Pork Journal July/August 2016

porkjournal www.primarymedia.com.au

Volume 38 Issue 4

July/August 2016

Piggery Placements produce postgrads

Buoyant mood at 2016 WAPPA AGM and Industry Day

A first for South Australian Pork CRC Industry Placement Program

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porkjournal www.primarymedia.com.au

Volume 38 Issue 4

July/August 2016

EDITOR:

EDITORIAL & DESIGN

JOURNALIST/PHOTOGRAPHER PRODUCTION EDITOR

Peter Bedwell Alex Bedwell

Rosemary Embery

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alex Bedwell

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SALES Peter Bedwell Phone: (02) 9797 2406 Mob: 0419 235 288 Email: primarymedia@bigpond.com Rates are available at www.primarymedia.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS AUSTRALIA One Year - $55.00* NEW ZEALAND One Year - NZ$80 Roseworthy student Bryony Tucker in Mallee Park weaner shelter.

COVER STORY Page 8: Piggery Placements produce postgrads

By Graeme Pope

NEWS/PRODUCT NEWS Page 4: A first for South Australian Pork CRC Industry Placement Program Page 6: Buoyant mood at 2016 WAPPA AGM and Industry Day Page 11: IBISWorld: Revenue growth for pig farming Page12: VFF Pig Group meeting held at Shepparton Page 13: Pork prices in China may beat record Page 14: Pork CRC working to drive down greenhouse gas emissions Page 16: What’s next for Jemma Seyfang?

Page 17: Selontra – a new rodenticide for piggeries

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ENQUIRIES OFFICE ADDRESS: 250 Hawthorne Pde, Haberfield NSW 2045 Phone: (02) 9797 2406 Mob: 0419 235 288 Production: 0409 944 472 Email: primarymedia@bigpond.com Pork Journal consists of a bi-monthly management magazine and an annual industry review, The Pig Industry Yearbook.

Published by C D Supplies Pty Ltd trading as Primary Media (ACN 091 560 557) All material copyright (editorial and advertisements) and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of PORK JOURNAL, the publishers do not accept any responsibility or liability for the material herein.

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NEWS

A first for South Australian Pork CRC Industry Placement Program

By BRENDON CANT, BCA Public Relations Alice Weaver, whose PhD was supported by the CRC For High Integrity Australian Pork, is the first person to be awarded an Industry Placement Program appointment under the South Australian Government’s $500,000 funding to the Pork CRC. Dr Weaver officially commenced as a Technical Officer at Jeff Braun’s ‘Myora Farm’ at Mt Gambier, SA, on August 3 and will be responsible for the implementation and coordination of the piggery’s research and development activities.

Pork CRC CEO Dr Roger Campbell said the SA Government funding was a welcome boost to Pork CRC’s existing successful Industry Placement Program (IPP), where it placed supported graduates with industry, in particular with its participants.

Graduates are then trained in the business of pork production and remain active in research and Pork CRC activities.

“It is a partnership where funding and training is shared, young people get a start in industry and industry benefits from their enthusiasm and injection of fresh ideas and knowledge, which is often cutting edge science.

“It’s a win-win for everyone and we thank the SA state government and its Minister for Science and Information Economy, Hon Kyam Maher, for recognising this and stepping in to further fund and advance the initiative,” Dr Campbell said.

Pork CRC has supported six IPPs to date and the new funds will help enhance the competiveness of the SA pork industry and provide significant opportunities for graduate and postgraduate students to contribute to what is a vibrant industry.

Pork CRC IPP recipients and their IPP employers, so far, include Dr Rebecca Athorn at Rivalea Australia, Tracey Muller, at CHM/SunPork, Dr David Lines, at APFG/SunPork Farms, Claire Payne, at Craig Mostyn Group and Vanessa Morris, at Chris Richards Group and Anthony Martyniuk, at SunPork SA. Dr Weaver’s Pork CRC supported

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PhD at University of Adelaide, ‘The induction of a fertile oestrus in lactating sows and the subsequent effect mating in lactation has on oocyte quality and embryo survival’, has developed further understanding of sow reproductive potential. Addressing commercial cost, benefit, risks and bottom line gain will be ongoing for the industry.

Myora Principal and owner Jeff Braun has had a lifelong interest in pig genetics.

According to Mr Braun, the business of pig farming was entirely dependent on having healthy, happy animals, cared for by well trained, skilled staff.

“This is where someone so highly skilled and scientifically qualified as Alice will make a real difference.

“I applaud Pork CRC and South Australian Government for joining forces to make more Industry Placement Program positions available to such talented young people,” he said.

Dr Weaver said she had already enjoyed working at Myora and is excited about the opportunity to implement her knowledge and research skills in a commercial environment.

“The IPP award gives both parties more certainty, with a minimum three year contract appointment and the opportunity to make a real difference in a commercial operation while gaining on-the-job practical experience,” Dr Weaver said.

