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Volume 40 Issue 3
May/June 2018
Echo Valley Farm and Bushranger Pork
PPPE a great success in tough conditions Weighing up pork production priorities PrintPost Approved PP10003090 ISSN 1032 3759
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porkjournal www.primarymedia.com.au
Volume 40 Issue 3
May/June 2018
EDITOR:
EDITORIAL & DESIGN
JOURNALIST/PHOTOGRAPHER PRODUCTION EDITOR
Peter Bedwell Alex Bedwell
Rosemary Embery
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Alex Bedwell
ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SALES
Bridie Breen on Echo Valley Farm with Bushranger pigs.
FEATURES Page 10: Echo Valley Farm and Bushranger Pork by Peter Bedwell
NEWS Page 4: PPPE a great success in tough conditions
Peter Bedwell Phone: (02) 9797 2406 Mob: 0419 235 288 Email: primarymedia@bigpond.com Rates are available at www.primarymedia.com.au
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Page 15: Weighing up pork production priorities
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Page 16: Appointment of Dr Tony Peacock as APRIL Independent Director announced
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Page 17: Borrowdale Free Range Pork takes top honours in APL competition
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Page 18: EW Nutrition certified under FIAAA Page 18: Coppens International announces rebrand to Alltech Coppens on 25th anniversary Page 20: APRIL advises pork research approvals Page 21: Ingot Check and Auscan vital for farmers PRODUCT NEWS Page 14: SKOV’s ProGrow new advanced pig shed management system on display Page 19: Santrev, the expert in climate controlled housing
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. 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
PPPE 2018 a great success in tough conditions The Pan Pacific Pork Expo 2018, held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, Broadbeach in Queensland on May 3031, 2018 defied the gloom as a result of tough trading conditions and was a great success. From the opening of the registration desk and trade exhibition on the first day, plenty of growers and industry members filled the hall. Nearly 700 people attnded and more than 40 exhibitors, including some new faces, were kept busy for both days. The official opening was conducted by the Queensland Government’s Minister for Agriculture, Mark Furner, who was introduced by PPPE Chairman Andrew Johnson. The theme for the 2018 PPPE was ‘Driving Efficiency Together’. In Plenary Session 1 the first speaker was Dr Sally Isberg who, through doing research into crocodile genetics, became the Chief Scientist at The Darwin Crocodile Farm. While many may have wondered what relevance her paper ‘Learning from the ‘top end’, the challenges of crocodile farming and how we can apply it to our industry’ had to pig farmers, it soon became obvious. While the pig industry often struggles with hostile councils, burdensome regulations and the constant attention of various animal rights and consumer groups, their struggles seem minor compared to what the crocodile industry in Australia faces. As Sally explained, working with an endangered species that is also being harvested for commercial purposes, involves red tape that would seem extreme on the ‘Yes Minister’ show. Further, as a raw material for high-end prestige products, a level of perfection in the tanned hide is required that causes immense difficulties in rearing the animals in captivity. Dr Rebecca Athorn is the Manager of Production Innovation at APL and was the recipient of the Ron Collins Award in 2016. The award funds travel costs for the winner to undertake research into innovations overseas that are of relevance to the Australian industry. As has been the case for many PPPE events Wayne Bradshaw, Managing Director of Jefo Australia, presented the award for 2018 to Alice Weaver, currently employed in R&D on
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Myora Farms in SA. Her research will take her to Spain and other destinations. In Plenary Session 2, ‘Global trends in efficient animal production’ was the subject for Dr Mark Henryon. Mark, whose interests are focused on animal breeding and genetic improvement, received his Bachelor and PhD in animal science from Perth University, then joined the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Aarhus University in Denmark. Following that posting Mark became a scientist at SEGES, the Danish Pig research Centre in Denmark, where he is developing and introducing new genetic methods that will further the already impressive competitiveness of Danish pig production. His topic was ‘European advances in genetics and what we can implement’. Key breeding objectives were, he stated “to increase feed efficiency, litter size at day 5, longevity, lean-meat content, confirmation, reduce slaughter loss and improve growth rate”. “Genetic potential requires good management. Piglets weaned per sow per year average was 32.3 whereas their top five producers achieved 38.5 pspy. “Piglets born alive per litter average 16.3, top 5, 18.1 and piglets weaned per litter 14.1 against 16.5 for the top 5,” Mark revealed in his concluding statements. The next speaker, Dr Steve Pullman, the owner of DSP Consulting LLC, has held numerous senior roles in the US pork production industry and at Kansas State University. His topic was ‘US trends in pig production’. He covered highlights in the US swine industry, financial factors including key metrics, sensitivities, and relationships, industry trends and benchmark results and the key controllable focus areas. His concluding remarks included advice to “focus on growth, liveability, and numbers weaned per litter. “There is a large variation amount within the industry and thus a big opportunity to capture more of the biological potential of genetics. “Monitor key inputs and in particular feed processing (particle size and pellet quality are important), increase weaning age and the use of wean to finish production.” w
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1. Dr Mark Henryon, SEGES, Denmark. 2. Dr Steve Pullman, US industry leader. 3. David Speller, Applied Group, UK. 4. James Lang, MD AGCO, Gold Sponsor.
