The round table on responsible soy (RTRS) to build global bridges for responsible soy in China

The Round Table on Responsible Soy Association (RTRS) will convene its International Forum on Responsible Development of the Soybean industry, in Beijing, China, today, under the theme "Building Global Bridges for Responsible Soy." Co-hosted by the China Soybean Industry Association (CSIA), the conference is the RTRS' 8th annual conference, and the first held by the association in the Asia-Pacific.

"We are honoured to co-host the first RTRS conference in China," said Agustin Mascotena RTRS CEO. "As the global leader on responsible soy, the RTRS welcomes the opportunity to convene a dialogue on the solutions offered by responsible soy with companies that produce trade and buy soy in Asia. RTRS soy benefits the environment, workers, and communities and helps companies guarantee a long-term sustainable supply of responsible soy into the future."

While the purpose of the RTRS conference is to share knowledge and dialogue about responsible soy between all countries and regions where soy is produced and consumed, the programme has a special focus on China as the world's biggest market for imported soy as well as a major producer.

Soy production, especially in South America, has been blamed for a number of issues including environmental degradation, social breakdown and worker exploitation. The RTRS was created to tackle these issues and transform the soy industry by creating demand for responsible soy in all stages of the supply chain.

"It's exciting to see the increase in demand for responsible soy among companies worldwide," said Mr. Mascotena. "Nearly 663,000 credits of RTRS certified soy have been sold since June 2011 - which is a great start. The Forum in China is an opportunity to build on this initial success and get more companies to join the RTRS, make commitments and take concrete action on the journey to responsible soy. "

The RTRS membership includes large soy producers as well as small farmers from South America, India and China. Major global traders like Wilmar, Cargill, Bunge and ADM are also members, as well as consumer brands like Unilever and Nestlé, global retailers including Carrefour and Marks & Spencer, NGOs including WWF, The Nature Conservancy and Solidaridad, and financial institutions including Rabobank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Many of these companies and organizations will take place in the RTRS Forum in China, making it a truly global event.

The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), a global industry network of over 400 retailers, manufacturers, and service providers across 70 countries, has recently endorsed the RTRS in its Sustainability Activation Toolkit, which contains guidance for companies on how to achieve sustainable supply chains.

soy milk and blueberries (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

26/09/12: Commodities special

Hello, 
Weather gets a lot of coverage on this blog.  Today we're looking at the effects of the unpredictable climate on feed and food prices. We also heard a new term: 'agflation' - inflation led by a rise in agricultural commodities prices.

• Russian wheat prices are set to rise further.  This article in the Business Recorder, gives an informative outline of the consequences of increasing grain prices in Russia.  Read more...

• Farmers face a €120 m rise in feed prices reports the Irish Independent.  This equates to €7,300 for the average farmer according to the report.  Read more...

• Agflation is poised to hit the meat and dairy industries.  This Rabobank report predicts that food prices are forecast to reach record highs in 2013 and to continue to rise well into Q3 2013. Unlike the staple grain shortage of 2008, this year's scarcity will affect feed intensive crops with serious repercussions for the animal protein and dairy industries.  Read more..

22/08/12: Kiotechagil visits; CBH award, dispersing unit

Hello, 

• Kiotechagil hosts Japanese and Spanish visits at Manton Wood

A group of customers and distributors from Japan visited Kiotechagil’s Manton Wood production plant and attended a seminar hosted by Anpario Group chief executive David Bullen and director of biosecurity Murray Hyden.  Murray focussed on the complexities of manufacturing acid products such as Bact-A-Cid and Salkil and the complex and effective quality assurance processes which are in place. The visitors were from Rokku Chemicals, Kiotechagil’s main sub –distributor in Japan and their key Japanese customers . The trip was organised in conjunction with Spencer Feeds, Kiotechagil’s primary distributor for Japan.

In a separate visit, Kiotechagil’s Spanish distributor Fatroiberica visited the  Manton Wood production facility for an update on current and planned new products including Neutox, the company’s new broad spectrum toxin binder. Ian Cockshott, Kiotechagil’s sales manager for Europe and South America, said, “This proved to be a perfect opportunity to strengthen our cooperation. The difficult circumstances facing the region means that, more than ever, producers are focused on cost.  We fully recognise the challenges our customers face and offer a range of technical solutions to maximise efficiency and  genetic potential.”
 

• CBH’s Quality Optimisation recognised as Western Australia Project of the Year

A year after the CBH Group rolled out Quality Optimisation to wheat growers in Western Australia the innovative tool has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) as WA Project of the Year.

Quality Optimisation provides growers with more flexibility and control over their wheat quality. It allows growers to individually optimise by blending loads of wheat online through LoadNet® after delivery.