Dr Alice Weaver at ‘Myora Farm’, South Australia, where she works under the Pork CRC’s Industry Placement Program with support from the SA Government.

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NEWS

Buoyant mood at 2016 WAPPA AGM and Industry Day

By BRENDON CANT, BCA Public Relations West Australian Pork Producers’ Association President, Dawson Bradford, has highlighted the buoyant state of the industry in his report to WAPPA’s 2016 AGM. However, he sounded a note of caution about how possible changes to the ‘Standards and Guidelines’ (Model Code), once its review is finalised, might affect promising growth opportunities for the WA pig industry.

Mr Bradford, of Popanyinning, was re-elected to WAPPA’s Executive Committee, along with fellow producer Graeme Dent of Cuballing, whose terms had expired due to the effluxion of time.

Fellow Committee members are Emalyn Loudon of Perth, Torben Soerensen of GD Pork and Dean Romaniello of Craig Mostyn Group.

WAPPA’s AGM was part of a very successful 2016 Industry Day at the International On The Water Hotel at Ascot, which was attended by about 50 producers, industry stakeholders and WAPPA sponsors.

Speakers included Roger Campbell, Pork CRC, Andrew Spencer and Deb Kerr, APL, Andrew Daff, DAFWA, Kate Savage, Portec, Amanda Vardanega, MSD Animal Health, Meg Donahoo, Boehringer Ingelheim, Tony Heelan of Tony Heelan & Co., Industrial Relations and Management and Rob Wilson, Pork Innovation WA. Addressing the industry day and in his report to the AGM, Mr Bradford noted that WA’s pig industry had been identified by the State Government and DAFWA as having the potential to grow 10-fold, which could change the shape of the industry.

“However, for growth to happen, we must be globally competitive and with the changes touted for the standards and guidelines, this isn’t going to happen,” he said.

“While I am all for good welfare standards and those who don’t comply should be shunned from the industry, I can’t understand why anyone would want to go above their competitor’s level.

“We don’t want to make the minimum acceptable standards greater

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than that of our competitors, as this will not help us compete in Asian markets,” Mr Bradford said.

WA’s pork industry saw good growth in pig numbers in 2015/16, which was the third successive year in which pig numbers increased by more than 10%, the highest increase of any state and pushing annual numbers processed in WA to 660,000.

According to WAPPA Executive Committee member Dean Romaniello, with increased sow numbers, good growth should occur again this financial year.

“The demand behind this increase was mainly driven by the free range and sow stall free market, however export continues to remain sound and local demand positive on the back of high meat prices from competing proteins,” he said.

“WA producers have seen good pig prices, hopefully putting them in a good financial position, so the aim now should be to reinvest back into the farms and continue to look into lowering cost of production, which will help ensure a viable and bright future for WA producers in the years ahead,” Mr Romaniello said.

Top LtoR: Meg Donahoo, Roger Campbell, Kate Savage and Diana Turpin.

Above LtoR: Andrew Spencer, Deb Kerr, Taya Clarke, Jan Cooper and Kim Nairn.

NEWS WAPPA Executive Officer, Jan Cooper, in her report, suggested access to labour in the WA pork industry continued to be a risk to growth, however WAPPA had successfully applied for labour agreements on behalf of GD Pork and Westpork.

“With runs on the board, WAPPA is now in a good position to help other producers interested in pursuing labour agreements, while we also continue to investigate other avenues for producers while ensuring the integrity of labour agreements,” she said.

Other matters Ms Cooper addressed were: biosecurity; environment and planning; APL delegate forum; animal welfare; APIQ standards; R&D; Productivity Commission; governance and communication and networking.

Roger Campbell focussed his Pork CRC update on its progress with commercialising technologies and products, including appetite enhancers for weaners and enrichment blocks for gestating sows and weaners.

Dr Campbell listed the following as being on his ‘Pork CRC Watching Brief’ and R&D outcomes producers should eagerly anticipate: They included APP vaccine; lauric acid and the effects of fatty acid levels in lactation on subsequent reproduction; post cervical AI; oestrus synchronisation; Porcinet for growers; magnesium effects before farrowing.

Veterinarian Kate Savage of Portec reminded producers of the effects of heat stress in summer, in particular how it affects sows.

She said heat stress suffered by sows could lead to earlier ovulation, reduced hormonal support of pregnancy, poor quality eggs and boars were affected by compromised semen production.

Dr Savage noted that as production systems in WA moved from intensive to eco-shelters and to free range, producers had less control over temperature and day length.

She recommended producers study ‘Preparing for the summer months: seasonal infertility and beyond’, a manual co-produced by Pork CRC and APL. Pork Innovation WA Chairman, Rob Wilson, in his report, advised that PIWA was now an incorporated body with inaugural members WAPPA, Craig Mostyn Group, Portec Veterinary Service, Milne Agrigroup, Westpork and Dawson Bradford.

“Pork Innovation WA will seek funding for research through industry organisations such as Pork CRC,

APL and the Agricultural Produce Commission, plus non-traditional channels which seek to support productivity and competitiveness,” Dr Wilson said.

