September 19, 2006

Hog and poultry producers in Philippines buy 27,700 tonnes of feed wheat

A group of poultry and hog farmers in the Philippines associated with Cargill Inc has bought 27,700 tonnes of feed wheat last week, including cost and freight, an industry official said Tuesday (Sep 19).

The order was for November shipment at US$191 per tonne, said Ric Pinca, vice-president of the Philippine Association of Feedmillers Inc, adding that the group was collectively known as simply, the Import Group.

The contract stipulated optional origin so there was no confirmation on where the wheat would be bought from.

Imports of feed wheat have exceeded last year's, said Pinca.

In July, Pinca said wheat imports this year for animal feed may double from last year's 593,000 tonnes while corn imports could grow six times from 2005.

Floods and rains from December to March, which damaged crops, forced feedmills and producers to turn to imports, he added.