Quality Optimisation now goes forward into the national awards to be announced at the national AIPM conference in Melbourne later this year.  Read more...

• Dispersing unit reduces energy demand in the process of production

At the Achema trade fair 2012 in Frankfurt, the Business Unit Grinding & Dispersing of NETZSCH Group for a first time presented their new dispersing organ to a broad public. The sophisticated design and the convincing performance parameters drew considerable interest.

In several sectors of the industry successful dispersing, which is the targeted separation of agglomerated particles, is still representing a challenge. NETZSCH is meeting this challenge with the new OMEGA® dispersing unit, which is suitable for the processing of both standard and high-tech products. Moreover, the OMEGA® achieves extraordinary energy efficiency through clever utilization of turbulence, cavitation and shear forces, thus providing real saving potential. In comparison to technologies currently in operation, the OMEGA® dispersing unit is one of the most cost effective on the market.

More information...

EU compound feed production down by 0.3 percent in 2011

EU compound feed production down by 0.3 percent in 2011 / no significant market trend expected in 2012 despite high quotations for major feed materials

In the wake of the 55th FEFAC Annual General Meeting on ‘EU CAP reform impact on EU livestock and feed sector / EU food waste strategy’ on June 15, 2012 in Brussels, FEFAC members have provided final estimates for the compound feed production for the EU-27 (Greece, Malta and Luxembourg excluded)in 2011. The total production estimate is now set at 151 mio. t, i.e. 0.3 percent below the figure for 2010. Cattle and pig feed have seen their production fall, respectively by -2.1 and -0.6 percent, whereas poultry feed increased by 1.1percent, thereby confirming its position of leading segment of compound feed slightly above pig feed.

The most important factors which weighed on the EU feed demand in 2011 were the still fragile economic situation of the pig sector and the high feed material costs. As regards ruminants, the severe drought on the first months led to a lower forage harvest during the spring cut but this was offset by the good autumnal weather conditions that favoured grass growth.

EU Member countries recorded very heterogeneous performances, with some experiencing dramatic falls of their compound feed production such as Czech Republic (-14 %) or Denmark (-6.6%), whereas several countries such as Germany, Poland and, to a lesser extent, Italy, managed to buck the general market trend with positive growth around three percent, supported by a surprisingly quick recovery of pig farming activity.

The high cereal prices over the last two years contributed to improve the competitive market position of industrial compound feed production vs. home mixing. However, this gain was offset to a certain extent by the development of alternative pig feeding strategies based on roughly grinded feed and liquid feeding.

As a result, Germany’s position as leading EU country in terms of total compound feed production before France was strengthened, with Spain scoring third.

European Union (Photo credit: erjkprunczyk)

Outlook for 2012

FEFAC experts identified the following key drivers for the compound feed market in 2012:

· On the livestock sector side, the entry into application of the new cages standard for laying hens from 1 January 2012 and the new group-housing requirements for sows which may lead to a significant reduction in young sows replacement in certain producer regions; the development of the Schmallenberg virus in ruminant populations may also weigh on the demand;

· On the feed demand side, the high quotations for all feed materials, whether energy sources like cereals or protein sources like soybean meal, due to high Chinese demand and seasonal drought in South America, will further affect the profitability of the livestock industry, in particular the pig farmers;

· On the supply side, the persisting problems on the trade of maize co-products (DDGs, Corn gluten feed) linked to asynchronous approval of not yet authorised GM events, despite the adoption of the technical solution last year.

As a consequence, FEFAC experts foresee a stabilisation in cattle feed production, a slight increase in poultry feed demand (+1percent) offset by a reduction in the demand for layer feeds (-5 percent) and a further setback in pig feed production (-0.5percent). Overall, compound feed production is expected to remain stable vs. 2011.
Click to enlarge

More information...

CHS expands South American presence

Framer-owned US cooperative, CHS Inc. has extended its South American presence by buying a 25 percent stake in Brazilian logistics company TCN.

The move is to capitalise on the growing demand for soybeans and corn in developing economies.

English: Fountain in São Luís, Brazil (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In addition to the ownership investment, CHS also signed a long-term agreement with TCN, securing export terminal access at the Port of Itaqui, Sao Luis, Brazil.

Read more...

  

The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers. And blogs are written by the staff of Grain & Feed Milling Technology daily. Get your copy of 'PPLAPP', our mobile web application which will allow you to view this blog and other useful information while on the move.

