U.S. Meat Exports to China Threatened as Export Registrations Lapse

Beijing, March 17 (Reuters) – Export registrations for over 1,000 U.S. meat plants granted by China under the 2020 “Phase 1” trade deal lapsed on Sunday, according to China’s customs website. This development poses a significant threat to U.S. exports to the world’s largest buyer amid an ongoing tariff standoff.

The registration status for pork, beef, and poultry plants across the U.S., including those owned by major producers Tyson Foods, Smithfield Packaged Meats, and Cargill Meat Solutions, was changed from “effective” to “expired,” as reported by China’s General Administration of Customs. Reuters had previously reported on Friday that these registrations were at risk of lapsing.

The expiration of registrations for roughly two-thirds of the total registered facilities could severely restrict U.S. market access and potentially lead to losses of approximately $5 billion. This situation adds to the challenges faced by American farmers, especially after Beijing imposed retaliatory tariffs on about $21 billion worth of American farm goods earlier this month.

While registrations for around 84 U.S. plants lapsed in February, shipments from these plants continue to clear customs. However, it remains uncertain how long China will allow these imports to continue. Beijing requires food exporters to register with customs to sell their products in China, making the registration process crucial for maintaining market access.

This development could have significant implications for the U.S. meat industry and its trade relations with China.

Original story: Reuters

AIMS Calls on DHSC to Review FSA’s Meat Inspection System

AIMS Calls on DHSC to Review FSA’s Meat Inspection System

On the day the Chancellor meets with leading regulators to discuss reducing business burdens and promoting growth, the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has published a report titled “A Strategic Review of Cost-Saving Opportunities in the FSA’s Meat Inspection System.” The report identifies up to £22 million per annum in potential savings through a detailed analysis of the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) current cost structure.

Dr. Jason Aldiss, Executive Director of AIMS, highlighted longstanding issues with the FSA’s third-party contractor: “We have known for a long time that the third-party contractor used by the FSA has failed to deliver the staff and levels of service required by the contract, resulting in at least £1.7 million in additional payments without any sign of service improvements.”

The report reveals wasteful duplication of managerial structures between the FSA and its contractor, attributed to a lack of effective ministerial oversight for many years. This inefficiency has burdened the meat and poultry processing sector with excessive charges and costly administrative burdens, placing the UK at a disadvantage compared to other livestock processing countries.

Dr. Aldiss pointed out that the UK’s meat inspection costs are significantly higher than those in comparable European countries such as France and Ireland, with businesses paying up to four times more than their EU counterparts.

At a time when the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), which sponsors this arm’s length quango, is looking to recover wasted taxpayer money, and the UK Government is focused on growing the economy through exports and controlling inflation, the FSA’s meat inspection system and associated costs have risen unchecked. AIMS urges the Secretary of State to review their report and meet with them at the earliest opportunity.

This call for action underscores the need for a strategic review to ensure the meat inspection system is both efficient and cost-effective, benefiting the industry and the economy as a whole.

UK Butchers Grapple with Unprecedented Beef Price Hikes

The beef industry is facing a significant challenge as prices continue to soar, with deadweight prices fast approaching £7 per kg and liveweight prices nearing £3000 per head.

This situation is causing concern among butchers and processors, who fear that the current pricing is unsustainable and could lead to serious problems in the future.

Grant Moir, managing director of AK Stoddart, has expressed his worries about the disconnect between farm-gate prices and the actual market value. He warns that a correction by retailers could have a detrimental impact on the industry. Since Christmas, the price of finished cattle has seen substantial increases, with values jumping by 15p per deadweight kg per week, according to AHDB figures. There is growing speculation that prices may break the £7 per kg barrier by the end of March.

John Carlisle from Border Meats highlights the impending price hikes on supermarket shelves, which have not yet been reflected in retail prices. He notes that the previous margins in the beef trade have been wiped out, and the supply chain cannot continue to absorb the high farm-gate prices. Some butchers have already raised their prices, but this has affected footfall in their shops. Carlisle points out that the cost of purchasing cattle has increased by £600 per head since Christmas, and consumers may need to pay 50% more for beef, rather than the 10% rise currently seen on shelves.

The potential price increase could see typical sirloin steaks sold in supermarkets rise from £28 per kg to £42, and weekend deals like two steaks for £10 could jump to £15. This could lead consumers to seek alternative meal options.

Farmer and Forres butcher Jock Gibson adds that if farmers and processors need £7 per kg to maintain their operations, consumers will have to pay more than they currently do. However, he is uncertain whether consumers and the food service sector are willing to accept these higher prices. Gibson warns that the industry may resort to importing beef to fill the gap if domestic prices continue to rise.

