BPEX Weekly: 17 June 2011

Marketing News

Retail Price Rises

Over the last few days four of the major supermarkets, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrison's and Tesco, have started to increase their retail prices.

However, over the same period, the average price paid to pig producers (DAPP) has gone up by only .5p per kilo.

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Choose It and Use It

Christine Hamilton and the producers featured in the booklet have been busy doing radio interviews .  Please see below a list of stations covered to date, good mix of BBC and commercial so hitting a broad audience.

1.       Sky News Radio (syndicated to around 20 regional stations)

2.       BBC Suffolk

3.       The Beach FM

4.       Signal 2 – Staffordshire & Cheshire

5.       Total Star Network

6.       BBC Wiltshire

7.       Wave 105

8.       BBC Radio Norfolk

9.       Sunrise Radio

10.    BBC Radio Solent

11.    BBC Radio Tees

12.    BBC Devon

13.    BBC Southwest

In addition ITV Central News have covered the story and Christine was also due to be interviewed on Radio 2 for the Simon Mayo show.

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Latest Porkwatch Figures

The latest Porkwatch figures, which cover May, show there has been very little change at a GB level this period with most lines on both ‘British’ and Red Tractor remaining stable.

To look at the individual results, click here.

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Regional Roadshow Dates

Dates and venues have now been finalised for the next season of BPEX Roadshows where butchers get the chance to compete with their latest products.

The Roadshows are:

East of England: Wednesday 28 September 2011 at the Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Costessey, Norwich, Norfolk,NR5 0TT

South West:  Wednesday 5 October 2011 at Sandy Park Conference Centre, (Exeter Suite) Sandy Park Way, Exeter Devon EX2 7NN (Note: this is not a sat-nav friendly postcode)

North West: Wednesday 9 November 2011 at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton Whites Hotel (Lion of Vienna Suite), De Havilland Way, Bolton, Greater Manchester BL6 6SF

East Midlands: Wednesday 23 November 2011 at The Newark Showground (Cedric Ford Pavilion) Lincoln Road, Winthorpe, Newark NG24 2NY

North East: 1 February 2012 at the Pavilions of Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground (Wharfe Suite), Harrogate HG2 8PW

West Midlands: 22 February 2012 at The Three Counties Showground (Severn Hall), Malvern, Worcs WR13 6NW

Midlands: 7 March 2012, at Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire (Stareton Hall), Keniliworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LG

South of England: 21st March 2012 at the South of England Showground (Queens Jubilee Hall), Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 6TL

Contact BPEX for any queries regarding these details on 0247 647 8807

Or visit www.porkforbutchers.co.uk

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Government Buying Standards

BPEX has welcomed the publication of Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services and the commitment that ‘Where Government lays down standards of production, it should ensure that its own purchases meet these standards’.

This is seen as further support for the English Pig Industry and it’s higher standards of production as required by UK legislation and additionally supports the direction for Government Departments to report against the requirement to source food, subject to no overall increase in costs, meeting UK or equivalent standards of production.

The guidance document says ‘it is for individual Departments to take responsibility for and justify the food they buy and ensure that it meets their requirements and achieves value for money’.

BPEX Foodservice Sector Manager Tony Goodger said: "The BPEX submission was asking for rather more than this but it is a good basis for further work."

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Knowledge Transfer

Tip of the Week: Holiday Cover

Organise holiday cover and work shadowing and ensure that work instructions are to hand for relief staff.

Template work instructions can be downloaded from the BPEX website by clicking here.

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New Management Course

Applications will open next month for the second BPEX Professional Manager Development Scheme, which will start in January and run for 16 months. On successful completion, participants will achieve an Institute of Leadership and Management Certificate in First Line Management.

The ten training sessions will involve an evening discussion with an allied industry company, followed by a day of management training delivered by Cedar Associates.

Each week for the next couple of months BPEX Weekly will briefly outline the content of each module; session one is entitled ‘Working Together as a Team’ and, following completion, participants will be better able to identify their preferred role in a team and how best to use it and will also be able to assess the stage of development of their own team and how this can be progressed.

Successful applicants for the scheme will not be required to hold specific qualifications but they must be leading a team and be in a position to implement changes. The closing date for applications is 16 September 2011.

For more details, contact Tess Howe tess.howe@bpex.ahdb.org.uk or visit the training area of the BPEX website.

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Publications Catalogue Updated

Find out what publications and e-services BPEX has to offer in our latest catalogue which has just been printed.

The catalogue includes an order form so you can request copies of both marketing and technical material. If you would like a copy of it contact Clancy on 02476 478 792 or email kt@bpex.ahdb.org.uk. 

