National Beef Association Newsletter THE INFORMATION AND OPINION IN THIS NEWSLETTER IS DISTRIBUTED FOR THE USE OF NBA MEMBERS.

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13th November 2015: Issue 45

NBA NEWS: Directors Weekly Report:

2 British government failing to back British beef, Batters tells Beef South West event

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Quality Stock on Display at Beef South West

2 Auctioneers dig in heels over new beef spec rules

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NBA DIARY 5 Defra cuts have ‘massive implications’ for farmers

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NBA MARKET REPORT 6 Major Campaign Launch to halt the decline of the Suckler Beef Herds

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AHDB (Meat Services) and LMC market prices

9 Plaid Cymru has stepped in to delay Welsh Government plans

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SBA NEWS: Benefits of Cattle EID Showcased at AgriScot

10 TPP offers 'greatest market access' for beef into Japan

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BEEF INDUSTRY NEWS: New Bovine TB Biosecurity Plan Launched

11 New Zealand vaccine to reduce cattle methane emissions

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AHDB Autumn and Winter Activity review

11 Advertisements 18 on

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NEWS AND NBA DIRECTORS WEEKLY REPORT A report out this week from Exeter University alleges that farms with herds of 150 cattle or more were 50% more likely to suffer a bovine TB outbreak than those with herds of 50 or fewer. However as a breakdown is when only 1 cow is found to have bTB the laws of probability come into play, and larger herds should be more likely to have a breakdown. TB can hit all herds no matter what size, larger herds, small herds,conventional herds and organic herds. The research also stated that on farms with 50km of field boundaries, each extra 1km of hedgerow was linked with a 37% reduction in risk. It said this was likely because there was less contamination of pastures by badger faeces and urine in hedgerow­rich areas, it blamed farmers for removing hedges. On the contrary over the last 25 years farmers have been actively encouraged to plant hedgerows and again this has not seen a decrease in the number of bTB breakdowns which the study implies should have occurred. Perhaps the fact that farmers who participate in environmental schemes which encourage wildlife are, as a side effect, creating a greater food source for predators such as badgers, inadvertently causing a population boom of the very creatures which could cause the spread of bTB. Without a way to manage the predator populations, as many of them are protected, the wildlife environmental schemes are doomed to fail ­ and disease transfer rates will increase in frequency and distance as the excess population moves onward to find mates and new territories. I met with the Minister, George Eustace, in Gloucestershire where I made him aware of the penalties that processors are putting in place on cattle movements. I also emphasised the importance of orange markets to the industry and said that the continuance of these markets was crucial. I am writing to the Minister for an appointment so we can continue our discussions. Quality Stock on Display at Beef South West Robert Venner and Vicky Smith and the organising committee are to be congratulated on the success of Beef South West 2015 which was held on Wednesday and proved to be an excellent showcase for the areas livestock producers. A great entry of show cattle from as far afield as Wales and the Eastern Counties showed how this event has become a staple of the showing Calendar.

The arena at Westpoint was packed with trade stands from agricultural retailers, feed companies, auctioneers, vet practices, banks, tag manufacturers, IT companies and machinery firms came out in support of the show.

The event highlighted the West Country PGI for beef and members from Meat South West were on the AHDB stand to advise farmers about how they can ensure their beef cattle qualify for the highly regarded PGI status.

Minette Batters, the NFU Deputy President and co­founder of Ladies in Beef, Professor Lee Innes on the control of Neospora and Dr Beth Wells on the control of Cryptosporidium were amongst the speakers.

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Rupert Dod local farmer and NBA TB Committee member gave an excellent presentation on the control of TB in the cattle herd and wildlife populations. He urges farmers to take the opportunity and push ahead with wildlife controls when we have a supportive government.

Phil Sellers from Lincolnshire, made his first visit to Beef South West a winning one taking the primestock championship with Here Comes Trouble.