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U.S. Wheat Industry Welcomes U.S-Colombia FTA Implementation Date

“We are extremely pleased to see this FTA set for implementation,” said Alvaro de la Fuente, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) regional vice president for South America. The U.S. wheat industry welcomes the announcement by U.S. President Barack Obama and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos that the countries will implement the U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement (FTA) on May 15. The U.S.-Colombia FTA is vital to the wheat industry’s efforts to rebuild market share in one of the largest markets for U.S. wheat in South America.  “Our extensive efforts over the nearly six years since the agreement was first signed have finally become a reality and U.S. wheat exports will now compete on an equal basis with other major exporters.”

Read more

This blog is written by Darren Parris, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers. To get your copy of 'PPLAPP' click here.

Brazilian premix company Bellman acquired by Nutreco

Nutreco signed an agreement to purchase all of Bellman shares,  Bellman Nutriçao Animal, a Brazilian supplier and producer of farm minerals, concentrates and supplements for ruminants. This acquisition strengthens Nutreco's premix and feed specialties position in Brazil, one of the most important agriculture and aquaculture growth markets in the world. Brazil is the third largest animal nutrition market in the world, with annual growth of approximately four - five percent.

Bellman is a large player in farm minerals in the Brazilian market operating in 18 states. Jerry Vergeer, Nutreco's Chief Operating Officer Animal Nutrition commented: "Following our recently announced increased shareholding in Nutreco Fri-Ribe, we are excited about the acquisition of Bellman. “The company has a very strong reputation and market position, delivering value added products and services to its customers. Its activities, geographical presence and product proposition are fully in line with our strategy Ambition 2016." Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers. To get your copy of 'PPLAPP' click here.

The largest manufacture of Elevator Buckets in North America

Tapco stocks the largest inventory of elevator buckets and bolts in North America, some 900,000 buckets in 64 sizes, and 15 million bolts. We also have the largest inventory of abrasion resistant sheeting, drag flights and hanger bearings in North America. Our shipping department is geared to handle the most urgent of emergencies - we welcome rush orders.

 We have exported to more than fifty different countries around the world. Stocking distributors are located strategically in North America, Central America, South America, Australia, Western Europe and the Pacific Rim. We look forward to serving you. If there is anything we can help you with, please e-mail info@tapcoinc.com or call us:

Contact Tapco

North America call: 800-288-2726

Outside North America call: + 1-314-739-9191
Full contact information available here.

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers. To get your copy of 'PPLAPP' click here.

USDA underestimates crop loss in South America

A Brazilian grain analyst believes that the US Department of Agriculture has underestimates the growing crop losses in both soybeans and corn that are taking place now as a result of the sever drought in Southern Brazil and Argentina. The USDA's recent report estimated Brazilian corn production at 61 million tons, which would be close to last year's actual production level.

"I don't see this corn being harvested. I completely disagree with this number," says João Carlos Kopp, a market analyst and consultant working with farmers in Brazil. Kopp's own estimates, working with several farmers around the country, come to 50.9 million tons, including expected losses of 30 percent in Rio Grande Du Sol and 30 percent loss in Paraná, the country's leading corn state. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers. To get your copy of 'PPLAPP' click here.

New Hope and Marubeni join for overseas expansion

China's biggest manufacture of animal feed the New Hope Group has signed an agreement with Japans biggest grain trader Marubeni Corp to expand their business in emerging markets and to tap into the region's rising demand for agricultural products. Both companies signed a letter of intent to expand into Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South America. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers.  To get your copy of  'PPLAPP' click here.

Argentina still suffering with the effects of the hot, dry conditions

Argentina is still suffering and starting to feel the effects of the hot, dry weather. The agricultural sector in Argentina has has suffered the effects of a long drought coupled with the hot weather and the weekend brought no relief as there was little or none of the much needed rainfall. The nation's parched farms, exascerbating fears of not just a complete crop failure there, but also growing affects on the economy.

"Temperatures were very warm across much of Argentina yesterday, with highs well into the 100s across nearly all of the region, with the exception of far southeastern Buenos Aires," Keeney said Tuesday morning. "This put temperatures an average of 10-20 degrees above normal! The very warm temperatures combined with significant dryness is resulting in notable yield reductions and stress on corn and soybeans." Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers. To get your copy of  'PPLAPP' click here.

Norel's appoints Dr Torrealba

Dr Hector Torrealba

Norel, has appointed Dr Hector Torrealba, Hector will be responsible for the growth of Norel in the Latin America region, giving technical support to our customers and distributors, organising technical seminars, and managing local experiments. Hector has a vast experience gained over a career of more than 18 years which include the management of large cattle farms and experimental farms, as well as being head of the purchasing department of an important feed mill in Venezuela. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers.

Corn exporters in the US fear FTA Colombia-Canada

Corn exporters in the United States have become afraid that they will lose out in the market share of corn exports with Colombia after Canada and Colombia signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The US Grains Council trade sources indicates that already Colombia buyers are placing orders with the Canadians. In 2007 the United States had a 93 percent market share, but in 2010 that market share has dropped by 20 percent. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers.

