percent to 79 million pounds, compared with the same month a year earlier.
Total red meat stocks were up from February 2007 to February 2008, ending the 12-month period up about 9 percent, to just over 1 billion pounds.
Stocks of frozen meat are up overall, according to the monthly cold storage reports produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as falling inventories for beef were offset by rapidly growing stocks of pork.
Year-over-year, beef stocks were down 9 percent to 418 million pounds at the end of February. Total pork stocks, meanwhile, at 603 million pounds, were up almost 25 percent in February over the same month a year earlier. Frozen pork belly stocks ballooned 68 percent to 79 million pounds, compared with the same month a year earlier.
Total red meat stocks were up from February 2007 to February 2008, ending the 12-month period up about 9 percent, to just over 1 billion pounds.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
China to Increase 2008 Pork, Beef Imports
USDA is predicting that China’s pork and beef imports will increase through 2008. According to a USDA agricultural attaché in Beijing, growth in pork and beef consumption in China continue to outstrip the country’s production capacity. In a semi-annual report, the attaché said that increased import projections were due to the worst snowstorms in 50 years during January and February and a slow recovery from porcine blue ear disease, which has hampered production in China.
The attaché forecast an 8 percent rise in China’s 2008 pork imports to 200,000 metric tons, as well as a 6 percent decline in the country's pork exports. The report put China's 2008 domestic pork production at 42 million metric tons, up 1 percent from 2007, but 16 percent below 2005.
The attaché forecast an 8 percent rise in China’s 2008 pork imports to 200,000 metric tons, as well as a 6 percent decline in the country's pork exports. The report put China's 2008 domestic pork production at 42 million metric tons, up 1 percent from 2007, but 16 percent below 2005.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
China to boost pork, beef imports in 2008: official
By Janie Gabbett on 3/12/2008 for Meatingplace.com
Increases in pork and beef consumption in China continue to outstrip production growth, resulting in increased import projections for 2008, USDA's agricultural attaché in Beijing said.
In a semi-annual report, the attaché said the worst snowstorms in 50 years during January and February, along with a slow recovery from porcine blue ear disease, have hampered livestock production in China.
Pork
The attaché forecast an 8 percent rise in pork imports in 2008 to 200,000 metric tons and a 6 percent decline in pork exports to 330,000 metric tons due to low production, higher domestic prices and an appreciating Renminbi.
The report put 2008 domestic pork production at 42 million metric tons, up 1 percent from 2007, but still 16 percent below 2005.
Chinese hog production continues to migrate from small backyard operations (less than 50 hogs) to huge commercial farms. It estimated 50 to 60 percent of backyard operations have left swine production while commercial farms have increased 20 percent in recent years.
The report said U.S.-based Whiteshire Hamroc Co. and China Tangrenshen Group in Hunan Province have signed a contract to import 2,000 breeding pigs for a large commercial hog development project.
Beef
The attaché forecast a four-fold increase in China's beef imports to 30,000 metric tons due to increased demand, particularly around the Olympics in August. Some of that beef is expected to come from South America, since China has lifted its ban on four Brazilian states.
China is expected to reduce its beef exports by 4 percent to 78,000 metric tons. Beef production is expected to rise by 3 percent to 7.7 million metric tons, the report said.
To view the entire report, click here.
Increases in pork and beef consumption in China continue to outstrip production growth, resulting in increased import projections for 2008, USDA's agricultural attaché in Beijing said.
In a semi-annual report, the attaché said the worst snowstorms in 50 years during January and February, along with a slow recovery from porcine blue ear disease, have hampered livestock production in China.
Pork
The attaché forecast an 8 percent rise in pork imports in 2008 to 200,000 metric tons and a 6 percent decline in pork exports to 330,000 metric tons due to low production, higher domestic prices and an appreciating Renminbi.
The report put 2008 domestic pork production at 42 million metric tons, up 1 percent from 2007, but still 16 percent below 2005.