The July 2014­born pure­bred Limousin heifer was bought at the Ruthin show potential sale in February from the breeder, D.H. Lloyd, Newtown, has been champion at Ashbourne and a winner at Nottinghamshire County and Countryside Live already this season. The judge, Phil Price, Hereford, said his champion was just what he was looking for and was very stylish, full of meat and good on its legs. Standing second to the champion in its class and then going on to take the reserve rosette was another Ruthin purchase, Blue Mist, a British Blue­sired heifer from Kate and Mark Lanfear, Bristol. Bred by D.R.B. and P. Jones, Ruthin, it was champion at North Somerset and champion female and reserve overall at Frome shows and next goes to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair. Taking the baby beef championship was Denis The Menace, a home­bred January­born Limousin­cross steer from Darrell and Sarah Cheaker, Pilning, Bristol which will probably now go to the South West Winter Fair at Sedgemoor. Making his show ring debut was Connor Pengelly, Cullompton, who took the reserve championship with Millie, a March­born Limousin­cross heifer which he bought locally in August. Exhibitor Breed

The exhibitor ‘bred and fed’ championship went to Sally Lloyd of Leominster, with Minion, a British Blue cross heifer by Black N Blue Hotmail which had been supreme at Countryside Live on its last outing. Reserve were the Cheakers with Win I Am, a Limousin­cross heifer. Pedigree Section

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In the pedigree section the calf championship went to Foxhillfarm Lionking, a January­born Limousin bull by Ionesco out of Bankhill Alice from Melanie and Michael Alford, Cullompton. Tapped out as reserve champion by judge, Grant Anderson, Cumbria, was the 10­month­old Charolais heifer, Marne Liberty by Goldstar Echo out of Marne Hollywood from Robert Tremayne and Michelle Hanson, Helston, Cornwall. The young bull of the year title went to Nicholshayne 1 Kingkong, a 19­month­old Hereford, by Solpoll 1 Dynamite, from Keith Prettejohn and Angela Kerslake, Wellington, which had been native, breed and reserve inter­breed champion at Devon County and Royal Three Counties earlier in the year as well as breed and native junior champion at the Royal Welsh show. Highridge Blues Jefferz, a British Blue bull by Drift Domino, which had been breed champion at the Bath and West show took the reserve rosette for Jeff and Lorraine Dunn, Okehampton. RESULTS Pedigree (G. Anderson, Cumbria) Calf, supreme, M. and M. Alford, Foxhillfarm Lionking (Limousin); reserve, R. Tremayne and M. Hanson, Marne Liberty (Charolais). Young bull, supreme, K. Prettejohn and A. Kerslake, Nicholshayne 1 Kingkong (Hereford); reserve, J. N. and L.P. Dunn, Highridge Blues Jefferz (British Blue). Commercial (P. Price, Hereford) Primestock, supreme, P. and S. Sellers, Here Comes Trouble; reserve, M.D. and K.E. Lanfear, Blue Mist. Baby beef, supreme, D.E. and S.J. Cheaker, Denis The Menace; reserve, C. Pengelly, Millie. Exhibitor bred and fed, supreme, S. Lloyd, Minion; reserve, D.E. and S.J. Cheaker, Win I Am.

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2015 NBA DIARY Saturday 14th November The Pedigree Calf Fair and Beef N.I. Expo,

Balmoral Showgrounds, Belfast

Monday 16th November BVD FREE LAUNCH Implementation Group, Stoneleigh

Tuesday 17th November EU Animal Health Regulation: Core Group Meeting, DEFRA

Tuesday 17th November Farm Safety Partnership Meeting, Stoneleigh

Wednesday 18th November Beef Improvement Group Meeting, Carlisle

Tuesday 8th December NBA Board Meeting, Head Office, Hexham

Entries in Red are open to all NBA Members Entries in Green indicate Meetings attended by NBA representatives Entries in Blue indicate NBA Committee Meetings The Pedigree Calf Fair and Beef N.I. Expo, Balmoral Showgrounds, Belfast. The countdown is on ahead of tomorrow’s Pedigree Calf Fair @ Beef NI Expo, and organisers have been overwhelmed by the number of entries catalogued and the level of interest from commercial trade exhibitors. Judging commences at 10.00am, with ten native and continental beef breeds coming under scrutiny from a line­up of national judges. Organised in partnership with the National Beef Association Livestock and the Meat Commission, the one­day show is generously sponsored by Tesco, Isuzu, HVS Animal Health, Crystalyx, Bovipast RSP and Farm Wardrobe. There will be two show rings in operation throughout the day, with judging scheduled to finish at 3.00pm when the senior and junior champions in each breed category will be revealed. A parade of champions will take place at 4.30pm. Admission includes £10.00 per adult; YFC members and OAPs £5.00; while children under 16­years are free of charge. Free on­site parking is available. For more information on Beef NI Expo and the Pedigree Calf Fair please contact David Connolly or Ann Orr on info@pcf­beef­expo.co.uk.