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“Space balance is important as a function of stocking density,” Dr Pullman concluded. The final speaker in the session was David Speller, Head of UK based Applied Group. He has a growing business (Applied Group) which contract farms approximately 1.5 million broilers around the UK via management agreements. In addition to farming, David and Applied are involved in extensive research and innovation projects both through UK government funded work and commercial trials enabling innovation to be at the core of Applied. Current projects are focused mainly on disease/bacteria sensors and in-shed robotic platforms. In 2017 David set up OPTIFarm, using all of the knowledge gained from his own farming and research experience. “OPTIFarm is believed to be the world’s first 24/7 poultry monitoring centre where clients’ poultry farms and facilities are monitored and optimised around the clock globally. His topic was ,’Applying precision livestock (PLF) to poultry and the lessons learnt.’ “We oversee globally around 35 million birds a year and we are aiming to add value to my farming business 3 through PLF,” he added. Key experiences were that, ‘the more innovative the technology the more teething problems you will have, and expect more questions than answers from data. After the Chairman’s summary and questions to the speakers the delegates enjoyed the Industry Cocktail Party. A highlight of the evening was a pork cook off between Australian PorkStar chefs Colin Fassnidge and Manu Fieldel and two top Chinese Cuisine Association chefs Chef Wang Haiwei and Chef Li Yingtai. There was as could have been safely predicted a masterclass display of pork treat preparation from both 4 teams. The cook off was hugely enjoyed by the many delegates who participated in what many have stated to be one of the best PPPE events ever. On 31 May the trade exhibition opened and the first conference session was ‘It’s all about people’ and was sponsored by Automated Production a division of AGCO which was a major exhibitor at the event James Lang, the Australian Managing Director of AGCO, introduced w
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1. Combined Session 1: LtoR: Andrew Robertson, Kathryn Thomas and Robert Tanti, Hydro Tasmania. 2. Porkstar Chefs, Manu Fieldel (right) and Colin Fassnidge compete in the pork ‘cook-off’ and provide a masterclass display. 3. Dr Pat Mitchel, Ellen Møller Hansen, Unitron, Denmark and Ashley Norval, APL. 4. Andrew Robertson from APL gave an update on 457 visas.
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key new products for pig farmers which included ‘The Edge’ – an advanced shed control system, the new VariFlame shed heater delivering precise variable rate heating, and the C Lines prefabricated specialist pig housing system. Robert Tanti is currently the HR director at Hydro Tasmania and prior to that held a key management role at Elders. ‘Sourcing and retaining staff’ was his topic. He pointed out that the digital era is driving hypercompetition for critical talent as the labour market has in recent times gone from an employer’s market to the current ‘talent crunch’ and is heading towards a highly competitive market for intellectual talent. Kathryn Thomas has enjoyed a global career as a strategic management consultant and advisor to enable transformation in commercial organisations. “Is your workplace attractive for good staff?” she asked. ‘Foundations for good employees and their management and the importance of Value Based Leadership’ was her subject. Andrew Robertson from Australian Pork Limited works with trade and marketing access as well as labour and workforce policy in helping producers to access skilled workers from overseas. He delivered an update on the ever changing 457 visas in Australia. The recent Pork Industry Labour agreement (PILA) retains a pathway to permanency but the eligibility for PR was reduced from four to three years while overall duration was extended from four to five years, he explained. The combined session 2 was ‘Future farming now/technology driving efficiency’. The sponsors of this session were Primegro and the Manager Matt Tull stated that in preparing for the future, Primegro genetics would, “work towards greater sow longevity, individual piglet weaning survival to weaning and 70 days, better E-coli resistance and immune competence.” It was appropriate in a session involving new technologies that the next speaker, Chief Scientist Vivi Aersru Moutsen from SEGES Danish Pig Research Centre, would appear from her home in Denmark via SKYPE. Her topic was ‘Sows are high performing athletes’ and after supporting her arguments with her organisations’ research, Vivi took questions via SKYPE. “Applying precision farming to herd
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management,’ was the topic for another pig scientist Ellen Møller Hansen who is a farm consultant with Unitron in Denmark which supplies consulting and product supply for sow herds. “Precision farming is all about working smarter, not harder and the application of management to biology, considering a normal distribution. “Have low tolerance for variation in goals – expect 90% achievement of the plan,” she said. “Create the flow – stick to your strategy and apply management with consideration to biology.” Edwina Beveridge and her husband operate Blantrye Farms in the Central West. The 2,200 sow pig farm in NSW is also used for rearing cattle, sheep and growing crops. In the last 10 years the farm has doubled in size and plans are underway to continue expansion. In operation for five years, is a methane digestion and capture system that converts the pig waste into electricity. The farm also utilises food waste which apart from helping with feed costs, saves thousands of tonnes of landfill. The farm uses a liquid feed system and grows approximately 50% of its grain requirments. Compared to the national average they have managed to reduce feed costs by $70/80 a tonne over a 12 month period. In 2016/17 the biogas plant generated 1846 mWh with 741 sold and 1105 power used on site and for 2017/18 the farm is on target to exceed that performance. With rising electricity costs the farm made a $409,756 profit out of its biogas in 2016/17 and in the 10 months of 2017/18 has achieved a profit of $589,046. The farm has also been names as the Woolies Sustainable Supplier of the Year Awards for 2017. The Combined Session 3 with speakers from BE Campbell ‘How does a processor make a connection from a carcass to a product they want to sell?’ and from China’s Bian Ling ‘Chinese Catering Market – A new world for Australian Pork’ will be covered in some detail in the next issue of Pork Journal. Each of these papers deserve coverage in more depth as both topics could be a major significance to the pork industry in the future. PPPE 2018 despite the tough conditions the industry faces was a success, the quality of speakers excellent and the social side of the event just as good.