Chinese hog production continues to migrate from small backyard operations (less than 50 hogs) to huge commercial farms. It estimated 50 to 60 percent of backyard operations have left swine production while commercial farms have increased 20 percent in recent years.
The report said U.S.-based Whiteshire Hamroc Co. and China Tangrenshen Group in Hunan Province have signed a contract to import 2,000 breeding pigs for a large commercial hog development project.
Beef
The attaché forecast a four-fold increase in China's beef imports to 30,000 metric tons due to increased demand, particularly around the Olympics in August. Some of that beef is expected to come from South America, since China has lifted its ban on four Brazilian states.
China is expected to reduce its beef exports by 4 percent to 78,000 metric tons. Beef production is expected to rise by 3 percent to 7.7 million metric tons, the report said.
To view the entire report, click here.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Texas runs interference on Canada-Mexico cattle trade
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TAD) said Friday that Mexico has offered a new trade protocol to USDA regarding the import of U.S. cattle following the state ag commissioner's announcement that certain Canadian cattle breeds would be prohibited from entering Mexico by way of Texas export facilities due to unfair trade practices.
"Although details of this offer have not yet been shared, the fact an offer has been made is proof of progress," Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said in a statement.
Canada and Mexico have signed an agreement allowing the trade of certain dairy and beef cattle less than 30 months of age, including breeding stock. Mexico presently only allows the importation of U.S. dairy heifers younger than 24 months of age, despite international negotiations aimed at including breeding stock, TAD said.
"We must set aside political science and make decisions with our trading partners based upon sound science," Staples said.
"Although details of this offer have not yet been shared, the fact an offer has been made is proof of progress," Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said in a statement.
Canada and Mexico have signed an agreement allowing the trade of certain dairy and beef cattle less than 30 months of age, including breeding stock. Mexico presently only allows the importation of U.S. dairy heifers younger than 24 months of age, despite international negotiations aimed at including breeding stock, TAD said.
"We must set aside political science and make decisions with our trading partners based upon sound science," Staples said.
Friday, March 7, 2008
JBS, the new U.S. beef giant, expects deals to pass
JBS, the new U.S. beef giant, expects deals to pass
Wednesday March 5, 1:47 pm ET
By Bob Burgdorfer
CHICAGO (Reuters) - A day after shocking the U.S. meat industry with two big beef company purchases, Brazilian meat company JBS SA (Sao Paolo:JBSS3.SA - News) said on Wednesday it expected U.S. authorities to approve the deals without it having to divest assets.
"We are confident we will be successful. We are not thinking about divesting," JBS President Joesley Batista said in a conference call with analysts and journalists.
On Tuesday, JBS announced a $1.27 billion deal to buy National Beef Packing Co and the beef unit of Smithfield Foods Inc, both in the United States, and the Australian beef company Tasman Group.
"That will certainly raise questions with the Department of Justice," Jim Robb, economist with the Livestock Marketing Information Council, said after learning of the deal.
Batista did not specify when the deals would be completed.
If the deals are approved, the Sao Paulo-based meat company will become the largest beef producer in the United States and in the world, holding about a 32 percent U.S. market share and 10 percent of the world beef market, industry sources said.
Tyson Foods Inc (NYSE:TSN - News) is currently the largest U.S. beef company. It had an estimated 25 percent market share, but that share likely slipped after the company recently ended cattle slaughter at its 4,000-head-a-day plant in Emporia, Kansas.
Once the acquisitions are completed, JBS expects company-wide annual revenue of $21.55 billion, up from its current $12.7 billion.
JBS TO KEEP BEEF PLANTS OPEN
The deal comes at a time when the U.S. beef industry is struggling with an excess of processing capacity, sluggish beef exports, and a slowing U.S. economy.
During the call, Batista said the company did not intend at this time to close any beef plants to bring production capacity down to match the cattle supply. However, that could change later.
"We will be studying what we can do to make this company as efficient as possible," he said. "We don't expect to shut down shifts, but we will be ready to do what is necessary to compete, to save costs, and to make money."
