Skim Milk Powder Imports to China Pick Up

What happens in China, one of the world’s largest importers of dairy products and the globe’s second largest economy, has a major impact on both international and U.S. dairy markets. Yet while economic growth has been slowing in China, a rebound in the country’s skim milk powder imports could be in the making, following a year when imports plunged.

In mid-January, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its global growth forecast for the third time in less than a year as new figures out of China showed the country’s 2015 gross domestic product (GDP) grew at 6.9 percent, the country’s slowest growth in 25 years.

Due primarily to the slowdown in China, IMF now expects the world economy to grow at 3.4 percent in 2016 and 3.6 percent in 2017. IMF lowered its forecast for both years by 0.2 percentage points from its October estimates. IMF left its previous GDP growth forecasts for China at 6.3 percent and 6 percent for 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Despite the economic slowdown, China’s imports of skim milk powder (SMP) were up in December and have fared better than its imports of whole milk powder (WMP), according to Mary Ledman, dairy economist with the Daily Dairy Report and president of Keough Ledman Associates Inc., Libertyville, Ill.

In December 2015, China imported nearly 14,800 metric tons, or 34.2 million pounds, of SMP, a 5 percent increase compared to December 2014, according to data to Global Trade Atlas data. For all of 2015, though, China’s SMP imports of 200,267 metric tons (441.5 million pounds) were 20.8 percent below 2014.

“New Zealand commanded 55 percent of China’s skim milk powder market last year, while the European Union captured 22 percent market share, and the United States had an 11-percent share,” says Ledman. China’s SMP imports, however, account for less than 40 percent of the country’s total dried milk imports, she adds. Whole milk powder (WMP) accounts for the rest, and China’s year-over-year imports of WMP plunged even further than SMP imports.

“To say China’s whole milk powder market is dominated by New Zealand is an understatement,” notes Ledman. “In 2015, New Zealand accounted for 97 percent of all of China’s whole milk powder imports, while Australia and the European Union each captured less than 2 percent.”

Oceania’s dominance in whole milk powder, however, provided little solace to the region. Last year, China imported 342,646 metric tons, or 755 million pounds, of whole milk powder, which is about half of the volume it imported in 2014 and the lowest annual volume of WMP imports since 2011, notes Ledman.

Along with New Zealand, China is one of the world’s two largest producers of WMP, producing 1.4 million metric tons a year.

“The dramatic reduction in China’s 2015 whole milk powder imports reflects a recovery in the country’s domestic supply and lower demand, triggered in part by record-high prices in late 2014 and early 2015,” says Ledman. “China’s lower 2015 combined milk powder imports translate into nearly 7 billion pounds of milk-equivalent. In other words, the decline in milk powder exports to China resulted in 7 billion pounds of milk either having to find a different market or a different product class.”

Resource:  http://www.agweb.com/article/skim-milk-powder-imports-to-china-pick-up-naa-fran-howard/

Dairy UK appeals to the government to help boost demand for dairy

Dr Dobbin has written to Farming Minister George Eustice to raise concerns about the rapidly increasing amount of skimmed milk powder being submitted into intervention.

In his letter, Dr Dobbin said: “Despite depressed returns, the growth in global milk production, especially from Europe including the UK, is still rising and running well ahead of global demand. As a result, stocks of powder, butter and cheese are high and skimmed milk is being intervened across Europe, including the UK.”

Dr Dobbin said if the current milk supply production profile is maintained the UK dairy industry is facing a large surplus of milk over immediate demand this spring peak. He also set out in his letter a range of options on how Government could help ensure a smooth transition on intervention.

He said: “We are asking you to use the lobbying weight of the UK Government with the Commissioner to achieve a smooth transition regarding intervention at this difficult time. This would help avoid further distress at farmer and processor level and would be a positive way in which DEFRA can help the UK industry.”
Hunting out opportunities in the domestic and export markets

In a call to the entire UK dairy industry, Dairy UK Chairman said: “All of us in the UK dairy industry have to up our game and do what we can to hunt out opportunities in domestic and export markets to increase demand for our quality British dairy products.

