“Every meat-eater on the planet is helping to fuel the Amazon forest fires – here’s how”
Alex Lockwood (Friday 23rd August; The Independent)

Sorry to bring the doom and gloom articles but I believe it is part of my job to see what the world, UK or customers/prospective customers are being fed by the media, so that we producers, advisors and nutritionists can provide counter arguments to these one sided articles often with vested interest.  I for one, believe our “producer levy” should be used tactfully to build counter arguments and advocate the positives of our industry, which are many.  Many of the UK population are calculated individuals who can make rational decisions when given ‘all the facts’.

I think we could all predict this, “Brazilian fires” -> “Beef” -> “Cows – Inefficient, gas polluters” -> “Brazilian Soya feeds UK dairy cows”.

“So, if you’re eating beef, pork, or drinking milk, it’s likely to be linked to those flames on your screens.

“Soya” is the main replacement protein for animal protein sources in a plant-based human diet, yet it is either not mentioned or forms a small section quickly brushed under the carpet in the centre of the article.  I don’t dislike Soya by the way.  It’s very useful especially where poor forage intake characteristics occur.  But what I do dislike is how we are perceived as using copious amounts.  I also cannot deny that high yield cows have a requirement for “quality protein, and in particular amino acid”.  Soya brings Lysine and Arginine whilst Rape meal brings reasonable levels of methionine.  In fact, a quick evaluation of 3 different herds I work with use in their ration of Soya;

Many pro-active dairy producers are using alternative protein sources where possible, UK soya meal, UK rape meal, Distillers by-products, Brewers grains, Field beans, Lucerne & red clover silage and increased grazed grass.

Should we and the world not pay Brazil an economic tax or revenue to look after the rainforest??? Why should Brazil look after the rainforest which other countries cut down long ago yet receive limited economic benefit!?  Brazil has their own economic aspirations as any country has or should.  Respiration is essential, but surely Oxygen creation is every countries dilemma?

If you would like to know more, then please contact Wesley at wesleyhabershon@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office.