“We hope the combination of external funding and transition funding from DAFWA will establish PIWA as a viable model for future pork industry research, development and extension in WA.”

• • • • • • •

About 130 people attended WAPPA’s industry dinner in the evening, at which The 2016 Ron Pollard Memorial Award was presented by Deb Kerr of APL to former Pork CRC supported student Yvonne Lau, who graduated from Murdoch University with 2nd Class Honours in Animal Science. She hopes to continue her career in the pork industry.

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Roseworthy student Bryony Tucker in Mallee Park weaner shelter.

Piggery Placements produce postgrads University-enrolled students completed two weeks of work placement in SA piggeries in July under an APLsponsored Undergraduate Industry Placement Award (UIPA).

Bryony Tucker and Amelia Johnson, both in their final year of their Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) degree course, Roseworthy Campus applied for UIPA’s to increase their practical knowledge and experience in commercial pig production.

In SA, the UIPA program is jointly supported by the Pig Industry Advisory Group, with local student mentoring managed by pork industry consultant Graeme Pope, Nuriootpa.

Bryony Tucker completed her Placement at Mallee Park Piggery, Port Vincent during April and July, to fit in with that farm’s batch farrowing program.

“My APL Placement gave me a hands-on experience to apply the information I have learnt from my degree so far, and to obtain a wealth of information from people who have worked in the industry for many years,” Bryony said.

“It has provided me with a depth of understanding and respect for the care and management of pigs, piggery systems and the amazing people who run piggeries.

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“The environment and opportunities that the Mallee Park Piggery provided throughout my Placement have been invaluable and I am truly grateful to them and APL,” she said.

Bryony now plans to complete her undergraduate Animal Science degree before re-enrolling into an Honours program in pigs at Roseworthy, under the academic supervision of pig vet Dr Roy Kirkwood. She also hopes to return to Mallee Park part time in 2017 to cover for farrowing staff while on leave.

Amelia Johnson was placed at McPiggery, Kulkami near Lameroo, and found the experience of great value in connecting the principles already learnt during her studies at Roseworthy with commercial production.

“I had developed an interest in pig production as a result of a livestock production assignment focusing on pork. This led me to undertake the Pig Production Science elective program offered by the Adelaide University during early 2016,” Amelia said.

“This course had a great foundation of theoretical information, but I felt I still lacked practical knowledge and I saw the UIPA as a great opportunity to bridge this gap.

“As a result of the two week placement, I was able to make the connection from theory to practical

application, while also getting a fully immersive look at a large scale pork production system. It really helped to connect the dots,” she said.

“It was also really enjoyable and the farm was so accommodating and willing to teach which made the experience even better.

“I have now been asked to start discussions within the university about prospects of honours in pig production as well. This is a direct result of my course selections and the UIPA. “There have been multiple benefits from taking this opportunity and for any student wanting to experience pork production, I highly recommend it,” Amelia added.

The APL UIPA opportunity has now been taken up in SA by more than 70 Adelaide University students since its inception, with at least 60% of them either returning to Roseworthy Campus to re-enrol in post-graduate studies focused on pigs, or starting careers within the national pork industry after graduation.

These outcomes would not be possible without the continued support of the SA pig industry and its placement farms, but begs the question … what are the other universities doing to attract their undergraduate students into pig industry careers?

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APL NEWS

ProHand Pork, PPPE video and new APL app ProHand Pork is now available to all of the Australian Pig Industry.

Endorsed by Temple Grandin, ProHand is a computer based training program which uses a cognitivebehavioural technique to target and change the attitudes of stockpeople towards their animals.

ProHand is now delivered via the internet, with each trainee undertaking the program with no input from a trainer or peers.

ProHand Pigs is now freely available for all members of the Australian pig industry, with ProHand Pork Abattoir soon to become available.

To obtain log-in details or for further information please contact Ashley Norval at ashley.norval@australianpork. com.au or 02 6270 8823.

PPPE videos now available The 2016 Pan Pacific Pork Expo plenary and concurrent session speaker presentations are now available to view online.

APL Tech Toolbox App The APL Tech Toolbox App is now available to freely download and use on all Android, Apple and Windows smartphones and tablets.

The App contains all the R&D snapshots (that highlight the latest research outcomes that are also distributed fortnightly to APL members in the Communique), best management practice information (including manuals, fact sheets and guidelines) as well as upcoming events and news.

Once the App has been downloaded, the information contained within it can also be accessed without the need for an internet connectionvery handy when you are out and about and wanting to access some information.

Each article contains contact details for the APL R&I program manager, so if you want further information, including the full final report we can easily be contacted from within the app.

Events can also be easily added to your calendar by clicking on the icon within the events section.

Users might also like to comment on articles within the app- those who already have an online PigPass username and password will be able to log in.

If you don’t have a PigPass login,

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Above: Rob van Barneveld and Heather Bray speaking at the recent PPPE. The 2016 PPPE plenary and concurrent presentations are now available on-line. there is a registration page to fill in on the app.

