Welcome to this week's newsletter

Editorial – FMD Continues to Hit South Korean Industry

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) continues to impact the South Korean pig industry. Already early last week, the authorities there reported that more than three million animals – both pigs and cattle – had been culled in order to gain control over the spread of infection. Over the last weekend, it was announced that pigs on the country's largest pig breeding farm were found to be infected with FMD and, as a result, the Department of Animal Resources Development in South Chungcheong has been closed.

In order to curb rising domestic pork prices, which have been spiraling upward due to the widespread cull, the Korean government announced last week that it is cutting the import duty on 60,000 tonnes of pork from 25 per cent to zero until 30 June 2011.

Brazil's pork export volumes in both November and December 2010 made double-digit declines compared to the same months of the previous year. For the year as a whole, exported volume was 11 per cent lower than 2009 but the US dollar value of those sales was up more than nine per cent.

In 2010, pork exports were down 11.0 per cent in volume to just over 540,418 tons, compared with 607,490 ton for 2009. The value of 2010 sales was $1.341 billion, which is 9.3 per cent higher than in 2009 ($1.226 billion). At $2,481 per tonne, the average US dollar price per ton of the 2010 sales was 22.9 per cent higher than in 2009, when the average stood at $2,019.

Jackie Linden

This Week's Feature Articles

Company News

Feedtech-Croptech Pavilion at VIV Asia Fully Booked
THAILAND - Feedtech-Croptech Asia 2011, the brand new, special theme at VIV Asia 2011 is attracting high levels of attention from the international exhibiting business community.

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Look Out for Outlook!
UK - April 27, 2011 – a date not to be missed! Get it in your diary now for the BPEX/EBLEX annual Outlook Conference.

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Hypor Increases Investment in Feed Intake Recording
GLOBAL - Between 60 and 70 per cent of the cost of production is feed. Now more than ever feed conversion efficiency is critically important in pig production.

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The Value of CBVPlus
US - As a business-minded producer, you are constantly looking for ways to improve productivity and increase profitability in your operation. Using CBVPlus boars and semen from PIC is an easy way to do just that.

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Pfizer Completes Offer for King Pharmaceuticals
US - Pfizer Inc. has completed its tender offer for shares of King Pharmaceuticals.

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TOPIGS Canada: New Business Development Rep.
CANADA - TOPIGS Canada has announced that Sergio Sosa has joined its staff as Business Development Representative.

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Family Farms, Inc. Forms Partnership with TOPIGS
PHILIPPINES - TOPIGS and Family Farms, Inc in the Philippines have formalized a strategic pig genetics agreement which is composed of gilt multiplication and installation of a modern artificial insemination centers.

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ACMC Tip: Successful Semen Storage
UK - Successful AI is an essential part of profitable pig farm performance. AI studs take great care over processing and handling semen to send out a product that is capable of giving results at levels comparable to, or better than, natural service.

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Global Pig Industry News

Korea, South

 » FMD NEWS: FMD Found at Largest Pig Breeding Farm
 » Korea Cuts Import Tariffs

China

 » Animal Husbandry Makes Significant Progress
 » US Corn and DDGS Under Discussion in China

United States

 » Pork Commentary: Iowa Pork Congress Report
 » Smithfield Sells Texhoma Hog Production Operations
 » Registration Open for 2011 Pork Industry Forum
 » K-State to Lead Way in Feed, Food Safety Research
 » EPA Makes Data Available on Emissions Study
 » Market Preview: Time a Factor in Pork Puzzle
 » NPPC Shows Support for Dietary Guidelines' Goal
 » Weekly Roberts Market Report
 » CME: Consumption of Meat, Poultry and Fish Down
 » CME: $100 Lean Hogs Futures Big News
 » SowBridge Distance Education Series Resumes
 » Illinois Pork Expo Re-Scheduled
 » Call for Contingency Plan for Feed Grains
 » Hog Prices Higher Compared to a Week Ago
 » Tyson Reports First Quarter Sales Up 15 Per Cent

United Kingdom

 » £27 Million Christmas Loss for English Producers
 » Pig Producers Pile on the Pressure
 » Viability of Livestock Sector under Threat
 » Farmers to Hold Downing Street Rally on 3 March
 » A More Positive Feel

General

 » Kemin Enters Veterinary Market
 » US, Ukraine Sign Health Protocol for Swine Semen
 » CPF Increases International Interests
 » World Meat Price Steady; Dairy Price Higher
 » Growing Economies Provide Opportunities in SE Asia

Brazil

 » 2010 Pork Exports Up in Value

European Union

 » EU Pig Prices: Slaughter Pig Markets Note Optimism

Ukraine

 » Ministry Proposes Introduction of Import Licensing
 » About 100,000 Tons of Pork to be Imported in 2011

Canada

 » US Ethanol Policy Blamed for High Feed Costs
 » Reduction in Trade Disruptions Expected
 » TGE: Opportunity to Test Traceability Protocols
 » Maple Leaf to Close Prepared Meats Plant
 » Board Change for Maple Leaf
 » Participation in Assessment Programme Encouraged
 » Improved Production and Support of Ag Practices

Russian Federation

 » Cherkizovo Now at Number 3 in Pork Market
 » ASF Outbreak in the Krasnodar Krai

Australia

 » Greens Urge Reform of Hen and Pig Laws

Croatia

 » EU Office Raises Concerns over CSF Risk in Croatia

Hungary

 » Hungarian Wild Boar Pose Some CSF Risk

Netherlands

 » GD Organises Ring Trial for PRRSV

Colombia

 » Colombia Makes Case for Ratified US-Colombia FTA

Mexico

 » Bachoco Sales Up More Than Six Per Cent in 2010



That's all for this week!

Ed.