Blogs
Carbapenemase resistance
The medical doctors have faced a number of resistance epidemics such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Carbapenems are also beta-lactam antibiotics used almost as a last resort in human medici...
A different subject: Talking about smaller litters
Attending a conference on the end of piglet castration in the European Union, held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, I notice that both the topic as well as the visitors are unique. The topic is unique as the theme of castration always used to be discussed, but hardly ever before a whole public confe...
The dollar has had its day
In this column Rabobank's Chief Economist Dr. Wim Boonstra argues that the world is experiencing the latter days of the dollar era. In the absence of a different reserve currency any time soon, Dr. Boonstra advocates a return to a value standard that is not dependent on one country. The US Treasur...
Blame the wheat speculators
Many environmental factors can reduce agriculture productivity, but drought is by far the most damaging. It is also a great tool for speculators to disturb natural supply and demand mechanisms by trying to manipulate prices. Now Russia is facing a severe drought and global grain markets are nervou...
Sweet and sour
Despite the ban on the use of antibiotic growth enhancers the livestock industry is still using large amounts of this product. Many veterinarians prescribe it as a so-called therapeutic drug, whether there is a need or not. In recent shocking publications about an increasing number of people becom...
Agriculture in 2018
Early this year, I wrote a weblog with the title 'Agriculture in 2017'. The general idea, quoting several scientific projections, was that the future looked very optimistic for pork production. Writing that blog, I realised that I had some information that the scientists compiling these projection...
Future changes in the global dairy sector
"We have come a long way", said Erich Erber, founder of Biomin in his opening speech at the World Nutrition Forum. He continued: "But there is more to do, especially in current times where issues such as: the price of feedstuffs, the world population and consumer issues are affecting our business. W...
The dangers of pseudo science
Distortion of science to promote protectionist agendas happens. Many countries are applying trade embargos against exporters as a result of isolating and identifying low-pathogenic strains of avian influenza in non-commercial birds in nature reserves or zoos following intensive surveillance. By...
The Doha Round. Rest in Peace
It only took two days for representatives to the Geneva "make-or-break" meeting at the end of July, intended to save the Doha Round, to realize the state of deadlock which exists with respect to agricultural subsidies and unfettered trade access. By Simon Shane It only took two days for rep...
Conflicts between veterinary and public health agencies emerge over HPAI.
The New Delhi meeting was arranged for representatives of eleven Asian nations to review the control and prevention of HPAI and hopefully resolve some conflicts. By Simon Shane On Thursday 27th July a conference was arranged for representatives of eleven Asian nations to review the contro...