To find the app, go to either the App Store on an iPhone/ iPad or to Google on Android devices and search for ‘APL Tech Toolbox’.

National Farmer Survey on Agricultural Extension As part of the Australian Government’s Rural R&D for Profit program, a national survey of farmers about the topic of agricultural extension is being conducted.

APL would like to encourage producers’ participation in the survey to ensure the diverse views of farmers on this important topic are represented.

Ensuring that farmers have the information, advice and support they need to be productive, profitable, sustainable and connected to the latest research is a topic of national significance identified in the Australian competitiveness white paper.

Results of this survey will be used to shape future agricultural extension services.

Go to the APL website for the link that will provide you with more information about the survey, and give you the option of participating. If you participate, the survey is expected to

take approximately 15 minutes.

The survey forms part of research into agricultural extension being conducted as part of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Rural R&D for Profit programme and is supported

by RIRDC (Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation), Dairy Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Australian Pork Limited, Sugar Research Australia, Horticulture Innovation Australia, NSW Department of Industry, Agriculture Victoria and the University of Melbourne.

The survey is administered by Quantum Market Research.

Australian Pig Veterinarians Annual Conference Registrations are now open for the upcoming APV Conference, to be held on September 26-27 in Queenstown, New Zealand.

The keynote speaker this year will be Professor Peter Davies, a renowned veterinary epidemiologist specialising in infectious diseases of food animals, particularly swine. He will be joined on the program by a number of other excellent and informative presenters.

NEWS

IBISWorld: Revenue growth for pig farming IBISWorld forecasts that revenue from pig farming will grow at an annualised 5.8% from 2010-11 through 2015-16, to reach $1.5 billion.

In comparison, the beef cattle farming industry is expected to grow at an annualised 3.1%, to $13.5 billion.

IBISWorld anticipates that revenue growth for pig farming will continue to outpace that of beef cattle farming over the five years through 2020-21, at an annualised rate of 4.5% compared with 2.4%.

IBISWorld Senior Industry Analyst Brooke Tonkin identified that over the past five years, mounting competition from imports had forced pig farmers to alter production to survive.

These changes have revived the industry, with production volumes and average pig meat prices rising strongly over the period.

Pig farmers typically focus on either porker production, which is raising pigs for fresh meat, or baconer production, which is raising pigs for processed meats such as bacon and smallgoods.

Meat from these two types of production have different pricepoints due to competition from imported meats. Due to health regulations, only processed pig meats can be imported into Australia. This means that baconer farmers face more competition than their porker farmer counterparts.

“Australian pig farmers have faced intense competition from imported pig meat over the past decade.

Many other nations subsidise pig production, which artificially lowers their production costs.

This makes Australian processed pig meat uncompetitive in price terms compared with imported pig meats from these countries and has encouraged Australian pig farmers to become porker producers, which allows them to achieve higher prices for their livestock,” Ms Tonkin said.

“Pig meat consumption

has increased, with fresh pork consumption growing at a faster rate than processed pig meat consumption,” Ms Tonkin added.

“Increasing health consciousness and a shift towards white meat among consumers for its perceived health benefits has helped contribute to this consumption growth.”

In response to increasing consumer concerns about the treatment of livestock, Australian pig farmers have agreed to phase out sow stall production by 2017.

With this deadline fast approaching, pig farmers have been forced to invest in new farming layouts and facilities, replacing stalls with open pens that give pigs room to roam.

This conversion requires substantial capital investment, and has further encouraged pig farmers to shift towards higher value porker production over the past five years.

549578_PEST_SELONTRA PERMIT ADVERT_125 x 114mm_OL.indd 1

The increasing shift towards porker production and expected rise in pig meat prices have driven industry revenue growth over the five years through 2015-16.

The beef cattle farming industry, which has been an agricultural powerhouse over the past five years, is forecast to grow at a slower rate.

Pig farmers are expected to continue reaping the benefits of shifting production over the next five years.

Per capita domestic pig meat consumption is forecast to grow modestly over the period, with fresh pork continuing to expand its share of total pig meat consumed.

Queensland has the greatest number of operators in the pig farming industry, followed by New South Wales and South Australia. In beef cattle farming, Queensland has the greatest number of operators followed by New South Wales and Victoria.

16/08/2016 4:01 pm

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NEWS

VFF Pig Group meeting held at Shepparton The VFF Pig Group annual meeting was held on July 7, at the Peppermill Hotel in Shepparton, Victoria.

Pigs, eggs and chicken meat all come under the banner of the Victorian Farmers Federation and the benefit of joining this association, means there is one unified voice for all the intensive groups.

Amongst the three groups there are still individual issues that are presented as independent to the government agencies, thereby keeping the individual group’s focus. As a group for the first six months it will continue to grow.

The Pig Group costs versus the income was one ot the issues raised.

