| Lots of Dynamics in Global Beef Export Markets Derrell S. Peel, Drovers | June 6, 2017 It's a unique time in global beef markets with a wide range of issues providing challenges and opportunities among many of the major beef exporting countries. USDA–FAS (Foreign Agricultural Service) estimates published in April project the top five beef exporting countries in 2017, in order, as India, Brazil, Australia, the U.S. and New Zealand. These five countries were projected to export a total of 6.83 million metric tons of beef, about 71 percent of the total among major world beef exporters. Recent and ongoing developments may modify these forecasts. Beef exports from India have grown sharply in the past eight years. However, the beef industry in India is mostly operated by Muslim companies which are increasingly in conflict with the Hindu dominated federal government and also in some Indian states. A recent federal ban on trade of cattle for slaughter has raised concerns about India's ability to maintain supplies of beef for export in 2017. Brazil, the number two beef exporting country, is projected to export 1.80 million metric tons in 2017. However, Brazil has been rocked recently by several scandals including a food safety bribery scandal involving several meat companies and a financial and political bribery scandal involving JBS, the world's largest meat company. It is not clear how much impact these scandals might have on total beef exports from Brazil in in 2017 but any impact will likely be negative. To Protest Against Modi, These Indians Are Cooking Beef in Public Vidhi Doshi,Washington Post | June 6, 2017 In this sleepy, palm–fringed city in southern India, eating beef has become a political act. On May 23, the Indian government introduced new anti–animal–cruelty rules, restricting the sale of cattle in markets. The move was widely interpreted as an attempt to close in on the country's thriving beef industry, in line with right–wing Hindu ideology, according to which the cow is considered holy. Some think the new rules are too draconian. For the past week here in the southern state of Kerala, people have gathered with pots and pans and firewood to cook beef and share it with strangers in the streets, a convivial form of protest. Many Hindus, who usually avoid cooking or eating beef, have joined the feasts. MLA Reveals the Four Megatrends Impacting Our Beef Industry Martin Bunyard, Queensland Country Life | June 8, 2017 The latest consumer research has identified four major red meat consumer megatrends influencing our beef industry. Meat and Livestock Australia's chief marketing and communication officer Lisa Sharp said demand for Australian beef is driven by a whole range of variables. "They are economic variables, consumer preferences and choices, plus other demographic changes," Ms Sharp said. "All of these variables combine can lead to particular megatrends and they are trends common across most markets. Rinehart Purchases Maydan Feedlot in Queensland Rural Weekly | June 16, 2017 Hancock Prospecting has announced it's purchased Maydan feedlot in Queensland. The feedlot, located in Warwick, accommodates both short–term and long–term custom feeding and is licensed to carry 8,000 standard cattle units, specializing in providing feeding strategies for premium beef producers. It has demonstrated a consistent ability to produce premium high grade beef, most recently assisting several of its customers in producing award winning beef products. Speaking after the transaction HPPL Chairperson Gina Rinehart said the Maydan acquisition continues the company's pursuit of integrated investments in the cattle industry focused on optimizing the quality of our beef. "We are pleased to invest in regional Australia and regional jobs", Mrs Rinehart said. US Bans Imports of Brazilian Beef Over Safety Concerns Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money | June 23, 2017 The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the immediate suspension of fresh beef imports from the South American country on Thursday after inspections uncovered public health concerns, unsanitary conditions and animal health issues. The agency said the ban will remain in place until Brazil "takes corrective action." Brazil is the fifth biggest supplier of beef to the U.S., ranking behind only Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. It has sent nearly 50 million pounds of beef to the U.S. so far this year. "Although international trade is an important part of what we do at USDA, and Brazil has long been one of our partners, my first priority is to protect American consumers," Sonny Perdue, the secretary of agriculture, said in a statement. The Brazilian Association of Beef Industry said in a statement that "corrective actions to adapt production processes are already being taken." | |