Kenyan farmers turn poisonous weed into animal feed

A weed called Prosopis juliflora, known as Mathenge was introduced more than 20 years ago to reverse soil erosion due to its extensive root system in Kenya. The plant originates from South America, was introduced in to the Baringo district (Rift Valley Province, Kenya). The plant thrives in harsh climates and spreads rapidly in arid and semi-arid areas, covering huge tracts of land and wiping out other species along the way.

However, the galloping weed disfigures the jaws of livestock that feed on it due to its hard pods and causes tooth decay because of the pods’ high sugar content. In some circumstances animals have lost their tongues and even died after feeding on the weed. Its poisonous thorns also regularly cause inflammation to both humans and livestock, which takes weeks to subside, and in some cases, where infection persists untreated, has led to amputation of limbs. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers Ltd

Association of Pork Producers from Colombia go to US to update feed expertise

13 members of the Colombian Association of Pork Producers are heading to North Dakota to get up-to speed with the feed industry. The seminar was sponsored by the North Dakota Corn Utilisation Council, Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council, and the US Grains Council (USGC).

"The US Grains Council has strongly promoted DDGS (dry distillers grains with solubles) in Colombia as a feed ingredient. If the US and Colombia sign a free trade agreement, this will be a great opportunity to move US DDGS into Colombia," said John Crabtree, NCI interim director. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers

Argentinean farmland get investment from China

Chinese investors are flocking to Argentina to invest in farmland, over the last three years China has invested in energy and minerals, but now farming is attracting more attention. During the last 12 months China has invested US$15.6 billion (€10.833 billion) in Latin America with about 60 percent going to Brazil and 40 percent to Argentina.

China's largest farming company Heilongjiang Beidahuang Nongken Group, has agreed a joint venture with Argentina's Cresud SA to buy land and farm soybean. Heilongjiang Beidahuang's chairman, Sui Fengfu, told Dow Jones Newswires in March that "the company plans to buy 200,000 hectares of overseas farmland this year, and that Latin America is a key target. The company is already farming 2 million hectares of land outside China". Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers

World Wildlife fund (WWF) soya report highlights causes of deforestation

A new report published by the World Wildlife fund (WWF) has highlighted the impact that the growing global demand for soya is having on sensitive environments around the world such as the little known Brazilian savannah, the Cerrado.

Predominantly grown for animal feed, production of soybeans in Brazil has doubled the last 15 years, driven largely by the rising consumption of meat, as well as for use in food, biofuel and other products. To meet this growth in demand, more and more land is being planted with soybeans and according to the report this expansion is often at the expense of habitats such as the Brazilian Cerrado. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers

Global food crisis: Argentina battles multinational grain giants

The Pampas are just as the old geography textbooks described them: vast flat plains stretching to distant horizons, white heads of tall grasses catching the autumn light. A great empty road ploughs a furrow from Buenos Aires through mile upon mile of fertile lands towards the ports on the great South American waterway, the Paraná river.

But missing from much of the Pampas now are the Argentinian beef cattle that used to be synonymous with this region that makes up one of the world's most expansive grazing lands. The way-markers today are grain silos, agricultural hangars for harvesting machines, and banner adverts across nearly every field for agrochemicals and genetically modified soya seed. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers

Thai feed makers cancel soy meal shipments

Animal feed makers in Thailand have cancelled around 50,000 tonnes of soy meal imports and delayed another 40,000 tons as global prices fall amid plentiful South American supplies. The Philippines is seeking to defer around 40,000 tons due from Argentina in June to August, traders said.

Traders said most cargoes being cancelled or deferred are from Argentina, the world's biggest exporter of the feed ingredient, which is on track to produce a bumper soybean crop. The benchmark Chicago Board of Trade soybean meal has lost around seven percent since the start of April on bumper soybean output in South America. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and the International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers

People: Danisco

Veterinarian, Dr Guillermo Gaona-Ramírez, has recently joined the Danisco Animal Nutrition team as a Technical Sales Manager. He will be covering the South American countries of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru and will be reporting to Enrique Betancourt, Latin American Sales Director.

As well as providing technical support, Guillermo will also help develop sales of Danisco’s probiotic and enzyme products for poultry producers in the Andean countries.

Highly experienced, Guillermo was formerly a broiler veterinarian for Mac Pollo S.A. in Colombia and has a diploma in poultry production from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. His most recent role has been as poultry technical manager in Latin America for Ralco Nutrition.

This blog is written by Martin Little The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine and International Milling Directory from Perendale Publishers