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1. Matt Tull, Primegro. 2. Ellen Møller Hansen, Unitron Denmark. 3. Edwina Beveridge, Blantyre Farms. 4. Kathryn Thomas, industry consultant.
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Current herd based on Large White genetics.
Echo Valley Farm and Bushranger Pork
By PETER BEDWELL Echo Valley is situated in magnificent countryside in the Goomburra Valley and the 300 acre property uses a multispecies integrated farming system that includes laying hens, pigs, cattle hay/ grain and seasonal small cropping. It is owned by Randal and Juanita Breen and their farming practices are based on the philosophy of the ‘4 Good’ principle. “Good for the animal, good for the land, good for the farmer and good for you,” Juanita explained. It has taken Randal and Juanita more than four years to develop a viable mixed farming business, based
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on sustainable farming practices and by raising their livestock in a manner that is appealing to increasing numbers of consumers. Though having some distant family links to farming, Randle has building joinery expertise and Juanita was a social worker prior to acquiring their Echo Valley property. Both have social science degrees and share a passion for ethical and sustainable farming. Apart from their small but growing herd of pigs that provide the ‘Bushranger Pork’ products, the farm is home to two flocks of free range hens and their Brahmin cross Angus (Brangus) cattle. “Our Bushranger Pork is pasture raised and rotationally grazed in our native forest country,” said Juanita. “Like our hens, we rotate our paddocks, trying to use land which would generally in the farming sense, be deemed unusable. “Our undulating native bushland is perfect for our pig paddocks and they rotate through these as needed, depending on ground cover, weather and the pig group size. “We separate them into age groups, cycling them through based on their
readiness for market,” Juanita told Pork Journal. “We feed our pigs supplementary chemical free grains and use a locally produced Sauerkraut additive which we believe gives our high quality pork and cured bacon a unique flavor as well as being beneficial for pig health,” Juanita explained. Feed for both Echo Valley’s pigs and layer hens is supplied by Country Heritage Organic Feeds located at nearby Pittsworth but a significant food source is also derived from organic vegetables and the sauerkraut. “Gutsy, who produces sauerkraut in barrels, also gives us bi-products from his production process including any of the kraut that is too soft for retail, and the cabbage and other veggie based material produced in the mix process. “So our pigs enjoy a balanced diet of the Country Heritage organic grains and vegetables. “As part of our farm management and soil improvement program, we use a ‘no till – no kill’ diverse cropping program which direct plants cereals, legumes, grains and pulses into existing living pasture. “From this we are then able to harvest chemical free, organically grown w
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cereals and grain and we seasonally harvest wheat, oats, barley and sorghum. Almost all of our crops are used on the farm but in the future we plan to make them available as flour and for other applications. An initiative that has generated plenty of ‘brand awareness’ is the seasonal farm tours conducted by the Breen family. ‘Know your farmer – know your food’ is a slogan they use to promote interest in their farm and the methods used to grow and raise the products they sell. “Find out why we farm and how to use ethical, regenerative farming practices to enhance not hinder our environment,” is a statement on their tour invitation. “After a guided tour where guests meet not only the animals there is a buffet lunch prepared with food produced both on-farm and sourced locally from small scale producers in our area,” Juanita explained to Pork Journal. The tours generate interest in the farm’s produce which can be purchased on-line or the free range eggs are also sold at the Davies Park Markets in Brisbane’s West End each Saturday morning. (Visit echovalley.com.au) There is a lot of hard work that goes into running a farm like Echo Valley. The pigs are managed with moveable electric fencing and careful and regular rotation of their pasture. Randal has designed some simple moveable trailers which provide water and shelter for the pigs. “The pigs we grow are based on Large White genetics, however we are starting to introduce Duroc’s and will eventually rear a mixed breed of Large White/Duroc, as this cross appears to do well in the free range environment,” Juanita said. “We aim to grow the pigs out to 85kg live weight which gives us typically a 60kg carcass with around 8-10 mm back fat,” she added. Then there are the early starts on Saturday morning to take their products to market in Brisbane. However, their hard work is paying off as their client base grows and they can make a good living while sticking to their sustainable farming principals. It is easy to be cynical about small scale farmers who combine traditional basic farming principles with a chemical free approach. The fact that they, and others like them, are successful, demonstrates that there is a growing desire amongst consumers for their approach to farming and the products they produce. Certainly there is a growing disconnect between modern farming and the population in general and the highly
