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.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Chicken feet in demand in China
Latest figures show that the customs authorities in Beijing reveal that in the first 6 months of 2008, China imported almost 420,000 tons of poultry meat.
This figure represents an increase of almost 25,000 tons on the same period of 2007 and is 133,000 tons higher than in the first two quarters of 2006.
The US was the major supplier of poultry meat to China in the first six months of 2008 shipping in 300,000 tons, which is an increase of over 50,000 tons. Argentina, which is a country renowned for its beef, saw exports soar from 18,700 t to 112,600 tons.
From January to the end of June 2008, over 50% of poultry imports were in the form of chicken feet.
This figure represents an increase of almost 25,000 tons on the same period of 2007 and is 133,000 tons higher than in the first two quarters of 2006.
The US was the major supplier of poultry meat to China in the first six months of 2008 shipping in 300,000 tons, which is an increase of over 50,000 tons. Argentina, which is a country renowned for its beef, saw exports soar from 18,700 t to 112,600 tons.
From January to the end of June 2008, over 50% of poultry imports were in the form of chicken feet.
Lower grain prices, higher hog prices slowing U.S. sow slaughter
By Janie Gabbett on 8/20/2008
As grain prices have continued to fall and hog prices have remained relatively firm, sow slaughter may be slowing in the United States.
"Our contacts indicated that sows are simply not available since corn and soybean prices fell dramatically during July and hog prices have rallied to annual highs in recent weeks," wrote livestock analysts Steve Meyer and Len Steiner in the CME Group's Daily Livestock Report. "The liquidation signals are not nearly as strong as they were just a few weeks ago."
The analysts noted that while U.S. sow slaughter has been 9.3 percent higher so far this year, sow prices have exploded in the past three weeks to reach their highest level of the year and surpass both last year's price and the five-year average.
Canada continues to liquidate hogs
Meanwhile, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday that farm inventories of all hogs declined 11.6 percent between July 2007 and July 2008 to 13 million hogs, which is the lowest level since 2000, as soft slaughter prices and high feed costs continued.
The Canadian breeding inventory, at 1.49 million head, was down 5 percent from last year and down 1 percent from last quarter. Sows farrowed during this period totaled 801,700 head, down 1 percent from last year.
The CME Group report noted that Canada's sow buyout program has seen roughly 120,000 head signed up to be liquidated; a number which might grow between now and the Sept. 1 close of the program that was aimed at reducing the sow herd by 150,000.
It also noted some Canadian producers have liquidated their sow herds but not signed up for the government program because they did not want to commit to staying out of the business for three years.
As grain prices have continued to fall and hog prices have remained relatively firm, sow slaughter may be slowing in the United States.
"Our contacts indicated that sows are simply not available since corn and soybean prices fell dramatically during July and hog prices have rallied to annual highs in recent weeks," wrote livestock analysts Steve Meyer and Len Steiner in the CME Group's Daily Livestock Report. "The liquidation signals are not nearly as strong as they were just a few weeks ago."
The analysts noted that while U.S. sow slaughter has been 9.3 percent higher so far this year, sow prices have exploded in the past three weeks to reach their highest level of the year and surpass both last year's price and the five-year average.
Canada continues to liquidate hogs
Meanwhile, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday that farm inventories of all hogs declined 11.6 percent between July 2007 and July 2008 to 13 million hogs, which is the lowest level since 2000, as soft slaughter prices and high feed costs continued.
The Canadian breeding inventory, at 1.49 million head, was down 5 percent from last year and down 1 percent from last quarter. Sows farrowed during this period totaled 801,700 head, down 1 percent from last year.
The CME Group report noted that Canada's sow buyout program has seen roughly 120,000 head signed up to be liquidated; a number which might grow between now and the Sept. 1 close of the program that was aimed at reducing the sow herd by 150,000.
