Peter BestPeter Best is a consulting editor for Pig International and can be reached at [email protected].From the Author - Page 2HomeCompound feed tonnage experiences a tough year in major marketsGlobal and regional volumes of compound feed in 2013 have reflected a difficult year for several of the biggest markets. The indication from WATT's latest World Feed Panorama survey is that approximately 825 million metric tons of compound feeds were manufactured industrially for food animals and aquaculture in 2013.HomeAquafeeds suffer a loss of volume in 2013Aquaculture's growth in recent years has provided one of the brightest stars in the compound feeds firmament, but its record in 2013 was rather less impressive. Asia had problems with shrimp disease as well as with reducing fish volumes of both pangasius and tilapia. Declining markets for salmonid feeds were seen in the key sectors of Norway, Chile and Canada. Smaller aquafeed sectors, such as in Australia, similarly reported reduced volumes.HomeRecovering North American poultry, pork profits lift feed sales in 2013A marked improvement in production economics for the American poultry sector and weather-related effects on the availability of pasture for grazing were among influences increasing the demand for feeds in the United States in 2013, as grain prices decreased.But, while the pork business stabilized, and the broiler, layer and dairy markets all showed a small annual increase, beef dropped sharply and is expected to continue its fall in 2014.HomePoultry dictates feed outlook in Middle East, AfricaPoultry prospects dictate the feed market trend in the Middle East and Africa, even more when this zone is extended to include countries at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. A reasonable performance by the poultry sector in 2013 therefore meant better regional and national feed volumes.HomeLower feed output by big EU playersThe European Union grew larger in 2013 when Croatia became its 28th member. On preliminary estimates from the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC), the newly enlarged EU-28 produced a total of 153.8 million metric tons of compound feeds in 2013, fractionally less than the 154.2 million metric tons from the same 28 member states in 2012.Nutrition & FeedChina experiences the ‘toughest years’ on recordChina Feed Industry Association data have shown compound feeds accounting for almost 162 million metric tons of the total of 191 million metric tons of all feeds produced by Chinese feed mills in 2013. On association figures, this meant a 1.2 percent reduction in China's compound feed production, while total feed tonnage was down by 1.8 percent.HomePositive forecasts for Latin American poultry, porkAvian influenza hit Mexico's poultry industry again in 2013, and there were fears initially of a big downturn in the national production of meat and eggs so that feed requirements would also be lower. But national chicken and egg production actually rose for 2013 despite the episodes of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H7N3 between January and August, on data from Mexican poultry union UNA.HomePig industry insider: Pork prices impacted by trade agreementsPork prices are dictated fundamentally by the balance between the demand for meat in the main markets where it is consumed and the ability to supply it. Exports have a considerable effect on the producer price, both in the home country where the pork was produced and in the place to which it has been sold.HomeGlobal grain trade continues to expand, evolveThe International Grains Council’s (IGC) 2013 Grains Conference, a gathering of the largest trading organizations in the world, provided an opportunity to gain expert views on the global market outlook for feed’s primary ingredients. This article highlights of recent developments in the global grain trade.HomeWorld pork output leaps barriers to growthWorld pork production defied many expectations by growing in 2012 at a rate of about 1.9 percent, according to the latest data from national and international agencies. Previously, there had been widespread forecasts that 2012 would see a standstill in global pork output or even a reduction.HomeEgypt leads African surge in fish feedsOpportunity in Egypt's aquaculture industry is driving the rapid expansion of the capacity of its extruded fish feed production. Recently, two major European players have significantly increase their Egyptian aquafeed investments, while at least two poultry-feed companies with headquarters in Egypt are described as being well ahead with plans to start their own fish feed production.HomeDesigner pig meat improving pork’s image in SwedenDesigner pork has provided one of the few bright spots in a generally gloomy market for pig meat in Sweden, according to HKScan, the country’s largest meat company. HKScan reports a good start to Swedish sales of Rapsgris, its recently introduced brand of pork produced on the basis of including rapeseed oil in the pigs’ feed.Previous PagePage 2 of 11Next Page