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Top: Randal’s simple moveable trailer provides shade and water. Centre: The Breen family: Bridie, Juanita, Randal and Eli. Above: Rotating paddocks is vital to the overall farm strategy. competitive nature of the big retailers is unappealing to many in the community. Recent research conducted by APL indicates that while there are only around 250 main stream pork producing operations there may be more than 3000 small scale producers. The popularity of TV programs like SBS’s River Cottage generate not only the appeal for an idyllic lifestyle, such as the Breen’s and their kids Eli and Bridey have created for themselves, but a need for consumers to be more closely associated with the food they eat. The Echo Valley Farm may be idyllic; it is also very hard work and the Breen family has earned its success. Their Bushranger pork products
including ‘Traditional Wood Smoked Bacon’, ham sliced (shoulder or on the bone) and fresh pork in 25 kg, 10kg and 5kg mixed boxes are well priced when the effort to produce them is taken into account. Apart from individual consumer interest, the Echo Valley products offer a quality base product, particularly for high end restaurant operations which want to offer their clientelle a ‘point of difference’ in their dining. Sitting around the Breen’s kitchen table sampling some of their excellent ham, Pork Journal can understand why so many consumers are becoming so attracted to the efforts of ‘lifestyle’ farmers like Randal and Juanita.
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PRODUCT NEWS
SKOV’s ProGrow new advanced pig shed management system on display SKOV’s ProGrow advanced pig shed management system attracted much attention recently at PPPE 2018. The SKOV/FarmMark stand at the PPPE 2018 trade exhibition was busy as representatives from both SKOV and the distributor, Brisbane based FarmMark explained the benefits of the new ProGrow technology. It is no secret that Denmark is a world leader in efficient pig production and three of the papers delivered in the conference sessions were presented by experienced scientists in the Danish pig industry. It is no surprise then that SKOV, itself a Danish company, should come up with a production system that could truly be a game changer in pig production, both in Australia and around the world. Futurists and scientists at many recent livestock industry gatherings have been predicting that automation and new technologies will change production methods, saving costs and improving efficiency. The SKOV ProGrow has the potential to turn those predictions into reality. “With the slogan of ‘ProGrow – taking you pork production to the next level’ Skov launched the product at PPPE 2018. SKOV-supplied information reminds producers that ‘the key to good economy in weaner and finisher production is efficient feeding. “In finisher production, feed accounts for approximately 70% of all costs. “If feeding efficiency is improved by 0.1 FU per kg gain, earnings can be improved by two euro per finisher produced. “With production spread out on five sites, it is of great value being able to monitor the pigs’ feed and water intake. “Also when you are not in the livestock house,” said Thomas Kjaer, owner of Vrejlev Mollengaard. “With ProGrow we discovered an error in the feed delivery that we would otherwise never hav discovered,” said farm manager Ib Hilholm Jensen. “We annually produce 55,000 finishers and camera weighing will save us a lot of work as the weighings are more accurate,” he said.
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The FarmMark/SKOV stand was busy with explaining the ProGrow system. “With ProGrow, you get a complete overview of your production, so that you can make decisions based on up-to date data. “The system includes an integrated climate and production computer, which controls ventilation, heating and cooling, controls the dry feed system with up to five feed mixtures, monitors feed and water consumption, also provides the opportunity for registering animals for sale/delivery and removal to a recovery pen as well as those that have died. “Progrow also includes a management program, FarmOnline which offers a complete overview of production. “Rapid intervention in the event of disease is critical for minimising losses and ensuring animal welfare. “Early warnings showing changes in feed and water intake as well as in the pigs’ level of activity can indicate that disease may be under way. “With ProGrow, you get the help you need to react quickly and treat the pigs before the disese leads to greater losses. “Manual weighing is difficult, time consuming and stressful for the animals. Weighing data also only provides a momentary glimpse of current production. “With camera weighing, you can keep a constant track of the animals’ gain and the dispersion of the animals’ weight in the pen.