Recently the VFF charges have increased and been identified and it was explained that there is a necessary $8000 required to ensure the books are balanced.

An opportunity was proposed to the VFF members on how to focus on getting the books balanced.

A joint venture with the VFF Proposed Inactivates – Capricorn Model was proposed where producers purchase products (fuel and bulk buying) and it costs $200 to join the COOP. Capricorns model not only makes accounting much simpler but by using the collective bargaining power of members and guaranteed payment, Capricorn secures discounted rates which offset the running costs of Capricorn. Anything above that is fed through to members.

John Bourke, President of the VFF Pig Group gave the President’s report and the year in review.

“VFF continues to work on planning, EPA requirements, and representation at state and national levels.

“Phasing out of the sow stalls is going forward which means producers are listening to consumer demand.

One of the Guest Speakers was Dr Pat Mitchell who presented a paper on ‘Biosecurity and Antimicrobial resistance’.

“First presented at the delegate’s meeting, we reviewed the presentation on antimicrobial resistance.

“In the USA, the FDA has proposed to withdraw approval for the use of Carbadox to treat pigs.

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Carbadox was first approved in the early 1970s for use in swine to control swine dysentery and bacterial swine enteritis. It has also been used for weight gain and feed efficiency.

In July 2014, the Codex Alimentarius Commission determined there is no safe level of residues of carbadox or its metabolites in food that represents an acceptable risk to consumers.

This year there is a request for a hearing by manufacturers of Carbadox over the issue. Although it has been banned by Australia for some years, we are still importing pig meat potentially reared using Carbodox from the US. Pat Mitchell also spoke about the antimicrobial surveillance project where 200 samples were taken at slaughter and the prevalence of anti microbial resistance (AMR) amongst commensals was estimated. E.coli, Salmonella spp., Enterococcus spp. – and sent off for AMR testing. The sampling has begun and is now being repeated.

The surveillance showed good results initially. The work being done is to show what drugs are showing resistance.

The next step is to find out where the resistance came from?

“Resistance 101 – resistance doesn’t only occur because of use.

Some bacteria are naturally resistant to certain antibiotics. Resistance can also occur by a genetic mutation or by picking up resistance from other bacteria.

“What does this mean for producers – biosecurity protocols focus on keeping diseases out and stop the carriage of AMR bacteria. APL is working on stewardship plan for the industry.

The stewardship plan is designed for the preservation of AMs for the future and to protect AMs for when people and animals need them.

Also, the aim is to move towards reducing the emergence of AMR by measuring usage and surveillance.

Youssef Abs El Osta, General Manager Pig Services Centre (PSC) presented an update on the centre, its refurbishment, staffing and diagnostic submissions.

After the refurbishment of the PSC, they are currently waiting for audits to take place and then resume diagnostic

and vaccine work and production.

There are currently five vacancies in the Pig Services Centre and the department is currently engaged in the process of re-advertising for all vacant positions.

Youssef provided an overview of samples including collection and storage. Each individual needs to ask about the requirements of sample storage and shipment. Identifying what the sample is and when it was shipped is very important.

Dr Pat Mitchell also gave an update on the use of rodenticides.

“It is necessary to examine who is in control. Each State is operating slightly different from each other,” she said.

The state food authorities have become involved and APL has initiated additional information and studies.

A toxicologist is also involved and is assisting APL in understanding how to best use rodenticides. There is ongoing consultation with all the food regulators

1

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1. Dr Pat Mitchell, one of the guest speakers. 2. Fiona Selleck, CCD Animal Health and producer Rick O’Reilly. 3. Caitlin Hirst VFF and Youssef el Osta, General Manager, Pig Services Centre.

NEWS involved as well as lab studies and further investigations to assist producers.

“What are the options for rat control? Rat control includes the options of first vs. second generation rodenticides. Also electromagnetic repellent devices, vitamin D3 baits, and traps.

“Prevention recommendations include using a professional baiting service and checking their credentials.

“Don’t use first generation rodenticides on farm,” said Dr Mitchell.

“The only baits that don’t leave residues are the Vitamin D3 and Zinc phosphide baits. Rampage blocks, Selontra and Zinc phosphide baits are under Emergency permits and can only be used outside the sheds. It is necessary to use bait stations.

“It is best practice to keep a good hygiene program and minimise rodent access to feeders. Have a solid rodenticide stewardship program in place and review it often. Train your rats! Rats are smart and aware of new objects in their surroundings. There needs to be an integrated strategy in your program,” she said.

3

Lucy Galt and James Goulding are industry trainers for GOTafe where Certificate III in Pork Production is offered. The course offers a range of training for accreditation so that people are aware of the legislation and required animal health knowledge. GOTafe is now offering intake for students. Please call to check costing and be informed of available training. There are a variety of training offers available.

VFF Sponsors included Scolexia, Lienert Australia, Chris Richards & Associates, Ace laboratory Services, BEC Feed Solutions, Alltech, AusPac Ingredients, Biomin, Craig Mostyn & Co., National Feed Solutions, PIC, CCD, Feedworks and Reid Stockfeeds.

