According to this weeks "Scottish Farmer", a delegation from the UK's National Beef Association has returned from last week's Agrofarm exhibition, in Moscow, claiming that there is massive demand for UK breeding cattle in Russia - and that initial orders could be for as many as 200,000 females.
According to the NBA, the only obstacle remaining to this breeding heifer gold rush is the wait for the Russian government to agree the format for an export health certificate. "Russian enthusiasm for specialist UK livestock and semen exceeded all expectations," reported NBA policy advisor, Kim Haywood, who led the trade visit.
"The interest in beef cattle tended to be general rather than specific, but they were keen on Simmental, Hereford and Angus, and there were also pointed enquiries about Charolais, Highland and Dexter.
"Russia is re-building its national cattle herd and re-stocking agents are ready to pay a premium well above prices currently paid by EU export buyers as they set out to secure suitable stock" said Ms Haywood.
Ms Haywood claimed that talks between the NBA, Defra, MLC, the Russian government and the British Ambassador had already moved the adoption of an animal health certificate forward. "It is frustrating to know that orders for tens of thousands of cattle are currently blocked by the absence of certification, bu the ambassador plans to meet Russian government agriculture officials within the next two weeks" said Ms Haywood.
"Russian import agents are alos putting pressure on their government and have organised the meetings at which they will do this.
"There are hopes a cattle semen certificate will be agreed by the end of the year. The EU health certificate requires the farm of origin never to have had a BSE case, but authorities may be persuaded that a set date for BSE herd freedom, similar to the post-August 1996 requirement for the export of UK beef within the EU, will be acceptable and a 2002 cut off date is being discussed," she explained.
"The huge demand for cattle genetics in Russia encourages export optimism and should give support for continued growth in the UK's cattle breeding sector. Russia's steak market is not yet developed and there is untapped demand for top class beef in Moscow alone."
I think we should be following this up
Duncan
Russian Interest - National Beef Association report
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Duncan MacIntyre
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Broomcroft
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This is something that the DCS could maybe appoint someone to follow up on and coordinate? Only they have a full list of potential suppliers and the resources and finance to do the job properly. It is not a beef issue, is it? It's a livestock matter.
Payment needs to be cast iron, and up front I would suggest. A good price is any good if you get the money!
Well spotted Duncan.
Payment needs to be cast iron, and up front I would suggest. A good price is any good if you get the money!
Well spotted Duncan.
Clive
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Broomcroft
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North Yorkshire Council actually sent representatives to Russia recently, and all breeders of pedigree stock including myself had the opportunity to send information promoting their herd if wanted.
However, as my husband works in Russia, like Clive he certainly advises caution regarding the "premium" price and securing payment.
However, as my husband works in Russia, like Clive he certainly advises caution regarding the "premium" price and securing payment.