It also noted some Canadian producers have liquidated their sow herds but not signed up for the government program because they did not want to commit to staying out of the business for three years.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
US Ag Economists Look Ahead to Pork, Corn and Soybean Meal Prices
By Pork news staff (Wednesday, August 13, 2008)
The American Agricultural Economics Association surveyed its members on various commodity prices forecasts, and specific to live-hog, corn and soybean prices, pork producers will have a tough road. The 2008 survey reveals an average live-hog price of $56.88 for 2009, and a projection that pork production will not turn a profit.
The AAEA survey cited fourth-quarter live-hog prices at $48.36 per hundredweight, then climbing to $51.61 in first quarter 2009. For the second quarter, the survey put live-hog prices at $58.46, $60.25 for the third quarter, and $57.01 for fourth quarter 2009.
To reach those prices, the economists assumed that third-quarter 2008 pork production will be 7.2 percent higher than a year ago, and up 2.4 percent in the fourth quarter. For 2009, they expect first-quarter production to be down 2 percent, second quarter down 2.8 percent, third quarter down 3.2 percent and fourth quarter down 3.6 percent from 2008 levels.
"Based on these forecasts, pork producers that cannot handle more risk should take a long, hard look at what the lean-hog futures contract is now offering for hedge opportunities," University of Missouri Economists Glenn Grimes and Ron Plain wrote in their weekly report. "If the (AAEA) forecasts turn out to be what happens -- and they look realistic with current information -- pork producers on average will lose money through much of 2009."
The AAEA survey also forecast corn prices at the Chicago Board of Trade at $6.69 per bushel by Dec. 1, 2008; $7.04 by March 1, 2009; and $7 by late June.
Looking at soybean meal, the economists predict CBT averages of $375 per ton for Dec. 1, 2008; $396 for March 1, 2009; and $402 for late June 2009.
Source: Meatingplace.com
The American Agricultural Economics Association surveyed its members on various commodity prices forecasts, and specific to live-hog, corn and soybean prices, pork producers will have a tough road. The 2008 survey reveals an average live-hog price of $56.88 for 2009, and a projection that pork production will not turn a profit.
The AAEA survey cited fourth-quarter live-hog prices at $48.36 per hundredweight, then climbing to $51.61 in first quarter 2009. For the second quarter, the survey put live-hog prices at $58.46, $60.25 for the third quarter, and $57.01 for fourth quarter 2009.
To reach those prices, the economists assumed that third-quarter 2008 pork production will be 7.2 percent higher than a year ago, and up 2.4 percent in the fourth quarter. For 2009, they expect first-quarter production to be down 2 percent, second quarter down 2.8 percent, third quarter down 3.2 percent and fourth quarter down 3.6 percent from 2008 levels.
"Based on these forecasts, pork producers that cannot handle more risk should take a long, hard look at what the lean-hog futures contract is now offering for hedge opportunities," University of Missouri Economists Glenn Grimes and Ron Plain wrote in their weekly report. "If the (AAEA) forecasts turn out to be what happens -- and they look realistic with current information -- pork producers on average will lose money through much of 2009."
The AAEA survey also forecast corn prices at the Chicago Board of Trade at $6.69 per bushel by Dec. 1, 2008; $7.04 by March 1, 2009; and $7 by late June.
Looking at soybean meal, the economists predict CBT averages of $375 per ton for Dec. 1, 2008; $396 for March 1, 2009; and $402 for late June 2009.
Source: Meatingplace.com
Saturday, August 16, 2008
BSE CASE CONFIRMED IN ALBERTA, CANADA
OTTAWA, August 15, 2008 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a six-year-old beef cow from Alberta. No part of the animal’s carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems.
The animal’s birth farm has been identified, and an investigation is underway. The CFIA is tracing the animal's herdmates at the time of birth and examining possible sources of infection. The age and location of the infected animal are consistent with previous cases detected in Canada.
This case was detected through the national BSE surveillance program, which has been highly successful in demonstrating the low level of BSE in Canada. The program continues to play an important role in Canada’s strategy to manage BSE.
Canada remains a Controlled Risk country for BSE, as recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Accordingly, this case should not affect exports of Canadian cattle or beef.