Thank you to committee members and especially to Vice President Tim Kingma for all the support and hard work throughout the year.

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NEWS

Pork CRC working to drive down greenhouse gas emissions A Cooperative Research Centre for High Integrity Australian Pork study has found that greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are 38% lower in eco-shelters and 88% of the variability in production systems with common effluent management systems is related to herd feed conversion (HFC).

Managed by Stephen Wiedemann while with FSA Consulting, Pork CRC Project 4C- 117, ‘Environmental impacts and resource use from Australian pork production assessed using life-cycle assessment (LCA)’, is the first comprehensive study using LCA to benchmark greenhouse gas emissions from pork across the full production system.

The project included emissions from feed production, housing, manure management and meat processing and assessed 14 production units across different states and different production systems for at least 12 months.

Average emissions to the farmgate were 3.6 kg CO2-e / kg live weight pork and 6.36 +/- 1.03 kg CO2-e / kg wholesale (chilled bone-in) pork.

The lowest modelled emissions were from a Queensland production farm using CAP-CHP systems (1.5 kg CO2-e /kg LW), which is similar to Queensland chicken meat production (1.3 kg CO2-e / kg LW).

Pork CRC CEO, Dr Roger Campbell, said it was interesting that deep litter housing resulted in a 38pc reduction in GHG emissions, compared to conventional housing and biogas capture with heat and power generation resulted in a 31-64pc reduction in GHG emissions from conventional housing.

Outdoor production (in WA) also resulted in considerably reduced GHG emissions.

“Pork CRC’s Bioenergy Support Program has helped drive quite a move towards on-farm biogas capture and power generation and I expect GHG emissions to decline substantially over time,” he said.

“Also interesting was Stephen’s finding that for similar manure management systems, 88pc of the variability in GHG could be predicted from differences in HFC, making it the most important production related indicator of GHG emissions,” he said.

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Across the farms, HFC ranged from 2.4 to 3.3 on a liveweight basis (3.2 to 4.3 on a carcass weight basis) and feed wastage ranged from 5.5pc to 7.5pc of total feed used.

These values represented 15.2 to 20.4 kg of feed lost per 100 kg of liveweight produced. Individual units within farms had HFC values approaching 3.8 on a liveweight basis.

“These results show that HFC also influences carbon emissions from pork production, so it’s a double whammy when also considering HFC’s profitability upside and clearly more needs to be done to reduce feed waste and improve HFC,” Dr Campbell suggested.

“Based on these results and those from Pork CRC’s benchmarking project, some producers have it under control and others have some way to go.”

Dr Rob Wilson, Leader of Pork CRC Program Four, ‘Carbon Conscious Nutrient Inputs and Outputs’, said such a comprehensive attributional investigation of pork production from major production regions and different production systems, utilising six case studies and analysis of the national herd, demonstrated the potential for Australia’s pork industry to markedly reduce GHG emissions and move towards Pork CRC’s aspirational goal of 1 kg CO₂-e/kg LW,”

Above: Stephen Wiedemann.

Below: Pork CRC CEO Dr Roger Campbell.

The project report (4C-117) is available under the Research/Program 4 tab on Pork CRC’s website at www. porkcrc.com.au For further information, email Stephen (Stephen.wiedemann@ integrityag.net.au) or Dr Rob Wilson (rob@robwilsonconsulting.com.au).

NEWS

Pork prices in China may beat record Despite the release of government stores of pig meat onto the market and rising imports, pork prices in China are reaching historic highs, reported the South China Morning Post recently.

Already at CNY18.34 (USD2.76) per kilo, one analyst predicts the price to break the current record set in May of CNY21.00 (USD3.16) per kilo as soon as September. Another source put the increase in pig meat prices at 51% so far this year, and wholesale prices already at CNY26.74 (USD4.02) in Shanghai in June.

Imports of pig meat by China between January and June 2016 were more than double the volume during the same period in 2015. The total figure for fresh and frozen pork was up 138% to 762,300 metric tons (840,291 US tons) from just under 320,000 metric tons

New COO labels here Australia’s new country of origin food labelling laws have come into effect, helping Aussie consumers find out more about their food.

The Australian Made Campaign’s (AMCL) famous Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) kangaroo logo will feature on most new labels, along with a bar chart showing what proportion of the ingredients come from Australia. It’ll give shoppers a better understanding of how much of their food is sourced locally.

The new system is compulsory for all food products produced for sale in Australia. Consumers will gradually start to see the new labels roll out, with a two year phase-in period to allow companies to relabel, redesign and sell existing stock before the June 30, 2018 deadline, when the new system will become mandatory.

Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, said the scheme will greatly improve clarity and consistency for Australian consumers.

“A tighter system for food labelling, will give Aussie shoppers more confidence in what they are purchasing and provide Australian farmer and manufacturers with a much needed leg up,” Mr Harrison said.