“Dairy UK has recently published a new export strategy for the UK dairy industry highlighting the need for Government to work closely with the dairy industry to develop ways to promote UK dairy globally and generate more demand in international markets.

“We also call on the AHDB to lend their financial support to that of the industry and work collaboratively with us to promote dairy products. We’re delighted that they have taken some positive steps towards us and we are looking at how we can work together moving forward. It is time for the dairy industry to invest in developing demand for dairy products through promotion at home and abroad.”

Resource:  http://www.newfoodmagazine.com/22908/news/industry-news/dairy-uk-appeals-to-the-government-to-help-boost-demand-for-dairy/

Low-Fat Dairy Milk is the Cream of the Crop

Dietitian and healthful-eating columnist Ellie Krieger answered questions recently in a Washington Post online chat. Here is an edited excerpt.

Q: What are your thoughts on soy milk, almond milk and other nut milks as an alternative to dairy milk? While I know those with lactose intolerance and allergy issues see them as a great alternative, I am wondering whether other health benefits (beyond calorie comparisons) outweigh the use of skim milk.

A: Certainly nut and soy milks offer a great alternative for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. I also find them fun to use in recipes when I want subtle flavor variations. (I like to make my own nut milks.)

But there is no reason to swap them for regular low-fat milk from a nutritional perspective. Dairy milk has a significant amount of protein (eight ounces of milk has as much protein as an egg; nut milks have very little), plus it is an excellent source of several nutrients and has no added sugars or preservatives, which many packaged alternative milks often have. I stick with low-fat milk as the main staple in my home.

Q: Do you ever make smoothies for breakfast and, if you do, do you have a recommendation for a nutritionally sound protein powder or one you can make on your own?

A: I don't generally use protein powders as they are - to me - the very definition of a processed food. They may be helpful in special cases where a person's diet is highly restrictive or they have special medical needs, but these powders are not necessary for the average person. Whole foods are always my first choice. Why not just use a scoop of nut butter in your smoothie? That along with the protein from chia seeds would be plenty. Have a hard-boiled egg with it if you want to boost protein further.

Q: I cannot stop snacking when I'm at work, and when I'm home, all bets are off. I will go for whatever sweet or salty snack is hanging around. What are "safe" things to eat in terms of snacking, and is there any advice you have to combat mindless snacking?

A: One way to keep snacking under control is to make sure you are eating regular, well-balanced meals. Beyond that, build in two or three strategic, planned snacking occasions (maybe one mid-morning, one mid-afternoon and one in the evening) and set some ground rules for them, such as never snack out of a bag or container (put a portion of the food on a plate or in a bowl), make sure you sit down and take a little time out to eat your snack rather than munch mindlessly, and sit at a table away from the TV and away from the computer. Those strategies should help get you on the right track.

Q: Feb. 7 is right around the corner. Do you have any tips for yummy and healthy Super Bowl snacks?

A: For fun and healthy snacks for game day, I would try whole-grain flatbread pizzas and mini turkey meatballs. You can also serve veggies and whole-grain pita chips with dips, such as hummus, guacamole or my Chipotle Black Bean Dip (elliekrieger.com).

Q: What is the best whole grain to use - brown rice, whole grain bread, pasta or quinoa?

A: Sometimes pinpointing the "best" of a category (best vegetable, best exercise, etc.) serves only to limit all the wonderful options that are available to us. The best whole grain is the one you enjoy most and will actually eat. But as a rule, the more you can go for intact grains rather than grains made into fine flours, the better. Farro and wheat berries are better for you than a soft whole-wheat bread, for example, and brown rice is better for you than baked goods made with brown rice flour. Don't get too hung up on the differences between, say, quinoa and sorghum, nutritionally. Different grains each have different advantages, so it is best (and most fun) to get a variety.