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NBA MARKET REPORT (written on Friday at 4pm) The trade is continuing to remain steady although we are not seeing any great increase in price from processors there is plenty of evidence that cattle are short on the ground. Waiting lists are non­existent, procurement teams are active and the number of cattle coming in from NI for slaughter has increased in recent weeks. Christmas trading continues to be relatively quiet, if British cattle are short on the ground and we are seeing no seasonal increase it can only point to imports being further used to control trade.

One of the main concerns at the moment continues to be the discounting of finished cattle by processors using the excuse of movements, although Dunbia have stated more than 3 moves is ­15p/kg other processors such as St Merryn are on 4 moves, it is advisable to phone around before consigning stock.

The overall prime cattle price of 343.5p/kg was up by less than a penny on the week, close to where it was two weeks ago, despite an increase in estimated prime cattle slaughterings. Heifer prices saw some weakness during the week declining less than a penny to 345.6p/kg. However, heifers meeting R4L classification were up 1p resulting in a price of 355.9p/kg. Steer and young bulls recovered most of the ground lost in the previous week, with steer prices moving ahead of those from two weeks ago at 345.3p/kg, while steers meeting R4L classification saw prices increase by almost 2p to 356.8p/kg. This coincides with estimated throughputs of steers increasing to 18,300 head, up almost 1,200 head on the previous week. Young bulls saw the largest rise in prices across all types, increasing by 3p to 321.5p/kg. Although this follows from the previous week when prices for these animals fell by 7p.

Demand for cows seems to be continuing to hold firm with overall cow prices at 204.7p/kg, its lowest level for the year so far, although cow prices bottomed out at around this level during the same period last year. Estimated slaughterings for the latest week are at 11,940 which is relatively stable compared to previous weeks. In a change to developments over the summer, September shipments from Ireland were back on the year earlier. Due to there been less cattle available in Ireland, shipments from Ireland were down four per cent on the year at 16,000 tonnes. This fall was entirely as a result of lower imports of frozen boneless product, including frozen forequarters. Ireland has so far exported little to the US, the first plants were only approved in February and in reality only two were exporting up to June. Currently, five Irish processing plants have been granted US export licences.

Shipments from the Netherlands to the UK in September amounted to 1,500 tonnes, up six per cent, compared to September 2014 and from Poland volumes more than doubled. Despite this surge, at 1,100 tonnes imports from Poland still constitute only a very small proportion of UK import requirement but the UK market is definitely a long term target for Polish products. The relationship between the euro and sterling continues to play a role in the competitiveness of the UK market for other EU importers in particular and in the year to date imports are now up over 10 per cent on the year, entirely attributed to more product coming from other member states.

Due to the strength of sterling exports are a problem for the UK, with volumes continuing to be well behind last year’s levels. However, despite the 22 per cent year on year fall trade

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actually performed better than the previous month despite lower production in the UK. Lower shipments to other EU member states was again the predominant reason for the fall in shipments. With trade to Ireland and the Netherlands back significantly. Germany was one of the very few markets to which exports increased, however, they still remain a small proportion of the UK export market. In the year to date exports totalled 71,700 tonnes, 13 per cent down on the year.

Bovine offal exports have also struggled in September, shipments were back notably as a result of reduced volumes going to Ireland. Despite this there was still very significant increases in trade to a number of locations, both inside and outside the EU, including Vietnam, Belgium and France. In the year to date shipments are up almost 16 per cent, not including product re­exported from Ireland and the Netherlands.

With farmgate prices easing during October against level retail prices the gap between the two measures widened compared to the previous month.

As a result of this, the share of the retail price received by producers fell by half a percentage point to just above 49 per cent.

According to the AHDB Beef & Lamb retail price survey, the average retail price of beef remained relatively stable compared to the previous month. However, this masks some more detailed changes and some cuts were more expensive whilst others were cheaper.

Topside recorded the largest price increase on the month, up almost two per cent, whilst diced stewing steak and premium mince were both cheaper by the same margin. With the exception of sirloin steak, diced stewing steak and premium mince, retail prices for some cuts were higher than they were in October 2014, edging ahead for the first time since the beginning of the year.

Consequently, with farmgate prices dipping below last year’s levels, the share of the retail price received by producers in October was lower than in the same month last year for the first time since May.

