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Technology leads the way at CAHE

30-05-2018 | |
Technology leads the way at CAHE. Photos: Rosie Burgin
Technology leads the way at CAHE. Photos: Rosie Burgin

Chongqing was the location for this year’s annual China animal husbandry expo (CAHE). Pig Progress was there to take in all the latest developments in as well as for the Chinese market.

China International Animal Husbandry Expo, known as CAHE around the world, is held annually from May 18-20 in different Chinese cities every year. Chongqing was the destination this year, for the largest livestock show in Asia. The expo offers a platform to learn about the Chinese livestock industry and for those wishing to start their business in China.

This year’s edition with the theme of “Green, development, integration and innovation” didn’t disappoint the over 165,000 visitors. The nearly 6,000 booths covering 130,000m2 incorporated many international companies cementing the fact that CAHE has successfully established itself as an international platform for animal husbandry with the highest technological content (see photo report below).

Rejuvenation of China’s livestock sector

Times are changing in China and technology is taking the lead. During the opening of the expo, Ma Youxiang, Director of the Animal Husbandry Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, pointed out that 2018 is the year in which the country has fully implemented the governmental strategy for rejuvenation of the animal husbandry sector.

Including new requirements for farmers, Youxiang explained that everyone in the sector should now “adhere to the general goal of providing excellent commodities, a strong welfare commitment and protect the ecological environment. First, we must speed up the transformation of production methods and promote animal husbandry to increase efficiency. Second, we must accelerate the shaping of new forms of industry and promote the added-value of animal husbandry. Third, we must speed up the restructuring of agro-pastoral relationships and promote animal husbandry in an environmentally friendly way”.

Future technology and big data

At the forefront of the technological revolution in China are influences from other markets. This was highlighted during the Sino-Dutch pig Industry Seminar. Held during the expo, Dutch specialists explored how big data and Internet of things (IOT) in the farming sector can influence the whole pork production chain and retailers. Ruth Bouwstra of GD animal health explained how data has successfully contributed to reducing antibiotic reduction in the Dutch livestock sector. Meanwhile Gerard Weijers of Nedap, which provides livestock management solutions, highlighted the need for transparency and data harvesting. By building a track record of each individual animal a more predictable production system can be gained.

With vertical integration transforming the face of the Chinese pork sector, virtual integration driven by Chinese e-commerce is presenting new opportunities and challenges. Levy Chang of supermarket chain, Walmart China, examined the shift in the historically important relationship between retailers and slaughterhouses/processors. Now, slaughterhouses are selling finished merchandise direct to customers as well as retailers, cutting the intermediary from the supply chain.

Clear progression in market

It is clear that technology is amplifying the speed at which the Chinese market can adapt to change and efficiently feed its booming population. Under the organisation of the China Animal Agriculture Association (CAAA), the expo and the times have clearly progressed together.

  • Chongqing was the location for the CAHE show in 2014 and now again in 2018. Photos: Rosie Burgin

    Chongqing was the location for the CAHE show in 2014 and now again in 2018. Photos: Rosie Burgin

  • The opening ceremony where all dignitaries were present drew a large crowd.

    The opening ceremony where all dignitaries were present drew a large crowd.

  • The expo, like China itself, is all about scale… with huge booths and screens filling the halls.

    The expo, like China itself, is all about scale… with huge booths and screens filling the halls.

  • Proagrica, publisher of Pig Progress, was present at the expo to promote the digital version of the Chinese language publication and a newly launched WeChat channel. In a country where, technology is prominent, QR codes and smartphones are commonly used to distribute material.

    Proagrica, publisher of Pig Progress, was present at the expo to promote the digital version of the Chinese language publication and a newly launched WeChat channel. In a country where, technology is prominent, QR codes and smartphones are commonly used to distribute material.

  • Innovation and technology was ever-present and virtual reality products were frequently seen.

    Innovation and technology was ever-present and virtual reality products were frequently seen.

  • The first day saw the most visitors, with almost 80,000 visitors trawling the halls between 9am and 5pm.

    The first day saw the most visitors, with almost 80,000 visitors trawling the halls between 9am and 5pm.

  • The expo was an event for visitors of all ages.

    The expo was an event for visitors of all ages.

  • Some booths had inventive ways to draw extra attention.

    Some booths had inventive ways to draw extra attention.

  • Being an international event, it was clear to see participation from all corners off the world, including the USA, Germany and…

    Being an international event, it was clear to see participation from all corners off the world, including the USA, Germany and…

  • ...The Netherlands, who were clearly distinguishable in vibrant orange and coloured tulips.

    …The Netherlands, who were clearly distinguishable in vibrant orange and coloured tulips.

  • However, for some, the heat and the crowds could be overwhelming.

    However, for some, the heat and the crowds could be overwhelming.

  • On May 20th it was time to leave the impressive Chongqing International Expo centre and eagerly await the announcement regarding where next year’s CAHE will be held.

    On May 20th it was time to leave the impressive Chongqing International Expo centre and eagerly await the announcement regarding where next year’s CAHE will be held.

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Burgin
Rosie Burgin Editor Special Projects




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