Q: I have a healthy lunch (usually soup or salad) and then crave a sweet treat, such as almonds and semisweet morsels. Can you suggest some other healthy options?

A: I like a little something sweet after lunch, too. I usually go for a square of dark chocolate, but I also find a couple of dried figs, or dates, with a clementine or tangerine is a nice, sweet ending. I also enjoy sliced apple or pear sprinkled with cinnamon and drizzled with a little honey. It's amazing how just fanning them on a plate and garnishing them like that turns the plain fruit into a lovely dessert.

Q: I've recently started putting a teaspoon of coconut oil in my green smoothies. Is it safe for me to be doing this?

A: Adding some fat to your green smoothie can be a good idea to help you to absorb the fat-soluble nutrients and to help temper the rise in blood sugar it gives you. But coconut oil would not be my first choice, unless you are specifically seeking the coconut flavor.

Although the saturated fat in coconut is probably not as bad for you as once thought, the verdict is not in yet on how it affects your health, so it may not be any better for you than butter. Some coconut oil is fine once in a while, but as an everyday thing, why not use a tablespoon of nut butter instead, which would offer healthy fat, plus protein, minerals and other nutrients?

Q: I want to have a healthy diet, but I'm allergic to fish and shellfish. What do you suggest I eat in place of fish and shellfish to get the nutritional benefits?

A: As long as you eat other healthy sources of protein, the only real concern is making sure you get omega-3 fatty acids, which you can get through plant-based sources such as ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, chia seeds, walnuts and dark leafy greens. You can also take a plant-based omega-3 supplement.

Resource: http://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/low-fat-dairy-milk-is-the-cream-of-the-crop-1274110

Dairy awards bring in power play to competitions

 

Competitors in the Dairy Manager of the Year contest can choose one topic from five options to present to judges and pick up extra points.

General manager Chris Keeping said feedback on how the power play concept was working for entrants and judges was positive.

"The Power Play lets an entrant draw on their strengths and gives each presentation an individual flair. The component is worth 20 per cent of total marks."

The Dairy Manager of the Year competition is the new name for the Farm Manager of the Year competition, which along with the other competitions was revamped this year to enable more people to enter the awards and to make the competitions more even.

"The upshot is that the dairy manager competition does cater for a wide range of age, abilities and experience in the industry. Having the power play assists all entrants to focus on one area they know well, and are trained and confident in."

The five options to choose from were farm finances, health and safety, technology and innovation, team management, and farm environment.

The competitor with the highest tally in the power play nationally would be recognised with an award.

Judging is underway in the 11 regional competitions.
A new power play has been introduced to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards to attract more entrants.

Resource: http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/agribusiness/76971347/dairy-awards-bring-in-power-play-to-competitions

Top-notch' Hazelton Dairy Employee who Drowned Identified

HAZELTON • The owner of a dairy where a worker drowned in a waste pond Tuesday said the man was a hard-working father and “top-notch guy.”

Ruperto Vazquez-Carrera, 37, of Hazelton was pulled from the waste pond about 4 p.m. Tuesday, about 10 hours after the feed truck he was driving was found submerged in the pond.

The cause of death was accidental drowning, Jerome County Coroner Gerald Brant said.

“When he started working here around March last year he started at an entry-level position and worked his way up to a position of value,” said Dirk Reitsma, the owner of Sunrise Organic Dairy Farm. “He was here every day, never complained and never had a problem … he was a top-notch guy.”

Vazquez-Carrera was last seen around 5:30 a.m. but didn’t show up to a different part of the dairy where he was supposed to be later that morning, Jerome County Sheriff’s Lt. Dan Kennedy said Tuesday. Later in the morning someone saw the truck submerged in the pond and called police.

The dairy flooded overnight from snow melt, adding difficulty to the recovery, Kennedy said.