The average R4L steer price in GB has steadied and averaged 356.8p/kg a rise of 1.8p/kg, Scotland is at 367.8p/kg up 0.4p/kg, the South are averaging at 342.6p/kg a change of ­1p/kg, the North is up 5.5p and averaged 360.2p/kg, the Midlands have an average of 347.1p/kg steady on the week. Northern Ireland steers are at 319.3p/kg around a penny on the week and the ROI is back 2.9p/kg in sterling terms at 271.9p/kg. The average R4L heifer price in GB was up 1p/kg and averaged 355.9p/kg. The R4L heifer price in Scotland is steady at 366.6p/kg, Midlands averaged 348.2p/kg, the North was up on the week averaging 355.7p/kg, Southern England heifers lifted 1.8p/kg and averaged 346.3p/kg. Northern Ireland heifers are steady at 320.7p/kg and ROI heifers are back 2.4p/kg in sterling terms to average 282.4p/kg. Imports of prime cattle from ROI for direct slaughter last week totalled 664 head, an increase of 20 head from the previous week and accounting for 10 per cent of total prime cattle throughput. In the corresponding week in 2014 537 prime cattle were imported from ROI for direct slaughter and accounted for 8 per cent of total prime cattle throughput. A total of 132 cows were also imported from ROI for slaughter in NI plants last week while 322 cows were exported from NI for slaughter in ROI. Exports of prime cattle from NI to GB for direct slaughter have continued to slowly increase with 310 head exported last week. This is notably higher than the 159 head exported in the corresponding week last year. A

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total of 54 cows were also exported from NI for slaughter in GB last week. For the coming week in the South of England, we are seeing cattle being quoted from 343p/kg. While in the North, base prices quoted for next week are in the region of 358p/kg. The Scottish price remains above the rest of GB, Scotland is seeing cattle being quoted from a base of 368p/kg. In Northern Ireland processor prices are stronger for the start of next week, prices quoted are around 325p/kg based on U3 for the coming week. Angus, Shorthorn and Hereford native bred cattle continue to attract strong premiums of 20p depending on the scheme. Cows remain in the region of 240p, with more for better fleshed cows with good conformation.

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AHDB (Meat Services) and LMC market prices: Week Ending 14/11/2015 Last Week’s GB R4L steer average was 356.8p/kg . The overall cow average was 204.7p/kg

Auction Averages Week Ending 11/11/2015

Price p/kg lw p/kg change on wk

STEERS 182.7 ­1.4

HEIFERS 194.3 +0.3

YOUNG BULLS 173.6 +3.8

COWS 92.9 ­2.8

DeadWeight Cattle Prices (p/kg) Week ending 07/11/2015 GB SOUTHERN CENTRAL NORTH SCOTLAND N.

IRELAND ROI

R4L Steer

356.8 342.6 347.1 360.2 367.8 319.3 271.9

p/kg change on wk

+1.8 ­1.0 +1.3 +5.4 +0.4 +0.4 ­2.9

R4L Heifer

355.9 346.3 348.2 355.7 366.6 320.7 282.4

p/kg change on wk

+1.0 +1.8 0 +3.0 ­0.5 +1.8 ­2.4

R3 Bull 336.7 343.3 355.3 327.2 361.8 311.4 272.7

p/kg change on wk

+3.9 +7.1 +4.6 +0.3 +7.1 +0.4 ­3.2

O+3 Cow

243.0 230.0 243.0 239.9 252.6 237.3 234.1

p/kg change on wk

­0.1 ­1.3 +0.5 ­1.5 +2.1 +1.2 ­4.1

All GB data in the above tables is reproduced from tables created by AHDB/LAA/IAAS – For more detailed information please visit www.laa.co.uk or www.eblex.org.uk. * The above tables are unique because they are the only ones in existence that are published on a cross­UK basis that carry information on all UK regions plus the Republic of Ireland. The information, which is delivered free to NBA members by email, can only otherwise be obtained through AHD/LAA/IAAS (see above) and the Livestock and Meat Commission’s (LMC)Bulletin for Northern Ireland. The tables should be a useful source of information to committed beef finishers across the UK.