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IPPC Change

Producers with an EPR Permit need to be aware of their herd numbers and that they do not exceed the limits set, especially those contract finishing. Permit limits are as follows:

• 750 sow places
• 2000 finishing pig places (>30 kg)

The EA has also issued a position paper stating that gilts need to be counted as production pigs for the purpose of this permit.

Make sure all your pigs are correctly accounted for on the permit to avoid any problems. For a copy of the position paper please click here.

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Alternatives to Straw

Pig producers must plan ahead and consider their options for bedding material as straw is likely to be in short supply this year following the spring drought.

BPEX is compiling a bulletin on the alternatives to straw bedding and advice on how to make straw go a bit further.

Recommendations include:

• Protecting stored straw from the elements as far as possible, using plastic sheeting for outdoor stacks
• Minimising dunging areas
• Ensuring drainage is good
• Keeping a close eye on drinkers and feeders to avoid unnecessary spoiling

Producers can also consider alternative bedding materials such as low quality grass hay, maize stalks, pea and bean straw, rye straw, shredded newspaper, hemp and woodchips or coarse sawdust.

Cost and effectiveness varies though. For more advice, producers can contact their local knowledge transfer manager directly, email kt@bpex.ahdb.org.uk or call 02476 478 792. Full contact details can also be found at www.2TS.org.uk

The Knowledge Transfer bulletin on alternative bedding has now been published. Click here to download.

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Look Out For

• A new Target Pork Quality factsheet looking at boar taint
• The new BPHS Assessment dates for July – December 2011

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Practical Advice On Offer

Target 2TS is a one-pager from BPEX with practical advice on improving pig performance to reach the Two-Tonne Sow (2TS) target.

It is featured every month in Pig World magazine and previous editions can be viewed at www.2TS.org.uk

The aim of 2TS is to help English pig producers achieve an industry average of 2,000kg of pigmeat per sow per year by 2012.

Latest available figures show the average carcase weight per sow per year for Great Britain is 1,608kg compared with the EU average of 2,000kg.

Closing this performance gap is crucial to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the English pig sector. Producers need to ensure they are in a strong position to sustain profitability during periods when the market place and exchange rates are less favourable.

Anybody who would like to receive it regularly should email Helen Brothwell.

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Heat Stress in Boars

The hot, dry spring has highlighted the issue of heat stress in pigs which can cause fertility problems in boars as well as sows.

To help pig producers avoid this problem, BPEX has published its latest 2TS Action for Productivity factsheet on preventing and managing heat stress in boars.

A boar’s scrotum is only two-thirds external and the remaining part is internal which proves a further challenge to regulate sperm temperature.

Measures producers can take to reduce the effects of hot weather include:

• Shade and wallows – do the same for the boar as the sow
• Space – allow room for the boars to lie prone and isolated
• Little bedding – provide easier access to cool flooring/dirt etc
• Plenty of water – the minimum requirement for a boar daily is 5-8 litres
• Do not encourage matings in such heat
• Additional air movement – use fans
• Feed in early mornings or evenings when cool

There is more advice in 2TS Action for Productivity no.39: Heat stress in boars. Download it from http://www.bpex.org.uk/2TS/Summer.aspx or call 02476 478 792 to request a hard copy.

Take a look at the BPEX blog for more advice or to pass on your own experiences.

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Leadership Course Award

Eight pig unit supervisors received leadership awards yesterday at the end of the first BPEX leadership programme for the North and Midlands.

Their training, on the BPEX/Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Development Programme, has helped them boost pig productivity and staff motivation on their units.

A special student of the year award went to Dean Brammer who has been recently promoted to manage one of Midland Pig Producers’ units at Branston, Lincolnshire. He said: “The course has made a real difference to me in my new role. It’s helped me communicate better with my team and helped get us working more efficiently together.”

Every candidate received a certificate in First Line Management from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) after 10 months’ of management training sessions, written course work and practical application on farm. The presentation was made at Sandburn Hall near York, after their final training session which focused on increasing performance through training and coaching staff.

The ILM course is designed for anyone responsible for leading people or who will take on the responsibility in the near future. The training is provided by Alistair Gibb of Cedar Associates.

Contact Lis Ravn for information on future courses: 07891 656 784 or by email.

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National News:

Meat Prices Rise

Latest figures show inflation remained at a two-and-a-half year high last month.

While the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) stayed at 4.5% in May, the highest level since October 2008 according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the figures contained big rises in food and alcohol, which were only offset by a sharp fall in air fares as the Easter effect unwound.

A whole range of foodstuffs saw sharp price rises, with meat up by 5.1% over the past year, fish by 11.4%, bread and cereals up by 5.8%, mineral waters, juices and soft drinks by 10.3% and chocolate, confectionery and jams by 7.5%.