Shortly after noon, crews pulled the truck out of the 20-acre pond expecting to find Vazquez-Carrera’s body, Chief Deputy Jack Johnson said Tuesday. But when the truck was pulled from the pond, Vazquez-Carrera was not inside.

His body was found by the Minidoka County Sheriff’s dive team about four hours later.

“It was apparent he was trying to get himself out,” Kennedy said Tuesday. “As far as the why and how, we don’t have a clue.”

Vazquez-Carrera’s brother is also an employee at the dairy and was on scene during Tuesday’s search.

“It was just a freak accident,” Reitsma said. “It’s just a bad deal. I feel bad for his brother, wife and kids.”

Resource:  http://magicvalley.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/top-notch-hazelton-dairy-employee-who-drowned-identified/article_4ed1a0ca-e2d0-5ddf-83f5-330537a0a70e.html

China Dairy Industry Report 2016

The global dairy industry has been experiencing a downturn lately. Key reasons include the slowdown in China's economy, abolition of the European Union's dairy-production quotas and Russia's ban on European Union's produce.

China's dairy sector, which was valued at USD 40.6 billion in 2013, is currently experiencing oversupply to such an extent that farmers are pouring milk down the drain and slaughtering cattle. The sector is also suffering on account of the global fall in milk prices and the quality issues in domestic milk production. Locals who can afford it prefer to consume only foreign brands of milk and milk products and this is causing a decrease in demand.

China with its huge populating and the rising urban middle class currently consumes less than one third of the global per capita milk consumption average. There lies an immense opportunity in the country's dairy sector but the sector can thrive only once it has been streamlined and modernized.

Why should the report be purchased?

The report Assessment of China's Dairy Industry 2016' highlights key dynamics of China's dairy sector. The growing opportunity in the sector has been investigated along with key challenges. Key players including China Mengniu Dairy Company Ltd., Yili Group, Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Sanyuan Group, Nestle, Friesland Campina, Danone and Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd. The report contains latest industry-related opinions.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Global Dairy Industry

2. China Country Snapshot

3. China Dairy Industry

4. Market Drivers

5. Challenges

6. Competitive Landscape

7. Government Initiatives

8. Outlook

9. List of Charts and Graphs

Companies Mentioned

- Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd. - China Mengniu Dairy Company Ltd. - Danone - Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd. - FrieslandCampina - Nestle - Sanyuan Group - Yili Group

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/t7tfz5/assessment_of

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Resource:  http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-dairy-industry-report-2016-300222888.html

No Govt Help For Dairy Farmers

No Govt Help For Dairy Farmers

Weekly agricultural report The Main Report Farming Alert says for those calling on the Govt to prop up the dairy industry during the current slump in export prices, Finance Minister Bill English has a blunt answer - “The Govt does not intend to initiate financial support for dairy farmers under pressure.” This was his response in Parliament when questioned by Labour’s Grant Robertson whether he had sought assurances from banks in NZ about their approach to debt in light of projections of a third year below break-even payout and Federated Farmers saying one in 10 farmers are facing pressure from their bank.

The Main Report Farming Alert says English conceded there will be some farmers with very high debt levels who will be under pressure, “unsurprisingly” from their banks, and there are ongoing discussions with the banks by Treasury, the Reserve Bank, the Primary Industries Minister and himself, “but I think we need to keep in mind here that although prices have dropped further, and look like they will stay low longer than was expected, this is an industry that has a very positive long-term view about its prospects, which is reflected, for instance, in the current land prices, and it also has pretty solid balance sheets that can absorb losses - hopefully, not for three years but certainly for two years”

English says for those farmers in extreme circumstances, there are the various rural-based organisations, the rural support trusts around the country who are well organised and very attuned to the ongoing mood in the farming community. “But the Govt does not intend to initiate financial support for dairy farmers under pressure.”
Resource: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1602/S00631/no-govt-help-for-dairy-farmers.htm