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SBA NEWS

Benefits of Cattle EID Showcased at AgriScot The benefits of using electronic identification (EID) in cattle are set to be highlighted during a demonstration at AgriScot, one of the premier events in UK agriculture (18 November). Sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), the demonstration will be held in the main ring at 11.30am and will focus on the use of EID to monitor and track liveweight gain of finishing cattle on various rations, select breeding stock and the detection of health issues. Hosting the demonstration is Borders farmer and previous winner of the Scotch Beef Farm of the Year award, Robert Neill, along with beef expert Basil Lowman from SAC Consulting (a division of Scotland’s Rural College). As in previous years, live cattle will feature in the demonstration to ensure that it’s as close to a real on­farm scenario as possible. Students from SRUC Oatridge will also be on hand to highlight some of the ways EID will impact on the future of the beef sector. Mr Neill, who joined the AgriScot board this year and has completed a Nuffield Scholarship on cattle EID, said: “For the beef industry to survive in an ever­changing world, farmers need to be using information, which can be collected using EID, to make more informed decisions about their business.” Dr Lowman added: “We tend to think of EID as just a means of identifying an individual animal but it has the potential to be much more useful. It can reduce labour and, importantly, allow adjustments to the management of each individual animal to maximise their performance and produce a more profitable product.” “In the demonstration, Robert and I will show how technology, most of which is readily available, can achieve these objectives and make a real difference to the bottom line profitability of Scotland’s beef herds.” The demonstration will be held in the main ring at 11.30am at AgriScot on Wednesday 18 November.

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BEEF INDUSTRY NEWS New Bovine TB Biosecurity Plan Launched New tools and advice to help farmers protect their herds from TB have been unveiled as part of a new campaign to help eradicate bovine TB, Farming Minister George Eustice has announced. The campaign involves a new website, www.TBhub.co.uk, where all advice on bovine TB from government, farming experts, leading vets and agricultural colleges is now available. British beef and dairy farmers can find practical advice on the website for dealing with bovine TB on their farm, covering everything from biosecurity measures to understanding trading rules. The cross­industry campaign will also promote a new Bovine TB Biosecurity Five Point Plan to improve disease prevention on farm and in the cattle trade. The five recommended action points are: Restrict contact between badgers & cattle; Manage cattle feed and water; Stop infected cattle entering the herd; Reduce risk from neighbouring herds; Minimise infection from cattle manure. From the end of November, reminder posters featuring the action points will be on display in Animal and Plant Health Agency offices, vet surgeries and cattle auction marts. Copies will be sent to farmers around the country, together with regular surveys to track progress. Speaking at Hartpury College, Farming Minister George Eustice said: "We are making good progress in eradicating TB from England through our 25­year strategy ­ reducing the risk of disease entering a farm is a crucial element if we are to end the devastation it causes for farmers and rural communities. "There are simple and practical ways for farmers to reduce risk to their herds and neighbouring businesses from bovine TB which are set out in this new action plan approved by vets and farming experts. "I encourage all cattle farmers to visit the new TB hub and think about the actions they could take to make a difference to improving the security of their herd ­ with outbreaks often costing thousands of pounds, it makes sense to take action now." Neil Blake, President of the British Cattle Veterinary Association, said: "Bovine TB is a hugely challenging and emotive issue for farmers. As vets we are witness to the herd health, emotional and financial impacts on a daily basis. "Biosecurity and risk based trading are important in the management of all infectious diseases whether that is BVD, Johne’s disease or bovine TB. These new initiatives are an important part of the 25­year strategy to eradicate bovine TB." Last year, over 3,000 farms were affected by new breakdowns of TB in England, with each breakdown costing an estimated £20,000 to the taxpayer and over £10,000 to farmers. An estimated 50 per cent of breakdowns in low risk areas are caused by purchased animals. The campaign is run by Defra, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, the National Farmers’ Union, the British Cattle Veterinary Association and Landex. AHDB Autumn and Winter Activity review AHDB will be out and about this autumn and winter listening to your views on the priorities moving forward for AHDB as an organisation. How and where your levy money is invested to best benefit your business is something AHDB are keen to ensure they are getting right, particularly against a background of increasing challenges across our farming, horticulture and supply chain sectors.

