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: Selling Rams & Helping New Farmers Begin

It’s shipping day again at Ewetopia Farms as we sell another Suffolk yearling ram! In today’s episode, we load one of our Suffolk rams onto the trailer as he heads off to his new farm to sire the next generation of lambs.

This particular customer has been buying our rams for over eight years, trusting Ewetopia genetics for their gentle temperaments, strong builds, and proven performance. Back home, we get busy looking after the flock that’s staying behind. With the weather turning wet and chilly, it’s time to put down fresh, clean bedding to keep everyone cozy and comfortable for the season ahead. Later, we welcome a wonderful new family who’s just starting out in sheep farming!

They’ve chosen some of our Suffolk ewe lambs to begin their flock — and we couldn’t be happier to help them take their first steps into raising sheep. Stay tuned for a follow-up episode when we help deliver and settle their new flock at their farm.