Original story: The Northern Farmer

China’s Huaxi Cattle Breed to Make International Debut

China’s Huaxi Cattle Breed to Make International Debut in Laos

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) — China’s “Huaxi cattle” breed will make its first international appearance under a beef cattle breeding cooperation project with Laos, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences announced on Friday.

The project, signed in Vientiane earlier this week, will see China export 100,000 doses of frozen semen and 10 breeding bulls of the Huaxi cattle to Laos. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of beef cattle breeding and cultivate high-quality breeds in the Southeast Asian nation, according to the academy.

“This marks an important step for China’s beef cattle breeding industry into the global market, laying a solid foundation for its international development,” the academy stated.

The Huaxi cattle breed is the result of over four decades of research efforts and offers rapid growth, high-quality meat, and strong adaptability, with performance metrics matching international advanced levels. A mature bull weighs up to approximately 900 kg.

Some 23,400 Huaxi cattle have been bred across 12 Chinese provincial-level regions, supported by an advanced breeding database in addition to a network of breeding farms and bull stations, the academy reported.

Original story: Xinhua

Warwickshire Abattoir Under Investigation

Warwickshire Abattoir Under Investigation Following Allegations of Animal Welfare Violations

Authorities are investigating serious allegations raised in a recent media article regarding an abattoir in Warwickshire. The claims have prompted a thorough investigation by local law enforcement and relevant agencies.

Detective Chief Inspector David Andrews stated, “Following our visit on Monday 3 March, we are working with partners including the Home Office and Food Standards Agency to take appropriate action regarding the issues identified. Since our visit, and in light of the footage shared by the Independent, which we believe was filmed in July 2024, we can confirm that we have recorded a suspected offence of unnecessary suffering to a protected animal under animal welfare legislation.”

DCI Andrews emphasised that while the investigation into animal welfare is underway, further details cannot be disclosed to avoid jeopardising any future proceedings.

Inspector Andi Gibbons from the North Warwickshire Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) reassured the community, stating, “Our safer neighbourhood officers will continue to engage with the community and we wish to reassure you that these matters are being dealt with. If you do have concerns, please reach out to our team.”

Residents can find their local SNT, their priorities, and contact information by typing their postcode into the interactive map on the Warwickshire Police website. Additionally, regular updates about local policing can be received by signing up to the Warwickshire Connected community messaging service.

Warwickshire Police

UK Butchers Sharpen Skills for Paris Challenge

UK Butchers Prepare for World Butchers’ Challenge at East Sussex’s Plumpton College

Team GB is sharpening its knives and skills at Plumpton College in East Sussex, as the country’s top butchers gear up for the prestigious World Butchers’ Challenge (WBC)—dubbed the “Olympics of Meat”.

The international competition, to be held in Paris in less than a month, will test teams on their butchery skills, creativity, and presentation under intense time constraints.

What Is the World Butchers’ Challenge?

The World Butchers’ Challenge brings together elite butchers from across the globe to showcase their craftsmanship in a three-and-a-half-hour challenge, turning entire carcasses into a world-class display of meat cuts, value-added products, and charcuterie.

This high-profile event not only spotlights butchery as a skilled trade, but also supports local communities. All meat processed during training and the competition is donated to local food banks, reflecting the industry’s ongoing commitment to reducing food waste and supporting families in need.

Team GB Training at Plumpton College

Plumpton College, known for its state-of-the-art butchery training facilities, has hosted Team GB for over a year. The college has played a key role in the team’s preparation, offering space and equipment for dress rehearsals and technical training.

“For us, it’s a chance to promote our industry at the highest level, and to promote the UK and the UK meat industry to the world,” said Team GB captain Ben Tindale.

Vice-captain Elsie Yardley added: “There’s no buzz like it. The energy and pride in representing your country is unmatched.”

Butchery Skills in High Demand

Principal Jeremy Kerswell of Plumpton College expressed pride in supporting Team GB, noting the broader significance of the competition:

“We’ve seen massive growth in our apprenticeship programmes, and hosting Team GB has been incredibly inspiring for our students. It demonstrates just how in-demand these skills are.”

The college’s recent investment in butchery education underlines its commitment to training the next generation of skilled meat professionals.

UK Meat Industry in the Global Spotlight

As the countdown begins, Team GB remains focused and determined to win a medal and elevate the status of UK butchery on the global stage. The World Butchers’ Challenge not only celebrates tradition and technique but also highlights the evolving role of butchers in sustainable food systems and culinary innovation.

Key Takeaways:

Team GB trains at Plumpton College for the World Butchers’ Challenge in Paris.
Butchers must create a world-class display of meat products in 3.5 hours.
All meat from training and the event is donated to food banks.
Plumpton’s investment in butchery training supports the next generation of meat professionals.

