CDI,Pixley Co Agree On Biogas Project
Tulare County economic development manager Mike Washam says at a planning commission hearing this week the $10 million Pixley Biogas project was finally approved with neighbor and past critic, California Dairies Inc, signaling approval as well.
“We don’t expect an appeal or a lawsuit “says Washam, who adds that the renewable energy project could be operational by September.
Pixley Biogas will relocate the enclosed plant farther away from the CDI milk plant. The facility will convert cow manure and other waste into biogas to help run the Calgren ethanol plant there. Using renewable gas to make ethanol will raise the value of the fuel in the marketplace since it helps cut greenhouse gas emissions. The company has been working on the project for almost 3 years and has received $5 million from the California Energy Commission.
Beef Exports Strong to Asia
U.S. beef exports through November are up 4 percent for the year, largely due to strong growth in exports to Asia. The volume of exports has risen most to Japan (+48 percent) as import restrictions were relaxed in 2013 to allow for imports of U.S. beef from cattle aged less than 30 months. While beef consumption is flat in Japan, relaxed import restrictions have allowed the United States to take some market share from Australia. Exports have also risen through November to Hong Kong (+71 percent), Taiwan (+82 percent), and Mexico (+9 percent). Exports to Mexico have increased this year as Mexican beef production declined. Due to stronger demand from Asia and Mexico, the estimate of 2013 U.S. exports was raised to 2.534 billion pounds.The 2014 forecast was raised to 2.335 billion pounds.
More Cattle Go To Slaughter in Drought
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter in California feedlots totaled 510 thousand head on January 1, 2014, 1 percent higher than last month, and 6 percent higher than January 2013. During December,
placements of 59.0 thousand head were 18 percent above the previous year says USDA.
California’s production of red meat during December 2013 totaled 148.8 million pounds (dressed weight), 9 percent higher than the previous month, and 6 percent higher than December 2012.