There are lots of international stories in our poultry and pig news roundup over the last seven days. However, we begin a bit closer to home with some sobering findings from recent surveys:
Defra’s annual agricultural work force survey reveals the latest farming demographics
Unsurprisingly, 88% of farmers were male, with 66% over the age of 55, confirming the national stereotype of farmers. Women only made up 12% and young farmers across both genders, under the age of 35, totalled just 5%. These figures highlight the task of the new government and industry bodies in making farming appealing to young farmers and safeguarding the future of British farming.
New report says 48% of farmers are not positive about their future in farming
The National Audit Office have released their report on The Farming and Countryside Programme, and it has found that 48% of farmers are not positive about their future in farming. This is a worrying statistic as the UK farming sector produced 62% of the food we ate in 2023. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner acknowledged the figure in a statement saying that farmers’ confidence was at an all time low, but the new government was committed to supporting UK farming.
Common terns bouncing back from the impact of avian influenza in Scotland
At last some good news for common terns after the recent devastating impact of avian influenza. At the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Montrose Basin Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve, Angus, over 100 chicks have hatched from 40 breeding pairs of common terns. The terns used a floating raft called Maid of Sterna Stuff II which has been designed to provide a safe place to breed.
Colorado milk to be tested weekly for bird flu
Colorado’s State veterinarian has told Reuters that a Mandatory Order was now in place for ‘weekly bulk-tank samples to be collected from every CDPHE-licensed dairy cow farm in Colorado, that is not under any separate order of quarantine or order for testing.’ This comes on the back of 47 Colorado dairy herds confirmed with bird flu, over 3 million layer chickens culled, and poultry farm workers testing positive for bird flu.
Germany reports another two cases of African Swine Fever
Hesse’s agriculture ministry announced two new African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks on pig farms in the southern Groß-Gerau district. These farms, with 17 and 170 pigs respectively, fall within the existing ASF restriction zone established earlier in July. To prevent further regional outbreaks, Hessian agriculture officials have urged all pig farmers to conduct daily checks for disease signs. In addition, they should report any findings immediately to their district veterinary office.
You can find out more about the dangers posed by African Swine Fever in our spotlight.
China to probes alleged EU pork dumping
China is investigating alleged dumping of pork products by European companies following complaints from its domestic industry. Danish Crown (Denmark), Vion Food Group (Netherlands) and Litera Meat (Spain) will be investigated. The move comes amid trade tensions between China and the EU, with some suggesting it’s retaliation for EU tariffs on Chinese electric cars.