U.S. analysts expect that eventually there will be some closures.
"I assume they will close a plant or two to get capacity in line with supplies," said Rich Nelson, livestock analyst with Allendale Inc.
Nelson said such a closure could be a few years in the future.
DEAL LIFTS MEAT COMPANY SHARES
Shares of Tyson Foods and Smithfield Foods rose on Wednesday after analysts said the JBS deal would be good for both companies.
For Tyson, the deal means fewer beef companies buying U.S. cattle, which should strengthen its bargaining position with cattle producers, Kenneth Zaslow, food industry analyst with BMO Capital Markets, said in a research note.
For Smithfield, the $565 million it will receive for its beef operations will be used to pay down debt, Pablo Zuanic, JP Morgan food analyst, said in a note.
Zuanic also saw the deal as a way for the beef industry to better keep beef production in line with cattle supplies.
Near midday on Wednesday in New York Stock Exchange trading, Tyson's shares were up 7.31 percent, or $1.09, at $16.01 and Smithfield's were up 5.02 percent, or $1.40, at $29.28.
Wednesday March 5, 1:47 pm ET
By Bob Burgdorfer
CHICAGO (Reuters) - A day after shocking the U.S. meat industry with two big beef company purchases, Brazilian meat company JBS SA (Sao Paolo:JBSS3.SA - News) said on Wednesday it expected U.S. authorities to approve the deals without it having to divest assets.
"We are confident we will be successful. We are not thinking about divesting," JBS President Joesley Batista said in a conference call with analysts and journalists.
On Tuesday, JBS announced a $1.27 billion deal to buy National Beef Packing Co and the beef unit of Smithfield Foods Inc, both in the United States, and the Australian beef company Tasman Group.
"That will certainly raise questions with the Department of Justice," Jim Robb, economist with the Livestock Marketing Information Council, said after learning of the deal.
Batista did not specify when the deals would be completed.
If the deals are approved, the Sao Paulo-based meat company will become the largest beef producer in the United States and in the world, holding about a 32 percent U.S. market share and 10 percent of the world beef market, industry sources said.
Tyson Foods Inc (NYSE:TSN - News) is currently the largest U.S. beef company. It had an estimated 25 percent market share, but that share likely slipped after the company recently ended cattle slaughter at its 4,000-head-a-day plant in Emporia, Kansas.
Once the acquisitions are completed, JBS expects company-wide annual revenue of $21.55 billion, up from its current $12.7 billion.
JBS TO KEEP BEEF PLANTS OPEN
The deal comes at a time when the U.S. beef industry is struggling with an excess of processing capacity, sluggish beef exports, and a slowing U.S. economy.
During the call, Batista said the company did not intend at this time to close any beef plants to bring production capacity down to match the cattle supply. However, that could change later.
"We will be studying what we can do to make this company as efficient as possible," he said. "We don't expect to shut down shifts, but we will be ready to do what is necessary to compete, to save costs, and to make money."
U.S. analysts expect that eventually there will be some closures.
"I assume they will close a plant or two to get capacity in line with supplies," said Rich Nelson, livestock analyst with Allendale Inc.
Nelson said such a closure could be a few years in the future.
DEAL LIFTS MEAT COMPANY SHARES
Shares of Tyson Foods and Smithfield Foods rose on Wednesday after analysts said the JBS deal would be good for both companies.
For Tyson, the deal means fewer beef companies buying U.S. cattle, which should strengthen its bargaining position with cattle producers, Kenneth Zaslow, food industry analyst with BMO Capital Markets, said in a research note.
For Smithfield, the $565 million it will receive for its beef operations will be used to pay down debt, Pablo Zuanic, JP Morgan food analyst, said in a note.
Zuanic also saw the deal as a way for the beef industry to better keep beef production in line with cattle supplies.
Near midday on Wednesday in New York Stock Exchange trading, Tyson's shares were up 7.31 percent, or $1.09, at $16.01 and Smithfield's were up 5.02 percent, or $1.40, at $29.28.
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