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Farmers, growers and supply chain levy payers can 'have their say' at a number of Open Meetings being held across the country. These will be attended by AHDB Sector Board Members and staff experts. These meetings are being backed up with discussions across numerous stakeholder groups over the next few months. If you can't make one of the meetings, you can feed in your thoughts via an online questionnaire which will be open until 13 January 2016. For more details, please see the AHDB website British government failing to back British beef, Batters tells Beef South West event Government should be doing more to champion our country’s produce and marketing messages need to be simpler for consumers, Minette Batters said yesterday. Speaking in a debate at Beef South West, the regional industry’s celebration and promotion of beef cattle held at Westpoint Arena near Exeter, Ms Batters put forward a challenge to processors and retailers to do more in marketing the country’s beef sector. “I do feel we have suffered with stagnation within the marketing of our beef industry,” she said. “We are making progress but it is slow and innovation is poorly lacking, so I would challenge processors today that they should be signing up to the voluntary code – it’s absolutely unforgivable that they haven’t all signed up – and the retailers to show more innovation in the product.” “I was at the Milan Food Expo in June and was able to see all the countries in the world showcasing food production. Once again, Ireland had a phenomenal stand with really simple messaging and this again is where we go wrong as we overcomplicate our messages. Government, wherever it is in the world, needs to be championing British food.” Ms Batters, who farms beef cattle in Wiltshire, continued: “When I was out in Milan quite honestly, our stand was pretty shocking. It was a giant beehive with no honey in the beehive, which just about summed up the problems. We were light years away from the United States, Argentina, Ireland and China – their messaging was really strong and supportive of food production so government has a role to play if we are going to have a premium market for British food.” Ms Batters also used the debate as an official launch­pad for the Ladies in Beef Save Our Sucklers campaign, of which she is a co­founder alongside Jilly Greed. The promotional group, that champions British beef, is warning that the UK suckler beef herd, in which single calves are kept with their mothers for up to ten months before being weaned and then fattened on grass, is in grave danger. Numbers of breeding beef cattle are at their lowest in the UK since the 1980s – down by 200,000 in the past decade and 100,000 in just four years. “I think this is a fantastic initiative,” said Ms Batters. “It’s an industry under enormous pressure but we have to add price to the quality and I am delighted that Jilly is taking it a step further. “In 2016, approaching Great British Beef Week, Ladies in Beef will be launching Nurtured by Nature and I think it’s a really good strapline which could compliment Westcountry PGI and start the conversation with consumers. “Going forward, if we’re going to manage climate change we need our grazing herds and flocks. We’ve got a third of land mass in this country which can’t be cropped, you cannot leave it to rot and I remember saying when we launched Ladies in Beef, you cannot mow the uplands. If we’re going to get the consumer on side we have got to give them the means of understanding what the product is.” Auctioneers dig in heels over new beef spec rules Auctioneers say they will refuse to reveal the number of times an animal has moved during its lifetime until they get more detailed guidance from the major abattoirs.

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Beef processor Dunbia revealed last week that it will introduce a cattle specification on 16 November which includes a “four residencies” limit on stock. This means beef producers who supply cattle that have already been moved more than three times will face penalties when they come to sell them. The move has angered the NBA, which has said introducing such a change at such short notice is unfair to people who have been rearing cattle in good faith to a spec that no longer exists. Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association, said finishers would understandably want to know how many times the stores they were buying had moved during their lifetime so as to avoid a deduction when they sold them on to the abattoir. “But we need to know what the abattoirs consider a ‘movement’ to be,” he added. “We know that moves through markets and to abattoirs don’t count, but is the move to a different County Parish Holding number the same as a change in keepership? “Auctioneers are keen to disseminate information that adds value to an animal at the time of sale, and to assist buyers around the ring in determining whether the livestock they are bidding on are suitable for their purposes. “But they can’t afford to provide information that is potentially different to what’s looked for further down the chain, and that leads to a deadweight deduction at the abattoir. “Until we get clarity, marts will not announce the number of moves animals have completed. “Abattoirs need to communicate their needs clearly and consistently as the marts are not prepared to be responsible for potential charges or compensation payments due to errors outside of their control.” A spokesman for Dunbia said the company declined to comment at this stage. Defra cuts have ‘massive implications’ for farmers Defra is one of four government departments to agree spending cuts averaging 30% over four years. The deal comes ahead of this month’s comprehensive spending review, which is due to be unveiled by Chancellor George Osborne on 25 November. Government departments have been told to prepare for cuts of 25­40% over the next four years through efficiency savings and reduced expenditure. As well as Defra, departments that have already reached a deal are transport, local government and the Treasury itself. So far, Defra has refused to confirm the exact amount that will be cut from its coffers. But it is expected that the four departments will reduce spending by an average of 8% each year for four years – which is equivalent to about 30%. Defra secretary Liz Truss has said savings could be made by closer working between the department’s agencies. At the moment, for example, the Environment Agency and Natural England still have their own human resources, finance and IT systems. “There is a big opportunity for us to put those back offices together and work more closely so we are actually delivering things better on the ground,” said Ms Truss. There had been too much talk about closing organisations or departments, she added. Animal health is a huge area of concern. Sean Wensley, president of the British Veterinary Association, said recent spending cuts had already had a serious effect on Defra’s budget for TB testing, other official veterinarian services and disease surveillance. Mr Wensley said: “Our major concern is that more cuts in these areas could further erode the UK’s preparedness for a disease outbreak, which could have massive implications for animal and human health, animal welfare and the reputation of UK agriculture.” Major Campaign Launch to halt the decline of the Suckler Beef Herds