(352,739 US tons) for the first 6 months of last year.

Pork importation sources for China According to official figures cited by the UK’s Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board - Pork, the leading supplier to China was the European Union, which sent 528,000 metric tons (582,020 US tons), 128% more than in the first 6 months of 2015.

Of the EU countries, Germany, Spain and Denmark were the top suppliers to China.

The US more than doubled its trade to 108,600 metric tons (119,711 US tons). There also were significant increases reported for Canada and Brazil.

Pork imports by China could exceed two million metric tons for the year, according to the latest forecast from Rabobank.

Causes of pork importation increase in China The main reasons for imports growth are the delayed recovery of domestic production following last year’s downsizing of the breeding herd, along with the government’s tough environmental barriers for livestock

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production that are hampering both new entrants to the market and the expansion of existing pig farms.

To add to the market pressure, large numbers of China’s pigs have drowned in the recent widespread and severe flooding following heavy rain.

Further implications from the flooding include the increased risk of diseases, and pigs being slaughtered at lighter weights than usual.

Official figures put domestic production down almost 4% in the first half of the year, before the worst effects of the floods.

The situation is not helped by the fact that the 5 provinces worst hit by the flooding account for one-third of the country’s pork, according to the South China Morning Post.

Forecast of domestic rebound Ma Chuang, general secretary of the Chinese association of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine offered an optimistic view.

He said domestic pork output will likely rebound when the country’s pig farms relocate to new areas away from major rivers and cities, a measure taken in response to concerns over food safety as well as the environment.

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PRODUCT NEWS

What’s next for Jemma Seyfang?

By GRAEME POPE , Graeme Pope Consulting In an industry where the average age of its production sector is reported as 60+ years, it’s refreshing to see some younger faces coming through in the various initiatives supported by the Pork CRC and APL. Take Jemma Seyfang as an example.

Jemma graduated from the Adelaide University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science (Animal Science), taking the APL-sponsored Pig Production Science elective during the 2013/14 summer to learn more about pigs.

In 2014, she was awarded the Ronald J Lienert Memorial Scholarship and re-enrolled into an Honours program at Roseworthy Campus, with her thesis titled ‘Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in early gestation induces growth of oestrogenic ovarian follicles and improves primiparous sow fertility during summer’.

This research was based on the premise that reduced farrowing rates during summer may be due to inadequate corpora luteal support for pregnancy, and that HCG could stimulate growth of oestrogenic follicles and corpora luteal function, thereby improving primiparous sow fertility during summer months.

Her work was published in the Journal of Fertility, Reproduction and Development and she presented a short paper at APSA Conference, Melbourne in November.

In 2015 she began her PhD program at Roseworthy, jointly sponsored by Pork SA and APL to investigate the potential effects sexbias (male dominated) birth litters may have upon the subsequent reproduction and behaviour of female litter mates.

In June 2016, Jemma was awarded a travel grant by Adelaide University to attend the 18th International Congress on Animal Reproduction, held in Tours, France with its focus on recent developments in reproductive physiology and biotechnologies in farmed and

16

Jemma Seyfang has begun her PhD program at Roseworthy, jointly sponsored by APL and Pork SA after winning the Ronald J Lienert Memorial Scholarship in 2014.

wild species.

While her academic supervisor Dr Cameron Ralph, SARDI Roseworthy was invited to present a paper at the Congress covering aspects of Jemma’s PhD project, Jemma was allocated 10 minutes to present an abstract and poster session to discuss her Honours findings.

The Congress organisers read through abstract’s submitted by more than 100 international students before shortlisting Jemma’s, along with (only) four others from Argentina, USA, and Italy!

In July 2016, Jemma was awarded a travel grant sponsored by Elanco to attend the Crawford Fund’s annual conference held in Canberra, from August 29-30 which focused on food loss and waste issues along the supply chain, including through

production, post-harvest, packaging, transport, marketing and in the management and re-use of food waste.

“Once I’ve completed my PhD, I’d be interested in looking into some possible ways pigs could be used more to convert local food wastes or farming by-products into a useful protein source, something like feeding by-products from rice farming to pigs and converting their methane to electricity in some of the smaller cultures in Asia,” said Jemma.

“The Crawford Fund connects young people interested in this type of project work, and some of it is supported by the Australian government.

“If I don’t stay in pig reproduction after 2018, this is something which would interest me,” she added.

PRODUCT NEWS

Selontra – a new rodenticide for piggeries Rodent control in piggeries can be challenging. Rats and mice not only present a hygiene threat but they also consume and spoil significant amounts of animal feed.

Habitat modification, minimising access to food sources and blocking high traffic areas are just some of the measures growers can use to mitigate the effect of rodents. However, once rodent populations are established, the most effective means of controlling rodents is via baiting.

Until recently, anticoagulant rodent baits have been the first choice for producers. While effective, anticoagulant baits present risks associated with feed and stock contamination and non-target secondary poisoning.