For information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: 613-228-6682
The animal’s birth farm has been identified, and an investigation is underway. The CFIA is tracing the animal's herdmates at the time of birth and examining possible sources of infection. The age and location of the infected animal are consistent with previous cases detected in Canada.
This case was detected through the national BSE surveillance program, which has been highly successful in demonstrating the low level of BSE in Canada. The program continues to play an important role in Canada’s strategy to manage BSE.
Canada remains a Controlled Risk country for BSE, as recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Accordingly, this case should not affect exports of Canadian cattle or beef.
For information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: 613-228-6682
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Ground turkey distribution growing
National Turkey Federation’s 2008 Marketplace Survey shows a variety in available turkey products.
Turkey cuts and products are proving to have a year-round presence with increased visibility in the retail and foodservice categories, as shown in the National Turkey Federation’s (NTF) 2008 Marketplace Survey.
Ground turkey saw the most significant growth with more than 403 mln pounds sold in 2007, which is up from almost 365 mln pounds, resulting in a 10% increase from 2005.
“Ground turkey growth in the marketplace is a reflection of its versatility and excellent nutritional profile, which makes it easy to use in an array of dishes,” said NTF’s vice president of marketing and communications Sherrie Rosenblatt.
The survey reveals that the top three turkey products produced are whole birds (24.5%), cooked white meat, or deli meat, (13.8%) and ground turkey (10.1%).
Nearly 43% of the turkey volume sold goes to the retail sector. Whole birds make up 50% of the volume distributed to supermarkets, followed by ground turkey (15.6%) and bone-in breast (7.3%).
Turkey cuts and products are proving to have a year-round presence with increased visibility in the retail and foodservice categories, as shown in the National Turkey Federation’s (NTF) 2008 Marketplace Survey.
Ground turkey saw the most significant growth with more than 403 mln pounds sold in 2007, which is up from almost 365 mln pounds, resulting in a 10% increase from 2005.
“Ground turkey growth in the marketplace is a reflection of its versatility and excellent nutritional profile, which makes it easy to use in an array of dishes,” said NTF’s vice president of marketing and communications Sherrie Rosenblatt.
The survey reveals that the top three turkey products produced are whole birds (24.5%), cooked white meat, or deli meat, (13.8%) and ground turkey (10.1%).
Nearly 43% of the turkey volume sold goes to the retail sector. Whole birds make up 50% of the volume distributed to supermarkets, followed by ground turkey (15.6%) and bone-in breast (7.3%).
Friday, August 8, 2008
Brazil suspends processed beef exports to U.S.
By Tom Johnston of MeatingPlace.com
Brazil has voluntarily suspended exports of processed beef to the United States due to inadequacies in Brazil's inspection system.
Laura Reiser, a spokeswoman for USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, told Meatingplace.com the move followed FSIS's annual audit of Brazil's inspection system.
"The FSIS auditors identified issues with record keeping in establishments, oversight of laboratories and previous corrective actions seemed to be de-emphasized," she said.
FSIS continues to analyze the audit information. Meantime, Brazil must conduct its own assessments and corrective actions.
"FSIS will review the information Brazil provides, conduct follow-up audits then determine whether these exports can resume," Reiser said.
As a safeguard to diseases such as foot-and-mouth, the United States limits imports of Brazilian beef to processed product.
Brazil has voluntarily suspended exports of processed beef to the United States due to inadequacies in Brazil's inspection system.
Laura Reiser, a spokeswoman for USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, told Meatingplace.com the move followed FSIS's annual audit of Brazil's inspection system.
"The FSIS auditors identified issues with record keeping in establishments, oversight of laboratories and previous corrective actions seemed to be de-emphasized," she said.
FSIS continues to analyze the audit information. Meantime, Brazil must conduct its own assessments and corrective actions.
"FSIS will review the information Brazil provides, conduct follow-up audits then determine whether these exports can resume," Reiser said.
As a safeguard to diseases such as foot-and-mouth, the United States limits imports of Brazilian beef to processed product.
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