EFSA: RIFT VALLEY FEVER RISK IS LOW BUT EU MUST REMAIN
VIGILANT The European Union is not at imminent risk from Rift Valley fever, but developments in neighbouring countries mean that the EU authorities and Member States should strengthen, improve and harmonise their surveillance and response capability as well as their scientific and technical expertise to be better prepared for introduction of the disease. The EU should also continue to
collaborate closely with North African and Middle Eastern countries to evaluate the possibility of Rift Valley fever spreading from currently infected areas, and to monitor the evolution of the epidemics in other countries. These are the main recommendations of a scientific opinion by EFSA on the risk of introduction of Rift Valley fever to Europe. Rift Valley fever is a vector-borne
disease transmitted by a wide range of mosquito species to animals (domestic and wild ruminants and camels) and humans. It is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and recent outbreaks in a French overseas department and the detection of seropositive cases – animals with Rift Valley antibodies in their blood, indicating previous exposure to the virus – in countries close to Europe have raised the possibility of incursion into the EU territory. However, the overall risk of introduction of the disease into the EU through the movement of infected animals is considered to be very low as is the risk of introduction through the movement of infected vectors, even in those countries with air and sea connections to infected areas.
FORFARMERS 2019 UK RESULTS
Market and sector developments There was a slight reduction in the dairy
herd but a rise in milk production per cow resulted in a 2% rise in milk volume in 2019 compared to 2018 however, the price of milk declined, especially in the second half of the year.
Demand for compound feed also declined
in the ruminant sector due to the presence of ample forage following a good growing season. Moreover ruminants, especially sheep, were kept outside for longer due to the mild winter. Sheep farmers sold their lambs earlier in the year due to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Pig farmers faced a drop in local demand
for their products, with the decline completely offset by higher demand for pig meat, particularly from Asia. Pig prices in the United Kingdom rose to a certain extent in 2019 but not as much as in continental Europe. The trend towards fewer but larger pig farms is continuing. The pig population shrank slightly.
Results
Total Feed volume decreased by 7.7% to 2.7 million tonnes. Within the ruminant sectors less feed was sold because of the mild winter (2018/2019) when sheep stayed at pasture longer and therefore ate less compound feed. In contrast to 2018 when there was a shortage of grass due to the drought, dairy cows did not need additional feed during the summer months in 2019. Volume in the pig sector also decreased
somewhat as a result of the tightened commercial proposition, and especially because a large customer had fewer animals.
More feed was sold in the poultry sector. The decline in compound feed volume was larger (in percentage terms) than for Total Feed volume. Gross profit decreased by 3.6%. The
decline of gross profit in the first half-year of 2019, especially due to the unfavourable purchasing position, could not be fully offset in the second half. Although gross profit fell in the second half of the year on lower volumes, the margin per tonne improved compared to that of the first half of 2018. Underlying operating expenses were
down by 1.5%. Employee benefit expenses were lower due to there being fewer employees than the year before. This was attributable to the closure of two mills, as part of the efficiency plans. Production and transport costs decreased because of the lower volumes. Overhead cost allocation was €0.1 million lower than last year. Underlying EBITDA rose by 0.4% to €20.6 million (including a positive IFRS 16 effect of €2.2 million), despite the volume decline and the lower gross profit, because of lower operating expenses.
EVONIK ANNOUNCES A GLOBAL
PRICE INCREASE FOR BIOLYS® Evonik has increased its net price of Biolys® (L-Lysine, Feed Grade 54.6%) worldwide by 18 % on average. Evonik declared that all existing contracts and supply agreements will be honored.
Advanced contr ol systems for Feed and Grain plants
Mill efficiencies through innovation
DSL Systems has been automating feed mills since 1979 and is now recognised as the UK market leader. Over the years, the solutions have become increasingly comprehensive and sophisticated to improve mill efficiency. DSL’s latest AutoPilot4Feed system can control all areas of a mill and may also include production planning, lot traceability, maintenance, driver self-service, warehouse tracking and mill performance (OEE) options.
Please contact us to arrange a demonstration and find out how we can improve your mill.
DSL Systems Ltd, Adbolton Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5AS, England. T: +44 (0) 115 981 3700 I E:
mail@dsl-systems.com
Hassle-Free changeover
Excellent 24 hour support
Good
return on investment
For efficient innovation at your fingertips go to
www.dsl-systems.com
FEED COMPOUNDER MARCH/APRIL 2020 PAGE 57
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68