Page 497 of articles about news in Swine news

The U.S. Department of Agriculture published the first edition of a program handbook designed for those who own, manage, or certify organic operations. Prepared by the National Organic Program (NOP), the handbook provides guidance about the national organic standards and instructions that outline best program practices. It is intended to serve as a resource for the organic industry that will help participants comply with federal regulations.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Thursday abruptly extended the grain export ban by at least several months from the end of this year because farmers and wholesalers sent grain prices up by holding the latest harvest.

In his report to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, Director Efren C. Nuestro of the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said the law’s implementing rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the DA Secretary, was prepared by the DA Committee on Animal Welfare (DA-CAW), which conducted exhaustive consultations with stakeholders in several public hearings.

For the Dutch agricultural sector, 2009 was a bad year economically. Production increased slightly, but most primary agriculture market prices fell. The average agricultural income decreased to 5,500 euros per farm, its lowest point in twenty years.

During January-July 2010, the production of all types of meat increased by 6.7% compared with last year’s figures. The volumes of meat production in live weight totalled 1571 thousand tons. As of July 31 swine population stands at 8 million 374 thousand heads, a figure that represents a 12.7% increase with respect to last year.

According to the latest results from the Food Distribution and Consumption Observatory carried out by the Spanish Minister of Agriculture (MARM), the quality of the product and vendors’ confidence are the aspects most valued by consumers when it comes to the purchase of pork meat.

US and Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs for June 2010 was 76.2 million head. This was down 3 per cent from June 2009 and down 5 per cent from June 2008.

Brazilian pork exports have fallen 8.5% in the period of January-July, 2009.

In the first half of 2010, well above 3.9 million tonnes of meat were produced commercially in Germany; that was 4.1% or 153,900 tonnes more than in the first half of 2009.

Months of testing has culminated in the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence launching classes at six universities through Swine Science Online.

South Korea’s Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has announced that it will establish a “nationwide hog farm management system” that will enable a comprehensive farm-to-slaughter management of hogs to improve the farming environment and prevent swine fever.

After setting a record high in 2008, U.S. farm production expenditures decreased by nearly $20 billion in 2009 – the first major decline in nearly a quarter century.

The Rosselkhoznadzor has set up a transitional period for usage of certain EU veterinary certificates till October 15, 2010 at the request of the EU Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General.

Agriculture Minister John MacDonell launched the new THINKFARM initiative in Aug. 25, which provides information on available programs and services.

Four pig producer groups will put in pilot applications next month for support for specific on-farm projects to improve pig health.

Some cattle and hog producers facing hard financial times now have extra time to repay cash advances under the Advance Payment Program (APP).