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‘We’ve lost over 100,000 beef­breeding cows over the last four years in the UK, that's a lot of empty fields.’ The British suckler­beef breeding herd is at its lowest level since the late1980s at 1.57 million head having fallen by over 200,000 head in the past ten years and by over 100,000 cows in the last 4 years. The UK suckler beef herd is the second largest in Europe after France. Despite some of the highest EU farm­gate beef prices, this once mighty industry is the most vulnerable in the livestock sector. Minette Batters co­founder of Ladies in Beef will officially launch the awareness raising campaign of the critical state of the British suckler beef breeding herd, calling on farmers (and lady beef farmers especially), livestock markets, abattoirs, processors, retailers, butchers, farm shops, food service and the hospitality sector to sign up and support the campaign to raise public awareness. Save Our Suckler Campaign There is sadly a general acceptance the British suckler beef sector is in terminal decline due to a prolonged combination of poor returns as well as market and supply chain failures. There is very little product differentiation from dairy beef within the processing sector ­ beef is beef is beef. Most consumers assume British beef comes from grass based traditional suckler beef herds, whereas of course, most of the beef in the retail and food service sectors is a by­product of the dairy herd. However the dairy beef supply chains are very important to maintain volume in the marketplace. Meanwhile taking a lead from the poultry sector and successful product differentiation within the retail and hospitality sector, there is a fresh opportunity to create a greater awareness of suckler beef, promoting the many health, animal welfare and environmental benefits of traditional, naturally raised, grass based suckler beef, as well as its importance to the land management of the British countryside. For without our British suckler beef herds and halting the decline, there will be many more empty fields. The outcome is graphically depicted in the AHDB/EBLEX report Landscapes Without Livestock where the impacts of cherished landscapes without suckler beef cattle are visualised. http://www.eblex.org.uk/wp/wp­content/uploads/2013/06/Landscapes­without­livestock­report.pdf GREAT BRITISH BEEF nurtured by nature In early 2016 leading up to Great British Beef Week (April 23 – May 2), under the umbrella of Save our Sucklers, Ladies in Beef will launch a consumer based campaign, Great British Beef nurtured by nature, taking a lead from CAMRA and their campaign for real ale, which has successfully raised the profile of British craft beers and halted the homogenisation of the British brewing industry. In 2016, Ladies in Beef hope differentiated, branded suckler beef will be piloted in the retail, hospitality and export sectors. The criteria for this product is that it must be singled suckled beef and meet Red Tractor assured and English Quality Standard Mark standards. Plaid Cymru has stepped in to delay Welsh Government plans

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Moves in Wales to publish information on bovine TB­infected farms have been blocked, for the time being at least. In September, the Welsh Government announced, following a consultation, it was following England and going ahead with plans to publish information on cattle herds affected by TB. The intention was to provide the information on a website, with further details due to be announced in November. But Plaid Cymru has proposed an annulment of the Order that would have given the Government powers to make information about bTB publicly available. This means it will now need to be debated and voted upon in the Welsh Assembly before it can become law. The release of individual herd information on Defra’s TB map has been criticised by some farmers in England, where it has been used by badger cull activists to help target farms. Plaid has warned the Welsh Government that it would not support the proposals unless it provides an assurance any information is shared in a ‘sensitive and secure’ way. Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, said it was important information on TB­infected farms is made available to the farming community to help reduce the risk of it spreading. It would also benefit the veterinary community, he said. “But, like many stakeholders who responded to a recent consultation, I feel this should be done in a sensitive way that only provides the information to those who require it,” he added. “I am not convinced of the need for the information to be made accessible to all and sundry. We do not want to see a free­for­all. “I share the concerns of the farming unions and others that providing such information to the general public has the potential to see it used for other, non­TB related purposes. “Seeing your farm go down with TB is a harrowing experience that can leave those farmers affected vulnerable in many ways. “Some have even raised fears about the safety of the individuals that may be identified.” He said the powers conferred to the Minister by the wording of the Order were too wide­ranging. “The information to be published is not specified and allowing its publication ‘in any form’ is much too broad,” Mr Gruffydd said. He called on the Government to be more specific and commit to making the information available in ‘a more controlled and sensitive way’. He suggested it could it be done using existing password­protected means such as sharing the information through the Rural Payments Wales website. This would target the information to the farming community rather than to everyone, he added.