“You also have the opportunity to optimise the feeding strategy, choice of raw materials, number of feed mixtures and the time when you change the feed formulation. “These developments mark the end of making decisions on the basis of historical data. “With ProGrow, you get real-time data, which shows the pigs’ current gain, and you can take action at any time if your production deviates from the determined strategy. “Automatic camera weighing, monitoring of the animals feed and water intake as well as activity and circadian rythym ensure that you can optimise gain and feed consumption, thereby improving economy and production. “Camera weighing is the optimal solution for weighing in traditional weaner and finisher units. “The camera is mounted in the ceiling and is thus protected from the natural curiosity of the pigs, just as it does not take up and room in the pen. The camera does not require any maintenance apart from normal cleaning. “The ProGrow system has undergone more than a year of testing in a Danish finisher herd. “The test shows that the camera weighing is precise right up to delivery at a weight of 110 kg,” the supplied information concludes.
NEWS
Weighing up pork production priorities Addressing pork producers in Western Australia last week at WAPPA’s annual Pig Day Out, Pork CRC CEO Roger Campbell said increasing carcase weight was perhaps the greatest opportunity for productivity improvement for Australian pork producers, albeit at a time when many were struggling as prices declined due to apparent over supply. Dr Campbell suggested that if a business model was developed where $2.70/kg could sustain producers, he was optimistic producers would have a positive future. “Also, if buyers, including supermarkets, processors and others in the meat chain, could create markets for heavier pigs, producers would respond positively and reap rewards. “Even grain prices, which are largely beyond a producer’s control and which have the heaviest impact on the bottom line, can be mitigated if, for example, other factors affecting cost of production can be better aligned,” Dr
Campbell said. “While it’s difficult to do much about grain and feed costs, except use the feed more efficiently, the greatest opportunity for reducing COP lies in volume and this is independent of grain price and hence more under producer control. “Busting the $2.50 COP barrier and getting that down to, say, $2.30, would help.” Dr Campbell had recently noted quite large increases in born alive and this too would help improve productivity, volume and, potentially, profitability. “In Pork CRC’s benchmarking group we’re seeing consistent improvements in sow productivity, with better herds weaning 11 piglets per litter and 26 per sow per year. “If we get our average to this, we will take nearly 20 cents off other costs, independent of feed cost or carcass weight and if we get carcass weight up five kilograms, we could reduce other costs by another eight to 10 cents.
Dr Roger Campbell, Pork CRC CEO. “Global competitiveness is within our reach, but 2018 is likely to be volatile for the global pork industry,” Dr Campbell declared. Australian producers were not alone in receiving less for their pork, with EU prices down 7.6% on 2017; US down 22% in the past month; China down 23% in the past five weeks and UK down 2.5% on 2017.
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NEWS
Appointment of Dr Tony Peacock as APRIL Independent Director announced Australasian Pork Research Institute Limited Chairman Dennis Mutton has announced the appointment of Dr Tony Peacock as an Independent Director. CEO of the Canberra-based Cooperative Research Centres Association since 2010, Dr Peacock is a former Managing Director of the Pig Research and Development Corporation and was CEO of a successful CRC for a decade. A reproductive scientist, he holds a Bachelor degree in agriculture and a PhD in veterinary science from the University of Sydney. Welcoming Dr Peacock to APRIL’s June Board meeting in Adelaide, Mr Mutton said he would add a significant skill set to the Board. “Tony’s leadership of the CRC Association, plus his board experience with start-ups, passionate advocacy for applied research and his track record in collaboration, science communication, research partnerships and effective innovation systems, make him a great fit,” Mr Mutton said. Fellow APRIL Board members are Prof Robert van Barneveld, Ms Edwina Beveridge, Prof John Pluske, Mr Kenton Shaw and Mr Andrew Spencer. APRIL, which replaces the Cooperative Research Centre for High Integrity Australian Pork (Pork CRC), is fully member based with a budget in 2018-19 approaching $3 million.
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Australasian Pork Research Institute Limited Chairman Dennis Mutton (left) welcomed newly appointed APRIL Board member Dr Tony Peacock at APRIL’s June Board meeting in Adelaide, South Australia. APRIL actively seeks new science and creative new ideas for its three programs, which cover resilience, cost and return on assets. A recent first call by APRIL for research to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the Australasian pork industry resulted in 14 proposals being approved by the Board and funded to a value of almost one million dollars.
The successful proposals included 20% to 25% applicant cash contributions, giving a total cash budget for the first round of approximately $1.2 million. APRIL Board has also approved $100,000 for education in 2018/19, to support an Industry Placement Program similar to that successfully initiated in Pork CRC, plus top up postgraduate scholarships and honours projects.