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BPEX Sponsors MEATUP

The great taste of Quality Standard British Bacon can be enjoyed at the new MEATUP trade show next week when it opens its doors for business on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 June at Hall 2, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

Visitors to the exhibition who arrive before 11.00am can obtain a free bacon butty and cup of tea to start off the day with the compliments of BPEX, itself one of 14 major trade sponsors for the new two-day event.

The show has attracted a substantial range of over 100 exhibitors from right across the meat industry and there are three free workshops taking place in the exhibition theatre. On day two, 22nd June, the workshop at 12.30pm features the pig sector and includes contributions from Andrew Knowles, Head of Communications at BPEX, and Stuart Dobson of Dunbia.

The previous day, 21 June, features an important workshop on profiting from the fifth quarter with contributions from Jean-Pierre Garnier, Head of Exports at BPEX and EBLEX, plus Peter Simpson of PDM and Steven Woodgate of Fabra. Day one also features a free workshop focusing on the beef and sheep sectors.

Major craft butchers competitions will be featured on both days in the competition arena, including the prestigious International Young Butcher Competition. Full details of all activities can be found at the show website www.meatup.co.uk. Entrance and parking is free, just turn up on your chosen day. The show hours are 21 June:10.00am-4.30pm and 22 June:10.00am-4.00pm.

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Supermarket Profits

Sainsbury's has reported a solid sales performance in a challenging environment as it benefited from Easter, the royal wedding and record-breaking weather.

The UK's third biggest supermarket recorded 1.9% sales growth excluding fuel and the impact of new stores but including VAT in the 12 weeks to June 11. Tesco has reported an equivalent figure of 1% growth.

The company said general merchandise and clothing grew faster than food - an area in which Tesco is struggling - as it had its best quarter ever for childrenswear.

Supermarket giant Tesco reported an improving trend in UK sales today but warned that high fuel costs continue to divert customer spending from the tills.

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Poor Cereal Yields Forecast

Farmers forecast a significant drop in wheat and oilseed yields in 2011.

Wheat and oilseed rape yield is likely to be significantly down on the five-year average, according to NFU members in a survey run between May and early June this year.

National analysis of the survey was weighted to include crops grown in areas where less crop damage had been reported.

With very poor growing conditions, particularly in the east, results suggest that average English wheat yield in 2011 will be down by 14 per cent to around 6.5 tonnes per hectare (ha), which would rank among the lowest since the late 1980s.

Area planted is currently thought to be similar to last year but wheat production in England for 2011 may be much lower due to some severe drought pressure on crops this spring. Based on analysis of these farmer estimates, production could be down on the five-year average by around two million tonnes to below 12 million tonnes (mt) or 15 per cent below the five-year average of 13.738mt.

Winter oilseed rape appears to be in a slightly stronger position than for cereals, with farmers forecasting English yields at 3.1t/ha, nine per cent down on the five year average of 3.4t/ha.

Plantings are believed to be significantly up on the five year average, at 655k/ha in 2011, indicating a potential total production of 2.028mt against the five year average of 1.762mt in England.

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Swine Dysentery Meeting

People from across the pig supply chain came together this week and planned to help protect the south-west pig herd against swine dysentery (SD).

The BPEX meeting at Newbury Rugby Club drew more than 50 people representing marketing groups, livestock hauliers, abattoirs, vets and pig farmers.

Richard Pearson of George Vet Group highlighted the need to protect the good health status of pig units in the south-west. There were only a handful of swine dysentery cases diagnosed in the region in the last 18 months, but Richard stressed the importance of minimising the risk of its spread.

Co-operation is the key to this and by the end of the meeting attendees were interested in forming an ‘SD charter’ for the south-west pig industry, inspired by the success of a similar charter in East Anglia.

Another meeting will be held in Cullompton on 19 July for producers who could not make it to the Newbury meeting.

For more information on forthcoming meetings and signing up for the National Health Improvement Programme contact Katrin Turvey (07816 939 130 ) or Helen Clarke (07973 701369) at BPEX:

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Latest BPHS Dates

New assessment dates for July to December 2011 in all participating abattoirs have been published and are available on the BPEX website.

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International News:

Argentina Changes GM Rules

The Argentine Ministry of Agriculture is to amend regulations governing the approval process for genetically modified crops in order to speed it up, national newspaper El Cronista reports.

Minister Lorenzo Basso says that the new regime will accelerate approvals of GM crops by improving co-ordination between the competent authorities, including the national animal and plant health inspection service, the Senasa, and the agricultural biotechnology assessor commission, the Conabia.

Argentina has approved 18 GM crops in the past 15 years and five of those in the past 18 months.

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International Prices

For the latest international prices, click here.

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