Original Source: BBC News

Illegal Meat Floods UK High Streets

Surge in Unregulated Meat Sparks Biosecurity Concerns

The UK is facing a growing crisis as illegal meat products—bypassing essential health and safety checks—are reportedly being sold on high streets across the country. The warning comes from Lucy Manzano, head of the Dover Port Health Authority, who has raised alarms over the scale and reach of this illicit trade.

Health Risks and Regulatory Gaps

These unregulated imports pose serious risks to public health and animal biosecurity, as they often:

Bypass veterinary inspections
Lack traceability
May carry diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) or African Swine Fever (ASF)

The situation has intensified following recent FMD outbreaks in Germany and Hungary, prompting calls for tighter border controls and enhanced enforcement against illegal imports

Industry and Government Response

Farmers’ unions and food safety advocates are urging the UK government to:

Increase funding for border inspections
Deploy advanced detection technologies
Strengthen penalties for offenders

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) have both emphasized the need for urgent action to protect the UK’s agricultural sector and maintain consumer confidence

Conclusion

The rise of illegal meat on UK high streets is a pressing issue that threatens both food safety and livestock health. With growing concerns from industry leaders and health authorities, decisive government intervention is needed to curb this dangerous trend.

Original story: BBC News

First Dragon’s Den Winner for NZ Red Meat

Breakthrough Innovation in NZ Red Meat Processing

Renyu Zhang, a senior scientist at AgResearch, has been crowned the first-ever winner of New Zealand’s Dragon’s Den-style competition focused on red meat innovation. The contest was designed to inspire cutting-edge ideas that could transform the New Zealand red meat processing industry.

A Vision for the Future of Meat Processing

Zhang’s winning concept impressed judges with its potential to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and product quality across the red meat sector. The initiative, backed by industry leaders, aimed to uncover practical solutions that could be implemented within existing processing frameworks.

Industry Support and Collaboration

The competition was part of a broader effort to foster innovation in New Zealand’s meat industry, encouraging collaboration between scientists, entrepreneurs, and processors. By spotlighting fresh ideas, the challenge seeks to ensure the sector remains globally competitive and environmentally responsible.

Original story: NZ Herald

Dairy Cattle Dominate GB Slaughter

Dairy Herd Dominates Cattle Slaughter in Great Britain

Key Points

Over half of all cattle and calves slaughtered in Great Britain in 2024 were born to the dairy herd.
The proportion of prime cattle supply made up of dairy beef continues to grow, reaching 37% in 2024.
BCMS data shows that 2.3 million head of cattle and calves were slaughtered in Great Britain in 2024, including animals of all ages, types, and sexes. Of this total, 52% were born to the dairy herd, while the remainder were suckler-born.

Prime Cattle Supply

In 2024, 1.5 million cattle aged 12-30 months were slaughtered in Great Britain. Suckler-bred cattle made up the largest proportion of prime cattle supply, accounting for 56%. However, the proportion of suckler-bred cattle in slaughter totals has steadily declined over the last ten years, in line with the long-term decline in the population of the Great Britain cattle herd.

Dairy beef continued to grow its share of prime cattle supply, accounting for 37% of cattle slaughtered aged 12-30 months in 2024. This trend counteracts declines in both suckler beef and dairy bull calves.

Key Breeds

Aberdeen Angus X cattle made up the greatest proportion of total Great Britain slaughter for the second consecutive year in 2024. Of these, 57% were dairy beef, with the remainder suckler-born.

Limousin X cattle were the second highest proportion of Great Britain slaughter, with 80% of these cattle suckler-bred. In contrast, 84% of British Blue X cattle slaughtered in 2024 were dairy beef animals.

Original story: AHDB

FMD Case Sparks Calls for Action on Illegal Meat

Calls for Stronger Security Measures Following Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak

The UK government has been urged to deploy significantly stronger security measures to combat illegal meat imports following a case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Hungary last week.

On 6th March, Hungary confirmed its first FMD outbreak in over 50 years, with the case found on a cattle farm near the border with Slovakia. This follows a reported case of the virus in a herd of water buffalo in Germany earlier this year, the first in the country since 1988.

In response, the UK government has prevented the commercial import of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and their untreated products, such as meat and dairy, from Hungary and Slovakia. Additionally, travellers are no longer able to bring meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, certain composite products, animal by-products of pigs and ruminants, or hay or straw from these countries to Britain.

However, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has called for even greater measures to combat illegal imports, citing significant risks to animal health and the UK’s biosecurity. FUW President Ian Rickman stressed the importance of vigilance and enhanced security measures to protect the agricultural sector and rural economy.

Original story: FarmingUK