If you would like a subscription to Pork Journal please send an email to: primarymedia@ bigpond.com or phone 0419 235 288 or 02 9797 2406
NEWS
Borrowdale Free Range Pork takes top honours in APL competition chance to be officially recognised for its quality.” For the first time, all three winning steaks came from Large White Landrace crosses. Second place was awarded to Westpork, Western Australia, while St
Bernard’s Free Range Pork, New South Wales, placed third. The competition attracted significant prize money for the first three places, but also marketing opportunities for the winning pork.
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Australians are increasingly putting pork on their forks and recently the nation’s best pork was announced. Queensland producers Borrowdale Free Range Pork took out top honours in the Australian Pork Limited Steak Your Claim competition. “Australians’ appetite for pork continues to grow and our farmers are continually looking to improve their already product, which is already high quality,” said Australian Pork Limited General Manager of Marketing, Peter Haydon. “This competition seeks to find a really special product and producers have responded by looking at different breeds and feeds to deliver a stunning pork steak.” A highly qualified chef judging panel assessed pork loin steaks against a range of criteria, including the colour, visual appeal and marbling of the raw product, as well as the aroma, flavour, tenderness, juiciness and texture of the cooked. The Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner, made presentations to the winners at the Pan Pacific Pork Expo on the Gold Coast. Borrowdale Free Range Pork in Toowoomba was celebrated by the judges for excellent raw appearance, with good colour and marbling, plus their terrific flavour, tenderness, juiciness in the cooked product. “Borrowdale comes from a family of free range farming pioneers near Goondiwindi on Queensland’s fertile Darling Downs,” said Paul da Silva, Marketing Manager for Borrowdale Free Range Pork’s parent company, Arcadian Organic and Natural Meat Co. “The winning entry was just part of Borrowdale’s regular weekly production. It’s great that it reflects the brand’s mission to let consumers rediscover the real taste of pork. Borrowdale’s everyday customers are enjoying the best pork on offer. “We entered Borrowdale Free Range in the Steak Your Claim competition because of our confidence in the product. We have had so much feedback from our customers, including some exceptional restaurants, that we thought Borrowdale deserved the
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NEWS
EW Nutrition certified under FIAAA For a multinational feed additive company, adherence to individual market processes and compliance as part of local market integration is vital. For EW Nutrition in Australia, there is now an feeling of accomplishment for being fully accredited and intertwined in its industry. EW Nutrition Australia Pty Ltd, recently with the tremendous input from the team David Sherwood and Vito Bernardi, has passed the FIAAA audit and certification (Feed Ingredients and Additives Association of Australia) process. “Now fully accredited as a Feed Additives Company in Australia, the
opportunity to grow comes in perfect conjunction with market trends,” said Mr Sherwood, EW Nutrition Australia Country Manager. “The reduction of antibiotic use as a growth promoter in animal production is becoming a more important topic in this industry. “Which is exactly why EW Nutrition earlier this year launched the global campaign of ‘Ask EW Nutrition – Antibiotic Reduction’. “With the help of the team here in Australia, we will be able to increase awareness of antibiotic resistance and the importance that EW Nutrition has on the Australian Animal Production
Industry,” said Mr Sherwood, “With this milestone accomplished and with the work effort our team has shown, I have no doubt there will be more upcoming inspiring accomplishments from EW Nutrition in Australia,” said Jurek Grapentin, Managing Director EW Nutrition SEAP. EW Nutrition is a global feed additives player, with a strong science based product portfolio. EW Nutrition sells into more than 90 countries and has subsidiaries in all main markets. Headquartered in Visbek, Germany, EW Nutrition has R&D and production facilities in Brazil, Germany, Japan and the USA.
Coppens International announces rebrand to Alltech Coppens on 25th anniversary Innovative aqua nutrition specialist Coppens International will now be known as Alltech Coppens. Welcomed into the Alltech family of companies on June 6, 2016, this rebrand will capitalise on future growth opportunities, according to Patrick Charlton, CEO of Alltech Coppens. “Since 2016, the Alltech and Coppens International teams have worked together, combining their respective specialist skills to deliver the very latest innovative aquaculture feeds directly to producers’” he said. “Since the acquisition, our goal has been to establish Coppens International as the cornerstone of Alltech’s global aquaculture business,” said Mr Charlton. “We offer world-class expertise in feed manufacturing, fish nutrition and management, and product research and development. “By becoming Alltech Coppens, we not only retain 25 years of history and reputation — we also move forward to ensure we are more relevant globally to our customers and the wider industry,” he continued. “Alltech Coppens is a solid platform on which we can grow our aqua nutrition business in the years to come.” “During the past two years, there has been a focus on increasing capacity, which resulted in the expan-
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Patrick Charlton, CEO with Ronald Faber, Chief Commercial Officer. sion of the Alltech Coppens Aqua Centre in 2017 and the installation of a third extruder at the site. “These improvements have allowed the team to meet elevated customer demands for more of its innovative products and technologies. “We have increased our production capacity to ensure continued delivery of our highly sought-after products,” said Mr Charlton. “This clearly demonstrates our dedication to serving our customers and our commitment to the global aquaculture industry. Customers can continue to expect further dedication to aquaculture with Alltech Coppens.” The growth of Alltech Coppens has also allowed for expansion into new markets such as Norway, the US,
Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey as well as exciting collaboration work in Brazil. The rebrand comes at a pivotal time for the aqua nutrition business as it celebrates its 25-year anniversary. “Over the past 25 years, Coppens International has earned a strong industry reputation,” said Mr Charlton. “This special anniversary provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our achievements and to solidify our future. “Incorporating the Alltech name into our brand strengthens our relationships with our global customers. “Together, we are stronger, and we move forward as one team under the Alltech Coppens brand.” Further information can be found by visiting the new website at www. alltechcoppens.com.
