China tightens slaughter rules after new ASF outbreak: report

Jan 03, 2019

China on Wednesday said its slaughterhouses will need to run tests for the African swine fever (ASF) virus on pig products before selling them to the market, Reuters reported.

The announcement from China’s agriculture ministry comes amid a new outbreak of the disease on the largest farm to date. The farm, with 73,000 pigs, is in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, the report said.

Among the new slaughterhouse regulations, effective Feb. 1, pigs from different origins must be slaughtered separately, and, if ASF is found, facilities must cull all pigs and suspend operations for at least 48 hours.

Last month, China warned Hong Kong and Macau to check animal feed imports after finding the virus in protein powder made from pig blood, and it halted shipments of live pigs to those destinations from 18 ASF-affected farms.

China has reported more than 90 cases of ASF since August.

Source : Meatingplace

Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.