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Falklands and slaughter report: normal shortage of sheep, cattle and cattle
In sheep, the situation in the Falklands is relatively normal
Outgoing general manager David Roberts provided the latest report
The bovine supply is almost zero, which has raised many concerns for local consumption
In what was the last meeting of the Agricultural Consultative Committee, at the beginning of October, and taking into account the approach of the electoral period in the Falkland Islands, (November/December), and the end of the mandate of the current elected Legislative Assembly, the presentation at FIMCo, (Falkland Islands Meat Company) of the annual report was clear and dark, a certain normality in sheep meat, but very complicated in beef.
The legislators who make up the aforementioned Committee, MLAs Teslyn Barkman and John Birmingham, heard the latest FIMCo status report, provided by Manager David Roberts, who we must say has decided to step down and has been replaced on an interim basis by Nigel Leach.
It can be said that the report was somewhat balanced, since on the sheep side there is still interest in sheep meat and skins, but the situation is not unpromising in terms of beef, where there would be a lack of cattle, even for local consumption.
Roberts, in the report, said there were plenty of sheep in line for when the slaughter begins on November 3. There are already around 3,840 ‘flaquerona’ ewes scheduled for slaughter, but producers wishing to sell ewes are also reminded to do so and comply with registration requirements as there is capacity.
On the other hand, with regard to livestock farming, he spoke of great concern, with several months of little or no supply. Louise Pole-Evans, representative of the Malvinas Rural Association, RBA, commented that producers stopped raising cattle three years ago and hence the shortage. For his part, Andy Wilson, from independent producers, admitted that this exercise was going to be the worst, but “things are expected to start to improve” from now on, as more information is shared, while Pole-Evans said that more work was needed.
Roberts, for his part, said the Beef Cattle Suppliers Group is functioning well and that two online beef cattle breeding sites are being very well utilized, working over a five-year horizon.
In other topics addressed by the Agricultural Committee, it was indicated that the Invasive Species Group was complying very well with an excellent report. According to Director of Natural Resources James Wilson, on the West Island there was a meeting on the subject that was attended by around 22 people from fourteen different farms and on the East Island three more legislators attended, with 23 participants from thirteen farms.
more related to beef production. For example, ideas were exchanged about the beef cattle breeders’ portal, the viability of beef cattle production on the West Island, the agreement to supply weaned calves, FIMCo’s production capacity, changes to the quotation tables, the AI 2025 program, having a herd for semen, in addition to transportation by ferry, the barge that connects the West Island with the East Island where the slaughterhouse is located. Wilson commented that in general the prospects for beef cattle production are improving, but that it is still necessary to continue on the path set out in the days of beef cattle ranchers.
Agricultural Statistics
A problem has been identified in Agricultural Statistics which is known to affect and confuse the number of cattle and sheep farms. Director of Agriculture Matt Davies explained that the format of the questions answered risks doubling the number of calves and weaned animals (also extending to lambs and puppies).
“It is something that needs to be reviewed and new questions about beef cattle productivity will help to identify and that is where the Department should focus its attention and support. Davies also added that work is being done to move the statistics to the cloud (computing).
Finally, the Committee agreed to provide formal recognition to a new Invasive Species Working Group. Agricultural consultant Erica Berntsen made a presentation to the Committee emphasizing that she was asking for recognition, not funds, at least at this time. The Group includes members from the Departments of Agriculture and Environment, as well as SAERI, Falklands Conservation and the Falklands Rural Association, RBA, as well as service providers and its aim includes providing expert advice, project coordination, raising awareness of the issue of invasive species and “ensuring that agricultural perspectives are fully integrated into the management of invasive species”. The Group plans to meet three times next month and resume work after the summer. (Source Penguin News)