PRODUCT NEWS
Santrev, the expert in climate controlled housing Santrev, the Brisbane-based livestock shed builder, is probably best known for its poultry housing but the company has also built and supplied equipment for pig farms including Westpork. This work was contracted by Stockyard Industries. Santrev has built livestock housing throughout Australia and has construction teams located in all states. Pork Journal visited the company’s offices during April to discuss future developments and meet Santrev’s new CEO Craig Smith. Also present was Ruby Gough, Santrev’s Sales and Marketing Assistant. Despite the tough conditions facing the pig industry currently, Santrev has found that there is still interest from more innovative producers in better quality and more modern pig housing. Santrev’s established expertise in building high efficiency climate controlled broiler sheds, is equally important in climate regulating pig sheds and especially in farrowing
housing. We also discussed the opportunities presented by the growing numbers of small scale farmers now supplying niche products for consumers, who are prepared to pay a high price for their pork, grown in ‘alternative’ conditions including free range and organic. Craig said that Santrev was aware of opportunities for supplying the housing needs of all production systems and looked forward to bringing some new products to producers in the not too distant future.
Top: Craig Smith, CEO. Above: Ruby Gough, Sales & Marketing, Santrev.
* CHOICE * QUALITY * VALUE
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APRIL advises pork research approvals A first call by Australasian Pork Research Institute Limited (APRIL) for research to enhance the competiveness and sustainability of the Australasian pork industry has resulted in 14 proposals being funded to a value of almost one million dollars. All successful proposals included a 20% to 25% cash contribution from applicants, giving a total cash budget for the first round of approximately $1.2 million. At its April 23 meeting, the APRIL Board also approved $100,000 for education in 2018/19, which will support an Industry Placement Program, similar to that successfully initiated in Pork CRC, plus top up postgraduate scholarships and honours projects. The first APRIL honours project has been approved at University of Melbourne. According to APRIL Interim CEO, Roger Campbell, most R&D proposals were recommended with modification and all applicants have now been advised. “The research portfolio contains very innovative proposals and provides APRIL with an exciting and positive start, with the first results expected
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within 12 to18 months,” Dr Campbell said. The objective was to minimise any disruption to R&D and training activity in 2018-19 following completion of Pork CRCs investment in R&D in 2017-2018. Among the successful APRIL proposals were very innovative projects on reducing antimicrobial resistance and better understanding the gut microbiome in animal health and performance, plus a couple on novel diagnostics and remote monitoring pig health. “There were also some potential system changing projects on improving reproduction and two on better understanding the capabilities of modern Australian genotypes and manipulating carcass fatness and improving feed efficiency,” Dr Campbell said. However, he noted APRIL was disappointed at the lack of proposals covering reducing feed costs, enhancing feed efficiency and manipulating carcass fatness. The APRIL board and management would therefore attempt to address these in the shorter term via a call for innovation proposals and in the longer term through discussions with relevant researchers and research groups.
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Dr Campbell thanked all who submitted proposals and said their contributions would help sharpen researcher focus on APRIL priorities and industry needs and likely lead to more directed proposals in future investment rounds. “I also thank members of the APRIL R&D Committee and the 75 or so reviewers involved in the process. The time frame was tight but all went very smoothly,” he said. APRIL’s inaugural Education Committee comprises: Professor Frank Dunshea (Chair), University of Melbourne, Professor John Pluske, Murdoch University, Dr Eugeni Roura, University of Queensland, Dr Darryl D’Souza SunPork, Dr Rob Smits, Rivalea, Ms Heather Channon, APL and Dr Charles Rikard-Bell, Pork CRC. APRIL, which replaces the Cooperative Research Centre for High Integrity Australian Pork (Pork CRC), is fully member based with a budget in 2018-19 approaching $3 million. APRIL is actively seeking new science and creative new ideas for its three programs, which cover resilience, cost and return on assets.
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Top: Professor Frank Dunshea. Above: Professor John Pluske.
