Dear readers,
We start with the good news of the swine industry:
- The Catalan Agriculture Department has announced that, for the first occasion since the outbreak started, there have been no identified cases of African swine fever in wild boar within the designated high-risk area. Of the 302 tests conducted in the past week, all returned negative .This development as encouraging, as it bolsters confidence in the strategies for eradication and the biosecurity protocols set in place since the onset of the health emergency Nonetheless, the situation cannot be declared resolved just yet, and thus, the existing strategy and restrictions will remain in place.
- Weight control is influenced by the general eating patterns rather than any particular food item, and this research disputes the idea that pork must be omitted from a nutritious diet .A study that has undergone peer review, which is featured in the journal Nutrition & Diabetes, determines that adults who are overweight or obese and maintained their pork consumption throughout a six-month online weight management initiative experienced a 5.3% reduction in their starting body weight and enhanced their diet quality by 4.3 points .This research, conducted by Dr .Ana M .Palacios from Georgia Southern University, serves as a secondary analysis involving 187 participants who were part of the digital Weight Watchers program .
- Indiana Packers Corp .has inaugurated a new freezer distribution facility at its headquarters located in Delphi, Indiana, significantly increasing the company’s storage capacity to enhance services for both domestic and global clients .This new building, covering 9000 square meters, expands the pallet positions available to Indiana Packers by over 12 times and leads to the creation of 30 new job opportunities .Indiana Packers has a workforce of 3,000 individuals at its locations in Delphi, Indiana; Frankfort and Holland, Michigan; and Owensboro, Kentucky .Originating with a focus on pork, the company has broadened its offerings to include various products such as pork, lunchmeat, hot dogs, sausages, and additional food items .
- Pilgrim’s Europe is taking over Walkers. Located in Leicester, Walkers Deli & Sausage has origins that trace back to 1824 and specializes in high-quality pork items, such as sausages, pre-cooked meats, bacon, snack foods, and pâté. Pilgrim’s Europe mentioned that the purchase would increase its involvement in value-added premium pork sectors and solidify its presence within the UK market.
Events calendar:
- The Shanghai International Frozen and Chilled Food Exhibition(SIFCE) is a renowned international trade fair for frozen and chilled products. The SIFCE will take place on 3 days from Wednesday, 26. August to Friday, 28. August 2026.
Stop
This summer has proven challenging for agricultural operations across various regions in Europe .Pastures that are drying out, limited availability of feed, and diminished quality of crops. The repercussions are especially apparent in orchards and farms .The produce—fruits and vegetables—has become smaller, less consistent, and fails to meet regular commercial standards, lacking the visual appeal that consumers generally anticipate. In times of drought, it becomes crucial for farms to maintain liquidity .The costs for feed, energy, fuel, and irrigation surge, while revenues from production typically diminish .Receiving payments faster for goods delivered helps farmers manage their ongoing expenses more effectively .
In France Carrefour intends to incorporate a special clause related to drought in its beef procurement strategy .This clause is designed to take into account the extra expenses that arise due to extended periods of high temperatures when processing payments to farmers .For those in cattle farming, the challenges extend beyond mere dry pastures .As grass becomes less abundant, farmers are left with the choice to stockpile supplies for future months or to buy additional feed, both of which can drive up the cost of herd maintenance swiftly. In severe scenarios, some farmers opt to sell off their livestock prematurely because the cost of their sustenance becomes prohibitive .The newly introduced mechanism aims to ensure that the buyer of the meat acknowledges at least part of this risk .,Farmers are set to receive payments quickly. Carrefour also revealed plans to decrease payment terms for producers to a span of 15 days .
In response to the challenges faced by farmers, the French government has taken action .Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that farms impacted by drought and heatwaves can rely on governmental assistance. The measures announced include tax exemptions and alleviation of certain social security contributions . Prime Minister further assured that the agricultural sector would be protected as much as feasible during the impending restructuring of public finances .,
In Austria, drought prompts an increase in cattle sales .The circumstances in Austria present a different scenario .In this case, the issue involves not just higher feed costs but also a rapid rise in the number of animals being sold in the market .The extended dry spell has left numerous cattle ranchers unable to maintain their livestock on grassland for the expected duration .Consequently, a significant number of animals are being sold prematurely .This situation leads to an influx of beef in a condensed timeframe .
Under such circumstances, producers might be concerned about price reductions. When a large number of sellers are compelled to offer their livestock simultaneously, their ability to negotiate is diminished .The supermarket chain Billa has taken steps to address this issue .The organization has declared its intention to amplify its domestic beef procurement by 20% in the near future. Crucially, the extra amounts will be sourced at pre-established fixed prices outlined in long-term contracts with the ranchers .This arrangement provides farmers with enhanced sales predictability .Billa also intends to boost consumer engagement with Austrian beef .The supermarket will initiate special marketing campaigns in its outlets to assist in accommodating the increased meat supply .
The initiatives observed in both France and Austria indicate that drought’s repercussions are extending beyond the agricultural sector .When severe weather interferes with production, the strain reverberates throughout the entire supply chain .This time, various large retailers have opted for specific measures—such as expedited payments, relaxed product standards, and heightened beef purchasing . Swine sector is also affected by the heat and drought, we should push for similar measures!
Although there is a slight improvement in the sentiment within the German pork sector, a decision made by industry frontrunner Tönnies is provoking significant reactions .In a correspondence directed to pig suppliers, the firm disclosed that it will be ending current agreements with appropriate notice and plans to proceed with collaborations under newly formulated contracts: “Tönnies pork price” is nominated as the foundation for their pricing, which is published weekly on the firm’s website every Thursday .“We are strongly dedicated to the VEZG (Association of German Pig Producers) price quotation and intend to keep using it as a reference .Nonetheless, a legally binding obligation to the association price does not align with the new pricing structures that the pork market urgently requires for multiple reasons,” stated Robert Elmerhaus, the Head of Live Pig Procurement at Tönnies.
The manner in which the processing facility is attempting to impose a fait accompli seems to completely override the real value of reference of the German hog quotation.
Will German pig farmers be able to say to Tönnies: „Stop!”?
