As African swine fever continues to spread in Russia, prime minister Dmitry Medvedev has admitted it is becoming a significant problem for the economy.
As a result, the government may consider a ban on what it terms "private pig farming" – what we would call backyard pig farming.
According to reports, such a ban would have a major impact on reducing the number of African swine fever outbreaks. On the other hand it would cost the country nearly a third of its pig herd.
In addition to banning backyard pigs, the government may decide to close down commercial enterprises that do not have sufficient bio-security measures in place.
This would cost the country a further 15% of its pigs, bringing the total loss of production to 45%.
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 29 prime heifers at Ayr on Tuesday to a top of 250.5p per kg and an average of 229p (-5.4p on the week), while 13 prime steers peaked at 253p and levelled at 225.3p (-18.6p). Five prime bulls sold to 227.5p and averaged 197p (-11.6p).
There was a plainer show of cows presented in the rough ring when all classes sold cheaper on the week, with leaner sorts hardest to cash. One-hundred-and-twenty-four beef cows averaged 129.6p and 177 dairy cows levelled at 103.4p. Thirteen bulls averaged 133.1p.
The 20 dairy cattle forward were topped by a Holstein Friesian heifer that sold for £2420 with the sale average levelling at £1754 (+£54).
There was also a dispersal sale consisting of 54 British Friesian stock cows on behalf of Messrs SW&RJ Boyd, Low Blackwoodyards that averaged £1138.88.. In-calf cows to £1900, £1750 (x2) and £1700 (x2). Calved cows to £1800 (x2).
The firm went on to sell 1058 prime lambs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £92 per head and 210.5p per kg to average 189.5p (+9.1p).
The 153 cast sheep forward met similar rates to last week with ewes selling to £80 for Suffolk crosses and £57 for Blackfaces.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 33 prime cattle forward at their weekly sale in Dumfries yesterday when bullocks sold to 242.5p and averaged 216.3p (-14p), while heifers peaked at 254.5p and levelled at 230p (-3p).
There were 74 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 135.8p and dairy cows levelled at 100.6p.
The 688 prime lambs sold to £88 and 219p to average 195.5p (+12.5p).
With the festival of Ramadam drawing to a close there was increased demand for ewes, especially horned ones and Mules.
Heavy ewes sold £84.50 for Texels and averaged £68.74 (+£10.46), while light ewes peaked at £64.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £44.78 (+£7.78).
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