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“I will be seeking many assurances from the Government about the intended release of this information before I can support the Order.” A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Publishing this information will enable farmers to take appropriate precautions to protect their herds from the spread of the disease from neighbouring farms and help cattle keepers make more informed decisions when purchasing new stock.” He said the legislation only permitted the publication of information that enabled others to protect their herds against TB. As is the case in England, names, addresses and CPH numbers will not be published. He said the ‘vast majority’ of respondents to the consultation on proposals to publish the location of TB­affected herds agreed there would be disease control benefits in allowing others, not just farmers, more access to information. “They also responded that more detailed information would help increase farmers’ awareness of the potential TB risks to their herds,” he said. TPP offers 'greatest market access' for beef into Japan The Trans­Pacific Partnership, a trade deal negotiated among Pacific Rim countries and the U.S., represents improved trade access for U.S. beef all around, according the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's Associate Director of Legislative Affairs Kent Bacus. With full text of the TPP now available, Bacus says there are several provisions in the deal important to cattle producers. "In all of these countries, we are going to have a massive decrease on tariffs for U.S. beef," Bacus said. He highlighted the tariff reductions into Japan, which will go to about 9% over 15 years. About $1.6 billion in beef was sold to Japanese consumers last year, he said. "We also have a very strong [sanitary and phyto­sanitary] chapter, which will address a lot of the non­tariff trade barriers," Bacus added. Cattle producers ultimately will be impacted by the tariff reductions because access to export markets will be increased. Bacus explained that the U.S., for example, has long had very low tariffs, which allow strong imports and product availability for U.S. consumers. "When you look at Japan, we face a 38.5% tariff on beef," Bacus explained, which drives up the price of U.S. beef to make it less competitive in the market. "The great thing about TPP is we're going to see those massive tariff barriers eliminated in many countries and phased down to very, very low competitive rates better than anyone else has been able to negotiate." While the deal may mean an increase in beef coming into America, Bacus said the maturity and saturation of the existing U.S. beef market means the volume isn't going to be much more than what's currently available. "The important part of this is that TPP opens these foreign markets for us," he said, which means building demand and reaching customers, while setting the trade framework for years to come. While the trade deal has been agreed to among negotiators, Congress still has to OK the deal. Bacus said it's important that approval happens quickly because key competitors are gaining ground on the U.S. One example is Australia, a key competitor for U.S. beef in Japan. With a trade agreement already in place with Japan and a lower tariff already, Bacus said the U.S. has market share to lose.

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"Every day that passes, the U.S. falls further and further behind in the Japanese market," he said. "We've got to get politics out of the way … and we've got to move forward on TPP." Congress has 60 days to look at the released text, and Bacus said NCBA is hopeful that the agreement will move through by spring 2016 and be in place prior to President Obama's term expiration. Despite the optimism, Bacus offered one last concern: "If the United States is not going to negotiate the terms of trade in the Pacific Rim, the Chinese will."

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New Zealand vaccine to reduce cattle methane emissions for dairy and beef industry reaches testing stage A vaccine to lower greenhouse gas emissions in cattle has reached testing stage in New Zealand. Cattle burp frequently and when they do they produce methane, a gas that contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions from countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Strategy and investment leader for sustainability at Dairy NZ, Rick Pridmore, said the development of a vaccine could mean a reduction in methane emissions from cows by between 25 and 30 per cent. "We're getting very close to coming up with a possible vaccine and we are doing animal testing right now," Mr Pridmore said. According to Mr Pridmore, the vaccine works by targeting methanogens, the gut bacteria which produce methane. "a successful vaccine will probably work [in herds] worldwide."

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