NEWS
Ingot Check and Auscan vital for farmers With grain the major and costly ingredient in pig diets and contributing much of the dietary energy, Australian pork producers are increasingly demanding that grains they feed have been accurately measured for their available digestible energy (DE). According to Pork CRC Commercialisation and Research Impact Manager, Charles Rikard-Bell, this is particularly the case today, with a megajoule (MJ) of digestible energy (DE) worth $20 to $35, depending on the grain price. “This is why AusScan’s pig faecal DE calibration, which predicts the DE of cereal grains with an accuracy of +/0.26 MJ, has become vital to pig farming in Australia, as it allows nutritionists to formulate the most cost effective diet,” Dr Rikard-Bell said. A big advantage of using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) calibrations is the speed of the result, with a laboratory with access to AusScan Online able to scan a sample of grain and download results in seconds. However, Dr Rikard-Bell said that while customers knew the calibrations were accurate, they also needed to be confident that the laboratory’s NIRS machine was accurate, routinely monitored and consistent. “This is why Australian AusScan users recently joined Aunir UK’s successful quality assurance scheme, Ingot Check, which provides users with a monthly report on the stability of the NIRS hardware and calibrations which can then be submitted to auditors, providing independent proof of the laboratory’s competency,” he said. “The key to Ingot Check’s success is the timely distribution of uniform reference samples to laboratories across the globe, with samples carefully prepared in the UK from a single source, identified and vacuum packed in high quality, UV resistant sachets, ensuring the samples reach target destinations in original condition. “The uniformity of the Ingot Check sachets minimises sampling preparation errors and allows variation within and between NIR machines to be properly examined,” he said. Graduate nutritionist and Pork CRC IPP, Haylee Clifford, manages AusScan at Alltech Lienert at Roseworthy, South Australia. “Alltech Lienert welcomes the
opportunity to be involved with Ingot Check and AusScan, as Ingot Check testing now allows us to benchmark our testing and find ways to improve the service we currently provide our customers,” Ms Clifford said. While Ingot Check has operated in Australian laboratories since June 2017, in February, 2018 Aunir Technical Director, Chris Piotrowski and Commercial Manager, Richard Wynn, along with Pork CRC, Commercialisation and Research Impact Manager, Charles Rikard-Bell, held quality assurance workshops for Australian users of AusScan. The workshops also addressed laboratory specific issues, provided training in other uses for NIRS machines and, according to Dr Rikard-Bell, the Aunir visit informed and satisfied nutritionists and feed formulators who use AusScan calibrations. The monthly Ingot Check, which has superseded the much less frequent AusScan ring test, markedly reduces sample variation and is predominantly an internet based service.
Aunir UK takes a central role in the preparation and distribution of reference samples for laboratories to scan and upload results through the Ingot Check online system. PIG PRICES A CHAL
Above: Pork CRC Commercialisation and Research Manager, Dr Charles Rikard-Bell.
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Organisers pleased with turn-out for PPPE Pig prices may be down, but attendance numbers were strong when the Australian pig industry met for the Pan Pacific Pork Expo (PPPE) on the Gold Coast recently PPPE Chair and South Australian producer, Andrew Johnson, said he was really pleased with the turn-out of more than 680 attendees and 44 exhibitors.  “It is really great that so many people came along, especially given how tough it is in this industry at present. “However, that’s also why PPPE was so important, because it gave us time to focus on our industry, discuss what’s happening, share and learn from each other. The focus was on what we, as producers, and the broader industry can do as we move forward,� he said. The conference program included presentations from Australian and international guests, with topics ranging from advancements in technology to human resources, plus learn-
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ings from the poultry and crocodile industries. In the exhibition hall, attendees were able to meet up with suppliers, plus check out new equipment and technology. Australian Pork Limited Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Spencer, said the event had provided an opportunity for producers to gain a better understanding of the current pig price situation, and empowered them to make decisions confidently about their own futures. “It looks like the tough times will continue for a few months yet,� he said.  “PPPE provided a very valuable opportunity for people to get together and check in with each other. We also came together for a frank discussion about the state of the industry to start the program, which enabled producers to air their concerns and discuss how we move forward. “We’ll be taking away ideas, as well as continuing to focus on growing demand.  “It was clear producers have their eye on the future. There are challenges now, but they’re looking at how they can strengthen the industry into the future.� The Pan Pacific Pork Expo is the biennial conference of the Australian pork industry, which brings together producers, processors, retail, food service, researchers, scientists, educators, subsidiary service providers and government officials.
SKOV Blue Fan featured at PPPE A feature of the SKOV/Farmmark display at PPPE 2018 was the Blue Fan which SKOV points out is a high performance energy efficient design featuring an airtight shutter system and is made from non corrosive materials – so durable too. The Dynamic multi step system means that the units have variable speeds to suit climate control requirments. The motorized shutter system ensures accurate control and the units are easy to clean and with direct drive, no belts to maintain or adjust. The motor and the controller are separated. There are five variants to suit precise housing ventilation requirements. Go to www.skov.com for more information.
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