In response to the need for a rodenticide that was more suited to piggery operations, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) issued an Emergency Use Permit (Permit No 81758) in December 2015 for Selontra Soft Bait Rodenticide, for the control of rodents in commercial pig production facilities.

Selontra Soft Bait Rodenticide is a highly effective rodent bait based on the active ingredient cholecalciferol – a naturally occurring substance.

“Selontra is innovative in several ways,” said Dr David Elmouttie, Technical Specialist at BASF Australia.

“Firstly, cholecalciferol is not an anticoagulant, and therefore has a different mode of action to well-known rodenticides.

“Secondly, Selontra is a ‘soft bait’ rodenticide. This makes it highly palatable to rats and mice, including in situations where attractive alternative food sources are readily available.

“It is also fast-acting and can provide complete control of rodent populations up to three times faster than anticoagulant baits.”

Dr Elmouttie also added that, “When compared to anticoagulant chemistry, Selontra poses a lower risk of secondary non-target poisoning and, most importantly, poses a significantly reduced risk of feed and stock contamination.”

CCD Animal Health distributes Selontra throughout Australia. The company has been operating in Australia for over 40 years, providing

CCD Account Manager for southern Australia, Fiona Selleck provides technical advice on Selontra.

Below: Selontra Soft Bait Rodenticide produced by BASF.

advice and supplying a range of products to intensive animal industry operations such as piggeries.

Account Manager for southern Australia, Fiona Selleck, provides technical service to many piggeries, and has seen first-hand the effectiveness of Selontra.

“This season, growers have been confronting high-challenge situations, with both rats and mice being present in large numbers. Rats in particular have been a big problem. They are not only consuming large amounts of animal feed but in a few instances have been eating wiring, resulting in ‘shorts’ and other electrical issues,” said Ms Selleck.

After the granting of the Emergency Use Permit, and following training and advice from BASF, CCD introduced Selontra to piggeries that had highchallenge and difficult to manage rodent problems.

“The effectiveness of Selontra was quickly evident and bait uptake was immediate,” continued Ms Selleck. “It was obvious that it was highly palatable.

The rodents were really attracted to the soft bait.

“The excellent bait uptake was followed by rapid rodent mortality.

“We have quite a number of producers that have been using Selontra for several months now. The rodent populations on these piggeries have declined dramatically. Unlike the other products they have used, rats continue to enter the stations and consume the Selontra baits. I put this down to the fast-acting nature of it, as well as its high palatability.

“It is also cost effective. It causes the rodents to lose their appetite after feeding and ingesting a lethal dose; this

allows other less dominant rodents to feed, meaning that more rodents can be controlled per bait. This helps growers keep the cost of their baiting program down.

“Selontra has become invaluable for rodent management in piggeries.

Because of its high efficacy and palatability, it has provided piggery operators with a key tool for implementing a professional integrated pest management control program.

“Producers now have a better understanding of the nature and behavior of rodents. They are using sufficient bait stations, placing and spacing them correctly, and checking and reloading them at the correct intervals. It all adds up to better rodent management and control,” concluded Ms Selleck.

With a wide range of benefits on offer, Selontra should become an integral part of overall rodent management programs for pig producers.

For more information about Selontra, please contact a BASF Sales Manager or a representative from CCD Animal Health.

17

NEWS

Australasian vets to launch event to address animal health and climate change How does climate change impact the health and welfare of animals in Australia? This topic will be discussed for the first time as veterinarians gather in Adelaide for the annual conference of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), which will feature a workshop looking at the impacts of climate change on agriculture, human and animal health.

From koalas and possums to cows, sheep, poultry, pigs and our cats and dogs at home, the workshop will look at the dangers climate change poses to all animals.

The workshop embraces the One Health theme, a concept which brings together animal, human and environmental health experts to address global issues such as climate change. It is being organised by Australian Veterinarians in Public Health (AVPH), a special interest group led by Dr Guy Weerasinghe.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to host this game-changing workshop. “Veterinarians need to play an active role in the discussion surrounding climate change, and can help those managing livestock and companion animals,� said Dr Weerasinghe.

Although mainly targeted at veterinarians, the conference and workshop are relevant to anyone involved in agriculture, environmental science and other medical professionals and all those people are welcome.

Workshop participants will gain access to the latest research on climate change: from its impacts on animal health and welfare to adaptations to maintain food security.

Key details of the conference are: What: Australian Veterinarians in Public Health – ‘One health and the impacts of climate change’ workshop, featured in the Australian Veterinary Association annual conference.

When: Friday 27th May, 9:00am-4.30pm Where: Adelaide Convention Centre, City Room 1.

Key speakers: Prof Mark Howden, Dr Peter Hayman, Associate Prof Craig Williams, Prof Colin Butler, Dr Melissa Nursey-Bray.

Registration: http://conference.ava.com.au/ Media: Sarah Thompson. Contact on phone 0420 892 450 or sarah@climatemediacentre.org.au Project4:Layout 1 21/03/14 12:22 PM Page 1

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